NFL Office Pool Picks - Week 5

Presented by Dale Sims

The Crystal Ball

Well last week was a bit better, still not good though as I went 9 – 5 straight up and 8 – 6 against the spread meaning I am 37-23 straight up and finally 29 – 28 against the spread, still losing because of the vig factor, fortunately I would never bet football and certainly not based on these predictions which gets me to the standard disclaimer.

I have my own views and pick these games independent from anyone associated with football forecasters.  These picks are actually used as my preliminary selections for a pick’em league I participate in but this is the early week version, I make changes right up to the last minute looking at injury reports and other information that comes out after this gets submitted.  Anyone even thinking of using this for other than entertainment is being foolish, no warranty expressed or implied. 

Week 5

Buffalo at Chicago – Buffalo helped Chicago by beating division rival Minnesota but is not likely to be getting much of a thanks from the Bears at home.  Buffalo has been a surprisingly effective this season and will be a tough opponent, but Bears win 21 – 14.

Cleveland at Carolina – Cleveland travels from one coast to another after there first win of the season, it will be a bit longer before they get their second win.  Carolina has been playing hurt most of the season and still is missing important components, still Panthers win 28 – 17.

Detroit at Minnesota – Detroit plays their third division game going into the Metrodome, a difficult place to play.  There offense is beginning to show signs of life but Minnesota has been playing everyone tough and is formidable at home, Vikings win 28 – 17.

Miami at New England – At one point this had the look of an interesting game, how much changes in four weeks.  The Miami offensive line just is not getting it done and Culpepper has not fully physically recovered from his knee injury, Patriots win 20 – 10.

St. Louis at Green Bay – Green Bay comes off their Monday Night game to face St Louis at home.  The Rams offense appears to be coming together the Packers defense has been inconsistent to date, Rams win 28 – 24.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans – Tampa Bay goes to the Superdome, which looks to be a home field advantage to this over-achieving team.  The rookie quarterback with a poorly performing offensive line gets his first start, Saints win 21 – 14.

Tennessee at Indianapolis – Tennessee’s rookie quarterback looks to get his second start on the road to the Hoosier Dome; it should be an educational experience.  The Colts have been playing just well enough to win while not being able to stop anyone so far still Colts win 32 – 20.

Washington at N.Y. Giants – Both these teams have been disappointing so far this season. Washington has taken a while to acclimate to their new offense while the Giant defense has not lived up to expectations, Redskins win 21 – 20.

Kansas City at Arizona – Kansas City put up a lot of offense last week against San Francisco and faces an Arizona team that is starting a rookie at quarterback. In Arizona talent at the skill positions has not created wins because the offensive line has not performed, it still will not; Chiefs win 28 – 20.

N.Y. Jets at Jacksonville – The Jets have been playing remarkably well and have been in every game, unfortunately they have simply played some more talented teams.  The Jacksonville defense was pushed around last week, the Jets lack the weapons for that, Jaguars win 24 – 17.

Oakland at San Francisco – Oakland managed to have a lead for at least part of the game last week, while San Francisco never got on the board.  San Francisco is a better team than they showed last week and certainly better than this week’s opponent; 49ers win 21 – 17.

Dallas at Philadelphia – The story line here will of course be the return of Owens to Philadelphia despite that there will still be a football game played.  The Philadelphia defense can get pressure on Bledsoe from the line which is enough for the Eagles to win 24 – 21.

Pittsburgh at San Diego – San Diego has played very well and Pittsburgh has not so far this season; Pittsburgh has had the bye week to reorganize.  The Pittsburgh offense has been inconsistent; it will not get easier against this defense, Chargers win 21 – 20.

Baltimore at Denver – Denver comes off the bye for a home game looking at Baltimore, who have been playing just well enough to win every week.  Denver has been up and down; Plummer does not do well when pressured which will happen this game, Ravens win 20 – 17.