DTTWSB Week 5 NFL Picks

The first month of the season brought us some great surprises and some great disappointments. I don't think anyone predicted the Bills and the Lions to have a combined record of 7-1. I also don't think anyone expected the "Dream Team" Eagles to start as slow as they have. Last week I had a decent showing with my picks by going 10-6. That brings my overall season record to a lowly 40-24 compared to the ESPN experts. There's still time to make up some ground so I'm going to need my upsets to go through. Enough chatter, here are my Week 5 NFL picks.

Buccaneers at 49ers: Buccaneers

At the beginning of the season nobody would have predicted that both these teams would be 3-1. Maybe you could have made a case for the Bucs, but definitely not for the 49ers. This is the biggest game in San Francisco in awhile. It's going to be nice to see the excitement of Candlestick Park once again. Unfortunately for the Niner faithful I think the excitement witll be short lived. I like the Bucs to go into San Fran and pull out the W. The upstart Bucs are "youngry" and on a mission to make the playoffs this season. I love their quarterback Josh Freeman and their running game which is led by LeGarrette Blount. Coach Harbaugh will have his team ready, but I just don't think it's enough to beat a good Buccaneers squad.

Jets at Patriots: Jets

This is one of the games I've been anxious to see since the schedule came out. Last time these teams played it was in the AFC Divisional round where the Jets upset the Patriots in Foxboro. Currently the Jets are in a tough spot being 2-2 and having to travel to New England. I actually think they'll pull out the victory though. The Jets have struggled blocking but they get All-Pro center Nick Mangold back, and the Patriots don't creat much of a pass rush. This is the best matchup for Gang Green, they were built to beat New England. I think Brady will feel a lot of pressure from Rex Ryan's blitz schemes. The main reason why I think the Jets are going to win is because New England doesn't do the things that can exploit them. As long as Sanchez comes to play I'll take the Jets in a high scoring game.

Packers at Falcons: Packers

This game is absolutely crucial for the Falcons. It's also a payback game from last post season when the Packers thoroughly beat them up in the Georgia Dome. I think the Dirty Birds will come out with a lot of energy and intensity, but they simply do not have the personnel to matchup with the Packers. Aaron Rodgers will once again have his way with their defense. The Packers biggest weapon so far this season is tight end Jermichael Finley. Dude is a monster in the red zone and will cause problems for the Falcons secondary. I also think the Packers defense should be able to get pressure on Matt Ryan. With this game being on Sunday night I expect it to be close but I'll take the Packers to pull away late.

Bears at Lions: Lions

Are you ready for Monday night Detroit? This is the biggest game in the Lions organization in the past 10 years. Finally Monday Night Football has come back to Detroit. The atmosphere is going to be electric when the rival Bears come to town. I expect to see a well-played game. Unfortunately for Jay Cutler he may be under pressure from the first to the last whistle. The Bears offensive line will not be able to handle the Lions pass rush which is led by Suh. This game isn't just about the Lions though. Chicago will have some chances to put points on the board if they stick to the running game. They'll also be able to get some pressure on Matthew Stafford. I'm looking to see if the Lions can finally start fast in a game. I think they will which is why I'm picking them to win.

***Upset Special***
Eagles at Bills: Bills

My upset special of the week is Bills over Eagles. Last week the Bills had a let down when they went to Cincy to take on the Bengals. I expect for them to be ready to go when they're playing in front of their crowd. The main issue in this game is the Eagles. They cannot afford to fall to 1-4. After watching extensive tape, I think the Eagles are a bad football team which why they'll lose this game. The Eagles don't do two things that are essential in football. They can't block and they can't tackle. If you can't do those two things in football you're pretty much screwed. I expect the Bills to give the Philly defense a heavy dose of Fred Jackson and that running game. This will be another high scoring affair, but I think the Eagles inability to get off the field on defense will be the difference. I'm taking the Bills.

The rest of the week's picks:

Chiefs at Colts: Colts
Cardinals at Vikings: Vikings
Seahawks at Giants: Giants
Titans at Steelers: Titans
Saints at Panthers: Saints
Bengals at Jaguars: Jaguars
Raiders at Texans: Texans
Chargers at Broncos: Chargers