The Pittsburgh Steelers are off this week, but the action continues here on BTSC for Week 5 of the NFL season. . I personally haven't decided what game(s) I'll be paying the most attention to, but after four straight weeks of early games for the Steelers to begin the year, I suppose it won't be too bad having an opportunity to jump around and get a closer look at a number of teams.
My picks after the jump, followed by a few thoughts on this week's game. Then it's open floor to anyone who's around and interested in conversing during the first set of Week 5 games. If things are lively, we'll keep it going into the late afternoon and evening. the same for the afternoon
Home team in caps.
BENGALS (-6.5) over Buccaneers
Falcons (-3) over BROWNS
Jaguars (-1) over BILLS
COLTS (-7) over Chiefs
Rams (+3) over LIONS
Packers (-2.5) over REDSKINS
PANTHERS (-1) over Bears
RAVENS (-7) over Broncos
Giants (+3) over TEXANS
Saints (-7) over CARDS
Titans (+7) over COWBOYS
Chargers (-6) over RAIDERS
Eagles (+3.5) over 49ERS
Vikings (+4) over JETS
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I'm going to forgo my 'locks' this week (haven't done so hot with those the first two weeks I've been picking games). Instead, a little commentary about this and that.
- Could the St. Louis Rams potentially be a whole lot more solid than people ever imagined? Back-to-back impressive wins for the Rams (Washington, Seattle), and both were hardly flukes. The Rams won behind solid quarterback play from rookie Sam Bradford, and swarming, hard-hitting defense. Head coach Steve Spagnuola, the former defensive coordinator of the New York Giants, has the Rams playing quality football. It's worth noting though that both wins have come at home. Can they make it three in a row this weekend at Detroit? I wouldn't be too surprised.
- Interesting game between the Jets and Vikings. Minnesota is coming off its Bye Week, while the Jets are riding high having won their last three. Oh yeah, the Vikings acquired a weapon by the name of Randy Moss this past week. Will he be the big-play threat Brett Favre's been missing? Might the acquisition of Moss also be the shot of adrenaline and energy Favre needs to jump-start his season? Should be a dandy.
- Even though the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off their Bye Week and should be fresh and well-prepared, the Cincinnati Bengals should take care of business at home against the young Bucs and improve to 3-2. When you factor in who they lost to last week (Cleveland), and in what fashion, you'd think they'd be super focused this week and eager to come out and whoop some butt. A win by the Bengals hardly proves they're legit, but a loss certainly indicates they're not ready to contend in what looks to be a rugged AFC North at the top of the division.
- I am a bit queasy typing this, but I wouldn't be surprised to see the Dallas Cowboys notch their second consecutive win and build a little momentum after stumbling out of the gates at 0-2.
Last Week: 8-6
Season: 15-15 (started picking Week 3)