NFL Pro Football 2008 Week 5 Picks early games

NFL Pro Football 2008 Week 5 Picks

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Fearless Rick's NFL Week 5 Picks - Early Games

Rick Gagliano | October 5-6

All times Eastern - Click here for late Sunday and Monday night games.

SUN, OCT 5

Kansas City at Carolina (-9 1/2, 38) 1:00 PM - Apparently, the Vegas oddsmakers are discounting KC's stunning win over Denver last week and looking at Carolina's 3-1 record and second straight week at home. While the Chiefs looked excellent against the Broncos in their 33-19 home win with Damon Huard behind center, one also must consider that those same Broncos have one of the most pathetic defenses in the league, allowing 29 points per game. Carolina, on the other hand, is 6th in points allowed, giving up just 17.5. The Panthers should be able to handle anything the Chiefs throw or run at them.

Prediction: Panthers 28 Chiefs 14

Tennessee (-3, 35) at Baltimore 1:00 PM - The Titans have every right to win this game by three touchdowns if they simply continue doing what they've done their first four games: play tough defense and capitalize on turnovers and field position. Baltimore's timid offense should not threaten often and that will put added pressure on the Raven defense, which is excellent, but not omnipotent. Chalk up another win for Jeff Fisher's best-in-the-AFC Titans.

Prediction: Titans 28 Ravens 10

San Diego (-6 1/2, 45 1/2) at Miami 1:00 PM - One of a number of games featuring road favorites, the Chargers seem to be putting together the kind of offensive attack of which they're capable. Miami beat up on AFC East rival New England prior to a bye last week and should be well-rested. When Miami has the ball is the main concern. They're probably not going to surprise the experienced Charger defense with the same kind of attack that upended New England. Should San Diego assert itself properly on offense, this could become very lopsided.

Prediction: Chargers 34 Dolphins 17

Seattle at NY Giants (-7, 43 1/2) 1:00 PM - The Giants are coming off a bye week while Seattle has to travel cross-country for an early game. Besides the rest and readiness issues, the Giants are simply a better team, even without Plaxico Burress, who was suspended by Giants' management for missing a practice. The Giants are still a better team. The Giants also haven't distinguished themselves at home, though they continue to set a consecutive wins record whenever they're on the road. Still, they are a much better team than the Seahawks, who are still missing key players on offense due to injury. This may not be a laugher, but the NY defense will stuff Seattle all day and win going away.

Prediction: Giants 30 Seahawks 19

Washington at Philadelphia (-5 1/2, 43) 1:00 PM - This looks like a very tough spot for the Eagles. Following their tough loss at Chicago last week they return home only to be greeted by their most hated rival, the Redskins, who are red hot after winning on the road at Dallas last week.

The Eagles will have to be much more focused than they were in Chicago against the confident Redskins. There are also a variety of health issues in Philly concerning the usual suspects, Donovan McNabb and Brian Westbrook, who returns from a one week absence along with tight end L.J. Smith. The Redskins are rolling and at least worth a shot with the nice spread here.

Prediction: Redskins 31 Eagles 22

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Indianapolis (-3, 47) at Houston 1:00 PM - Bad timing for the Texans. They run into a bunch of angry Colts coming off a loss to Jacksonville. Indy has much more talent than they've displayed this season, though the absence of Bob Sanders does open up the defense somewhat. The Colts handled the Texans twice last season, by 6 in Houston and later, by a 38-15 tally at home. The Texans don't have the personnel to match up well here, plus their struggles on offense are a serious detriment to their chances of even hanging close.

Prediction: Colts 27 Texans 16

Atlanta at Green Bay (-4 1/2, 42) 1:00 PM - The status of Green Bay QB Aaron Rodgers is being considered a game time decision, though at 12:00 ET on Sunday it appears that he will start for the Packers. There are issues for the Packers, who haven't exactly been explosive on offense anyway. Rodgers isn't 100% and Matt Flynn could come in if he's ineffective The Falcons can play their base defense without many wrinkles and win this one without having to sweat much, or, they can pressure either Rodgers or Flynn and see how they respond to blitzes and exotic coverages. The Falcons can make life very tough for the Packers.

Prediction: Falcons 20 Packers 13

Chicago (-3 1/2, 44 1/2) at Detroit 1:00 PM - Coming off a huge Sunday night win, the Bears are suddenly the team to beat in the NFC North. The Lions finally fired Matt Millen as president of the organization, but it's about two years too late, as most devout Detroit fans will attest. His departure doesn't change the makeup of the team, but it probably jettisons this season. The Lions are in complete disarray and the Bears are looking better and better every week.

Prediction: Bears 35 Lions 17

All times Eastern - Click here for late Sunday and Monday night games

Copyright 2008, 2009, Rick Gagliano, Downtown Magazine. All rights reserved. Downtown Magazine is located in the Uinted States of America and is not affiliated with the National Football League or the NCAA. For more information, contact us here. Use of this site is for entertainment purposes only.

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