NFL Pro Football 2008 Week 5 Picks late games

NFL Pro Football 2008 Week 5 Picks - late games

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Fearless Rick's NFL Week 5 Picks - Late Games

Rick Gagliano | October 5-6

All times Eastern - Click here for early games.

SUN, OCT 5

Tampa Bay at Denver (-3, 48) 4:05 PM - Tampa Bay should have a field day offensively as should everyone who plays the Broncos this season. The big problem in Denver is in the secondary and on the d-line. They can't rush the QB and the corners and safeties can't cover well enough. They've allowed 38, 32 and 33 points in their last three games and they've won two of those. If they allow Brian Griese (who was traded by Denver some years ago) to settle in the pocket, he's good enough to pick them apart all day long. The Bucs may not put up 30 points (though they might), but they won't allow that many either. Tampa's defense, ball and clock control will key a road win.

Prediction: Buccaneers 31 Broncos 24

Cincinnati at Dallas (-17 1/2, 44) 4:15 PM - Life as a Bengal is tough. It's been a while since Vegas issued a line this large, though they were up there last season as the Patriots were rolling the rest of the league. Cincy's offensive deficiencies (13 ppg) have been offset by a modicum of defense, which ranks in the middle of the league. Carson Palmer says he's going to play on Sunday, despite inflammation in his throwing elbow. However, the Bengals are 0-4 and Dallas remains at home, still smarting from the tough 26-24 loss to the hated Redskins. Dallas should come out running with Marion Barber and finish with Tony Romo throwing to everyone. He may complete a few to the equipment manager before this is over. I'll defer to the wisdom of the oddsmakers and go with Big D despite the big line.

Prediction: Cowboys 44 Bengals 16

Buffalo at Arizona (-1, 45) 4:15 PM - The surprising Bills are 4-0 and just on that alone, are a pick over the struggling Cardinals. Buffalo will be tested on defense, because the Cardinals have an exceptionally-talented offense. Incredibly, and thankfully, wideout Anquan Boldin may start after being carted off the field in New York after a vicious blow to the head delivered by Eric Smith in the waning moments of the Jets' 56-35 laugher. If anyone can slow down the AZ offense, it's Buffalo, which is allowing only 168 passing yards per game. Offensively, the teams are about even, at 27 points per outing, but the Bills' stingy defense give them an edge.

Prediction: Bills 23 Cardinals 20

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New England (-3, 41 1/2) at San Francisco 4:15 PM - If anything this weekend looks suspicious, it's this line. The Patriots head to uncharted territory in the NFC West where San Fran is 2-2. New England could be looking ahead a bit to their prime time Sunday night matchup with San Diego next week, but they should not take the 49ers lightly because they are not fully equipped at QB. Expect the Patriots to try to exploit an aging secondary which was torched for 363 yards by Drew Brees and the Saints last week.

Matt Cassell, however, is not Drew Brees, though he is 48-72 (66.7%) for 448 yards with 2 TDs and 1 INT. If Cassell remains effective, the Patriots could rebound off their sickening 38-13 home loss to the Dolphins before their bye week, but New England will have to be more than ordinary in order to overcome some serious defensive issues of their own.

Prediction: 49ers 28 Patriots 20

Pittsburgh at Jacksonville (-4, 37) 8:15 PM - Here is probably the toughest pick of the week. This one could easily go either way as the two teams are just about even on offense, and while Pittsburgh has a slight edge on defense, they are on the road. Jacksonville is 2-2, with narrow escapes the last two weeks, though Pittsburgh had to go into overtime to knock off the Ravens on Monday night. The short week and travel works against the Steelers here, but they're an experienced squad, so they should be used to playing on a short week. Bright Sunday lights and a key AFC battle of potential playoff contenders (Jacksonville ousted the Steelers last season) should keep this one close. Take the points.

Prediction: Steelers 17 Jaguars 16

MON, OCT 6

Minnesota at New Orleans (-3, 47) 8:30 PM - Second straight road game for the Vikings and an opportunity for the Saints to keep pace in the NFC South. By the time this one kicks off, both the Vikes and Saints will know what other teams in their divisions have done on Sunday, so that may play a part. The Vikings are really up against it at 1-3, but will test the Saints' defense, which is somewhat prone to giving up big plays. In reversed roles, New Orleans will spread it out and give the Minny defense fits with multiple sets and a talented offense. Hard to imagine the Vikings holding up on the road.

Prediction: Saints 26 Vikings 21

Bye: Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, NY Jets

All times Eastern - Click here for early 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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