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What a difference a season makes. A quarter of the way into the 2012 season, the New Orleans Saints were 0-4 and adrift in the NFC South. One season later, the Saints are 4-0 and clearly separating themselves from the competition in the division. Well, at least Tampa is still a dumpster fire, so some things remain the same. Speaking of dumpster fires, the well-cared-for turf at Soldier Field awaits the Saints in Chi-Town. Let's take a look at that marquee matchup and the rest of the Week 5 schedule.
Last week I went 10-5, Season record 41-22
I told you so: Lions over Bears
What do I know: Rams over 49ers?
WEEK 5
Thursday, October 3rd
Addition by subtraction method continues to work for Cleveland
Pick: Browns
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Sunday, October 6th - Early Games
Tom Brady outduels Andy Dalton, surprise! Pats win again.
Pick: Patriots
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Lions(3-1) at Packers(1-2)
Matthew Stafford will have a monster game, but Aaron Rodgers will make that one extra play to pick up the victory.
Pick: Packers
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Seahawks(4-0) at Colts(3-1) - Game of the Week
In what should be a fantastic matchup, homefield makes the difference for Indy.
Pick: Colts
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After getting dumptrucked in the Superdome, Miami rebounds with a home win against the 2012 champs.
Pick: Dolphins
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The all-offense, no-defense Eagles face the no-rushing Giants, but even the Giants should be able to run enough on Philly to pick up their first win of the season.
Pick: Giants
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The Titans may struggle to put up points against KC in this one.
Pick: Chiefs
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Jaguars(0-4) at Rams(1-3)
The Week 5 edition of the "Johnny Footbowl". The Rams win this dreadful matchup.
Pick: Rams
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Saints(4-0) at Bears (3-1)
Chicago's awful field conditions will slow the Saints but not stop them. Rob Ryan's defense continues to make the Saints dangerous and explosive on both sides of the ball. This game will be closer than any of us would prefer, but the Saints will emerge victorious.
Pick: Saints
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Sunday, October 6th - Late Games
Panthers(1-2) at Cardinals (2-2)
Cam Newton returns to the site of his totally legitimate National Championship victory*. He leaves Arizona with a win again here.
Pick: Panthers
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Tony Romo thinks Eli is tough, wait until he sees his brother.
Pick: Broncos
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Sunday Night Football
Texans(2-2) at 49ers(2-2)
The defenses will impress but the Niners may force Matt Schaub into a fatal mistake.
Pick: 49ers
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Ridiculously Late Football
The A's have forced the Raiders out of the dump of a home they both share until the late hours of the night. I trust Philip Rivers to pick up the win for the Chargers. I never thought I'd say that.
Pick: Chargers
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Monday, October 7th - Monday Night Football
Rex Ryan has his defense back on track but the desperate Falcons pick up the win in the Silentdome.
Pick: Falcons
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That's how I see Week 5 playing out. Leave us your picks, comments and insight below. Who Dat!