NFL Picks Week 5: Misery Loves Company

What a difference a season makes. A quarter of the way into the 2013 season, the New Orleans Saints were 4-0 and atop the NFC South. One season later, the Saints are 1-3 and find themselves aimlessly wandering the basement in the division. Well, at least the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are around to keep the Saints company in the NFC South cellar.  Mediocrity reigns supreme in 2014 and no division encapsulates that more than the NFC South, with a win, the Saints remain in striking distance.  Let's take a look at the marquee match ups and the entire Week 5 schedule.

Last week I went 5-8 (Yikes!)

I told you so: Ravens over Panthers!

What do I know: Bears over Packers?

WEEK 5

Thursday, October 2nd

Vikings(2-2) at Packers(2-2)

The last time these two teams at Lambeau Field, the game ended in a tie.  That won't be the case in this one.  Green Bay picks up the win.

Pick: Packers

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Sunday, October 5th - Early Games

Bears(2-2) at Panthers(2-2)

Chicago's passing game will put far too much pressure on the Carolina defense.

Pick: Bears

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Browns(1-2) at Titans(1-3)

The less I say about this matchup the better.  Tennessee wins this one at home.

Pick: Titans

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Rams(1-2) at Eagles(3-1)

A surprisingly competent St. Louis passing attack is the only thing that keeps this game from getting completely out of hand.

Pick: Eagles

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Falcons(2-2) at Giants(2-2)

As the Giants' offensive line has gelled, the team has put together wins.  They should have no problems with this Atlanta defense.  Oh, and what I wouldn't give to hear the MetLife crowd chant "2 Points" in mocking unison.

Pick: Giants

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Texans(3-1) at Cowboys(3-1)

Tony Romo meet JJ Watt, JJ meet... oh wait, there goes Watt into the end zone with another turnover.  Houston rolls in the battle for Texas superiority.

Pick: Texans

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Bills(2-2) at Lions(3-1)

This one will get out of control in a hurry, Detroit wins big.

Pick: Lions

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Ravens(3-1) at Colts(2-2)

The Indy passing attack will make the difference in what should be a very closely contested game.

Pick: Colts

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Steelers(2-2) at Jaguars(0-4)

A week after a stunning home loss to the lowly Bucs, Pittsburgh travels of face another winless team from the Sunshine State.  No upset this time around.

Pick: Steelers

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Buccaneers(1-3) at Saints(1-3)

Short and sweet.  Tampa is horrible.  The Saints are better.  The game is at the Superdome.  The Saints will win.

Pick: Saints

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Sunday, October 5th - Late Games

Cardinals(3-0) at Broncos(2-1)

Arizona is the NFL's "fools gold" of 2014.  The defense will only hold this team for so long, and the pressure Denver will apply in this game will be a sign of things to come.

Pick: Broncos

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Chiefs(2-2) at 49ers(2-2)

Last Monday Night is going to be a very hard act for Kansas City to follow, and San Francisco will put a damper on Alex Smith's return to the Bay.

Pick: 49ers

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Jets(1-3) at Chargers(3-1)

The Jets will pull off the upset out on the west coast by winning with "old school" football.

Pick: Jets

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Sunday Night Football

Bengals(3-0) at Patriots(2-2) - Game of the Week

After New England's Monday Night debacle, Bill Belichick will have his team ready for the AFC's best.  Homefield will be crucial for the Pats against Cincy, as points will be at a premium.  I like the Pats by the narrowest of margins.

Pick: Patriots

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Monday, October 6th - Monday Night Football

Seahawks(2-1) at Redskins(1-3)

Seattle looks to pick up its first road victory of the young season and it will come here in Washington.

Pick: Seahawks

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That's how I see Week 5 playing out. Leave us your picks, comments and insight below!