It’s time to make my 2011 NFL week 5 predictions and picks. The NFL week 5 schedule kicks off with an interesting matchup at Heinz Field. The Pittsburgh Steelers, fresh off a loss at Houston, will host 3-1 Tennessee. The Titans have suddenly found a passing game and Chris Johnson came to life in week 4. Does that mean Tennessee might win going away this week? I don’t think the Steelers will be very hospitable. Pittsburgh isn’t too friendly at home and I expect the Steel Curtain to rise as Pittsburgh wins 27-17.
Seattle is in New York to face the Giants. Can the Seahawks pull off an incredible upset? It doesn’t seem likely but stranger things have happened. I think the Giants are just too strong on the defensive side of the ball and Eli Manning seems to be clutch late. I’ll take New York to win 31-14.
The 2011 NFL week 5 schedule continues with Cincy in Jacksonville. Can the Bengals continue their hot ways after knocking off previously unbeaten Buffalo? I don’t think so here. The Jags get a few huge turnovers and escape thanks to the fine running of Maurice Jones-Drew. Jacksonville edges the Bengals 23-20.
New Orleans sees the Cam Newton show in person in Carolina. The Saints seem to have everything clicking after a loss at Green Bay to start the season. I can’t imagine New Orleans losing in Carolina-although the Panthers are improving. Saints get 3 touchdown passes from Drew Brees and win 36-24.
Oakland at Houston features a pair of dynamo running backs. Will McFadden or Foster lead the charge in this one? I think the Texans will do a decent job of bottling up McFadden and they’ll win thanks to 3 Matt Schaub touchdown passes. Houston wins 34-21.
Philadelphia faces a possible 1-4 start with a game in Buffalo. The Bills will be angry after losing a tight one to Cincy. Can Vick and company win going away? I think they can but won’t. The Bills get plenty of offense and win 27-20.
Kansas City tries to make it back to back wins with a date in Indianapolis. The Colts are trying to turn things around, too. I think the Colts have a good shot to pick up a win here. Indy steals a close one 14-13.
Arizona travels to Minnesota. The Vikings desperately need a win but Arizona has been decent this season. Look for Minnesota to build a first half lead this time and hold it. Vikings win 26-23.
My 2011 NFL week 5 predictions and picks continue with Tampa Bay at San Francisco. Somebody is going to walk out of this game with a great record through five games. I think the 49’ers will figure out a way to get it done. San Francisco wins 21-16.
The Jets are in New England to face the Patriots. New York plays great defense but Tom Brady is putting up MVP type numbers? Which will give? My predictions and picks say Brady throws 3 touchdown passes in the 33-20 win.
The 2011 NFL week 5 schedule continues with San Diego in Denver. The Chargers have been turning it on lately but the Broncos are kind of going in a completely different direction. I still think Denver has every opportunity to win this one at home. Broncos run the ball effectively and Orton tosses 2 touchdown passes in a 28-24 win.
The Sunday night game is Green Bay at Atlanta. Can the Packers win on the road in a hostile environment? Of course they can. The Falcons will be out for revenge after what happened last season but Rodgers is still one of the top, if not the top , quarterbacks in the NFL. Rodgers tosses 3 touchdown passes and the Packers defense adds another in a 35-26 win.
The Monday night game during the 2011 NFL week 5 schedule features the Chicago Bears at the Detroit Lions. Two words for this one…”Cutler sacked”! I think Cutler gets sacked 6 times and the Lions maul the Bears 32-13.
That’s it for my 2011 NFL week 5 predictions and picks. I’ll be back for another round of predictions in week 6. Until then, have a wonderful week everybody!