2007 NFL week 5 picks

After two consecutive winning weeks, I took a big step backwards last week. It was a strange work all around.

Let's see if I can do better this week.

(h) Tennessee (-8) over Atlanta
Atlanta's defense is allowing 128.5 yards. rushing a game, and Tennessee's offense averages over 170. Look for the Titans to control the clock and the game.

Jacksonville (-2) over Kansas City (h)
The Chiefs are coming off of a big win over the Chargers. Could this be the turning point for KC? Not against the Jaguars defense.

(h) St. Louis (+3.5) over Arizona
The Rams hope benching Marc Bulges will lift the team out of its losing streak. I'm going with the Rams because I think the Cardinals will have a letdown from last weeks big win over Pittsburgh.

(h) New England over Cleveland (+16)
How good are the Patriots this year? On paper this game seems like a blowout. But the Browns have figured something out under QB Derek Andersen. They will do something no one has been able to do so far: Keep the score within two touchdowns.

(h) New Orleans (-3) over Carolina
David Carr should perform better against a weak Saints defense, but I am not ready to throw in the towel on New Orleans.

(h)N.Y. Giants over N.Y. Jets (+3.5)

(h) Pittsburgh over Seattle (+5.5)
I don't see Pittsburgh losing two in a row, but I do see Seattle having a chance to win in the end.

Detroit (+3.5) over Washington (h)
Call this my upset special of the week. I think Detroit's passing offense is better than Washington's defense.

(h) Houston over Miami (+5.5)
The Phins have looked bad, and the Texans should be able to run against them.

(h) Indianapolis (-10) over Tampa Bay
Road game and no "Cadillac." The Bucs are a better team this year, but Indy continues to roll.

San Diego (+1.5) over Denver (h)
Denver is not a good team, but thus far this season neither is San Diego.

Baltimore (-3) over San Francisco (h)
This could be a blowout. The Niners are hurting.

Chicago (+3.5) over Green Bay (h)
I expect a bounce-back game for the Bears. They can't afford to drop too far behind in the suddenly-competitive NFC North.

Dallas (-10) over Buffalo (h)
Should be a blowout, but stranger things have happened.