The Hail Mary - Week 5

The revival of the San Francisco 49ers has me ecstatic. I know it is still early, and they are just 3-1, but with this team I can tell they are destined to make a playoff run this year. It is even more fitting that this revival is happening as the Niners have gone back to the jerseys from their heyday. The Niners face a tough Atlanta Falcons team at home. The one thing the Niners can't say yet is that they have defeated a good team. They get their chance on Sunday.

Games That I Will Be Watching

Washington (2-2) at Carolina (0-3), Carolina favored by 3 1/2

The Redskins tour of winless teams continues this weekend in Carolina. Carolina is the "best" of the winless that they will face but the potential is their for a Redskins win. The Panthers offense, led by QB Jake Delhomme is turnover prone, and the Redskins defense has created 2 or more turnovers in three of the four games this season. However, the Redskins offense proved last weekend that they can be just as turnover prone. I expect an ugly, mistake filled game, that the Redskins will lose.

P.S. Not making anything out of Sherman Lewis being hired as an offensive consultant. I doubt he will add or detract anything to the offense. The Redskins have hired consultants in the past and they have done very little. I expect this to be no different. However, it possibly allows the Redskins to fire Jim Zorn during the season.

Prediction: Carolina 24, Washington 21

Cincinnati (3-1) at Baltimore (3-1), Baltimore favored by 8 1/2

The Bengals get a chance to prove that they are legitimate contenders in the AFC North. Vegas obviously doesn't think they are, making the Ravens 8 1/2 point favorites. The Ravens are a dominant home team, and while the Bengals played crappy in Cleveland, I think they can cover here.

Prediction: Baltimore 28, Cincinnati 21

New England (3-1) at Denver (4-0), New England favored by 3 1/2

The Broncos keep on winning despite me picking against them every week. I still am not sold on their offense but any defense that gives up 26 points through 4 weeks is pretty legit. I give Defensive Coordinator Mike Nolan a ton of credit for how quickly he has turned around that unit. Reports of the Patriots demise a few weeks ago are proving to be premature, and I think Tom Brady and Randy Moss are the ones to bring the Broncos back down to Earth.

Prediction: New England 20, Denver 17

Indianapolis (4-0) at Tennessee (0-4), Indianapolis favored by 3 1/2

Not quite the records NBC executives were expecting when they made this the Sunday Night game for Week 5. However, this game is still intriguing because the Titans season will be officially meaningless if they lose this one. Vegas obviously still can't believe the Titans are that bad, but I called them sucking in the preseason. Let it go Vegas, the Colts cover this easily.

Prediction: Indianapolis 34, Tennessee 21

New York Jets (3-1) at Miami (1-3), New York Jets favored by 1 1/2

The key to this game for the Dolphins will be ball control. When the Wildcat is working the Dolphins absolutely dominate the time of possession. RB Ronnie Brown has played great through four weeks but he will definitely have his work cut out for him against a stout Jets defense. Jets QB Mark Sanchez proved last weekend that he still has a lot of growing to do, and I think the Dolphins defense can pressure him. The Dolphins need this game more than the Jets, I like the desperate home team.

Prediction: Miami 20, New York Jets 14

Rest of Week 5

Cleveland (0-4) at Buffalo (1-3), Buffalo favored by 6

The Bills are a much better team at home, so I expect them to get back on the winning track against the Browns. TO, no excuses, get your ass in gear this weekend!

Prediction: Buffalo 24, Cleveland 10

Pittsburgh (2-2) at Detroit (1-3), Pittsburgh favored by 10 1/2

It will take people time to grow accustomed to the Lions not being completely terrible but I think that is the case this year. I wouldn't go printing playoff tickets in Detroit but I expect them to be pretty competitive throughout the season. Whether it is Matthew Stafford or Daunte Culpepper at quarterback in this one, the Lions will cover.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 23, Detroit 15

Dallas (2-2) at Kansas City (0-4), Dallas favored by 8 1/2

Tony Romo has suffered quite the fall from grace in Dallas. It is becoming more and more apparent that the Cowboys passing game misses Terrell Owens. They were able to mask it with the running game going so well, but with the run shut down by the Broncos, Romo was unable to make the plays necessary to win. Romo shouldn't have to do much to beat the Chiefs. One of the saddest things to watch has been the deterioration of Arrowhead Stadium as being a tough place to win.

Prediction: Dallas 23, Kansas City 16

Minnesota (4-0) at St. Louis (0-4), Minnesota favored by 9 1/2

Mismatch of the weekend. This line should be higher. Vikings fans are aware that Brett Favre started off last year hot as well but also know that the Vikings are a much better team than the Jets were last year.

Prediction: Minnesota 35, St. Louis 10

Oakland (1-3) at New York Giants (4-0), New York Giants favored by 15 1/2

Could the Giants early season schedule be any easier? Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell will have an awful day at the Meadowlands, I am thinking 30% passing, 3 INTs awful. However, 15 1/2 is just too high of a number, especially with QB Eli Manning possibly not starting.

Prediction: New York Giants 27, Oakland 13

Tampa Bay (0-4) at Philadelphia (2-1), Philadelphia favored by 15

Eagles QB Donovan McNabb makes his first start since Week 1. RB Brian Westbrook is also returning to the lineup for the Eagles. Expect Michael Vick to see plenty of action as well. Buccaneers QB Josh Johnson impressed me last weekend. He hung in there against a pretty good Redskins defense and showed a lot of comfort and poise.

Prediction: Philadelphia 30, Tampa Bay 16

Atlanta (2-1) at San Francisco (3-1), San Francisco favored by 2 1/2

I may have to start doing something I hate, and that is going to the bar to watch football. I feel like the bar makes me not follow the games as close and is too distracting an atmosphere. However, with the 49ers being beasts again, that will be the only way I can see most of their games on the East coast. The Broncos/Patriots game that will be on at this time is too good to make me go to the bar this weekend but I will be following this one closely. If only stupid Cox cable got the NFL Network's new Red Zone Channel. This should be a great game. The Falcons have the edge on offense, while the Niners have the edge on defense. The 49ers will have to keep RB Michael Turner contained, as he seems poised for a breakout game. The Niners offense can move the ball on this Falcons defense, and QB Shaun Hill continues doing what is necessary to win games. New signing WR Michael Crabtree can sit on the sidelines, shut his mouth, and see what he has the privilege to now be a part of.

Prediction: San Francisco 24, Atlanta 21

Jacksonville (2-2) at Seattle (1-3), No Line

No line on this game as the status of Seahawks quarterback Matt Hasselbeck remains in the air. Whether it is him or Seneca Wallace I like the Seahawks at home.

Prediction: Seattle 24, Jacksonville 18

Houston (2-2) at Arizona (1-2), Arizona favored by 5 1/2

This is a very tough game to call. The Cardinals aren't in sync and are 0-2 at home. The Texans have played just one road game and it was their best played game of the season. I guess I just can't see Arizona dropping to 0-3 at home, a place they have played very well at in recent years. This game will likely be a shoot out and come down to the final seconds.

Prediction: Arizona 34, Houston 31

Last Week Against the Spread: 5-9 (ouch)
Overall Against the Spread: 36-26

Last Week Straight Up: 11-3
Overall Straight Up: 41-21