Again, I apologize for not doing picks last week. As you may observe, I use a lot of italics in this post. That's just coincidence; I don't have an italics addiction. Or maybe I do. Anyway, My record so far is 18-11. Now for the picks:
Bengals (3-2) over Bills (2-3) (Cincinnati at Buffalo, 1:00, CBS)
The Bengals are coming off a big win vs. the Patriots that saw them stop Tom Brady's touchdown streak and end New England's winning streak, and the bills are coming off a loss to the Browns that saw them lose their starting quarterback (E.J. Manuel) for 4-8 weeks. They signed Thad Lewis of their practice squad and are starting him. The Bengals held Tom Brady without a touchdown. They shouldn't have trouble with Thad Lewis.
Browns (3-2) over Lions (3-2) (Detroit at Cleveland, 1:00, FOX)
This game hinges on two key factors in my opinion: 1. How Brandon Weeden plays; 2. If Calvin Johnson plays. Weeden looked better last week in relief of Brian Hoyer than he did the first two weeks if the season, but we'll see if and how he improves. As evidenced last week, The Lions are a very different team without Johnson. They need him to get the offense going. If Johnson plays and produces, the Lions will probably win.
Chiefs (5-0) over Raiders (2-3) (Oakland at Kansas City, 1:00, CBS)
Terrelle Pryor has looked pretty impressive as the Raiders' quarterback so far this season, but Pryor an the 2-3 Raiders will be in for a tough test against the Chiefs' league-leading defense, averaging just 11.6 ppg against. On the other side, quarterback Alex Smith has been solid and running back Jamaal Charles has been stellar for the Chiefs. The Chiefs should be able to move to 6-0.
Vikings (1-3) over Panthers (1-3) (Carolina at Minnesota, 1:00, FOX)
There are some questions facing the Vikings Sunday. First is the quarterback position. They signed former Bucaneers QB Josh Freeman this week, but Matt Cassel will start again this week. Second, how will Adrian Peterson respond after losing his son this week. I believe AP will respond by tearing up the Panthers, who have offensive problems of their own.
Jets (3-2) over Steelers (0-4) (Pittsburgh at New York, 1:00, CBS)
Jets rookie quarterback Geno Smith has looked impressive so far, and the Steelers have looked far less than impressive so far. The Jets are coming off a big Monday night win, but they lost tight end Kellen Winslow for four games due to a drug suspension. Nonetheless, I think the rising Jets take care of the struggling Steelers.
Eagles (2-3) over Bucaneers (0-4) (Philadelphia at Tampa Bay, 1:00, FOX)
Michael Vick will not play for the Eagles Sunday. Instead, Nick Foles will start, and I think he is still better than Tampa rookie starter Mike Glennon. I also think Eagles running back LeSean McCoy will have a big game (and hoping he does, as he is on my fantasy team). This one might be close, but I see the Eagles coming out on top, possibly with some help from kicker Alex Henery (also on my fantasy team).
Packers (2-2) over Ravens (3-2) (Green Bay at Baltimore, 1:00, FOX)
The Ravens have rebounded from some rough games, starting 3-2. But the Packers are still the Packers, with Aaron Rodgers throwing to Jordy Nelson, Randall Cobb, and James Jones, and rookie running back Eddie Lacy, who looked impressive again last week. The Pack win what could be a very close game.
Texans (2-3) over Rams (2-3) (St. Louis at Houston, 1:00, FOX)
I almost thought about picking the Rams in this one, but the Rams gave up 20 points to the Jacksonville Jaguars last week. Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has been awful the last few weeks, but the Texans still have running back Arian Foster and stud defensive end J.J. Watt, the heart and soul of this team. The Texans can and should win this one, but don't be suprised if Schaub's pick-six streak continues.
Jaguars (0-5) over Broncos (5-0)
Haha, not even in an alternate universe.
Broncos (5-0) over Jaguars (0-5) (Jacksonville at Denver, 4:05, CBS)
On, my. This may get ugly. The league's best team at home against the league's worst team. I predict Peyton comes out by the 3rd quarter, and then my boy Brock Osweiler, the 6'8" backup out of Arizona State, gets to come in and do some damage. Good news for the Jaguars: Blaine Gabbert is not playing. Instead, backup Chad Henne will start. Actually, I'm not sure if this is good or bad news. Either way, Denver will blow the poor Jags out.
Seahawks (4-1) over Titans (3-2) (Tennessee at Seattle, 4:05, CBS)
I almost thought about taking the upset. The Titans have looked pretty good, even in a loss to the unbeaten Chiefs last week, and especially considering they are starting backup quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. But the Seahawks are at home with the 12th man, and despite a loss to the steeling Colts last week, are still a juggernaut team with the likes of Russell Wilson, Marshawn Lynch, and Richard Sherman. I have the 'Hawks, but don't be shocked if it's close.
Saints (5-0) over Patriots (4-1) (New Orleans at New England, 4:25, FOX)
The Patriots were held to two field goals by the Bengals last week, and the Saints have a much better defense than last year. Tom Brady will probably be without tight end Rob Gronkowski for at least one more week, but I think he starts a new touchdown streak this week. Alas, I don't think he'll be able to catch up to the Saints' high-flying attack.
49ers (3-2) over Cardinals (3-2) (Arizona at San Francisco, 4:25, FOX)
The Niners have gotten back to their winning ways, cruising against St. Louis and Houston. Both of these team have very good defenses, and I think the offenses will be a key factor. While the 49ers offense has gotten back to being good, the Cards' offense has continued to struggle. I say 49ers win a third straight at Candlestick.
Cowboys (2-3) over Redskins (1-3) (Washington at Dallas, 8:30, NBC)
This one could be another shootout for Tony Romo and the Cowboys. It's two not very good defenses squaring off, and I think Romo, who just threw for 506 yards last week, will tear up the porous 'Skins defense. Luckily for Romo, I don't believe it will come down to an interception on the final drive.
Colts (4-1) over Chargers (2-3) (Indianapolis at San Diego, 8:30 Mon. ESPN)
The Colts have put themselves among the elite teams in the NFL, with wins over the 49ers and Seahawks. The Chargers, even with a resurgent Phillip Rivers, have somewhat struggled, losing to the Raiders last week. This one may Be a barn-burner, and I think Andrew Luck and the Colts come out on top.
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