Sorry guys…no helmet pics this week… =( 

After taking a small hit last week, I’m a little surprised at some of the outcomes from last week’s games.  A couple teams emerged and proved that though down, they certainly aren’t out.  And when somewhat shocking outcomes arrive, it makes predictions for the next week all the more difficult.  Here’s trying to right the ship in Week 5.

Last week:  2 - 3

Overall:  11 - 4

New York Giants (-4.5) vs. Washington

The Redskins are the first team on my list that emerged last week as a fighter, pulling out a gutsy overtime win against the Jaguars.  A loaded offense finally showed up against what many people believed to be the NFL’s top defense in Jacksonville, which was a bit of a shocker.  Still, part of me expected that would happen at some point this season.  Mark Brunell had a big day, particularly to speedy WR Santana Moss.  Washington’s defense did not do much to stop the Jags offense, but they committed to the shootout and put on a show.  The Giants are coming off a much needed bye week and had some inner-team issues, with players questioning each other and the coaches, in an overall bad situation.  This game is at the Meadowlands, and Washington never seems to show up (figuratively).  I’m thinking that the week off gave the G-Men plenty of time to get their heads right, and the Skins defense has been lackluster this year.  That gives Eli and Tiki a chance to get back on track, and they should win by at least a touchdown.

Chuck says:  New York Giants 27, Washington 18.

Chicago (-10.5) vs. Buffalo

The Bears cemented themselves as the best team in the NFC last week with a landslide victory over the depleted Seahawks to remain undefeated.  Quarterback Rex Grossman looks extremely effective, with the deep threat emerging in WR Bernard Berrian.  Seattle’s defense is nothing to sneeze at, but has been inconsistent, so that does say something.  One thing you can say about Chicago is that their defense is for real, and dominates every game.  Buffalo has quietly become an underdog threat every week, and for some reason people have been underestimating them tremendously.  Quarterback J.P. Losman is still developing, but they still have franchise RB Willis McGahee putting up consistent numbers and their defense has emerged as a powerhouse.  This spread is interesting to me, and I predict that it might even go up at least half a point before Sunday.  The Bears at some point will show some weakness, and I have a feeling the Bills are going to show up this weekend with a low-scoring victory.

Chuck says:  Buffalo 14, Chicago 10.

Philadelphia (-2.5) vs. Dallas

Everyone knows this is the premier matchup of the weekend.  T.O.’s return to Philly will no doubt include many emotions, not only from the Eagles’ squad, but more so from the fans.  The Eagles wiped out the Packers last week, in a game which I truly thought Green Bay would have put up a better performance.  But the fact is that the Eagles are one major win away from being the best team in the NFC East.  Donovan McNabb has put up great numbers all season, and I think it will continue this weekend.  Whether or not RB Brian Westbrook plays shouldn’t be a factor, although his backups have been shaky.  The Cowboys had a layup in Week 4 against the Titans, but it always helps the confidence of an offense to put up a blowout, no matter how bad the team is.  Ultimately, I think the Cowboys will keep the game close for 3 quarters, and expect Terrell Owens to have a nice day with a TD (can’t wait to see his celebration).  But the Eagles are on the verge of becoming a force once again, and a win over the streaking Cowboys should validate that.

Chuck says:  Philadelphia 21, Dallas 14.

San Diego (-3.5) vs. Pittsburgh

The Steelers are at a crossroads right now, coming off a bye week which followed two consecutive losses.  The team itself looks as if they are simply not playing well together, although it’s virtually the same team that won the Super Bowl last year.  Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been inconsistent and not the same steady QB who led the team to a title.  Running back Willie Parker has really stepped up and put up great numbers, but one man can’t save a season.  The Steelers need this game.  San Diego suffered a crushing loss in the closing seconds of last week’s game at Baltimore.  Aside from that one blemish, they have looked surprisingly well so far this season.  QB Philip Rivers has proven that he is a solid starter, nothing spectacular, but very fundamental.  The biggest surprise has been their defense, which is putting up great stats week in and week out.  Linebacker Shawn Merriman is all over the field on every play.  It certainly helps to have RB LaDainian Tomlinson, who can shred a defense more or less anytime he wants to.  I’m thinking the Steelers struggles are going to continue with the game in San Diego, and don’t forget that tall target, TE Antonio Gates.  He will have a big day. 

Chuck says:  San Diego 23, Pittsburgh 14.

Denver (-3.5) vs. Baltimore

Still undefeated, the Ravens are not getting the respect they deserve.  They pulled out a great close win against the talented Chargers last week, and are entering Week 5 with a lot of confidence.  No team has yet to post anything remotely impressive against their defense, and Denver will not be the team to break that streak.  Quarterback Steve McNair doesn’t look a day over 25, and last week’s game-winning 4th quarter drive proved it.  RB Jamal Lewis is healthy, and once again he is starting to run people over.  Denver is coming off a bye week which was preceded by a great win against the Patriots.  I’m still not buying Denver though, because Jake Plummer is still playing every down like it’s his last, which will ultimately result in turnovers, especially against the Ravens D.  The running back combo of Mike Bell and Tatum Bell has been effective so far, and I’ll expect them to put a small dent in the Baltimore rush defense, but not enough of a dent to win this game.  The Ravens should be favored, and they will win this game.

Chuck says:  Baltimore 14, Denver 7.