Week 5 NFL Game Predictions

THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN! In just a matter of weeks your Miami Dolphins will be taking the field for start of training camp! Until then, let’s keep this train a rollin’ with the predictions for Week 5 of the 2012 NFL Season!!!!

Arizona (1-3) @ St. Louis (1-3)

Match up to watch: Beanie Wells/Ryan Williams v.s. James Laurinaitis

Arizona is loaded with talent across the skilled positions in all three phases of the game. But, where it counts most, they are weak. Arizona’s offensive line is horrendous. Every year I feel as though I am screaming at the TV during the draft, “DRAFT AN OFFENSIVE LINEMAN!!” The same can be said for St. Louis. BUT, the Rams have their quarterback situation figured out. Which is why I give them the advantage here.

Arizona – 17 St. Louis – 23

Miami (2-2) @ Cincinnati (3-1)

Match up to watch: Cameron Wake v.s. Andre Smith

Cincinnati always seems to over-look teams that they can destroy. Now, I’m not saying they could DESTROY Miami, but they should beat the ‘phins. And they will. Miami has a great defense. One of the best in the NFL, but their offense is behind ten fold. Until Miami’s offense gets in sync, Miami fans may have high blood pressure due to close games.

Miami – 19 Cincinnati – 27

Green Bay (3-1) @ Indianapolis (1-2)

Match up to watch: Charles Woodson v.s. Andrew Luck

Luck’s Colts are struggling, but they can be successful this season. Don’t be surprised if they can squirm themselves into a six or seven win season. But, they won’t put up much of a fight against a high powered Green Bay offense and an improved Green Bay defense.

Green Bay – 36 Indianapolis – 10

Baltimore (2-2) @ Kansas City (2-2)

Match up to watch: Jimmy Smith v.s. Dwayne Bowe

First off, I absolutely LOVE Jimmy Smith. Baltimore has an aging secondary, but a trio of young talented corners (Smith, Williams, Webb) gives Baltimore hope for the future. Even though Kansas City is at home with a stellar defense and a under-rated offense, Baltimore is too talented (And it should be their year finally).

Baltimore – 29 Kansas City – 20

Tennessee (0-4) @ Minnesota (1-3)

Match up to watch: Kenny Britt v.s. Zackary Bowman

Tennessee has their back’s against the wall. How? Who knows. They have such a talented team, but their schedule is tough right out of the gate. Even though Minnesota is at home, I expect Tennessee to get their first win of the season here and get back on track.

Tennessee – 23 Minnesota – 17

Atlanta (3-1) @ Washington (1-3)

Match up to watch: Lofa Tatupu v.s. RG3

With Washington playing at home, the Skins could make this a game. But, I truly expect Atlanta to continue their hot start. With a plethora of skilled players on offense and a much improved defense, Atlanta is going to be a hard team to beat this season.

Atlanta – 31 Washington – 27

Cleveland (0-4) @ New York Giants (1-3)

Match up to watch: Joe Thomas v.s. Justin Tuck

Did you ever think that the defending champs would be sitting at 1-3 after four weeks of action? It’s true. The Giants have had a brutal schedule to open the season, not to mention many teams around them have made huge strides to get better. I expect the g-men to win here against Cleveland, and win big.

Cleveland – 13 New York Giants – 30

Philadelphia (4-0) @ Pittsburgh (2-1)

Match up to watch: Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie v.s. Mike Wallace

Philadelphia is on a roll and there is absolutely no surprise there. The only thing standing in their way is a Pittsburgh defense, at home. Philly’s quarterback, Michael Vick, always has problems against strong run stuffing defenses. That is, until this season. Michael Vick is going to play at a video game type level, and Philly is going to run away with the NFC East.

Philadelphia – 31 Pittsburgh – 27

Seattle (2-2) @ Carolina (3-1)

Match up to watch: K.J. Wright/Leroy Hill v.s. DeAngelo Williams/Jonathan Stewart

Seattle has a strong unit on defense. Great run stuffing linebackers and good pass rushers. Not only is Seattle strong against the run, they are one of the best against the pass. BUT, Carolina is a new breed of a rushing team. With three capable power/finesse running backs and possibly the best dual threat quarterback in the NFL, Carolina is tough to lock down.

Seattle – 17 Carolina – 20

Chicago (2-2) @ Jacksonville (1-3)

Match up to watch: Lance Briggs v.s. Maurice Jones-Drew

Man, I hate to be the bearer of bad news Chicago fans but this game may surprise you. Chicago is weak against the pass, but very stout against the run. Although Jacksonville has one of the best running backs in the league, they will have to throw the ball to win this game. Gabbert should be able to get the ball to his receivers, yes. But, who is going to protect him from that relentless pass rush Chicago has? I have no clue.

Chicago – 24 Jacksonville – 18

Denver (2-2) @ New England (3-1)

Match up to watch: Peyton Manning v.s. Tom Brady

Did you expect anything else under the match up category? All eyes will be on PM and Brady. This should be an exciting game to say the least. Do not expect Denver to win, but expect them to put up a huge fight. This could be the coming out game for Peyton, not to mention this game will show how healthy he really is now that we are five weeks into the season.

Denver – 27 New England – 28

Buffalo (2-2) @ San Francisco (3-1)

Match up to watch: Nick Barnett v.s. Frank Gore

Buffalo has done A LOT this offseason to get better. But, have they done enough to beat the Niners? Look at it this way – Buffalo has gotten better on defense – San Fran has gotten better at the skilled positions on offense (their defense is already the best in the game). Now, although Buffalo could contend for the Wild Card this season, they won’t beat this powerful Alex Smith led San Francisco team.

Buffalo – 17 San Francisco – 29

Bonus Prediction: San Francisco has yet to allow a rushing touchdown/one hundred yard rusher.

San Diego (2-2) @ New Orleans (2-2)

Match up to watch: Philip Rivers v.s. Drew Brees

It always seems that all the eyes in the stadium are on the two quarterbacks whenever these two teams play. This contest will be nothing short of a shootout, guarantee it. Both teams have excellent run games, but they both seem to want to sling it all over the opposing team. Whichever team decides to take advantage of their run game will be the winner here. Therefore, I’m taking Ryan Matthews.

San Diego – 34 New Orleans – 31

Houston (4-0) @ New York Jets (1-3)

Match up to watch: Andre Johnson v.s. Darrelle Revis

Gang-green has the home field to fuel their kick-butt defense. BUT, Houston is too powerful on offense. To this day I still believe that if Schaub remained healthy for the whole 2011-2012 season, Houston would have gotten it’s first Super Bowl birth (possibly first Lombardi Trophy also). If Schaub can stay healthy this season (I think he will finally), Houston is going to be tough to beat. Even if you have the best corner in the NFL, the best Wide Receiver cancels him out. Arian Foster and Ben Tate lead Houston to a 5-0 record.

Houston – 27 New York Jets – 20

BYE: Dallas (2-2), Detroit (3-1), Oakland (1-3), Tampa Bay (3-1)

Well fans, the Pre-Season is breathing down our necks! Personally, I cannot wait! Training Camp comes first and foremost! Let’s enjoy the ride! Check back soon for Week 6!!!! Keep your Fins up!

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