Week 5 Weekly Pick Em's

Just like that, a quarter of the NFL season has flown by and boy there have been some feathers ruffled along the entire football landscape. Teams that are supposed to be clear cut favourites are in panic mode, along with teams that were projected to fail, have superseded expectations.

New England Patriots, 30 Cleveland Browns, 14

The underdog in me wants to see the Browns pull off the biggest upset in the last 10 years…and I don’t think that’s an exaggeration either. Tom Brady is returning which has a similar feel to the Undertaker making his return to the WWE. After being buried alive, he ensued a path of destruction towards his opponents; it is unlikely Brady will change his persona to appear as a gang member but it is likely he will leave a path of destruction at the expense of NFL defenses. Without falling for the sucker trap the Patriots will be surprised by the Browns but it won’t be due to the final result as the will Patriots roll forward. The Browns are a feisty team that has been unlucky and is one of the more talented 0-4 teams in recent memory…whatever that is worth.

Fantasy Alert* Tom Brady, Gronk and Bennett

Philadelphia Eagles 24, Detroit Lions 23

The Eagles have been a surprise this season, hosting an efficient defense that is rolling into a Detroit team that has come off a sub-par showing, against a struggling Bears team. Last season the Lions dominated on Thanks Giving against Philly, however with a team that is still try to find its identity on offense, the Eagles opportunistic defense will be smelling blood. The Lion’s have been in close games all season; but have continued to fall short. I expect much of the same to follow with Carson Wentz pulling out the game winning drive at the end.

Fantasy Alert* Jordon Matthews, Zach Ertz

Indianapolis Colts 20, Chicago Bears 27

This game represents two ailing franchises who were hoping for greener pastures at this point. The Colts have returned from London and were not granted a bye, following their win in England; something to definitely to look out for. Considering Hoyer is an upgrade over Jay Cutler at this point the Bears provide a more balanced approach even with the multitude of injuries they have been through.

Fantasy Alert* Jordan Howard rips off a top 3 rushing performance

Tennessee Titans 19, Miami Dolphins 16

Tennessee reminds me of the Lions where they have been in close contests but haven’t sealed the deal. This game strikes me as one that will possess many mistakes in the passing game, we saw how Cincinnati stifled Ryan Tannehill. Look for a heavy dosage of ‘Smash and Smash” after Henry was a non-factor last week, the Titans may want to rotate him in more often to rest Murray.

Fanatsy Alert* Titans Defense is a sneaky choice here to make some plays with Le’Beau calling the shots

Washington Redskins 20, Baltimore Ravens 30

The Ravens have been solid against tight ends in recent memory so the matchup between the Baltimore linebackers and Jordan Reed is very enticing. Look for an aerial assault type of game with the Ravens and Redskins having tendencies to throw the ball. With Justin Forsett gone Terrance West enters as the primary bell cow back for this week, with rookie Kenneth Dixon most likely being eased in the lineup due to injury.

Fantasy Alert* Terrance West matches up well against a struggling Washington run defense

Minnesota Vikings 21, Houston Texans 23 (Game of the Week Pick)

This season has had its share of surprise games right out of the gate and this week will see the team that possesses 85’ Bear type qualities to be let down by its offense. Stephon Diggs is doubtful for this game and the Texans have a defense that is pretty nasty themselves, even without JJ Watt. DeAndre Hopkins will have his hands full against Rhodes but look for Brock Osweiler to look slightly better, rising to the challenge in the last drive.

Fantasy Alert* Both defenses will have plenty of chances for sacks and turnovers

Pittsburgh Steelers 28, New York Jets 17

After careful evaluation of this game, the matchups are rather challenging for New York. The only way I could see this go down in NY’s favour is if the front seven take over the game which they are very capable of doing, especially against a third string right tackle starting for Pittsburgh. However, with a hobbled Darrelle Revis and an already soft secondary the Steelers may line-up Bell at wide out, because the Steeler’s game plan will be to pass until Ryan Fitzpatrick throws five interceptions. The Jets have lost nine out of the last ten meetings in Pittsburgh so history would suggest it won’t be any different. Pittsburgh also averages over 30 points at home, a formidable task to ask this struggling Jets defense to stop.

Denver Broncos 27, Atlanta Falcons 14

This is an immovable object versus an unstoppable force, so far in this young season. Denver’s elite defense will be going up against Atlanta’s other worldly offense. The difference here is that Denver’s offense is actually fourth in yards per attempt, so they are attacking the field while playing dominant defense. Atlanta is nearly giving up as many points as they are scoring so their defense is very unreliable. Bold prediction here; look for Talib to shut Julio down for under 50 yards.

Fantasy Alert* CJ Anderson having a big game, playing keep away from Matty Ice.

Dallas Cowboys 17, Cincinnati Bengals 20

This will be a terrific matchup against the NFL’s most exciting young player in Ezekiel Elliot and the Bengals stingy run defense. What I saw against Miami was a defense that clicked and although the Boys have every chance to win this game I can see Dak Prescott having a rookie type day which takes some weight off the hype train that surrounds number 4.

Fantasy Alert* AJ Green will continue to keep lighting up defensive secondaries with ease.

Los Angeles Rams 13, Buffalo Bills 9

This game features two teams that have overachieved in recent weeks as the first place Rams host the streaky Buffalo Bills (Yes you have read correctly). The Rams front and Aaron Donald have been playing like their hair is on fire, and against a suspect Bills online will make the difference in this ugly win. LA doesn’t mind winning games like this so expect a lot of power running from both sides and conservative quarterback play.

Fantasy Alert* LA Defense

Oakland Raiders 27, San Diego Charger 24

The theme so far this season is that the Raiders are winning close contests due to Derek Carr, whilst the Chargers seem to find ways to lose in heart breaking fashion. Previously I had this as a trap game where the Chargers would turn the tables and bring Oakland back to disappointing their fans with a late game winning field goal. However, the news of Jason Verrett being out for the season left me thinking that the Chargers won’t be able to field a team. Look for this game to be a wild shootout featuring two spectacular Quarterbacks in Rivers and Carr. Both defenses will give up big plays so it should be fun to watch.

Fantasy Alert* Melvin Gordon could be in line for a 100 yard day

Green Bay Packers 20, New York Giants 23

This game has the making of both quarterbacks throwing thirty plus times each, helped by the fact that both have a multitude of weapons. The Giants run defense have kept games close this season so look for big blue to sneak away with the upset here after being embarrassed by Minnesota.

Fantasy Alert* ODB has a big day, rewarding fantasy owners who have stuck by him.

Carolina Panthers 14, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23

The Panthers have won the last six games against Tampa Bay and that streak stops Sunday as Derek Anderson under center gives the Bucs a chance to turn their season around. The Panthers at home is hard to bet against, but they have already proven to not be the team they once were. Their secondary has been vulnerable in recent weeks so look for Winston to have a comeback game throwing the ball downfield with early success. Cam Newton has also been ruled out of this game, so now is the perfect chance for this young Bucs team to pull off a big upset.

Fantasy Alert* Mike Evans and company take advantage of Carolina’s young secondary.