2010 4-Caster Frank's NFL Picks
WEEK 5
-7
Ravens 21 Broncos 10
Can the Broncos really come cross country two weeks in a row and win? No, last week they caught some breaks against the Titans. This week I can’t see the same breaks coming as the face the Ravens strong defense. Look for Kyle Orton to have trouble all day as the Ravens win by two scores or more in Baltimore.
PK
Bears 13 Panthers 3
The boos will rain down as Julius Peppers returns to Carolina for the first time since signing with the Bears in the off-season. Even without Jay Cutler who will miss the game with the Bears will win a low scoring game, as Peppers will have a big day against his old teams as the Panthers will have trouble scoring on the Bears revamped defense.
+1
Bears 13 Panthers 3
The boos will rain down as Julius Peppers returns to Carolina for the first time since signing with the Bears in the off-season. Even without Jay Cutler who will miss the game with the Bears will win a low scoring game, as Peppers will have a big day against his old teams as the Panthers will have trouble scoring on the Bears revamped defense.
-6½
Bengals 28 Buccaneers 13
In their last game the Buccaneers were exposed by the Steelers, as Charlie Batch had a career day with several long Touchdown passes. The Bengals with the VH-1-2 Duo of T.O. and Ochocinco should have no problem exploiting the same weakness as they win easily at home.
-3
Falcons 24 Browns 10
The Falcons struggled last week, but managed to beat the 49ers behind their defense. This week on the road they should be able to win again, as the Browns despite a win last week are not a very good team, and will have problems dealing with the versatile Falcons running and passing game.
-3
Lions 27 Rams 16
The Rams with a win will be 3-2, for real. You know what the Rams are not for real, and this week they will take a step backward as the Lions who have played much better than their 0-4 record would suggest finally get rewarded for their efforts with a solid win, as Shaun Hill has another solid game throwing to Calvin Johnson.
-3
Texans 17 Giants 13
Giants fans have to be wondering; Where has this been, season as their defense had a big day last week with ten sacks against the Bears? On the road it’s hard to imagine them being able to provide a repeat performance. Look for the Texans run game to keep the Giants defense in check just enough for them to get a close hard fought victory.
-7
Colts 41 Chiefs 17
The Chiefs are the only remaining unbeaten team in the NFL at 3-0 after a bye week. The Colts are 2-2 after a fluky loss in Jacksonville. With this game in Indianapolis, I smell blow out and message game. The Chiefs are improving but they won’t be able to hanging with the Colts, as Peyton Manning has another big game, with the margin of victory looking like Secretariat in the 1973 Belmont Stakes, five months after the Dolphins the only unbeaten team in NFL history won Super Bowl VII.
+2½
Redskins 24 Packers 20
So far this season the Packers have been quite proficient at shooting themselves in the foot with dumb penalties. It already cost them one game, and if it continues on the road in Washington they will lose again. Look for a solid game from Donovan McNabb as the Redskins win a close game.
-3
Saints 30 Cardinals 10
The last two Super Bowl teams form the NFC collide in the desert as the defending champion Saints face the Cardinals. The Saints still seem some what super, despite mediocre play in their 3-1 start, while the Cardinals look any thing but super. One need only see the quarterback match up of Drew Brees against undrafted rookie Max Hall making his first start.
-7
Cowboys 27 Titans 17
After getting their first win the Cowboys had a week to prepare for the Titans at home. The Titans have played sloppy at times with a 2-2 record. Both teams have been known for let downs and could blow it themselves, but I sense a big game coming for the Cowboys who will thrill the home fans with Tony Romo having a big day throwing to Miles Austin and Dez Bryant.
-2½
Chargers 24 Raiders 20
The Chargers have soared at home and have looked sore on the road, while splitting their first four games. In Oakland things should be different as beating the Raiders has become old hat for the bolts. While the Raiders are improving they still have this nasty habit of finding a way to lose. Look for that to continue as the Chargers win a close one.
-3
49ers 24 Eagles 13
No team is faced with a bigger game than the 49ers. There have been teams that have made the playoffs after a 0-4 start, but none has made after starting 0-5. A loss this week and the wheels could fall off for the team expected to win the division at the start of the season. With Michael Vick likely out, look for the 49ers defense to have a big day against Kevin Kolb as they get their season on track with a solid Sunday Night win.
+1
Jets 20 Vikings 16
The Jets after an ugly Opening Monday Night loss have won three straight and have looked more impressive with each victory. Their offense is clicking all cylinders getting Santonio Holmes this week should only make them better. Meanwhile the Vikings landed Randy Moss on Wednesday and have looked out of sync all season. It will be hard to imagine they have enough time to get things together to win on the road, especially when facing the Jets defense, which is among the best in the NFL.
