I think Week 5 is going to turn out to be one of the hardest weeks to predict this year. Anyway, here?s what I?m thinking will happen and why. Let me know what you think.

 

Sunday, Oct. 9

 

Baltimore at Detroit - The Ravens are coming off of their first win of the year against a broken N.Y. Jets team. Detroit is coming off of a heartbreaking (and questionable) last second loss to a very strong Tampa Bay team. I think it?s time that Joey Harrington starts getting more comfortable with is offense, although Baltimore won?t make it easy. Look for Detroit to win a close, low scoring game here.

Ravens 13

Detroit 19

 

Chicago at Cleveland - Both of these teams seem like they have exponentially more winning potential than last year. It?s damn near a toss up, but in this case, I?m taking the veteran Trent Dilfer at home over the rookie on the road.

Bears 24

Browns 29

 

Miami at Buffalo - Miami is going to need to stop Willis McGahee to get this win. I believe they can and will. Barring an unexpected breakout game from J.P. Losman, the Dolphins are going to get a big road win here and make a statement to the rest of the AFC East that they have it together.

Dolphins 27

Bills 10

 

New England at Atlanta - I have never felt comfortable picking Atlanta. And now all of sudden the Patriots are becoming one of those teams. Unfortunately they?re playing eachother. I think Tom Brady is going to have problems with Atlanta?s vibrant and exciting defense, and I think New England?s defense is going to be on their knees to the monster that is Atlanta?s running offense.

Patriots 16

Falcons 28

 

New Orleans at Green Bay - Green Bay looked good in the 4th quarter on Monday Night. This could be the start of the Packers saving face from an 0-4 start. To their credit, they?re losing very close games. Their defense is terrible but don?t expect Aaron Brooks and the Saint offense to exploit that.

Saints 13

Packers 24

 

Seattle at St. Louis

Seattle really should win this game, but they won?t. The Rams have a knack for taking these guys down, so look for some big plays from Marc Bulger and look for Matt Hasselbeck to throw 2+ INT?s.

Seahawks 16

Rams 23

 

Tampa Bay at N.Y. Jets

If Cadillac Williams can?t play this Sunday, this game is going to be close and ugly. If Williams starts, Tampa Bay rushes to their 5th victory of the season.

Buccaneers 27

Jets 19

 

Tennessee at Houston - This is going to Houston?s best shot at getting their first victory of the season against a very shaky Tennessee Titans squad. Steve McNair is playing very well, however, Tennessee?s soft secondary is going to cost them this game.

Titans 20

Texans 21

 

Indianapolis at San Francisco - Here?s the lock of the week. If San Francisco wins this one, you can?t get mad at me. Peyton Manning is going to have his second field day in a row against San Francisco?s low-caliber passing defense.

Colts 38

49ers 15

 

Carolina at Arizona - The way these two teams played in their respective last quarters makes me want to go with Arizona here. So what the hell, I will. Upset of the week!

Panthers 18

Cardinals 31

 

Philadelphia at Dallas - This is going to be a great NFC East matchup. Dallas desperately needs a solid win, Philadelphia can?t afford to give it to them. I think Dallas will play well, but when it comes down to it, Philadelphia is a much better team. Jerry Jones will be too angry to eat Chunky Soup after this one.

Eagles 29

Cowboys 17

 

Washington at Denver - These squads deserve a lot of credit for what they?ve done thus far. Denver?s homefield advantage is tremendous, but Washington can dissect and dismantle Denver?s fragile offense. Will Clinton Portis get back at the Broncs? Will Champ Bailey stifle his former ?Skins? Don?t be surprised if this thing goes either way - this is Washington?s big test. If they win this one, the sky?s the limit. But I?m afraid this is going to be the end of Washington?s streak.

Redskins 24

Broncos 27

 

Cincinnati at Jacksonville

Here?s a tough one. I can?t stand predicting Jacksonville games. Yeah, Cincy?s 4-0, but was Sunday?s sloppy game against the Texans a red flag? I think so. Look for Cincinatti to end it?s streak here, but certainly not it?s season.

Bengals 17

Jaguars 21

 

Monday, Oct. 10

Pittsburgh at San Diego

This is going to be a great game. Pittsburgh has been playing well, but in the last two weeks San Diego has been the class of the NFL. Add that to homefield advantage, and the Chargers are going to pull out a big win on primetime television.

Steelers 20

Chargers 33

Cincinnati at Jacksonville

Here?s a tough one. I can?t stand predicting Jacksonville games. Yeah, Cincy?s 4-0, but was Sunday?s sloppy game against the Texans a red flag? I think so. Look for Cincinatti to end it?s streak here, but certainly not it?s season.

Bengals 17

Jaguars 21

 

Good call.

 

However, I think the Texans game might have been a blessing in disguise. That sloppy play by the offense and the defense standing tall helped us in a couple of ways. 1. We overcame a small amount of adversity AND shot ourselves in the foot. Marvin had a lot of things to yell about and a lot of things to work on. This is a good thing. 2. The defense proved that they're still solid. I'm still in "wait and see mode" on the D but after last weekend I'm less inclined. Also, we overcame gametime injuries. 3. Unlike the Texans, Jacksonville doesn't have two weeks to prepare and are playing for a little less (the Texans DID just get a new offensive coordinator and had something to prove).

 

I'd say it's a fair assessment and it could go either way. I can't WAIT for the game, though.

Real tough game to call, that Cincy one. I'm looking forward to seeing it and will certainly be pulling for the Bengals.

My opinions:

 

The Ravens will beat the Lions rather easily.. Ravens 21, Detroit 6

 

I'll spank your ass and call you Betty if the Browns drop 29 on the Bears.. Chicago 13, Cleveland 10

 

Also, San Fran scoring the most points of the season vs. the Colts? They couldn't muster anything against the Cards of all people.... Indy 48, San Fran 6

 

Washington will come shooting back down to earth in Denver... Denver 27, Washington 10

 

 

I look forward to those last 2 games listed.

My opinions:

 

The Ravens will beat the Lions rather easily.. Ravens 21, Detroit 6

 

I'll spank your ass and call you Betty if the Browns drop 29 on the Bears.. Chicago 13, Cleveland 10

 

Also, San Fran scoring the most points of the season vs. the Colts? They couldn't muster anything against the Cards of all people.... Indy 48, San Fran 6

 

Washington will come shooting back down to earth in Denver... Denver 27, Washington 10

 

 

I look forward to those last 2 games listed.

 

 

 

None of those results would surprise me in the least. Will you really spank my ass? :cool

A lot of tough games to call that could go either way.

 

I agree with Iowa that Cleveland will never put 29 points on the Bears. Bears win that one in a much lower scoring game.

 

TB against the Jets will also be much lower scoring. I expect a boring 6-3 win for the JETS.

 

Anything could happen in the NFL but Arizona beating Carolina not likely. Curiosity: Have the Cardinals ever made the playoffs?

 

I agree with you about the Jags. Every time I pick them to win they play horribly, when I pick them to lose they are lights out. Most inconsistent team ever. I like the Bengals in this one, but who knows which Jags team will show up.

Curiosity: Have the Cardinal ever made the playoffs?

They made it in 1998 when they had Plummer and those 3 good WRs (Rob Moore, Frank Samders, Eric Metcalf) and Adrian Murrell at RB.

I can't wait until week 6

 

Ricky!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

If we were playing Jacksonville at home, I would expect to win. I think our weaker half (defense) is still playing better than their weaker half (offense), but the fact that it's in their place, at night, it's going to be tough.

 

It's winnable, but by far the toughest game we've played this season.

If Caddy plays then Tampa blows out the Jets. If he doesnt play it will be a low scoring game like 10-3 for Tampa

Come on, an offense with Curtis Martin and Laveranues Coles puts up 3 points?!

Come on, an offense with Curtis Martin and Laveranues Coles puts up 3 points?!

 

 

Uh, they don't have a QB.

Come on, an offense with Curtis Martin and Laveranues Coles puts up 3 points?!

 

Coles has 167 yards in 4 games and Martin is averaging 2.8 yards a carry and a combined 1 touchdown....I dont think that guarantees alot of points. Plus, the Bucs D is pretty good this year. I think under 10 points is realistic if the Bucs can control the time of posession.

Come on, an offense with Curtis Martin and Laveranues Coles puts up 3 points?!

 

Coles has 167 yards in 4 games and Martin is averaging 2.8 yards a carry. And the Bucs D is pretty good this year. I think under 10 points is realistic if the Bucs can control the time of posession.

 

 

OK, I can go with that.

Dolphins 27

Bills 10

 

Patriots 16

Falcons 28

 

I like your thinking, Dolphins stay in first place.

Miami at Buffalo - Miami is going to need to stop Willis McGahee to get this win. I believe they can and will. Barring an unexpected breakout game from J.P. Losman, the Dolphins are going to get a big road win here and make a statement to the rest of the AFC East that they have it together.

Dolphins 27

Bills 10

 

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor..._len&id=2182225

 

Looks like Buffalo is going to Kelly Holcomb for this game, which automatically ensures double the productivity from the quarterback position. (Losman was averaging 87.7 yds/game the last 3 weeks)

 

Sorry Miami, time to come back to reality.

 

Buffalo 20

Miami 10

Miami at Buffalo - Miami is going to need to stop Willis McGahee to get this win. I believe they can and will. Barring an unexpected breakout game from J.P. Losman, the Dolphins are going to get a big road win here and make a statement to the rest of the AFC East that they have it together.

Dolphins 27

Bills 10

 

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor..._len&id=2182225

 

Looks like Buffalo is going to Kelly Holcomb for this game, which automatically ensures double the productivity from the quarterback position. (Losman was averaging 87.7 yds/game the last 3 weeks)

 

Sorry Miami, time to come back to reality.

 

Buffalo 20

Miami 10 Im sorry but I think this move hurts the Bills even more. Especially for this one game. Holcomb is the type of QB who just likes to sit back in the pocket and has little to no mobility. With the amount of different defensive schemes and blitz packages I think Kelly could be in for a long game. I think since JP can move a bit better he would have a better chance of avoid sacks for major losses. On that note I will agree that the Bills will have a better chance of winning by using the passing game but thats only if Kelly can get the ball out of his hands on time.

 

Just my opinion but if Jake the Snake and Delhomme couldnt get it done then what makes you think Kelly will? Both the Panthers and Broncos have far superior defenses then the Bills.

 

Should make for good football nonetheless.

Miami at Buffalo - Miami is going to need to stop Willis McGahee to get this win. I believe they can and will. Barring an unexpected breakout game from J.P. Losman, the Dolphins are going to get a big road win here and make a statement to the rest of the AFC East that they have it together.

Dolphins 27

Bills 10

 

 

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/stor..._len&id=2182225

 

Looks like Buffalo is going to Kelly Holcomb for this game, which automatically ensures double the productivity from the quarterback position. (Losman was averaging 87.7 yds/game the last 3 weeks)

 

Sorry Miami, time to come back to reality.

 

Buffalo 20

Miami 10

 

I do think the Bills win the game, but I absolutely hate starting Kelly Holcomb and benching J.P. Yeah, Losman has sucked so far, but last offseason they made a committment to go with him when they jettisoned Bledsoe (which was the right move), and you don't go back on that committment after 4 games.

 

Do what the Giants did with Eli last year - let the kid play, take his lumps, and as a team grin and bear it, regardless of wins and losses. It happens with young QB's, and he's not getting the game experience he needs to become the great QB the Bills are expecting sitting on the sidelines watching a career backup trying to salvage a season that, with the loss of Takeo Spikes and the awful run defense so far, looks like it might be beyond salvaging.

Im sorry but I think this move hurts the Bills even more. Especially for this one game. Holcomb is the type of QB who just likes to sit back in the pocket and has little to no mobility. With the amount of different defensive schemes and blitz packages I think Kelly could be in for a long game. I think since JP can move a bit better he would have a better chance of avoid sacks for major losses. On that note I will agree that the Bills will have a better chance of winning by using the passing game but thats only if Kelly can get the ball out of his hands on time.

 

Just my opinion but if Jake the Snake and Delhomme couldnt get it done then what makes you think Kelly will? Both the Panthers and Broncos have far superior defenses then the Bills.

 

Should make for good football nonetheless.

 

 

I have watched J.P play the last three weeks, it's impossible for this move to hurt the Bills even more. Granted, the offensive line hasn't pass protected well, but the times they have, J.P's accuracy is just non-existent. Holcomb is a very capable quarterback (See: Cincinnati vs. Cleveland last year, 413 yards, 5 TD's), and I expect him at the very least to break triple digit passing yards, which is automatically an improvement.

 

In regards to the defense, I believe they are playing to make up for the lack of offensive production. They know the offense is not going to score, so they're trying to overcompensate. I look for the defense to feel more confident in the offense this week, and get back to playing how they're capable of.

 

And yes, I do expect a good game, I don't let my hatred for the Dolphins skew the fact that they look to be back on track this year.

 

 

I do think the Bills win the game, but I absolutely hate starting Kelly Holcomb and benching J.P. Yeah, Losman has sucked so far, but last offseason they made a committment to go with him when they jettisoned Bledsoe (which was the right move), and you don't go back on that committment after 4 games.

 

Do what the Giants did with Eli last year - let the kid play, take his lumps, and as a team grin and bear it, regardless of wins and losses. It happens with young QB's, and he's not getting the game experience he needs to become the great QB the Bills are expecting sitting on the sidelines watching a career backup trying to salvage a season that, with the loss of Takeo Spikes and the awful run defense so far, looks like it might be beyond salvaging.

 

 

C'mon man, that's loser talk!

The AFC East looks like crap this year, the Bills are still very much alive in the race. Add in the fact that we've only lost to NFC opponents, that will help in any tiebreaking scenarios. What's wrong with giving Kelly Holcomb 4 games to get the team back on track? If we're 1-7 by Week 9, then we'll know the team's problem extend beyond the play of the quarterback, and we can stick J.P back in. But, it's my contention that we do have a good team, and Holcomb will restore productivity in the offense thus salvaging the season.

 

I'm not ready to pack it in yet.

 

/end hijack of thread

*re-opens hijack*

 

My biggest fear with starting Holcomb is that he gets the Bills to 3-3 (beating the Fins and Jets, two average teams) and makes them think they are contenders for the rest of the year, so Mularkey anoints him the starter, but then he plays mediocre and the Bills finish something like 6-10 and have to start all over next year, as playoff but not Super Bowl contenders, with J.P. as essentially a first year starter again. I'm scared to death of this - I don't want to see the Bills waste a year of Losman's development to chase the pipe dream of the Super Bowl when they could start him, let him take his lumps and learn, and be legit contenders next year.

 

The AFC East does look bad, but I think the Pats will get on track and end up winning 10 games at least and taking the division.

 

*re-closes hijack*