MIKE KAYE

It seems like just yesterday that we were in a lockout; now we’re in week 5. This is normally the time when teams start to really show what they are made of. This week’s T.I.T.T.B. previews a critical week in the NFL with various high-powered offenses competing and some teams (Eagles, Falcons, Chiefs, Cardinals) trying to salvage their seasons. Let’s Take it to the Bank.

Last Week: 11-4 (73%) / Season: 42-18 (70%) / Scott Picks: 2-2 (0-1)

Eagles @ Bills

Pick: Scott Pick, Eagles. It’s now or never for the stunningly mediocre Eagles, who clearly haven’t handled expectations or pressure well.  No longer the Dream Team, Philly needs this pivotal road win to salvage their season. I like the Bills, but the Eagles reek of desperation, and all hell breaks loose if they drop their fourth in a row. For one more week I’m riding with the Iggles, but if they lose, I’m jumping off the bandwagon (and probably for good).

Saints @ Panthers

Pick: Saints. It is truly unfortunate that Cam Newton plays in such a tough division. This one will be a shootout and will feature yardage similar to the season-opening Packers-Saints game. I like Cam Newton and his tight ends, but I don’t think that’s enough to overcome the weapons that Drew Brees brings to battle.

Raiders @ Texans

Pick: Texans. These are two teams looking to make the playoffs in two relatively weak divisions. I think the Andre Johnson injury will hurt the Texans in a big way, but luckily they have a killer running game. I look for Houston to rely on their ground attack, using their two-headed beast against the marvel that is the 2011 Darren McFadden. I see a relatively low-scoring game here, with Houston edging Oakland by a field goal.

Chiefs @ Colts

Pick: Colts. Yeah, I went there. I think the possibility of a Colts win is doubled if Curtis Painter is named starter this week. He was impressive on Monday night on the road (his first start on MNF). The Colts looked somewhat like the Colts on last week and I think that carries over against the Chiefs who seem to be barely holding onto their ability to produce points. This is a game that KC will greatly miss Jamaal Charles.

Bengals @ Jaguars

Pick: Bengals. The Bengals have the best defense in the NFL (no, seriously) and the Jags have one of the worst. To make matters more one-sided, Andy Dalton has A.J. Green who has made strides over the last few weeks and Blaine Gabbert has a bunch of bench wide-outs. This game comes down to defense and ability to make plays (don’t all games?) and I just don’t think the Jags can score on the Bengals (or anyone for that matter).

Cardinals @ Vikings

Pick: Cardinals. I will predict that most pundits will pick the Vikes at home, but I am not so sure. I like Kevin Kolb against the Vikes awful secondary (minus Antoine Winfield). I think this homecoming for Larry Fitzgerald (who grew up wanting to be a Viking and was a ball-boy for the team in his early years) is just what the Cards need to right their ship. I have told you numerous times, the Vikings can’t maintain a lead, and Ken Whisenhunt will exploit that.

Seahawks @ Giants

Pick: Giants. Despite the fact that they escaped Arizona with a win on a technicality last week, I like what I see from Eli Manning. His play over the past two weeks has been pretty remarkable if you consider his play last season. He is playing with confidence and the NYG d-line is getting healthy. I do think the Seahawks will make it interesting early but the Giants will pull away in the second half. The Seahawks cannot match New York point-for-point, despite the Giants damaged WR corps.

Titans @ Steelers

Pick: Titans. The Steelers have two key cogs out with Mendenhall and Harrison injured. The Titans are riding high, despite Kenny Britt going down. I can see Chris Johnson running wild on the battered Pittsburgh defense. If Big Ben sits, this game could get ugly for the home team.

Buccaneers @ 49ers

Pick: 49ers. The West Coast trip could prove brutal for the Bucs. The 49ers are coming off a big win and should be ready to prove that game wasn’t a fluke. If the Niners can continue to get pressure on the opposition’s QB, they will continue to find success. I think this one will be close but the home team closes it out.

Chargers @ Broncos

Pick: Chargers. The talent for both of these team is disparaging. I believe the better team wins in a blowout. The Broncos just don’t seem to get “it.” Phillip Rivers is due for a big game and I think he delivers this weekend.

Jets @ Patriots

Pick: Patriots. Their rivalry is fun to watch. Unfortunately, the Jets aren’t the team they were last season and Tom Brady looks almost superhuman. The Jets are surprisingly having a tough time against the pass this season; Coincidently that’s the Pats strength. New England in a route.

Packers @ Falcons

Pick: Packers. This should be the game of the week. It features two young quarterbacks with great surrounding casts. This will be high scoring and will offer plenty of highlights. The Packers are the best team in the league and I think they are significantly better than this season’s Falcons. I think this is the game Casey Matthews makes a major splash.

Bears @ Lions

Pick: Lions. The Lions have been the toast of the NFL this reason and rightfully so. They need to play smart football against a sneaky good Bears team. Detroit cannot afford another large deficit to overcome; luckily they face a Jay Cutler, who has a very suspect offensive line. While I think one will come down to the 4^th quarter, I think this is the Lions game to lose.

Photo: Reuters

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