NFL Week Five Predictions

WEEK FIVE PREDICTIONS

XENA AND TANNER CHEW ON THE WEEK’S BIG GAMES

BRONCOS @PATRIOTS – Manning renews his rivalry against Brady.  Both QBs played exceptionally well last week to set the stage for a high-scoring affair.  Manning gives the Broncos a chance to trade punches against another version of the high-octane New England offense.  The Broncos may keep it close.  I don’t see New England losing back-to-back home games.  Broncos defense will have trouble getting enough stops, especially if New England really has found a ground game.

EAGLES @STEELERS – I have read many stories of praise for how well the Eagles played against the Giants last week.  They secured a big win in a close contest.  However, were it not for some bad decisions by Eli in the red zone, Philly loses that game.   I say this every week – but the Eagles could very easily be winless.  Three wins by a cumulative four points. The Steelers don’t look like the Steelers.  In fact, they look more like the Eagles, relying heavily on the pass.  I think Pittsburgh tries to get back to its physical roots.  That won’t work and they will have to revert to pass-happy mode to win this game.  The Steelers need the game more and the Eagles’ luck runs dry.

CHARGERS @SAINTS – The Saints have to win sometime, right?  San Diego has three cupcake wins this season and lost badly at home the one time they played a top caliber team.  I am not saying the Saints are top caliber, but they are still an offensive force.  This will be a high-scoring contest.  I see New Orleans getting into the win column, finally.

FALCONS@REDSKINS  - Washington has been able to move the ball in every game this year.  The Falcons showed some vulnerability against the mobile Cam Newton last week and now RG3 tests them.  Falcons also need to do a better job protecting Matt Ryan.  Falcons traditionally not a great grass team – though they do have impressive victories at Kansas City and San Diego this year.  Just a hunch that the Redskins pull this out in another high scoring and fan-friendly battle.