2014 NFL Predictions Week Five: New England Patriots Lose A Tight One

Sep 28, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback

(12) congratulates wide receiver

(87) after a touchdown pass during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Colts defeated the Titans 41-17. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Cowboys 26 Texans 20

After their beatdown of the Saints, Dallas has to be feeling pretty good about themselves right now. I don’t think their offense will run quite as smoothly against J.J. Watt‘s defense, but Ryan Fitzpatrick won’t be out-dueling Tony Romo anytime soon.

Lions 24 Bills 14

Buffalo will be starting Kyle Orton instead of E.J. Manuel tomorrow, but I don’t think it will make much of a difference. Detroit’s ferocious front four will get to Orton early and often, which will result in multiple turnovers. I think the Bills’ defense will hang tough, but ultimately, the Lions have too many offensive weapons for them to handle.

Colts 38 Ravens 28

This could be the most exciting game of the week, as two hot offenses square off against two subpar defenses. Andrew Luck is probably the hottest quarterback in the league right now, and I am not going to bet against him at home, against the Ravens defense. Joe Flacco will do just fine in the passing game, but it won’t be enough to take down Luck in Indy.

Steelers 38 Jaguars 10

Pittsburgh let one get away last week against the Bucs, and there is no better cure to a bad loss than taking a trip down to Florida, to take on the lowly Jaguars. The Steelers have too much talent on offense to not put this one away early.

Broncos 23 Cardinals 20

This game is not going to be a walk in the park for Peyton Manning and company. The Cardinals have a legit defense, and they will give Manning a lot of trouble. However their lack of stability on offense will be why they fall from the ranks of the unbeaten, as a late Broncos defensive stand is the difference.

Niners 30 Chiefs 20

I know all Kansas City fans think their team is going to the Super Bowl after that impressive win over the Pats, but away from Arrowhead, against a quality team like Niners, I don’t trust Alex Smith to get it done. San Francisco will go back to their roots and the run ball down the Chiefs’ throat all game long, which will open up big plays down the field for Colin Kaepernick.

Chargers 34 Jets 14

Phillip Rivers is the second hottest quarterback in the league right now, trailing only Andrew Luck in my opinion. He has San Diego’s offense humming, and a weak Jets defense won’t be able to slow it down. Look for the quarterback controversy between Geno Smith and Michael Vick heat up even more after this game.

Seahawks 28 Redskins 12

Seattle’s defense hasn’t been playing as well as some expected them to to start the year, which is why I think on Monday night, in front of a national audience, they will come out swarming. Richard Sherman and company force five Washington turnovers, and take two interceptions back for touchdowns.