Week 5 Predictions

     Two undefeated teams remain in the NFL after Thursday night's upset. Arizona entered the game 4-0 before having to face the St. Louis Rams, a team the Cardinals thought little of. However, the Rams defensive line was able to knock Kolb to the ground multiple times, too many for him to get in a groove. We also witnessed star wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald drop several passes, something rare to be seen from this freak of nature. Entering Sunday, we have the quarterback match-up between Peyton Manning and Tom Brady, a rivalry that has lasted for over a decade. The game of the week between New England and Denver is a highlight of our weekend, and hopefully Week 5 lives up to the hype.

Darren Sproles (Streeter Lecka)

Game to Watch: Broncos @ Patriots: For the first time since Payton Manning's neck surgery, we will see two all time greats square off against each other. Their last match up ended with a final tally of 31-28 in favor of New England, and, similar to most of their games, it came down to the wire. Though 8 games have finished within a touchdown or less, between these two quarterbacks, Tom Brady leads the series 8-4. Denver is coming off of a dominant win over the Oakland Raiders, improving Denver's overall record to 2-2. The main problem for the Broncos has been their extremely rigorous schedule. Houston, Pittsburgh, Atlanta, New England have all been opponents within the first 5 weeks. New England on the other hand did not start 2012 the way they would have liked at 1-2, but a 51 point game over a decent Buffalo defense sets them up perfectly for tomorrow. Brady has not been able to put the same amount of points on the board as he did in 2012, but otherwise, his statistics are almost identical through four weeks. Sunday should not be much of a defensive battle, but Peyton Manning historically has flustered in Foxborough, therefore the Patriots are tomorrow's favorites.
Patriots over Broncos 31-20


Stand Out Performance: Matt Ryan: The quarterback out of Boston College has finally lived up to his first round potential. Atlanta has managed to find success since the 2008 draft, but never in such a dominant fashion as we have seen this year. Ryan has posted MVP like numbers, passing for 1,162 yards with 12 total touchdowns. By far his most outstanding statistic falls under the passer rating category, where Ryan has thrown for a rating above 100 in each of his past four games. His flawless season has allowed Atlanta to start undefeated at 4-0, taking advantage of New Orleans' struggles. Next up in the schedule for Atlanta is RGIII and the Redskins, a large obstacle in the Falcons quest for perfection. Although Washington's offense has done well, the defense has been absolutely atrocious, allowing the most passing touchdowns (11) and the second most passing yards (326.2). Even if Atlanta is unable to come out on top, Atlanta's quarterback will have a heck of a game.
Matt Ryan: 325 yards, 3 passing TDs, 1 rushing TD


Player to Watch: RB Fred Jackson: After a fractured fibula kept him from playing in almost half of the 2011 season, Fred Jackson suffered yet another injury in Week 1. His return against the Patriots last Sunday was not all that glamorous, and the fact that he will be facing a very good run defense in San Francisco does not help. However, Buffalo does not want to give Spiller many carries due to his own injury, therefore they are handing off the ball to their original starter. If Jackson is able to do well, Buffalo will have the best running tandem in the National Football League. His success would help this franchise reach the playoffs once again, and San Francisco is the first step in doing so.
Fred Jackson: 75 rushing yards, 1 receiving TD


Week 5 Predictions:

Bengals over Dolphins

Packers over Colts

Ravens over Chiefs (OT)

Giants over Browns

Steelers over Eagles

Falcons over Redskins

Panthers over Seahawks

Bears over Jaguars

Vikings over Titans

Patriots over Broncos

49ers over Bills

Saints over Chargers

Texans over Jets

Last Week: 9-6

2012 Season: 34-29 (54%)