Gambling Man

Arizona Cardinals (2-2) at St.Louis Rams (0-4) Line: Cardinals -3.5
Arizona has always been the cellar dweller of the NFC west, but this year things are looking up. There are clearly quarterback issues, as Whisenhunt does not seem confident enough to hand the team back over to Warner. However, the improving defense, the new run oriented offense and the offensive line are getting things done, especially last week against a formidable Pittsburgh defense. If not for a tough loss to San Francisco, this would be a 3-1 team that has a chance to make it to the playoffs in the weak NFC. St.Louis is decimated by injuries. They are missing half of their starters from last season and now Mark Bulger has been benched for ineffectiveness and injury. Gus Frerotte takes over and I actually think the passing game will be just fine, but there just is not enough firepower here to keep up with Arizona. Even without Anquan Boldin and even though Arizona is on the road, take the Arizona Cardinals to Cover and defeat the St.Louis Rams 27-17.

San Diego Chargers (1-3) at Denver Broncos (2-2) Line: Broncos -1
The Chargers are still messing with success. Why won't Norv just give the ball to L.T.? Has he not proven himself in the past? Philip Rivers is abysmal and the defense is quite simply not the same. The Broncos have their own problems. Their two wins were both shaky, Javon Walker is still hurt, the run defense is pitiful and now they might be without Travis Henry for the rest of the season with a suspension looming. San Diego swept the series last year with Denver, but the Broncos are 17-3 at home against divisional rivals since 2001. I think Norv will finally run Tomlinson into the ground and Rivers will only have to occasionally throw to Gates to mkeep the defense honest. Don't even think about throwing Champ Bailey's way Philip. Take the 1 point and the San Diego Chargers to go into "Mile High" and right all of their wrongs, at least for 1 week, and trounce Denver 37-17.

Chicago Bears (1-3) at Green Bay Packers (4-0) Line: Packers -3.5
The Bears are in danger of missing the playoffs if they don't turn things around. A group of mediocre quarterbacks, ineffective running backs, and injuries to the defense have made things more difficult this year. Changing your quarterback during the season usually signals your season is over and neither Griese or Grossman seem capable of leading this team. Also, it is pretty clear that Chicago traded the wrong running back. The Pack is back! Brett Favre is partying like its 1999, and this defense is coming together as a solid unit. The Packers hace the better quarterback, they are the home team, and they are piling up wins as the Bears are piling up losses. Take the Green Bay Packers to cover the spread and defeat the Chicago Bears 24-20.

Week 5 Picks

Miami (0-4) at Houston (2-2)	Texans 24 Dolphins 20
Jacksonville (2-1) at Kansas City (2-2)	Chiefs 17 Jaguars 14
N.Y. Jets (1-3) at N.Y. Giants (2-2)	Giants 24 Jets 14
Carolina (2-2) at New Orleans (0-3)	Saints 21 Panthers 20
Cleveland (2-2) at New England (4-0)	Patriots 38 Browns 17
Seattle (3-1) at Pittsburgh (3-1)	Pittsburgh 27 Seahawks 17
Arizona (2-2) at St. Louis (0-4)	Cardinals 27 Rams 17
Atlanta (1-3) at Tennessee (2-1)	Titans 24 Falcons 13
Detroit (3-1) at Washington (2-1)	Lions 28 Washington 20
San Diego (1-3) at Denver (2-2)	Chargers 37 Broncos 17
Tampa Bay (3-1) at Indianapolis (4-0)	Colts 31 Bucs 14
Baltimore (2-2) at San Francisco (2-2)	Ravens 21 49ers 13
Chicago (1-3) at Green Bay (4-0)	Packers 24 Bears 20
Dallas (4-0) at Buffalo (1-3)	Cowboys 31 Bills 14

A look at Week 4

• Pretty soon the Packers are going to need a running game. They can't possibly win in the playoffs without it. However, Favre is having a career year and the Pack are 4-0 so there is no urgency.
  
• I think Detroit will indeed win 10 games and make the playoffs. Nice call Jon.
• The Giants have an emerging defense that makes them a playoff contender.
• The Rams are done. In case you were holding out hope. But, look for the passing attack to bounce back this week with Gus at the wheel.
• There is not a better team in the NFC than the Cowboys. Romo is having an MVP season.
• The Bears have no identity on offense. Below average Wr's, Rb's and most definitely Qb's.
• If only the Browns had a #1 pick in the draft next year. Things would really be looking up.
• The Jets, Dolphins and Bills all stink. Good thing there is no one else in that division.
  
• I still feel the Chargers can make the playoffs. As long as Norv benches Rivers and runs L.T. into the ground.
• The Colts are just chugging along. But it feels more like 2005. Not 2006.
• The Bucs are a fraud. I really can not trust their record.
• Denver is in danger of really falling apart if they don't get healthy.
• Arizona might finally be putting things together. Funny it won't happen with Leinart.
• The 49ers are 2-2 and will not make the playoffs.
  
• The Steelers will back into the playoffs, but they are no threat to the AFC Elite.
  
• The Bengals need to clean house and start over. Keep your core and dump the rest.
  
• I think the Patriots will go undefeated.