NFL 2008 Week 5 Picks

James Earl Jones. J.K. Simmons. Steven Hill. Bill Daily. Dennis Farina. Steve Buscemi. Chris Cooper.

Character actors are why I watch certain movies and TV shows. They are usually hard-wired with an impeccable sense of humor, a unique and recognizable voice, and a look that pierces the screen with laser sharp precision.

There's another trait about this tier of high-quality character actors: They don't disappoint.

The National Football League doesn't disappoint.

It's a breathing, pulsating entity that is comprised of many different elements while appealing to just about any fan out there. Yes, there are athletes being shot, busted for drugs, and who have a wide variety of character issues. Their persona flirts on the fence line between football and Hollywood to the point of being type-cast as a cancer to the team. But, there are others who exemplify true character, are defined by a plumb line in their life, and are as solid as oak.

Together, they participate in turf battles every Sunday of the season; wars that produces excitement and thrills on a continuous basis. Every single Sunday, you know that you can expect one thing to occur without fail: Incalculable events that leave you breathless.

The nature of this league also bleeds into the work week and peppers us with unexpected events in the form of injuries, firings, cuts, and vocal outbursts that turn into locker room fodder; all of which adds spice to the upcoming games.

This past Sunday and week reflected this phenomenon delightfully.

Washington stunned the Cowboys in Texas Stadium. Denver fell to the lowly Chiefs. Chicago shocked Philly. San Diego overcame a 15-0 deficit to obliterate Oakland leading to Lane Kiffin's firing by crusty, senile Al Davis. In the same fashion, St. Louis built a lead on Buffalo only to be crushed at home and kicking coach Scott Linehan to the curb.

Terrell Owens became vocal about wanting the ball more which is a good thing and nothing new despite the media's infatuation with covering the story. Bengals WR Chad Johnson said in an interview that he loves Dallas and that Jerry Jones should give him a call. He also said that if he scores a TD against Dallas that he's going to kiss the star on the field. I'm sure that will sit well with the Bengals and their fans.

In looking at Week 5, there's still no sign of discontentment.

• Kansas City Chiefs (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (3-1): CBS, 1pm EST - According to Chiefs head coach Herm Edwards, his players had begun to doubt themselves. "They were questioning their talent. You can't question that. The way you overcome that, you've got to just keep playing. Just play with energy. Just keep going fast. Just keep playing hard." Well, that seemed to help as they overcame the 3-0 Broncos and now must face a Carolina team whose offense exploded last week with over 400 yards and is 2-0 at home.

• San Diego Chargers (2-2) at Miami Dolphins (1-2): CBS, 1pm EST - Yes, I know Tom Brady is out for the year. But, that annihilation of New England at home by Miami two weeks ago said more about Miami than the Brady-less Bunch. The Dolphins torched the Patriots behind RB Ronnie Brown's 5-TD performance. San Diego poses a serious threat to bring Miami down to earth behind a hot L.T.

• Tennessee Titans (4-0) at Baltimore Ravens (2-1): CBS, 1pm EST - This contest is dripping with signs of it being an all-out war. If you like good old-fashioned smash mouth football, then you will not want to miss this game. Both defenses are asphyxiating, and each offense has a rushing attack that will flip defenses inside-out. Coach Jeff Fisher is doing an unfathomable job this season.

• Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Houston Texans (0-3): CBS, 1pm EST - There's no beating around the bush here. Indy has not been playing well on both sides of the ball especially Peyton Manning. But, this team has resolve, is coming off a bye, and is 5-1 at Reliant Stadium which is finally ready after being damaged by Ike. The problem is that Houston just might not be ready for Indy.

• Chicago Bears (2-2) at Detroit Lions (0-3): FOX, 1pm EST - Removing Millen last week was a move that was about 5 years too late, but now that it's done, the Lions are finally able to breathe a little better as the black cloud begins to leave. Just not this week.

• Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at Green Bay Packers (2-2): FOX, 1pm EST - If Aaron Rodgers is going to fill Brett Favre's shoes successfully and ease the sting felt by the Packers faithful of losing a legend, he needs to start this Sunday against Atlanta. Rodgers sprained his throwing shoulder last week and has every intention of starting in true Favre-like fashion. He better succeed considering his back-up has never played in an NFL game. Atlanta rookie QB Matt Ryan has yet to win a road game, and I don't see Lambeau being the first.

• Seattle Seahawks (1-2) at NY Giants (3-0): FOX, 1pm EST - I'm convinced that if you were to whisper in the ear of Giants WR Plaxico Burress, you would hear an echo. He's talented yet hollow-headed as he continues to find ways to be suspended by the Giants for conduct detrimental to the team. His absence allows Seattle to put an extra man on the run while the 'Hawks are #2 in rushing offense and are getting back two WR's from injuries to finally bolster their arsenal.

• Washington Redskins (3-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2): FOX, 1pm EST - It's not too often that a game in Week 5 is considered a "must win", but Philly should be targeting this all-out brawl with the Redskins as just that. Two losses to two divisional opponents before Week 5 doesn't sit well. Philly's defense leads the league in sacks and must put intense pressure on Jason Campbell who has yet to throw an interception this season. Washington's defense is hurting.

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Denver Broncos (3-1): FOX, 4:05pm EST - Both teams had emotional games last week. Denver's spirit and momentum took a hit in KC falling to the Chiefs while the Bucs beat the Packers on the leg of K Matt Bryant who buried his infant son a few days prior. QB Brian Griese was drafted by Denver so he'll face his second former team this year. Tampa needs to protect the football and avoid turnovers facing the league's #1 offense, and they are 17-0 since 2002 when they don't turn the ball over.

• Buffalo Bills (4-0) at Arizona Cardinals (2-2): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Should Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt be concerned? The last two victories by Buffalo were against Oakland and St. Louis who ended up firing their their head coaches this past week. These two teams are pretty even in the rankings on both sides of the ball. It will come down to who wins the turnover battle and can control the clock.

• New England Patriots (2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-2): CBS, 4:15pm EST - When the 2008 NFL schedule came out, Patriot fans probably doubled over and rolled on the floor laughing while Niners fans rolled their eyes and went ahead and wrote an "L" beside this date. Oh, how a torn ACL can change things. Now, the Patriots stroll into San Fran with a 28th-ranked offense and 21st-ranked defense to face a 49ers team that is clicking on offense. The ingredients are there for a huge upset.

• Cincinnati Bengals (0-4) at Dallas Cowboys (3-1): CBS, 4:15pm EST - Chad Johnson and Terrell Owens on the same field. Stop and let it sink in. Dallas is not happy after that home loss to the Skins, and Cincy has nothing going for them except #85 who is due for a break out game vs. a leaking Cowboys secondary. This Bengals team almost beat the Giants at home so Dallas cannot let their guard down. They must pressure Carson Palmer and create turnovers which they have struggled to do this season. This will be fun to watch...trust me.

• Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2): NBC, 8:15pm EST, Sunday Night - There's no sense in beating around the bush here. Jacksonville has Pittsburgh's number having dominated them the last four meetings winning the last three. And, they are catching them at a really good time with Ben Roethlisberger suffering through a really bad shoulder and operating behind a battered line. Pittsburgh's running game has been defused due to many injuries so Jacksonville can concentrate on the passing game.

• Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-2): ESPN, 8:30pm EST, MNF - Whenever RB Adrian Peterson comes to town, the game plan for opposing defensive coordinators is pretty simple: Stop A.P. It won't be much different this time as the Vikings come to New Orleans desperately needing a win. This Saints offense is 3rd in the league and will be even more dangerous now that Deuce McAllister is healthy and seeing more carries. Minnesota has won six of the last seven meetings.

BYE: Cleveland, Oakland, St. Louis, NY Jets

STANDINGS:

Chris Mortensen: 9-4, 41-19

Mark Schlereth: 6-7, 38-22

Mike Golic: 9-4, 38-21

Eddie Chinn: 7-6, 37-23

Ron Jaworski: 6-6, 35-21