NFL Lines 2014, Week 5

Thursday Night Recap

Well, 0-for-5 on the Thursday night games this year! As I said in the write up, Christian Ponder…oof. Get well soon, Teddy Bridgewater.

Sunday’s Games

Chicago +3 at Carolina

The team that can’t score (Panthers) vs. the team that can’t play defense (Bears). Meanwhile, even with injuries to their offensive line, the Bears should have enough weapons to hold up against an injury-riddled Carolina defense.

Cleveland +2 at Tennessee

Let’s see what teams coming off a bye week can do this year. Against Jake Locker, the Browns need to be able to win this game. This game features two teams with multiple-RB threats. Bishop Sankey of Tennessee was the most highly touted rookie RB this season, but so far has been a bust and outshined by both Terrence West and Isaih Crowell of Cleveland. Ben Tate, though, should return to his starting role for the Browns this week.

St. Louis +6.5 at Philadelphia

The Eagles actually started as an eight-point favorite in this game, which the public apparently thought was too much against Austin Davis and Zac Stacy. Bill Barnwell of Grantland seems to be of two minds on the Eagles. On the one hand, he seems to think they’re a pretty good team. On the other hand, he notes that so far this season Philadelphia has beaten only Jacksonville, and teams that have beaten only Jacksonville. Hmmm….

Atlanta +4 at NY Giants

I think the Falcons could be about ready to give up on the season. But there’s hope for them yet against a team Matt Ryan should be able to throw against.

Tampa Bay at New Orleans -10

This seems like a lot of points to give for a team that’s been as dismal as the Saints this year. But New Orleans is decidedly better at home, and Tampa Bay might just think that their last-minute victory over the Steelers on the road last week was the Super Bowl. Look for Drew Brees & Co. to take out some frustration in this game.

Houston +6.5 at Dallas

Another interesting line move: Dallas was originally only a four-point favorite, but Cowboys fans moved the line by almost a field goal. Oh, Cowboys fans. You’re delightful.

Buffalo +7 at Detroit

Kyle Orton? Kyle Orton.

Baltimore +3 at Indianapolis

Toughest game of the week to call. I’m going with the Ravens, simply because the competitiveness they bring will be a stark contrast to what the Colts have seen the last two weeks.

Pittsburgh -6 at Jacksonville

Sorry, Jaguars, but I think the Steelers might have some feelings to work out over their crushing loss to the Bucs last week. And here you are, another team from Florida.

Arizona at Denver -7.5

The Cardinals have a good defense, but Drew Stanton vs. Peyton Manning? No thank you.

Kansas City +5 at San Francisco

The 49ers looked a bit more like their old selves last week, but the Chiefs are rolling. As long as Alex Smith doesn’t overdo it in this revenge game, they should be fine.

NY Jets at San Diego -6.5

The Chargers have trouble at RB, but I think Geno Smith will find it hard to move the ball against this defense.

Cincinnati (Pick) at New England

The Patriots rarely lose back-to-back games in the Bill Belichick era, but they rarely look as bad on offense as they do this year. The Bengals coming off a bye week could be the worst thing for New England right now. If Pittsburgh and Baltimore both win earlier in the day, the Bengals will be all the more motivated to stay ahead of their division rivals.

Seattle -7 at Washington

Another team coming off a bye week in Seattle, although Washington’s been off since a week ago last Thursday when they were shellacked by the Giants. The Seahawks should easily dominate this game.

Best Bets

This week, I like Denver -7.5, Seattle -7, Kansas City +5