Week 5 NFL picks

Last week: 6-8
Overall: 30-30

Vikings at Rams

The fourth-most dangerous city in America. A team that's 0-4 and has scored 24 points... ON THE SEASON. And now, an ownership group possibly led by Rush Limbaugh? Something tells me 2010 free agents aren't exactly jotting St. Louis down as a dream destination.

The pick: Vikings (-10)

Cowboys at Chiefs

If the season ended today, Tony Romo would set career lows for completion percentage, yards per attempt and quarterback rating. And check out this stat: Dallas has completed just 37.5 percent of its passes in the red zone. Only the Bucs are worse. That being said, I'm betting against the Chiefs every week until they prove they are an NFL team.

The pick: Cowboys (-7.5)

Redskins at Panthers

Things have reached a boiling point in D.C. Reports surfaced this week that Clinton Portis and Mike Sellers had a heated verbal exchange. Per the Washington Post, Sellers confronted Portis after Portis requested to have Sellers benched during last Sunday's game against the Bucs because of his poor blocking. Amazing that this team is even 2-2.

Panthers (-4)

Bucs at Eagles

Now's a good time to mention that we'll be doing the live chat straight from the press box at the Linc this weekend. Due to NFL guidelines, the structure of the chat will change. Not so much play-by-play from me. More commentary, Q&A, etc. I'll do my best to take advantage of being at the stadium and providing insight from there. Let me know if there's anything specific you'd like me to include.

The pick: Eagles (-15.5)

Bengals at Ravens

Nine penalties for 85 yards for the Ravens in last week's loss to the Patriots, plus a big drop late by Mark Clayton. But this team is still impressive. They weren't happy with the officiating against New England and will be extra chippy against Cincy.

The pick: Ravens (-8.5)

Raiders at Giants

Time for MC's Pick of the Week. MC is at 2-2 on the season:

The Raiders have failed to score a touchdown in their last two games. Look for more of the same against the Giants' 'D.' With or without Eli Manning, who is questionable, the Giants should win in a rout on the strength of their defense.

The pick: Giants (-14.5)

Patriots at Broncos

Denver's Elvis Dumervil is tied for the league lead with eight sacks. And we've already talked about Brian Dawkins' impact. On the offensive side of the ball, Correll Buckhalter is reportedly out with a high ankle sprain. I like the Patriots big in this one.

The pick: Patriots (-3)

The rest of the picks:

STEELERS (-10.5) at Lions
BROWNS (+6) at Bills
FALCONS (+2.5) at 49ers
TEXANS (+5.5) at Cardinals
SEAHAWKS (-1.5) vs. Jaguars
COLTS (-3.5) at Titans
DOLPHINS (+2) vs. Jets