Rating: (1 votes - 5.00 average)

Two NFC teams are undefeated: Seattle Seahawks and the New Orleans Saints. The team is getting it done, despite not having an effective running game. That must change. Even so, it’s great to be 4-0 instead 0-4 as it was last season.
Now, let’s take a look at the contests that have an impact on the 2013 NFC standings:

Week 5 Bye teams: Buccaneers, Redskins, Steelers, and Vikings.

Thursday October 3rd

Week 5, Game 1: Bills (1-2) @ Browns (1-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Bills by 4.


Sunday October 6th

Week 5, Game 2: Saints (4-0) @ Bears (3-1)

a. Why it is important: Bears are an NFC rival, and in 1st place in the NFC North. This game has playoff implications for both teams. Coach Aaron Kromer and Guard Jermon Bushrod are now with the Bears. This is going to be a challenge for the Saints, and turnovers will likely determine the victor.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Saints.

Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 1.


Week 5, Game 3: Patriots (4-0) @ Bengals (2-2)

N/A: AFC opponents. Note: Tom Brady is still chasing Drew Brees’ consecutive games with a TD pass.

Vegas odds on this game: Patriots by 1.


Week 5, Game 4: Lions (3-1) @ Packers (1-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Packers had a bye last week, and have had a lot of time to prepare for the Lions, who just came off a VERY EMOTIONAL win (at home) vs. the previously unbeaten Bears. Packers are primed to ambush the Lions, who are not quite as good on the road. Even so, Lions’ QB (Matt Stafford) has capable weapons in Megatron and Reggie Bush. Not only that, but the Lions’ front four are among the best in the NFL. If the Packers cannot mount an effective running game, it will be a very LONG afternoon for Aaron Rodgers.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Packers (because of the early W-L records of both teams. But an effective argument could be made for pulling for the Lions. I say: Bury the Packers with each and every opportunity.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Packers by 7.


Week 5, Game 5: Seahawks (4-0) @ Colts (3-1)

a. Why it is important: Seahawks, along with the Saints, are still undefeated. This is too early to start thinking about playoff seeding. Even so, it is an important game of interest to every team in the NFC, including the Saints. Colts’ lone loss this year was at HOME vs. the Dolphins. The only wrinkle is the fact that the Seahawks won a very emotional (and PHYSICAL) game vs. the Texans last week. This is also their second straight road game. Seahawks look good, and it will take a great effort by all phases of the Colts’ game to pull off a victory.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference opponents are an easy pick. Pull for the Colts.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10. N/A: AFC opponents
Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 3.


Week 5, Game 6: Ravens (2-2) @ Dolphins (3-1)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Dolphins by 3.


Week 5, Game 7: Eagles (1-3) @ Giants (0-4)

a. Why it is important: Both Eagles and Giants are NFC rivals. Giants are officially desperate, and will likely play their best game of the season at home. Even so, neither the Giants nor the Eagles are out of the hunt, since the team in 1st place (Cowboys) are only at a mere .500 with a 2-2 record.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Giants.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Giants by 2- 1/2.


Week 5, Game 8: Chiefs (4-0) @ Titans (2-2)

N/A: NFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Chiefs by 3.


Week 5, Game 9: Jaguars (0-4) @ Rams (1-3)

a. Why it is important: Rams are an NFC rival. Rams are vulnerable in this one. The Jaguars have a chance for a “W” because they have NO PRESSURE to win. The Rams were expected to be more competitive than they have been thus far. I’m not sure, but Buddy D might have said: “Take the Jags and the points.” Jacksonville has a decent shot at keeping the difference to leass than double digits.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jaguars.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Rams by 12.


Week 5, Game 10: Panthers (1-3) @ Cardinals (1-3)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Panthers are also a division rival. Panthers are coming off a 38-0 drubbing of the Giants prior to the bye week they just completed. Cardinals are very competitive at home.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Cardinals.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Panthers by 2- ½.


Week 5, Game 11: Broncos (4-0) @ Cowboys (2-2)

a. Why it is important: Cowboys are an NFC rival, and sit atop the NFC East with a 2-2 record. Peyton Manning is having an absolutely MONSTER year. He has 16 TD passes with zero int’s. He has broken the NFL all time record with his performance in the first 4 games. The Cowboys are vastly improved, and have a deceptive and disruptive defense. Without a doubt they will be ready to play vs. the Broncos. The question is: Can they keep up with the Broncos, who are arguably the BEST team in the NFL right now. Most would say: No, the Cowboys will not be able to keep up.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Broncos. After week 5, the NFC East leader could have a sub- .500 record.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 7 out 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 9.



(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 5, Game 12: Texans (2-2) @ 49’ers (2-2)

a. Why it is important: 49’ers are an NFC rival. Texans need to get back on track. If Arian Foster has a big game, it will keep Matt Schaub off the turf, and their play-action passes will be more effective. The 49’ers are very good at home, and are trying to keep pace with the NFC West-leading Seahawks.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Texans.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: 49’ers by 6.


Week 5, Game 13: Chargers (2-2) @ Raiders (1-3)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Chargers by 5.


Monday October 7th


Week 5, Game 14: Jets (2-2) @ Falcons (1-3)

a. Why it is important: Falcons are a conference and NFC South rival. The Falcons have slipped to 1-3, despite a 13-3 record in 2012. Fans are getting antsy in Georgia, and there may be a revolt if the Falcons slip to 1-4. Everyone in the WhoDat nation are going to be munching and watching (and enjoying), and hoping for a Falcons’ fan base meltdown. Stay tuned!

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Jets. Oddsmakers are expecting a possible Falcons’ blowout.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Falcons by 10.


News from Enemy Camps (Week 5):

NFC East Leaders:
(Cowboys): Dallas Cowboys Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC North Leaders
(Bears): Chicago Bears Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leaders:
(Seahawks): Seattle Seahawks Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Stealthman

Does anyone have any thoughts on these weekly columns?

They are submitted as a courtesy and public service to the WhoDat Nation, exclusively at B&G.com.

saintfan

Me likey long time

|Mitch|

Man; I hope the Jets pull off the major upset!

homerj07

I think they are frippen awesome. Please continue.