Written by Jon Lee
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NFL Week 5: Top 4 Picks
Last weekend, our analyst went 2-1, bringing his record through the early part of this season to a respectable 4-3-2. After 4 weeks, he’s posted a profit on his picks, and now, he’s ready to get aggressive. With the refs back and all teams done with a fourth of the season, he’s ready to make 4 picks this week. As always, the first pick is free, but the next three are for members only…not a member? Sign up now using the coupon code nflrefs (case sensitive) and you’ll get access to membership for 25% off. However, this offer expires after this weekend, so Join Today!
Free Pick for Week 5
Pittsburgh Steelers -3.5 vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Simulations have the Steelers winning outright nearly 68 percent of the time. The Eagles are 3-1, but have somehow won those three games by a combined four points. They rank 27th in the league in turnover margin (-5), and it is fool’s gold to believe you can continually win in the NFL giving the football away and relying on last second miracles. Philadelphia’s defense is solid, and the defensive line should give Pittsburgh problems. Ben Roethlisberger has been a wizard his entire career however somehow avoiding pressure and surviving with a weak offensive line. This is the week I expect Philadelphia’s luck to run out.
Minnesota Vikings -5.5 vs. Tennessee Titans
The Vikings are one of the surprise teams in the NFC, and if they cover this week it will be time to consider them as just a good team. The computer has Minnesota winning by 8 points, and covering this spread 59 percent of the time. Jake Locker is out for the Titans meaning Matt Hasselbeck will step in yet again at quarterback. I am not a fan of Locker, but he was capable of making certain plays athletically that Hasselbeck is not capable of at this point in his career. The AccuScore computer is 3-1 picking both of these teams ATS so I will side with it in this game as well.
Chicago Bears at Jacksonville Jaguars Under 41 Points
This is a relatively low line for the NFL, but the computer still projects the Under at 63 percent. These two teams average only 36 points combined in simulations.
San Diego Chargers at New Orleans Saints Over 54 Points
The Saints are desperate for a win, and with their horrendous defense, they will go for it behind their offense. That means the Chargers will also be throwing to score points and keep up which should translate to an entertaining offensive game. The Over occurs in nearly 57 percent of simulations. The computer has gone 3-1 for both teams picking Totals this season.
