Week 5 MVRL Predictions

Week 5 of the NFL schedule has arrived, and with it comes many questions. Will the defending champs continue to look like chumps in Atlanta? How will the Bengals fare playing on the road against a quality opponent in a primetime game? Can the Packers beat the New Orleans/San Antonio/Baton Rouge Saints and pick up their first win of the season? Will L.T. run wild over the Steelers on MNF like he has his last two opponents? What will happen to T.O. if he attempts to spike the ball on the sacred star at midfield in Texas Stadium?
(my money's on Parcels running onto the field and tackling him)

More importantly, as we shift our focus to the MVRL, can TQ stay undefeated? Who's gonna win the showdown between the Creamers and Double Down? Can the suddenly silent Benchpressers stop their three game skid and revive the league website with the power rankings and picks?

The answers to all these questions and more are only a few days away.

After going 4-2 last week and moving to just two games below .500 for the year (11-13) with my picks, I'm feeling lucky. This could be my first perfect week, although I hope it's not. Anyhoo, here are my Week 5 predictions:

TQ's Burrowing Owls @ Hudnall's Hitters
TQ is 4-0. Call me crazy, but until someone steps up and beats him I'm going to give him the edge. Could this be the week? Maybe, especially with the Colts D playing the Niners and Donny McNabb showing no signs of actually being hurt. Me, I'm seeing another Monday Night Moment for the Owls-this time it's receiver Hines Ward getting it done. Owls 84, Hitters 81.
Mugshot alert! Did Torry Holt borrow Tiger Woods' teeth for that photo? Just curious.

Kamikaze Maddogs @ Crapshoot
Until Mike Martz commits to consistently establishing the run on a week-to-week basis, I'm not going to forecast big games from manchild Steven Jackson. With Martz having the week he has had, maybe now is a good time to get started on that. The Crapshoot's Matt Hasselbeck receives an early Christmas present, the Rams defense, but unfortunately he's not got his regulars to throw to. I expect another big game from Marvin Harrison, so look for the Kazedogs to win their second in two weeks. 'dogs 87, 'shoot 80.

Pietschskins @ Horned Puffins
I'll lose this one. Why? For one, L.T. faces a Steelers defense that is coming off its bye week (see TKN's NFL picks) and for two...isn't it obvious? CARSON PALMER! Betting against Carson would be like betting against Superman. There's only so much kryptonite in this world and I ain't got any. 'skins 111, Puffins 67.

Rampage @ Buffet Boys
Holy bye week, Hoffman! If Joe Horn were 100% I'd take the Rampage in this one because Bulger and Alexander are going to have big days at the Dome on Sunday. But he's not, and Peyton Manning faces the 49ers, so I gotta go with the Buffet Boys-in a close one. Boys 102, Rampage 95.

Benchpressers @ Carpetbaggers
Nothing is more disappointing thus far into the season than seeing Wes wave the white flag. Maybe an upset this week is what he needs to pump some life into his team. Since I don't see this one being a shootout, I'll throw Wes a bone. Why not? Benchpressers 81, Carpetbaggers 68.

Creamers @ Double Down
In the game of the week, I like Daniels. I know Moss is on a bye week, but his replacement (Antwaan Randle El) isn't exactly chopped liver. In fact, I'd start him over my first pick in the draft (Ashley Lelie) every week of the year. Ashley Lelie...my Lord, don't even get me started on him. He may have a posting of his own in the upcoming weeks. Anyway, even if Pietsch wasn't playing one of the the best teams in the league this week I'd pick him to lose...there is no way I can pick him to win again after seeing Jake Plummer and that hideous mugshot in his lineup. Double Down 116, Creamers 95.

As always, good luck to all and happy tailgating!