Week 5 - 4:00 O'Clock Games

Tampa Bay at San Francisco

Freeman was huge on Monday night with his arm, throwing a solid 287 yards and one touchdown, but more importantly were his legs. When the Bucs were in a tough spot in the fourth quarter, Freeman did as Freeman does, and once again led his team downfield for a game winning scoring drive. Freeman’s fourth quarter play is something that was talked about a lot last week, and he proved why. When the game is close, and time is winding down, Freeman is proving he’s one of the more clutch quarterbacks in the league. Not only was Freeman good, but they got the legs I was expecting out of Blount for 127 yards on only 25 touches. If Blount can do that again, then Tampa Bay could pose a pretty big threat for the 49ers.

San Francisco sits atop a lowly NFC West. The only team with more than one win has surprised many with their 3-1 start. Frank Gore last week threw the team on his one leg, and hobbled his way through a repulsive Eagles defense for 127 yards on only 15 carries. More impressive has been the 9ers defense. They’ve already picked off opposing quarterbacks six times, forced five fumbles, and amassed nine sacks in just four games. This defense is for real.

I like both of these teams. I think they’re both underrated, and can both do incredible things. This week though, I think Patrick Willis and the 49ers defense is going to shut down Freeman’s attempt at starting 4-1.

San Francisco takes one at home 24-14

New York Jets at New England

This year the Jets have not been able to find their running game. With only averaging 71 rushing yards a game, they’ve been struggling to stay afloat in most games this season. Sure the Jets started off hot, they had back to back wins to start the season, one being handed to them by Tony Romo, and the other being handed to them by the league when they scheduled the Jaguars for week two. Since then, the Jets lost to two good teams in the Raiders and got pummeled by the Ravens. Luckily for New York fans, the Patriots defense is nothing close to what the Ravens through at them last week. For the Jets to be successful this week, they’re going to need to rely on their defense to assault Tom Brady, and get some early takeaways.

Last week Brady threw for his least amount of yards so far this season with only 226 yards on 16 completions and two touchdowns. The Patriots went the whole game without turning the ball over to the Raiders though, and played with a much more balanced attack that Brady himself said he liked. With guys like Stevan Ridley and BenJarvus Green-Ellis showing some life in the Patriots running game, that potent offense just got much more dangerous. I expect the Pats to continue with what they did last week, and show a balanced front against a Jets defense that could spell some trouble.

The Pats have to still be mad about how their season ended last year, and now is really their first chance at true revenge. I expect big plays, and a few early scores. I don’t think it’s going to be a blowout like it was during the regular season last year, but I do expect some numbers to be put on the board.

Pats do what they do best and win. Patriots 31 Jets 17

San Diego at Denver

San Diego has built up a really nice offense early in the season. Philip Rivers has consistently been good, with a completion percentage close to 70, and five touchdowns. Despite having six interceptions, he already has close to 1300 yards, and looks like he could be dangerous week in and week out as any other quarterback in the league. With weapons like Vincent Jackson for Rivers to throw to it isn’t hard to see why they’ve been successful through the air. And to complete the balanced attack, the Chargers have a backfield complimentary of itself with Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert. All around this offense is solid, and I won’t be surprised when they show up to play this weekend.

Denver needs an identity. They’re always questioned by their quarterback situation, their leading receiver is second year player Eric Decker, and their running game is just something I don’t understand. McGahee has all of their rushing touchdowns this season with a total of one. If a team can’t pound the ball in with the running game, I don’t see how they can be successful in the NFL.

San Diego beats up on a soft Broncos team 27-13