NFL Picks Against the Spread 2014: Week 5

Before Week 5 of the 2014 NFL season kicks off, I thought we would have some fun by taking a look at the spreads for this week's round of games. (Click here for NFL Week 5 picks without regard to the spread.)

Here are my suggestions when trying to beat Vegas. You can find all of today's NFL betting lines and more at the SB Nation odds page. My record so far this season: 24-30-1. (Last week's picks.)

I finished below .500 in Week 3 at 5-6. I'm just not having a great year.

2014 NFL WEEK 5

Chicago Bears at Carolina Panthers (-3): Neither of these teams looked very good in Week 4. The Panthers didn't look very good in Week 3 either. That said, I like Carolina to rebound at home here. Pick: Panthers -3

Cleveland Browns at Tennessee Titans (-1.5): The Titans have just looked awful ever since their Week 1 win. The Browns have been keeping games close, on the other hand. Pick: Browns +1.5

St. Louis Rams at Philadelphia Eagles (-7): I don't think the Eagles will go a second straight week without scoring a single offensive point. Philadelphia's run game could finally come alive due to the return of Lane Johnson and a poor St. Louis rush defense. The Eagles have won six straight regular season home games. Pick: Eagles -7

Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants (-4): I never like the Falcons on the road. I took Minnesota outright over Atlanta last week and was rewarded for it. I don't see how you can get bet on the Falcons here. Take the G-men. Pick: Giants -4

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (-11): The Saints just haven't look very good this year. I don't care that they're at home. The Buccaneers have looked bad but they showed some signs of life in Week 4. Going with the underdogs here. Pick: Buccaneers +11

Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys (-6): The Cowboys have been on hot streak ever since losing in Week 1. The Texans are 3-1, which is nice, but I don't totally buy them yet. Especially on the road in Dallas. If anything, I can see them cover/push, but I don't see a Texans win. Pick: Cowboys -6

Buffalo Bills at Detroit Lions (-7): That Detroit defense is looking pretty good. The Bills named Kyle Orton as their starting quarterback. I have to take the Lions at home. Pick: Lions -7

Baltimore Ravens at Indianapolis Colts (-3.5): The Colts have been on a tear (against lesser competition) but the Ravens are looking pretty good as well. I don't know that I like the Ravens to win but I like the points. Picks: Ravens +3.5

Pittsburgh Steelers (-7) at Jacksonville Jaguars: Pittsburgh had the game in their hands and completely blew it last week. They'll be looking to rebound on the road. Ever since the Jaguars scored 17 first half points against the Eagles in Week 1, they have been outscored by a total of 41 to 152. I don't know how anyone can take the Jaguars. Pick: Steelers -7

Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos (-7.5): The Cardinals are 3-0 and the defense looks good. That unit will face a big test against the Broncos in Denver. I don't like the idea of counting on a team with Drew Stanton at quarterback, but I wonder if that Arizona defense can at least keep this game close. Pick: Cardinals +7.5

Kansas City Chiefs at San Francisco 49ers (-6): The Chiefs have finally seemed to hit their groove after starting the season 0-2. The 49ers rebounded in Week 4 but still haven't looked overly impressive. Alex Smith revenge game. Pick: Chiefs +6

New York Jets at San Diego Chargers (-7): The Jets aren't good. The Chargers are good. It's that simple. Pick: Chargers -7

Cincinnati Bengals (-1.5) at New England Patriots: Looks weird to see the Patriots not favored at home, but it's totally deserved. The Patriots have done little to inspire confidence. The Bengals, on the other hand, have looked very good. Pick: Bengals -1.5

Seattle Seahawks (-7.5) at Washington Redskins: I'm really not sure why Seattle isn't favored by more here. Washington has allowed 79 points in their last two games. Kirk Cousins is turnover prone. The Seahawks are coming off of their bye week. This one is all Seattle. Pick: Seahawks -7.5