NFL picks 2017, Week 5: Experts expect win streaks to continue for Eagles, Steelers

What’s the most exciting game on the schedule this week? The Packers are in Dallas to play the Cowboys, a game that has all kinds of playoff type vibes to it. Houston hosts the Chiefs Sunday night, pitting the AFC’s two hottest teams against each other in what probably won’t be a repeat of the last putrid playoff game between them.

But neither one of those outings has the same pull as the Chargers at Giants. These two 0-4 teams will have fans rubbernecking to see what kind of ugly football will result. One of these winless wonders won’t be quite so woeful come Sunday evening. Unless, of course they tie, which given the overall futility of both teams is not something we can rule out.

Our panel has a distinct lean toward the Giants winning this one. I’m not so sure. As one of two panelists to pick the Chargers, I’m basing that on the San Diego Los Angeles pass rush duo of Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. It’s been a slow start for the pair, who were held without a sack against the Eagles last week. The Giants do not have the Eagles’ offensive line though. And the mere presence of Ereck Flowers on an island at left tackle is what every pass rusher in need a jumpstart should hope to see.

The AFC East-leading Buffalo Bills are widely expected to handle the Bengals. Then again, Andy Dalton and Co. have looked awfully rejuvenated after the offensive coordinator change.

I never thought I’d see the day when more of our panelists were picking the Rams over the Seahawks. Of course, given that under Jeff Fisher the Rams could be counted on to thump Seattle and fart away at least nine other games, I don’t know what to expect anymore.

Question for the Raiders fans out there: How much faith do you have in E.J. Manuel? You’re stuck with him for at least a couple of weeks. That’s enough of a question mark that the majority of our panelists are taking the Ravens to win in Oakland, which is an almost illogical amount of faith in Joe Flacco.

Mitch Trubisky is going to start for the Bears this week in a Monday night game against the Vikings. Replacing Mike Glennon is enough to get most of the picks this week on Chicago’s side. Also, two weeks in a row with the Bears in primetime? Come on, NFL.

The only unanimous picks this week, for now, are for the Eagles to beat the Cardinals in Philadelphia. Hard to argue with that one. And for the Steelers to beat the Jaguars in Pittsburgh. It should be hard to argue that one too, unless we get another one of those shockingly competent Jaguars performances, the ones where you barely notice Blake Bortles is there. We probably won’t get one of those performances.

Our guest this week is Matt Rich Warren, the blogger-in-chief over at Buffalo Rumblings, SB Nation’s Bills team site. He’s got some big shoes to fill. Last week’s guest picker, Rich Hill from Pats Pulpit, topped the field with a sterling 13-3 mark.

One quick reminder: We allow our panel to change up to two picks before Friday to account for late-breaking news and injuries. So be sure to check back then. Remember, these are straight up picks too, not against the spread. We’ll have something for you big-time bettors out there on Saturday.

OK, enough. On with the picks!

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