Honolulu Star-Advertiser

Saturday, December 14, 2024 74° Today's Paper


Sports

NFL week 5 preview

All games Hawaii time tomorrow unless otherwise stated. TV games subject to change. Capsules by the Associated Press. Byes: Miami, New England, Pittsburgh, Seattle.

 

Philadelphia at San Francisco

Time: 2:20 p.m. (KHNL)
Line: 49ers by 3

Kevin Kolb didn’t look all that prepared when he had to replace injured Michael Vick (ribs, chest) against the Redskins. Considering the ample weapons the Eagles have on offense, Kolb needs to get up to speed against a San Francisco team in disarray.

 

Denver at Baltimore

Time: 7 a.m. (KGMB)
Line: Ravens by 7

The Broncos made an impressive comeback at Tennessee and now get an even tougher road test. Kyle Orton has been brilliant at times as the league’s busiest passer, and he’ll need to keep his arm warm against the Ravens, the NFL’s stingiest team against the pass. This is the Ravens’ first of three home games in the next four matches.

 

N.Y. Giants at Houston

Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Texans by 3

Angry about their showings against the Colts and Titans, the Giants took it out with 10 sacks vs. the Bears. They’re likely to need such a fierce pass rush against a Houston offense that has 108 points, fourth in the league. Houston gets back last year’s top defensive rookie, linebacker Brian Cushing.

 

Green Bay at Washington

Time: 7 a.m. (KHON)
Line: Packers by 2 1/2

Washington must rely on untested RB Ryan Morain with Clinton Portis gone for at least a month with a groin injury. But the Green Bay rushing defense ranks only 24th, and the Packers also have issues running the ball. That means more reliance on Aaron Rodgers’ arm.

 

Kansas City at Indianapolis

Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Colts by 7

It’s barely surprising there’s an undefeated team in this matchup. It’s shocking that the Chiefs are spotless, the league’s only club without a loss.

 

Chicago at Carolina

Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Panthers by 1 1/2

Chicago’s QBs should be very glad that Julius Peppers now is on their side. The Bears must shore up their blocking unit, which allowed 10 sacks against the Giants and left Jay Cutler with a concussion.

 

Atlanta at Cleveland

Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Falcons by 3

The Falcons were fortunate to escape against San Francisco, and the Browns finally won a game after leading in the fourth quarter every week.

 

Jacksonville at Buffalo

Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Bills by 1

Hard to believe the Bills could be favored against anyone, particularly a team that comes off a stirring upset of Indianapolis on Josh Scobee’s 59-yard field goal.

 

Tampa Bay at Cincinnati

Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Bengals by 6 1/2

Terrell Owens had his first big game for the Bengals and they still lost last week to the Browns. Cincinnati must be careful against a young and improved Tampa Bay squad whose pass defense is its best unit.

 

New Orleans at Arizona

Time: 10:05 a.m.
Line: Saints by 7

The Saints have yet to have a breakout game offensively, but they look like world-beaters compared to the Cardinals, who somehow are 2-2 despite being outscored by 60 points.

 

Tennessee at Dallas

Time: 10:15 a.m. (KGMB)
Line: Cowboys by 7

While the Cowboys look to build off their first strong effort in a victory over the Texans two weeks ago, the Titans need to find running room for Chris Johnson, who is off to a slow start.

 

San Diego at Oakland

Time: 10:15 a.m.
Line: Chargers by 6

The Chargers could tie the longest active winning string against one team with a 14th consecutive victory over the Raiders. San Diego won its two home games handily, lost two close ones on the road.

 

St. Louis at Detroit

Time: 7 a.m.
Line: Lions by 3

St. Louis is getting excellent work from top overall draft pick Sam Bradford, despite a pedestrian group of receivers. The Lions struggle in all defensive categories, but they also throw the ball pretty well.

 

Minnesota at N.Y, Jets

Time: 2:30 p.m. Monday (ESPN)
Line: Jets by 4

If Darrelle Revis is over his hamstring injury, he can return for yet another matchup with Randy Moss, just acquired from the New Engalnd Patriots.

 

Comments are closed.