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NFL Pick – Week 5

The Philadelphia Eagles were supposed to be the Dream Team in the NFL last year, and they didn’t even make the playoffs. This year’s version of the Eagles haven’t gotten quite as much publicity, but they are off to a solid 3-1 start. Pittsburgh is off to an uncharacteristically slow 1-2 start to the season. This intra-state matchup will be a big one for both teams. Let’s take a look at this battle.

Game Overview:

Philadelphia squeaked out a win over the New York Giants last weekend. The Eagles haven’t played particularly well so far this year, but they have been finding ways to win. Mike Vick has been less than impressive so far this season. Vick has completed just 56.8 percent of his passes. He also has six interceptions compared to just four touchdowns. Turnovers in general have been a major problem for Vick, and he’ll have to take better care of the ball moving forward. LeSean McCoy is one of the most consistent running backs in the league, and he has a 4.7 yards per carry average in 2012. Turnovers have cost this offense in a big way. The Eagles rank fifth in the league in total offense, but they are 30th in the NFL in points per game.

Philadelphia’s defense has more than held their own so far this season. The Eagles talented defensive front is terrific at pressuring the quarterback, and they are also solid at stopping the running game. The Eagles have two very good corners in Asomugha and Rodgers-Cromartie. The safety position has been a question mark over the past couple years, but these safeties have been solid this year.

Pittsburgh won their home game against the Jets, but road games against Denver and Oakland didn’t end well for the Steelers. The Steelers were in complete control of the Oakland game, but they couldn’t finish it off. Pittsburgh’s rushing game was a concern coming into the season, and it has been terrible thus far. The Steelers are averaging just 65 yards per game on the ground. Ben Roethlisberger is struggling to stay up behind another poor offensive line. Still, when he does get time to throw, Big Ben has been very good. He has eight touchdown passes compared to just one interception. Antonio Brown, Mike Wallace, and Heath Miller are all off to a good start for the Steelers. This unit needs to find some more balance to keep defenses honest.

The Pittsburgh defense is still one of the best in the NFL. The front seven is absolutely stacked with talent, and Troy Polamalu is one of the best defensive play makers in the league at the safety position. Ziggy Hood, Casey Hampton, and Brett Keisel are awesome up front. The linebackers make plays as well as any in the NFL. Poor field position has hurt the Steelers quite a bit this year, and that is something that needs to get turned around.

Free NFL Pick:

Neither of these offenses have been clicking of late, and I don’t see that changing in this one. Look for the defenses to control this one. I like the under.

Steelers 20 Eagles 17