Here we are: Week 5! It’s amazing how, once you get into the swing of things, how quickly football season starts to fly by. Last week the Over/Under picks were solid, maybe you listened, maybe you didn’t. But, I won all of my games and remain in 1st place in 2 of my 3 leagues. How did you do? Last week’s 7 for 11 (Alex Smith played 3 downs, it was hard to gauge which direction he was headed) showing lifted my season totals to 30 for 47, or 64% according to the Funston Scale O’ Success (QBs > 15 points, RBs > 10 points, WRs > 7 points). So, get out your notepads, class is about to start.

Better Than Usual: QBs

Donovan McNabb – BYE – Because sitting on your ass is better than negative 9 points, right? Kidding… On to the real picks.

Drew Brees – NO vs. CAR – Okay, this is an ideal situation for a comeback. The Saints are coming off of a bye week at home to play a Panthers team who has looked downright repugnant the last two games. Their pass defense is in the bottom half of the league. If Brees can’t pull it together this Sunday, write him off if you haven’t already.

Jeff Garcia – TB @ IND – I know, I know. The Colt’s pass defense is very solid. But, Bob Sanders will either be out or very very tender with bruised ribs. Plus, the Bucs will be playing from behind all day without Cadillac. I think Jeffy can make it happen.

Not So Much: QBs

Matt Hasselbeck – SEA @ PIT – This will be Hasselbeck’s first true test this season. Against the likes of Tampa Bay, Arizona, Cincinnati, and San Francisco he’s looked pretty good. But, pretty good won’t cut it against possibly the best defense in the league currently.

Jon Kitna – DET @ WAS – Kitna has been playing out of his element all season with a receiving corps that is better than Kitna’s boy, Jesus. However, Washington has a pretty solid passing defense and Calvin Johnson may or may not be available the whole game. Better hope Jesus isn’t watching the Patriots game, Kitna.

Better Than Usual: RBs

Reggie Bush – NO vs. CAR – There’s been a lot of speculation as of late about Reggie Bush not being the superstar everyone expected. Well, I think he is. Now he won’t be sharing carries, and watch as he proves the doubters wrong in this NFC South matchup at home.

Brandon Jacobs – NYG vs. NYJ – He’s baaaack! The only problem is that Derrick Ward has been playing so well that Jacobs won’t be getting all the carries. But, the good news is that Ward wasn’t getting the red zone carries very often anyways, so feel good about playing Brandon Jacobs against the 5th worst run defense in the league.

Not So Much: RBs

Marshawn Lynch – BUF vs. DAL – Dallas eats running backs for breakfast + Dallas 56, Buffalo 3 halftime score = Very little action for Marshawn Lynch.

Joseph Addai – IND vs. TB – He’s been great, but now he’s got an injured shoulder. The Bucs will keep the Colts honest with a surprisingly good defense. But, when the Colts get up on the Bucs and move to their running game to run down the clock, it will be Kenton Keith running out the clock, not Addai if he can even make it that long. Shoulder injuries on running backs worry me.

Better Than Usual: WRs

Drew Bennett – STL vs. ARI – This is the week, right here. This is the week that Drew Bennett shows his sleeper stuff. Isaac Bruce is unlikely to play, there’s a fresh QB at the helm, a weakish defense in town. Everything adds up. This is Drew Bennett’s week.

Antwaan Randle El – WAS vs. DET – Santana Moss is sounding less and less likely to play this week against a rotten Detroit pass defense. If this is the case, feel free to stick Randle El in the mix this week.

Not So Much: WRs

Dwayne Bowe – KC vs. JAC – Wow, Kansas City hasn’t had speed like this since George Brett shot out of the dugout after having a home run erased for having too much tar on his bat. Unfortunately, Jacksonville has the third best pass defense and no one else to bother keying in on.

Deion Branch – SEA @ PIT – The unrelenting attack of Pittsburgh’s defense will be plenty to keep Branch under wraps all day. Plus, Bobby Engram established himself pretty well last week. With Branch being guarded closely and other valid options available…goodnight, Mr. Branch.

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