Ocho Cinco promises to kiss the star in Dallas.

Miami tries to slay another AFC giant.

Defending champs suspend their biggest playmaker.

Bills and Titans are unbeaten.

A big-time NFC East clash. Yeah, just another week in the NFL.

After a solid 8-5 record in Week 4, Raisin’ Brant currently sits at 32-27-1 against the spread this season. I am feeling a big week ahead … let’s take a look at the picks!

14. Cincinnati at Dallas (-17)
It is sounding more and more likely that Carson Palmer sits for a second straight week. This doesn’t bode well for a struggling offense, or for #85 who may have to eat his words after all but guaranteeing his first TD of the season.

After losing to the rival Redskins on their home turf, expect the Cowboys to attack a weak Bengals defense early and often. Seventeen points is a ridiculous spread for the NFL, but it may not be high enough for this matchup.
Pick: Dallas -17

13. Kansas City at Carolina (-9.5)
I hope Larry Johnson got all the numbers he was looking for against a soft Denver D, because the Panthers won’t be so generous. With the Panthers keying on L.J., the offense is back in the QB’s hands, which is a scary thought these days in K.C.

The Panthers are really starting to click in all facets, namely their two-headed rushing attack of DeAngelo Williams and rookie Jonathan Stewart. Once they have a comfortable lead, look for Carolina to send a couple extra defenders at Damon Huard, leaving the Chiefs QB with grass stains all over his back.
Pick: Carolina -9.5

12. Chicago (-3.5) at Detroit
Kyle Orton gained a little more of my respect last week, making all of the throws and racking up a career-high three TD passes in the first half. Go ahead and rest your arm this week, Kyle, it’s time for a heavy dose of rookie RB Matt Forte.

While Detroit fans are still giddy, I think it’s safe to say Matt Millen’s firing isn’t going to help the leagues worst run defense. Giving up more than 200 yards per game on the ground, the Lions are in for a long day.
Pick: Chicago -3.5

11. San Diego (-7) at Miami
The Chargers appear to have put the tough start behind them, winning their last two. With the offense rolling and the defense picking up after the loss of Shawn Merriman, San Diego is looking like the team everyone expected to see.

Yes. The Dolphins went into New England and smacked the Patriot right in the mouth. Yes. Ronnie Brown showed everyone he is back by scoring five TDs. But, raise your hand if you are confident they can repeat against an arguably stronger 2008 opponent? That’s what I thought.
Pick: San Diego -7

10. Atlanta at Green Bay (-1.5)
The Falcons come out of the dome for a matchup of 2-2 teams at Lambeau. Matt Ryan has played great for a rookie QB, but he has taken a back seat to Michael Turner and his flashes of brilliance.

Aaron Rodgers (shoulder) is still listed as questionable, and all signs are pointing to rookie Matt Flynn debuting under center this week. Flynn could be the steady hand the Packers need after losing their last two, but Green Bay would rather ease the young QB into action, leaning heavily on RB Ryan Grant.
Pick: Atlanta +1.5

9. Minnesota at New Orleans (-4)
The Vikings have got to be the biggest disappointment in the league through four weeks. Not only have they not been able to move the ball outside of RB Adrian Peterson, but now they can’t figure out how to stop anyone either.

Look whose back! Deuce McAllister instantly makes the Saints a threat to run up the middle again. Reggie Bush resumes his role of change of pace back, pass catcher, punt returner and all-around playmaker.
Pick: New Orleans -4

8. Pittsburgh at Jacksonville (-4)
When the season started, this figured to be one of the biggest matchups of the year. But, four weeks into the regular season and Pittsburgh is scrambling to hold it together. With Willie Parker likely out this week and rookie Rashard Mendenhall done for the season, the Steelers need Big Ben more now than ever. Unfortunately his line can’t stop a 4-man rush which has lead to 15 Roethlisberger sacks and a few nagging injuries for the star QB.

The Jags can’t wait to get this one started. With their trademark defense and run game, Jacksonville figures to wear down an already beat up Steelers team.
Pick: Jacksonville -4

7. New England (-3) at San Francisco
The win after a bye week has been nearly automatic under Belichick. Of course, that was with his Boy Wonder under center, not Matt Cassel. Regardless, expect the Patriots to come out prepared and confident as they look to bounce back from last week’s thumping at the hands of the Dolphins.

In San Fran, the league has already caught up with QB J.T. O’Sullivan, but they’ve still got Frank Gore. Gore has been solid as a rock this year and the Niners will get the ball into his hands by any means necessary.
Pick: New England -3

6. Indianapolis (-3) at Houston
After a much needed bye week to collect their thoughts, the Colts head into Houston to take on a dangerous Texans squad. Without Bob Sanders, Indy’s already porous Run D could be in for a long day. Of course there is always the Manning-to-Wayne combo on the other side of the ball.

The Texans have used RB Steve Slaton perfectly to this point, exploiting matchups with the rookie’s wide range of skills. Last week Slaton caught eight balls; this week, look for him to get most of his touches on the ground as Houston goes after the middle of Indy’s D.
Pick: Houston +3

5. Tampa Bay at Denver (-3)
Brian Griese returns to Denver with hopes of giving it to his old team. And with the Bucs newly found willingness to throw the ball, he may just get his wish. He and Tampa Bay come into this game with a little swagger after racking up three straight wins.

The Broncos gave up 33 points to the Chiefs last week, finding out the hard way that outscoring your opponent is not always as easy as it seems. It goes without saying, but Denver’s D is bad, so close your eyes and hope for a 40-point performance from Cutler and Company.
Pick: Denver -3

4. Seattle at New York Giants (-7)
The Seahawks are still hoping to activate some key pieces to their offense in wide receivers Deion Branch and Bobby Engram. A little help in the passing game would open a few more lanes for RB Julius Jones.

The defending champs, at home, following a bye week, against a team who just traveled cross-country. Even without WR Plaxico Burress, it’s hard not to like the Giants here. However, something just doesn’t feel right. I’m expecting an ugly game that stays within one score … take the points.
Pick: Seattle +7

3. Buffalo (PK) at Arizona
For the past few weeks, the Bills have been perfecting the art of the comeback. At 4-0, something special is brewing in Buffalo thanks in large part to their balanced attack of Marshawn Lynch on the ground and combo of Lee Evans and Trent Edwards through the air.

After two weeks on the East coast, the Cardinals are back home. Unfortunately, they had to bring their defense along with them. I defy you to find another team in the league who could pass for nearly 500 yards, score 35 points, yet still lose by 21 point. OK, maybe Detroit, but that’s about it.
Pick: Bills (PK)

2. Tennessee (-2.5) at Baltimore
Joe Flacco, have you met Albert Haynesworth? Haynesworth and the Titans D lead the charge into Baltimore holding on to a 4-0 record for the first time in Oilers/Titans franchise history.

After a tough loss to division rival Pittsburgh, the Ravens hope to get back in the win column, but may have to do so without RB Willis McGahee, who has been limited in practice with sore ribs.
Pick: Tennessee -2.5

1. Washington at Philadelphia (-5.5)
There isn’t a hotter team right now than the Redskins. QB Jason Campbell has yet to throw an interception and Washington as a team has only turned the ball over once. TE Chris Cooley could be the difference in this one as he creates mismatches all over the field, especially when Philly sends their beloved blitzes.

The latest word out of Eagles camp is that RB Brian Westbrook should start after a week of uncertainty. This is welcome news in Philly after watching last week’s game slip away, in large part to a run game that couldn’t get convert a 1st a goal from the 1.
Pick: Washington +5.5