NFL picks Week 5: Can the Browns make it three wins in a row?

Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns (-3.5)

Two weeks ago, the Browns were a laughing stock for trading Trent Richardson away. Today, they're arguably the best team in what's become a suddenly weak AFC North. Cleveland's defense is playing good football and will keep the score low. Prediction: Browns 20, Bills 14

Kansas City Chiefs (-3) at Tennessee Titans

The Chiefs are playing outstanding football right now. They have a mistake-free offense and a defense giving up little ground. Kansas City will need Brandon Flowers ready this week, though Tennessee is forced to start Ryan Fitzpatrick at quarterback. Prediction: Chiefs 27, Titans 20

Jacksonville Jaguars at St. Louis Rams (-11.5)

Only the Jaguars could cause a team as bad as the Rams to be 11.5-point favorites. As tempting as it is to pick the Jaguars against the spread, how can you? This Jags might be the worst team of the modern era. Prediction: Rams 20, Jaguars 6

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals (-1)

The Patriots' defense has been impressive this season. But now the Patriots will have to defend A.J. Green. Even so, the Patriots' offense is beginning to click and they might get Rob Gronkowski back this week. Prediction: Patriots 23, Bengals 20

Seattle Seahawks (-3) at Indianapolis Colts

The Seahawks have struggled some on the road this year. They barely beat Carolina and struggled for three quarters at Houston. Indianapolis poses more problems than either of those teams and could wind up with the upset of the week. Prediction: Colts 24, Seahawks 23

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers (-7)

This line surprises me because both teams have high-flying offenses with secondaries that have given up some yards and points. The Lions get the edge with how Reggie Bush has played of late. He's looked like a top five back through four games. Prediction: Lions 35, Packers 31

New Orleans Saints (-1) at Chicago Bears

The Saints have established themselves as a true contender and it's not because of their offense. Their defense has made a complete turnaround, ranking fifth against the pass. If the Bears are unable to throw the ball, then Marc Trestman's offense has problems. Prediction: Saints 34, Bears 27

Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants (-2)

Both NFC East teams have been disappointments to start the year, though the Eagles at least have an offense. The Giants don't have an offense outside of Victor Cruz and can't stop anybody. The Eagles should be able to post some offensive numbers against the Giants. Then again, with how bad the Eagles are on defense, so should the Giants. Prediction: Eagles 38, Giants 30

Carolina Panthers (-2) at Arizona Cardinals

The Panthers are coming off a bye and get to play a Cardinals team that escaped what would have been an embarrassing defeat to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Panthers' defense is coming into its own and the Panthers are tailoring their offense more toward Cam Newton's strengths. The Panthers could be hitting their stride. Prediction: Panthers 27, Cardinals 13

San Diego Chargers (-4.5) at Oakland Raiders

Philip Rivers and the Chargers offense has been able to produce. The defense? Not so much. They've been one of the NFL's worst against the pass. It's a good thing Terrelle Pryor isn't a great passer. However, his read-option and scrambling capabilities could give San Diego some problems. San Diego wins but doesn't cover. Prediction: Chargers 30, Raiders 27

Denver Broncos (-7.5) at Dallas Cowboys

It doesn't matter who the Broncos play. This one's easy. Prediction: Broncos 38, Cowboys 21

Houston Texans at San Francisco 49ers (-6.5)

The Niners' defense looked what we expected them to be last week against St. Louis in a 35-11 win. They also got the extra weekend of rest after a Thursday game. Turnover prone Matt Schaub is beginning to feel some pressure in Houston and is likely to make a few more costly mistakes. Prediction: 49ers 26, Texans 17

New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons (-10)

The Falcons are 1-3, though their losses are nothing to be ashamed about. Atlanta's lost close games to New Orleans, Miami and New England, all of which are tough opponents. The Jets, on the other hand, aren't up to that level. That said, the Falcons are banged up and have a tendency to play down to their competition. Falcons win but don't cover. Prediction: Falcons 27, Jets 21