NFL 2012 Week 5 Predictions: Philadelphia vs. Pittsburgh, San Diego vs. New Orleans

We're through with the first quarter of the 2012 NFL season, and it's still anybody's game. Here are VIBE.com’s NFL Week 5 Previews.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

The gridiron battle of Pennsylvania 2012 will commence this weekend in Pittsburgh. This game is going to be a litmus test for the Eagles. They’ve won three games by a total of four points. The crazy thing about the Eagles is that they haven’t even played up to their full potential yet. It’s still early in the season and if they ever get rolling on all cylinders, look out!

Unfortunately, the Eagles will be grounded this weekend by the Steelers. The Steelers have been rested for a week now after a tough loss in Oakland two weeks ago. They have all of their power players back — Troy Polamalu, Rashard Mendenhall, and James Harrison. All of these players will have a huge impact on the game.

No matter how many times Andy Reid gives the ball to LeSean McCoy, even if Mike Vick throws no picks, there’s no way the Steelers are losing this game and going 1-3. The Eagles will be able to move the ball, but once they get into the redzone Pittsburgh will hold them to field goals which will be the difference in the game. Steelers win 21 – 13.

Denver Broncos vs. New England Patriots

We’ve all seen this story before. Peyton Manning travels to New England and plays hide-an-go-get-sacked. The Patriots have been a thorn in the side of Peyton Manning his entire career, and this won’t change now that he’s a member of the Denver Broncos.

It’s not rocket science. Peyton Manning is the property of Patriots head coach, Bill Belichick. Patriots win easy, 31 – 20.

San Diego Chargers vs. New Orleans Saints

Rewind to the end of 2005. Drew Brees gets hurt in the final game of the seaosn. The franchise has already drafted Philip Rivers to replace Brees two years earlier. Brees was able to do to Rivers what “these n*ggas” haven’t been able to do to Rick Ross — hold him back! We know how the story ends…no one wants Brees after 2005 except for the Saints and the Dolphins. He becomes a Saint and three years later, he wins a Super Bowl while Rivers struggles to get San Diego an AFC championship.

The two meet in New Orleans this weekend. The Chargers are 3-1 and off to an unusual hot start and with their 0-4 record, it looks as if the Saints are being punished for their 0-4 record.

If you’re from “The Boot” rejoice this week. You’re getting a W in the win column. Even though the team is 0-4, Drew Brees is still tearing a hole in defenses. The Chargers don’t have much outside of Philip Rivers. This game is going to be a shootout with New Orleans coming out on top.

For more from Richard Boadu, checkout 6Magazine.com