NFL Preview: Week 5

Vikings @ Jets. If only this game had an angle. LaDainian Tomlinson shined in Buffalo, returning to a feautured role as the Jets backed up the smack and moved to 3-1, including wins over all their divisional opponents. He'll face the running back of this generation, as Adrian Peterson and the Vikings come to New Jersey with just one win and a new star wideout. Randy Moss probably thought a trade would mean his Revis days and sleepless nights were over, but he'll have to face Darrelle twice this year as originally scheduled. Oh yeah, Santonio Holmes is back from suspension and will make his Jets debut on MNF. Tune in.

Chiefs @ Colts. Q. What do the Chiefs secondary and their 3-0 record have in common? A. They're both about to get broken by Peyton Manning. If this game were scheduled in Arrowhead it would be easier to imagine a scenario in which the walking hall-of-famer didn't shred KC. It may take another 50 attempts, but at home on the turf, Peyton will find a way to hand the Chiefs their first loss.

Ravens vs. Broncos. After barely winning at Pittsburgh against the Big Ben-less Steelers, the 3-1 Ravens have to improve to win their division. The combination of Dennis Dixon and primarily Charlie Batch were this close to a 4-0 start for the Steelers, they get their starting QB back and have the bye this week to think about it, then face Cleveland. There are no trap games for Ray Lewis, so the Ravens should outlast Kyle Orton and the Denver air attack, but a visit to New England Week 6 will put their division lead at risk.

Giants @ Texans. Through the first four weeks, the Jekyll-and-Hyde Giants have looked either dominant or absolutely awful, while the Janus-faced Texans have been dominant on offense and absolutely awful on defense. League-leading rusher Arian Foster will slow the Giant pass rush that Matt Forte and Chester Taylor could not, allowing Matt Schaub to make just enough plays to Andre Johnson to win and move to 4-1.

Chargers @ Raiders. In search of their first road win, San Diego should find it in Oakland. The Bolts are now missing just Vincent Jackson, with Marcus McNeill signed and Mathews and Merriman back from injuries, so all systems are officially go. The regular season tear has begun for Norv's bunch, to be followed by the postseason tears for Chargers fans.

Panthers vs. Bears If Jimmy Clausen is going to win a game this year, here's his chance. The 0-4 Panthers host 3-1 Chicago, who are forced to start Todd Collins, who turns 39 in a month and is already banged up from his share of the Giant mauling last week. Carolina will be without Steve Smith, allowing John Fox unlimited carries for Williams and Stewart, who will work to wear down a tough front seven. With the biggest air weapons out for both teams, this should be a ground game where the edge goes to Carolina. If Mike Martz tries to open it up with Collins or third-stringer Caleb Hanie, the Panthers could win this one on D.