Weekly Wager: Week 5

California @ Oregon (-24.0) - THU 9:00PM - ESPN
Don't expect a repeat of last year's 15-13 close call in Berkley. The #9 ranked Ducks want more than just a win this year, regardless of how cool they try to play it. Expect the Ducks to lay a beating on the Golden Bears and extend their 18 game win streak at home with the #1 offense in the nation (avg 52 ppg) leading the way. The Ducks have clearly bounced back from the loss against LSU in Dallas and will use this as their opportunity to remind everyone they're after the title as well.  Darron Thomas and LaMichael James will keep the offense clicking Thursday night...Cal 24, Oregon 51

Michigan @ Northwestern (-7.0) - SAT 7:00PM - BIG TEN NETWORK
While it feels like Northwestern is better than a team that would lose three straight this early in the season, expect just that to happen Saturday night in Evanston. #12 Ranked Michigan is off to a 5-0 start behind Denard Robinson's almost 800 yards passing and Big Ten-leading 603 rushing yards. More impressive though, is the just 10 points per game the Michigan D is allowing per contest. Brady Hoke seems to have things turned around in Ann Arbor, finally. Northwestern QB Dan Persa will look to have a big showing in his second game back, but the Michigan D will prove too be too much.  Look for Denard Robinson to have a big day against the second worst defense in the Big Ten...Michigan 34, Northwestern 13


Philadelphia @ Buffalo (+2.5) - SUN 1:00PM - FOX
Despite a tough loss in Cincy for the Bills, the Eagles have more to prove so look for them to have a strong showing and cover the spread...but not by much.  The key to the Eagles success will be LeSean McCoy.  Look for Andy Reid to get back to the basics and make LeSean the center of the offense this week.  At 363 rushing yards, he is fifth in the league and has also been a factor in the passing game after finishing second among running backs last year.  The Bills are tough at home but with their D giving up a large 405 yards of offense per game and 130 yards on the ground, expect Mike Vick and the Eagles to get back on track...Philadelphia 31, Buffalo 27

Green Bay @ Atlanta (+6.0) - SUN 8:20PM - NBC
As if the Packers weren't playing well enough, Brett Favre gave Mr. Aaron Rodgers a little extra motivation in his mid-week interview stating he was surprised Rodgers didn't win a Super Bowl sooner.  While Favre's comments might not seem so bad, it's clear he doesn't like being made to feel less important and he definitely tried to downplay Rodger's success by alluding to all the other talent on the team.  Regarding the numbers, Atlanta is clearly not last year's team.  Matt Ryan has a QB rating below 85.0 and the running game is averaging less than 100 yards per game.  Look for Rodgers and the Packers league leading offense to run up the score against the sixth worst defense...Green Bay 42, Atlanta 28