OUCH, the ol’Lineman took a pounding last time going 1-5 but Week Five is bounce back week.

As we race by the regular season quarter pole we are a tick above .500 but look for better in a week that features some big spreads.

Record: 13-11. Last week 1-5. Pick of the Week: 2-2

PICK OF THE WEEK

Washington Redskins (2-2) at Carolina Panthers (0-3) (Line Panthers minus 3 1/2)

The Panthers come off a bye week where they had plenty of time to digest a disappointing 0-3 start. Carolina quarterback Jake Delhomme has been a turnover machine. Delhomme has plenty of weapons at his disposal in wide outs Steve Smith and Muhsin Muhammad and running back DeAngelo Williams but must make better use of them. While Delhomme has looked shaky, Washington QB Jason Campbell hasn’t exactly been tearing up the league.

Redskins’ two wins have come over winless Rams and Buccaneers. The bye week came at an ideal time for the Panthers, who now look at a very appealing schedule starting with Redskins on Sunday followed by Tampa Bay and the Buffalo Bills who count one win between them. A home win Sunday and the Panthers will like their chances of getting to 3-3 and back in the playoff hunt.

Panthers show some bite. Take Panthers, give up the 3 1/2 points.

Oakland Raiders (1-3) at New York Giants (4-0) (Line Giants minus-15 1/2 points)

Giants quarterback Eli Manning is on the limp but could beat the woeful Raiders on one foot and one hand tied behind is back. I always find it hard to lay 15 plus points but the Raiders offence has produced just nine points in the last two games. JaMarcus Russell should be anchored to the bench by now but Raiders refuse to admit they made a mistake using the number one overall pick in the 2007 draft on a quarterback who could not find an open receiver if they were joined at the hip.

Take the Giants, give up the 15.5.

New England Patriots (3-1) at Denver Broncos (4-0) (Line, Broncos plus-3 1/2)

This one is being billed as the teacher (Patriots head coach Bill Belichick) verses the student (Broncos head coach Josh McDaniels). The Broncos have been the season’s biggest surprise but are possibly the worst team in NFL history to go 4-0. Two of Broncos’ wins came against sad sack Raiders and Browns but they did look a different class beating Dallas last week. While Broncos offense is smoke and mirrors, defence looks legit surrendering just 26 points in four games. But after missing most of last season Pats QB Tom Brady is starting to find his comfort zone.

Interesting stat, Brady has won 10 straight October starts, throwing 31 touchdowns. New England is starting to take the look of a Super Bowl contender. Still there are questions surrounding both teams and this week should provide the answers.

Student gets schooled by teacher. Take the Patriots and give up the 3 1/2 points.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) at the Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) (Line, Eagles minus-14 points)

Another team coming off a bye week and couldn’t have come at a better time for the banged up Eagles. Philly quarterback Donovan McNabb and running back Brian Westbrook rejoin an offence that is averaging more than 31 points a game. Bucs, who dream of being average, send out QB Josh Johnson to face those friendly Philly fans.

The Eagles take flight, Bucs sink. Take the Eagles, give up the 14 points.

Indianapolis Colts (4-0) at Tennessee Titans (0-4) (Line, Titans plus 3.5)

The Titans went 10-0 to start last season and will be 0-5 after Sunday. Colts QB Peyton Manning has been red hot, throwing over 300 yards in all four games. The Titans leaky secondary has given up more than 300 yards through the air in three-of-four games. Ummmm, that could be a problem for the Titans. Tennessee quarterback Kerry Collins has looked awful and calls for backup Vince Young are getting louder. The Colts have lost two of their last three in the Music City but no sour notes this week.

Forget the Titans. Take the Colts give up the 3 1/2.

New York Jets (3-1) at Miami Dolphins (1-3) (Line, Miami plus 1 1/2)

Jets’ Mark Sanchez looked like a rookie quarterback last week turning the ball over four times in a loss to the Saints. QB Chad Henne, taking over for injured Chad Pennington, looked good in his Miami debut leading the Dolphins past the Buffalo Bills for their first win. Sanchez will have a new target in Braylon Edwards, acquired in a trade with Cleveland last week. Jets defence has been solid but will be tested by the Miami wildcat offence and the running of Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.

Jets have won their last three visits to South Beach and their last four Monday night clashes with the New Yorkers.

Make it five straight. Take the Jets, give up the 1 1/2.

PHOTO: Dallas Cowboys nose tackle Jay Ratliff (rear) sacks Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) during the second half of their NFL football game in Arlington, Texas September 28, 2009. REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi