Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
NFL WEEK 5 PRIMER
Panthers (2-2) at Falcons (0-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Falcons by 2 Panthers’ keys: WRs Robby Anderson and DJ Moore will be tough to contain as long as Carolina stays aggressive. Falcons’ keys: Despite explosive passing offense, Atlanta needs to establish balance, trusting RB Todd Gurley in the fourth quarter to help chew the clock. – Matt Urben, Falcons Wire
Bengals (1-2-1) at Ravens (3-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS Pregame.com line: Ravens by 13 Bengals’ keys: Take away Ravens TE Mark Andrews, a serious mismatch who helps keeps drives alive. Keep QB Joe Burrow upright so he can have time to make the right choices. Ravens’ keys: Running the ball and making opponents overcompensate to stop it, opening up throwing lanes. – Matthew Stevens, Ravens Wire
Eagles (1-2-1) at Steelers (3-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Steelers by 7 Eagles’ keys: RB Miles Sanders is going to face his stiffest challenge of the season against a defense that gives up 2.7 yards per carry. The Eagles also have to keep QB Carson Wentz upright. Steelers’ keys: Regain their focus after last week's COVID-19 debacle. The offense has been very balanced. – Curt Popejoy, Steelers Wire
Rams (3-1) at Washington (1-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Rams by 7 Rams’ keys: With QB Jared Goff coming into his own, LA can put away Washington by targeting WRs deep and over the middle. Washington’s keys: QB Dwayne Haskins had a steady regression since Week 1, and Wednesday he was demoted in favor of Kyle Allen. Washington needs to rely on its defense to get pressure. – Zachary Neel, Washington Wire
Jaguars (1-3) at Texans (0-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Texans by 6 1⁄2 Jaguars’ keys: Get RB James Robinson involved early; the Texans are among the worst at defending the run. Texans’ keys: QB Deshaun Watson did not throw an interception in Week 4; similar protection of the football gives the Texans a shot, especially given their lack of takeaways. – Mark Lane, Texans Wire
Raiders (2-2) at Chiefs (4-0)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Chiefs by 12 Raiders’ keys: Get the ball to playmakers. Their talented pass catchers include RB Josh Jacobs, WR Hunter Renfrow and TE Darren Waller. Chiefs’ keys: In his six games at Arrowhead since 2014, Raiders QB Derek Carr has completed 55% of his passes for 1,081 yards, three TDs and seven interceptions. – Charles Goldman, Chiefs Wire
Cardinals (2-2) at Jets (0-4)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: Arizona by 7 Cardinals’ keys: The Jets' defense has been particularly awful against the run (129 yards per game), so expect lots of movement from QB Kyler Murray and a heavy dose of RB Kenyan Drake. Jets’ keys: They committed 11 penalties against Denver. Such a showing can't happen again. – Gary Phillips, Jets Wire
Dolphins (1-3) at 49ers (2-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, Fox BetMGM.com line: 49ers by 8 1⁄2 Dolphins’ keys: If QB Ryan Fitzpatrick can chew up yards and keep them out of third-and-long situations, it makes their explosive weapons much more dangerous. 49ers’ keys: Whether it's QB Jimmy Garoppolo or QB Nick Mullens, they need to be efficient and keep extending drives. – Kyle Madson, Niners Wire
Colts (3-1) at Browns (3-1)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Colts by 11⁄2 Colts’ keys: DE Justin Houston needs to create pressure on Cleveland QB Baker Mayfield. Browns’ keys: With Nick Chubb (knee) now out several weeks, RB Kareem Hunt, who has been effective as a runner and a receiver, will be a matchup dictator to help Mayfield discern coverages. – Jeff Risdon, Browns Wire
Giants (0-4) at Cowboys (1-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: Cowboys by 9 1⁄2 Giants’ keys: They have a stable of backs capable of shortening the game, a tactic offensive coordinator Jason Garrett often used as coach in Dallas. Cowboys’ keys: QB Dak Prescott is on an incredible run (1,690 yards), but the Cowboys have to get RB Ezekiel Elliott into the flow. – K.D. Drummond, Cowboys Wire
Vikings (1-3) at Seahawks (4-0)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC BetMGM.com line: Seahawks by 7 Vikings’ keys: They must find a way to allow QB Kirk Cousins to get the ball to WR Justin Jefferson. Seahawks’ keys: They need to just let QB Russell Wilson “cook” and continue his league MVP bid. Seattle will have to find a way to deal with the banged-up defense so it isn't exploited. – Liz Mathews, Seahawks Wire
Broncos (1-3) at Patriots (2-2)
Monday, 5 p.m. ET, ESPN Pregame.com line: Patriots by 11 Broncos’ keys: WRs Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick enjoyed stellar performances against the Jets, and they have the potential to uplift the offense. Patriots’ keys: RBs James White, Rex Burkhead and Sony Michel are likely to carry the offense. Yet a one-dimensional offense may not be enough. – Henry McKenna, Patriots Wire
Chargers (1-3) at Saints (2-2)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN BetMGM.com line: Saints by 8 Chargers’ keys: WRs Keenan Allen and Mike Williams can do damage against a suspect Saints secondary forced by injury to play backups. Saints’ keys: QB Drew Brees must continue to build chemistry with veteran WR Emmanuel Sanders. – John Sigler, Saints Wire
Bills (4-0) at Titans (3-0)
Tuesday, 7 p.m. ET, CBS BetMGM.com line: No line Titans’ keys: Keep things together after the COVID-19 outbreak. Tennessee has to control the clock. Bills’ keys: The Titans' defense hasn't been able to stop the run or pass with any kind of consistency, so the Bills should have multiple ways to attack. – Mike Moraitis, Titans Wire Bye week: Packers, Lions