NFL picks for week 5.
Last week: 9-7, 7-9 (vs. spread) Season: 38-25, 26-35-2 (vs. spread)
Because the Panthers pounded the Patriots in Foxborough, this becomes a really interesting game. Might just be a testament to how bad New England’s defense is. The Lions are a legitimate contender, though. Lions 30, Panthers 24
Hard to fathom, but in this topsy-turvy season, the Jets are gathering a head of steam. They’re coming off consecutive wins over the Dolphins and Jaguars and should make it three in a row. Jets 23, Browns 17
The 49ers are 0-4 and the Colts are 1-3, yet neither team is horrible. After losing three straight games by a total of eight points, the 49ers hit the road and break through. 49ers 21, Colts 17
The Dolphins are starting to sink after back-to-back lopsided losses to the Jets and Saints. The Titans are without Marcus Mariota, though, so picking them means going with a backup QB on the road. Dolphins 27, Titans 24
Suddenly, this is a very good game. The Bills are on a roll and look legitimate. They’re on the road, though, and facing a Bengals team that seems to have a second wind (or a first one) with a new offensive coordinator. Bengals 24, Bills 20
The Chargers are playing an actual road game after three consecutive hostile home games. They have talent, but they have to make that west-east trip, and the Giants defense can be good. Giants 27, Chargers 21
The Steelers are at home, and at some point their offense is going to realize its potential. The Jaguars are up and down. Watch for the Steelers to force-feed the visitors a healthy dose of Le’Veon Bell. Steelers 30, Jaguars 20
There are just too many injuries for the Cardinals, and the Eagles are slamming the door on opponents. Getting Fletcher Cox back is key for the Eagles. Look for a lot of field goals in this one. Eagles 23, Cardinals 18
The Rams have a huge opportunity here to start 4-1 with a couple of division wins. They lead the league in scoring, have a defense that comes together at the right times, have a history of beating the Seahawks and are at home. Rams 31, Seahawks 24
As we saw at the end of last season, the Raiders aren’t the Raiders without Derek Carr. EJ Manuel looked good this summer, but the regular season is a different deal. Then again, it’s tough to win in Oakland. Raiders 23, Ravens 17
The Cowboys defense isn’t very good and it’s missing a lot of players. The Packers offense is banged up, but they will be getting some players back. Go with Aaron Rodgers over Dak Prescott here. Packers 30, Cowboys 21
So many fun players to watch in this one. Deshaun Watson is coming off back-to-back terrific games. The Chiefs are still the best team in the league, and they can get after quarterbacks with four guys. Chiefs 24, Texans 20
The Mitch Trubisky era begins in Chicago, but the Bears could have picked a better week for it. Even without Dalvin Cook, the Vikings should win here. Watch for a couple of picks by the Vikings. Vikings 24, Bears 13