While offense is on the rise in the NFL overall, this is not true for the Carolina Panthers. With Matt Rhule as head coach, the Panthers have gone 1-26 when the opposition scores 17 or more points – including 24 losses in a row. The problem might be Baker Mayfield, who only faced pressure on 18.4% of his dropbacks but still went just 15 of 27 for a score and two picks when four or fewer rushers were coming after him. The team also has a new offensive coordinator this year, in Ben McAdoo, but things have not improved. Mayfield’s passer rating in Sunday’s loss to Arizona was 61.9, his worst in 2022 – and it only jumped that high thanks to a touchdown pass to Christian McCaffrey in garbage time. The Carolina fans were booing Mayfield and the Panther offense loudly in the fourth quarter, with the noise becoming extra loud when Mayfield had yet another pass knocked down at the line of scrimmage. One of those tipped passes led to an Arizona interception, as criticisms of Mayfield’s combination of a lack of height and a lack of creativity in arm angles leads to numerous deflections. Speaking of losing teams, we have some NFL betting picks that you can use in Week 5.
NFL News: Sure Losers for Week 5
→ Sunday, October 9
Tennessee Titans (-2.5) at Washington Commanders (O/U 42.5)
(1:00 pm ET, CBS)
Tennessee started with two dreadful games, losing to the Giants at home and getting run off the field in Buffalo. They bounced back, though, to beat Las Vegas at home and Indianapolis on the road. The offensive production improved, as Derrick Henry continues to find his rhythm after returning from a foot fracture. They face a Washington team that can stand strong against the run but struggles against the pass. The problem here is that the best Tennessee receiver (Treylon Burks) will not be available, which means that Washington should be able to slow down Tennessee’s offense. Washington’s Carson Wentz has taken 17 sacks through four games, largely due to the fact that he holds onto the ball too long and then tries to make a play at the last second. This led to two costly intentional grounding penalties against Dallas in Week 4. However, Wentz is a better quarterback when he’s playing at home, and Tennessee’s pass defense struggles with coverage. Curtis Samuel and Terry McLaurin should have more room to get open than they did against Dallas. Even so, it’s hard to see Wentz bouncing back to get this win. Titans to win and cover.
Atlanta Falcons (+8) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (48)
(1:00 pm ET, FOX)
Marcus Mariota may be nearing the end of his time running the offense, as Kyle Pitts and Drake London are not getting featuring in the Falcons’ passing game. Tailback Cordarrelle Patterson will also be unavailable. The Buccaneers have dealt with a tough schedule in the early going, but we saw their offense catch fire in the second half against Kansas City, and that trend should keep going. Expect Tom Brady to have that chip securely on his shoulder as he works out the frustrations that developed in losses to Green Bay and the Chiefs in a thrashing of a rebuilding divisional foe. Buccaneers to win and cover.
Dallas Cowboys (+4.5) at L.A. Rams (43.5)
(4:35 PM ET, FOX)
It looks like Cooper Rush will get his fifth start at quarterback for Dallas, as the swelling in quarterback Dak Prescott’s fractured thumb has not subsided enough for him to be able to grip the football hard enough to throw it effectively. Michael Gallup has returned at wide receiver, which opens things up more for CeeDee Lamb against coverage, but the Rams have Cooper Kupp running wild on their side of the ball. The Cowboys have an exciting defense, but they give up too much against the run, and they give up too many big plays in the passing game. They will push the Rams, but they the Rams will pull away late. Rams to win and cover.
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