Early Predictions & Picks for Every Game in NFL Week 5

Early Predictions & Picks for Every Game in NFL Week 5

Written by on August 4, 2017

With the Dallas Cowboys’ 20-18 win over the Arizona Cardinals last night in the Hall of Fame Game, the betting action for the 2017 NFL preseason is underway…which means that we’re not all that far away from when the real action starts in the second weekend of September. We’re continuing our series on picks for each week in the early going of the regular season, taking a look at NFL Week 5 for those who like to plan their betting that far ahead.

Early Predictions & Picks for Every Game in NFL Week 5

Thursday, October 5

New England (-3) at Tampa Bay

Three days after hosting the Carolina Panthers, the New England Patriots will find themselves in Tampa Bay taking on the Buccaneers. I’m a big believer in the Buccaneers’ breakout year, but I don’t see them outfoxing Tom Brady & Co. Give me the Patriots to win and cover.

Sunday, October 8

Buffalo (+3.5) at Cincinnati

Let’s see. Aging, undisciplined angry team hosting a (hopefully) rejuvenated, young team with a new offensive vision. I don’t see this going well for the Bengals. Give me the Bills to win.

N.Y. Jets (PK) at Cleveland

Pretty much the same as the Bills-Bengals game, except the Jets don’t have a quarterback to speak of. I’m taking the Browns here.

Carolina (+2) at Detroit

The Lions don’t do much on defense, but I like Matthew Stafford (at least on the basis of 2016) better than I like Cam Newton at this point. Will the Panthers rebound from their loss to the Patriots in Week 4? I see them having enough talent (and enough defense) to eke out a win in Detroit.

San Francisco (+9) at Indianapolis

That’s a big line for a Colts team that doesn’t play much defense. This is the type of game that Niners quarterback Brian Hoyer goes out and wins about six or seven times a season so that teams keep paying him money. To be honest, I’m probably staying away from this game, but since we’re picking all of them, I’m taking San Fran to cover in NFL Week 5.

Tennessee (+3) at Miami

Is Ryan Tannehill’s leg going to become a major problem? We don’t know yet, although early indicators say that it’s not a tear. Matt Moore was good enough for the Dolphins last year — and they have a running game that’s better than Tennessee’s at this point. I like the Fish to win and cover.

L.A. Chargers (+7) at N.Y. Giants

Two stellar quarterbacks who are nearing the end of their careers in Philip Rivers and Eli Manning. The Giants have the better defense, but the Chargers have the better offensive line. The Giants have the better receiving corps, but neither team is all that great on the run. This is a big line for the Giants to cover…I see them winning late but give me the Chargers to cover the spread. Are the Giants a safe bet for NFL Week 5?

Arizona (+2) at Philadelphia

The Eagles upgraded their running game with LeGarrette Blount, but he’s not as good as the Cardinals’ David Johnson, and Arizona has the better offensive line and the better defense. I like the Cards to come into Philly and take a win.

Jacksonville (+9) at Pittsburgh

This is the sort of team that Ben Roethlisberger slices and dices. The Jaguars don’t play defense that well, and the Steelers have better players under center and in the backfield. Give me the Steelers in a big win.

Seattle (-6) at L.A. Rams

The Seahawks aren’t great on the road, and the Rams should have that offense figured out by this point. I think Seattle wins in a close one, but I’ll take the Rams to cover.

Baltimore (+4.5) at Oakland

This is a great potential postseason matchup and a real test game for Derek Carr. The Ravens might have the best defense in the AFC this year, but the Raiders have a stout one of their own. I like the Raiders to win, but give me the Ravens to cover.

Green Bay (+3) at Dallas

I think Dallas’ defense will have learned their lessons from that dumpster fire in the playoffs last season, when the Packers scored at will in the first half. But will they have the personnel? What about Green Bay’s awful offensive line? I like Dallas to win at home and cover in this one…but I’m not sure what happens if they meet in the postseason again.

Kansas City (+1) at Houston

Give me the Chiefs in this NFL Week 5 matchup. Even though they have a middling quarterback, the Texans don’t have one at all.

Monday, October 9

Minnesota (-2) at Chicago

The Vikings have Dalvin Cook and Sam Bradford headlining their offense, while the Bears have…Mike Glennon? The Vikings should win in a laugher.