NFL Week 5 Early Predictions
Los Angeles Rams (-1) at Seattle Seahawks
Time and channel: 8:20 PM ET, FOX, NFL Network & Amazon Prime
This game could have had a drastically different complexion if the Seahawks came in 1-3 and the Rams at 4-0. As it stands, there is only one game separating them, but neither side can afford to risk falling further behind the Cardinals.
In the regular season over the past two years, the home side has come out on top in this game. However, in the playoffs last year, the Rams went into Seattle and came away with an important victory. Through four weeks, the favorite is 4-0 on TNF. LA should move the ball with relative ease, while Donald and the Rams’ pass rush will give Wilson fits.
Rams vs. Seahawks Prediction: Rams 27, Seahawks 24
Sunday Week 5 NFL picks and predictions
Here are the Week 5 early picks and predictions and NFL odds for Sunday’s games as of 5 AM ET on October 4.
New York Jets at Atlanta Falcons (-3.5)
Time and channel: 9:30 AM ET, NFL Network
This game will take place in London, which always adds another element to the proceedings. The Jets come into the game having won their first game in Week 4, while the Falcons faced another heartbreaking loss.
The Jets had to play a full 10-minute overtime, which is exacerbated by a long-haul flight to London. Then again, can you ever trust the Falcons to win comfortably? This one should go right down to the last drive.
Jets vs. Falcons Prediction: Jets 21, Falcons 20
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings (-8)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
That was an ugly football game between the Vikings and Browns, but the Lions and Bears showing was hardly much better. Whoever loses this game will be left looking at a mountain to climb in the NFL standings this year. The Vikings should have too much, especially at home.
Lions vs. Vikings Prediction: Vikings 28, Lions 20
New Orleans Saints (-1) at Washington Football Team
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
If you can work out what to do with these teams, well done — because it feels like a lottery right now. The Washington defense is an absolute disaster, but the Saints’ offense is so hit-or-miss it might not matter. This game could be a fun, high-scoring affair unless bad weather intervenes.
Saints vs. Washington Prediction: Washington 30, Saints 27
New England Patriots (-9.5) at Houston Texans
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
This is just what the Patriots need after their emotional Week 4 loss to Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. The Texans are a complete disaster, and it would be stunning if Davis Mills produces an upset against his fellow rookie QB. This game might finally get the Patriots’ offense rolling.
Patriots vs. Texans Prediction: Patriots 24, Texans 17
Miami Dolphins at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-10.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
When it rains for Miami, it pours. After a humiliating loss to a banged-up Colts team that left a lot of question marks for the Dolphins to ponder, Miami’s reward is facing Brady and the defending champions in Raymond James Stadium.
The only upside for the Dolphins is that Brian Flores should know how to defend a Brady-led offense. Although, it probably won’t matter unless Tampa plays sloppy football.
Dolphins vs. Buccaneers Prediction: Buccaneers 31, Dolphins 23
Green Bay Packers (-3.5) at Cincinnati Bengals
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
This has sneakily become the game of the early window between two 3-1 teams leading their division. The Packers have not been convincing, but neither team has consistently been tested. This game will tell us a lot about where the Bengals are as a team in 2021. The Packers should have the edge, but Cincinnati’s rest advantage could make things close.
Packers vs. Bengals Prediction: Bengals 26, Packers 24
Denver Broncos at Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
Depending on the news surrounding Teddy Bridgewater, this line could move either way during the week. The Steelers look awful on offense, and the Broncos’ defense should make life really tough for them. The question is whether Denver’s offense can muster enough to make this comfortable. This should be a tight, low-scoring affair.
Broncos vs. Steelers Prediction: Broncos 21, Steelers 17
Philadelphia Eagles at Carolina Panthers (-3.5)
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, FOX
The Panthers were soundly beaten in Week 4, but there were a lot of positives. They fought hard and battled what should be a playoff team. Now, they face an Eagles team that has been mixed. Even without McCaffrey, the Panthers should be able to move the ball with ease.
Eagles vs. Panthers Prediction: Panthers 27, Eagles 20
Tennessee Titans (-4.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars
Time and channel: 1 PM ET, CBS
The Titans are on a collision course with a disaster season. At 2-2, they have made their wins look difficult and their losses look embarrassing for one reason or another. The Jaguars are also a mess, but at least they showed some signs of life last Thursday. Tennessee should win, but this might be closer than we thought before the season.
Titans vs. Jaguars Prediction: Titans 24, Jaguars 20
Cleveland Browns (-1) at Los Angeles Chargers
Time and channel: 4:05 PM ET, CBS
This line may move after Monday Night Football, but it is somewhat surprising the Browns are favorites in LA. Yes, the home-field advantage is minimal for the Chargers, but they have been an excellent football team. If the offensive line can keep Justin Herbert clean, he should make plays against Cleveland’s defense.
Browns vs. Chargers Prediction: Browns 27, Chargers 24
Chicago Bears at Las Vegas Raiders (-5.5)
Time and channel: 4:05 PM ET, CBS
Another line that could move after Monday Night Football, but what we have now feels right. The Bears did what was asked of them against the Lions, but still, the offense looked out of sync with Fields. In a return game against the Raiders for Khalil Mack, Las Vegas should demonstrate they have moved past the Bears.
Bears vs. Raiders Prediction: Raiders 27, Bears 17
San Francisco 49ers at Arizona Cardinals (-5.5)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX
These NFC West games are always headache-inducing to pick and Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season is no different. Based on what we saw in Week 4, the Cardinals should be the superior team. The problem is that nothing is ever easy with the Cardinals, who have lost the last two at home to San Francisco.
49ers vs. Cardinals Prediction: Cardinals 28, 49ers 24
New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys (-7.5)
Time and channel: 4:25 PM ET, FOX
The Giants are coming off a surprise first win of the season that will give them confidence. However, the Cowboys’ display in Week 4 against what looks to be a good team in Carolina was excellent, as well. The offense is as advertised, and Dallas appears to have a few defensive playmakers.
Giants vs. Cowboys Prediction: Cowboys 30, Giants 20
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs (-2.5)
Time and channel: 8:20 PM ET, NBC
This game was always going to be huge, but the current NFL standings make it even more important. The Bills have the chance to put two games between themselves and Kansas City in the race for home-field advantage. Meanwhile, the Chiefs slipping to 2-3 is hard to fathom.
Picking against the Chiefs at home in primetime is so hard to do. This crowd will be electric; Josh Allen will need to be perfect. The Chiefs should win a close one, but this has the potential to be a roller coaster for anyone betting it.
Bills vs. Chiefs Prediction: Bills 38, Chiefs 31
Monday Night Football: Free NFL picks and predictions
Here are the Week 5 picks and predictions and NFL odds for Monday’s game as of 5 AM ET on October 4.
Indianapolis Colts at Baltimore Ravens (-7)
Time and channel: 8:15 PM ET, ESPN
What appeared to be a spectacular Monday Night Football matchup when the schedule was released looks like a disaster right now. The Colts only have one win this year, and that’s because they battled a team in a bigger mess (the Dolphins).
The Ravens have been far from perfect, but they are in a superb race for the AFC North. They simply cannot afford to lose games like this. However, they could get caught with their mind on their Week 6 matchup with the Chargers and make this tougher than it needs to be.
Colts vs. Ravens Prediction: Ravens 28, Colts 20