The NFL season is in full swing as we enter Week 5. With several teams on a bye this week, including the Lions, Titans, Eagles, and Chargers, we have a slightly shorter slate of games on Sunday. But don’t worry, there’s still plenty of action to look forward to. Let’s dive into the matchups and predictions for this week’s games:
Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Jets (London Game)
The first game of the week kicks off bright and early in London, where the undefeated Minnesota Vikings (4-0) face off against Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets. The Vikings are currently favored by 2.5 points, with a total of 40.5.
The Vikings are coming off a dominant performance against the Carolina Panthers, while the Jets suffered a disappointing loss to the Denver Broncos. The Jets’ offensive line struggled mightily against Denver’s blitz, and they’ll need to find a way to protect Rodgers against a Vikings defense that leads the league in blitz rate.
Prediction: This is a tough one to call, as the Jets will be desperate to bounce back from last week’s debacle. However, the Vikings’ defense is for real, and I think they’ll be able to make things difficult for Rodgers. I’m taking the Vikings -2.5.
Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
The Buffalo Bills will look to bounce back from their embarrassing loss to the Baltimore Ravens as they travel to Houston to take on the Texans. The Bills are currently favored by 1.5 points, with a total of 47.5.
The Bills’ offense struggled mightily against the Ravens, and they’ll need to find a way to get back on track against a Texans defense that has been surprisingly stingy this season. The Texans, on the other hand, will need to find a way to slow down Josh Allen and the Bills’ high-powered offense.
Prediction: The Bills are the more talented team on paper, and I think they’ll be able to bounce back from last week’s loss. I’m taking the Bills -1.5.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
The Baltimore Ravens will look to continue their winning ways as they travel to Cincinnati to take on the Bengals in a crucial AFC North matchup. The Ravens are currently favored by 2.5 points, with a total of 48.5.
The Ravens are coming off a dominant performance against the Bills, while the Bengals are coming off their first win of the season against the Carolina Panthers. The Bengals’ defense will have their hands full with Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense, but Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense are more than capable of putting up points as well.
Prediction: This is a tough one to call, as both teams are capable of winning this game. However, I think the Ravens’ offense is just too explosive for the Bengals to handle. I’m taking the Ravens -2.5.
Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Commanders
The Cleveland Browns will look to get back on track as they travel to Washington to take on the Commanders. The Commanders are currently favored by 3 points, with a total of 43.5.
The Browns are coming off a disappointing loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Commanders are coming off a thrilling victory over the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. The Browns’ offensive line has been decimated by injuries, and they’ll need to find a way to protect Deshaun Watson against a Commanders defense that has been playing well this season.
Prediction: The Commanders are the healthier team, and I think they’ll be able to take advantage of a Browns team that is struggling to find its identity. I’m taking the Commanders -3.
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears
The Carolina Panthers will look to get back to .500 as they travel to Chicago to take on the Bears. The Bears are currently favored by 3.5 points, with a total of 43.5.
The Panthers are coming off a disappointing loss to the Bengals, while the Bears are coming off a victory over the Los Angeles Rams. The Panthers’ offense has been inconsistent this season, and they’ll need to find a way to get Christian McCaffrey going against a Bears defense that has been surprisingly stingy against the run.
Prediction: The Bears are at home, and I think they’ll be able to do enough offensively to win this game. I’m taking the Bears -3.5.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts will look to get their first win of the season as they travel to Jacksonville to take on the Jaguars. The Jaguars are currently favored by 2.5 points, with a total of 44.5.
The Colts are dealing with several injuries, including to quarterback Anthony Richardson and running back Jonathan Taylor. The Jaguars, on the other hand, are relatively healthy. The Jaguars’ offense has been inconsistent this season, but they’ll have a good chance to put up points against a Colts defense that is missing several key players.
Prediction: The Jaguars are at home, and I think they’ll be able to take advantage of a Colts team that is banged up. I’m taking the Jaguars -2.5.
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
The Miami Dolphins will look to get back on track as they travel to New England to take on the Patriots. The Patriots are currently favored by 1.5 points, with a total of 36.5.
The Dolphins are coming off a disappointing loss to the Bills, while the Patriots are coming off a victory over the New York Giants. The Dolphins’ offense has been a major disappointment this season, and they’ll need to find a way to get Tua Tagovailoa going against a Patriots defense that is always tough to score against.
Prediction: The Patriots are at home, and I think their defense will be able to shut down the Dolphins’ offense. I’m taking the Patriots -1.5.
Dallas Cowboys vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night Football)
Sunday Night Football features a classic matchup between the Dallas Cowboys and the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are currently favored by 2.5 points, with a total of 43.5.
The Cowboys are coming off a victory over the Giants, while the Steelers are coming off their first loss of the season against the Chicago Bears. The Steelers’ defense will have their hands full with Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ offense, but Kenny Pickett and the Steelers’ offense are more than capable of putting up points as well.
Prediction: This is a tough one to call, as both teams are capable of winning this game. However, I think the Steelers’ defense will be able to make enough plays to secure a victory. I’m taking the Steelers -2.5.
Los Angeles Rams vs. Green Bay Packers
The Los Angeles Rams will look to bounce back from their loss to the Bears as they host the Green Bay Packers. The Packers are currently favored by 3 points, with a total of 48.5.
The Rams’ offense has struggled to find its rhythm this season, and they’ll face a tough test against a Packers defense that has been playing well. The Packers, on the other hand, will look to continue their strong start with Jordan Love under center.
Prediction: The Packers appear to be the more complete team at this point in the season, and with Love gaining confidence, I’m taking the Packers -3.
New York Giants vs. Seattle Seahawks
The New York Giants will look to rebound from their loss to the Cowboys as they travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. The Seahawks are currently favored by 6.5 points, with a total of 46.5.
The Giants have struggled offensively, and their defense will face a tough test against a Seahawks offense that can put up points in a hurry. The Seahawks are getting healthier on defense, which could spell trouble for Daniel Jones and the Giants.
Prediction: The Seahawks at home are a tough out, and with their defense returning to form, I’m taking the Seahawks -6.5.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
The Las Vegas Raiders will look to bounce back from their loss to the Browns as they travel to Denver to take on the Broncos. The Broncos are currently favored by 2.5 points, with a total of 35.5.
The Raiders will be without Davante Adams, which will make things even tougher for their offense. The Broncos, on the other hand, will look to continue their winning ways with a strong defensive performance.
Prediction: The Broncos have been playing well defensively, and I think they’ll be able to slow down the Raiders’ offense without Adams. I’m taking the Broncos -2.5.
These are just a few of the exciting matchups in store for Week 5 of the NFL season. Be sure to tune in and see how it all unfolds!
