NFL Week 5 Preview and Predictions

By Shawn Stewart

CAROLINA (2-2) at ATLANTA (0-4)

1 p.m. ET

FOX

Point Spread: Falcons, -2.5

The Falcons have joined the 2012 New Orleans Saints as the only teams in NFL history to start 0-4 despite scoring more than 25 points per game over their first 4 games. As we know, the Falcons defense has been absolutely abysmal. They have allowed 30 + points in 4 straight games for the first time since 2007, and they currently rank 31st in the NFL, while the offense ranks 9th overall. Matt Ryan has 16 wins in his career against the Carolina Panthers, so hopefully, this will be the game that turns around the Falcons season, but is it too late? The Panthers have a nice little winning streak going since their star player, Christian McCaffrey went out in week 3 with an injury. In fact, since McCaffrey has been injured the Panthers are 2-0 and averaging 26.0 PPG, and 124 rush YPG. With McCaffrey in the backfield for the first 2 games of the season, the Panthers were 0-2 and averaged 23.5 PPG, and 108 rush YPG. Interesting statistics I would say! Mike Davis continues to shine for the Panthers offense and Teddy Bridgewater continues to play well also. The Panthers have not had a lot of success against the Falcons, in fact, they have lost 8 of their last 9 games against the NFC South rivals. The Falcons can't go 0-16, can they? I'm going out on a limb here and predicting the Falcons get their first win of the season, but if the defense does not play well again, it could be a long day and a long season.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Falcons 24 - 21

AJ’S PREDICTION: Panthers 20 - 13

Cincinnati (1-2-1) aT batlimore (3-1) 

1 p.m. ET

CBS

Point Spread: Ravens, -13.0

Congratulations to Joe Burrow on collecting his first win of the season as the quarterback for the Cincinnati Bengals, well deserved young man. This could be the start of a rivalry between two talented quarterbacks in Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson. Jackson has been very successful against the other teams in the division. In fact, he has a 7-1 record vs. the AFC North opponents, so he does have that advantage going into this game. It seems a little shocking that the Ravens only have 1 wide receiver with a receiving touchdown so far this season, and that is Willie Snead. If the Ravens want to continue their winning ways against the Bengals, then Jackson needs to not just rely on the running game or throwing to his tight ends. The Bengals offense seems like they have found a rhythm over the last few games. They have scored 23 + points in 3 of 4 games this season. The Bengals only accomplished this mark in 3 games total in 2019, so is it safe to say the future of the Bengals looks bright? The Bengals defense is going to need to contain Jackson if they have any chance in this game, but I do not see that happening.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Ravens 31 - 20

AJ’S PREDICTION: Ravens 42 - 35

jacksonville (1-3) at houston (0-4) 

1 p.m. ET

CBS

Point Spread: Texans, -6.0

The Bill O'Brien era is over in Houston, and I don't think it could have come at a better time. This team is not playing good football right now, so something had to be done. I know we have said this quite a few times now, but the Texans really miss DeAndre Hopkins, and we can see that because Deshaun Watson is not the same quarterback without him Watson has only 4 career games with fewer than 160 passing yards, but 3 of the 4 have come against the Jaguars. On a positive note, the Texans have won 10 of the last 12 games and have won 4 in a row against their AFC South opponent. If the Texans have any chance of winning this game, the defense needs to play much better. The Texans have allowed 28+ points in 5 straight games. This is their longest streak since 2010. On the other side of the ball, the Jaguars need to find some consistency. This team has only scored 28+ plus points 3 times since the 2019 season began. That is tied for 4th fewest in the league. If the Jaguars stand any chance in this game, they need to score some points.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Texans 24 - 17

AJ’S PREDICTION: Texans 38 - 20

Las Vegas (2-2) at Kansas City (4-0) 

1 p.m. ET

CBS

Point Spread: Chiefs, -12.5

The Chiefs simply cannot be stopped! Patrick Mahomes has dominated the AFC West. In fact, he is 13-1 against the division. However, we need to give the Chiefs defense a lot of credit as well. This unit is the only team in the NFL through 4 weeks to allow 20 points or fewer in every game. If the defense can continue this domination and Mahomes continues to play at the MVP level, then the Chiefs will make another deep run in the playoffs. The Raiders have had a brutal stretch to start the season. Their first 4 opponents were all playoff teams in 2019 (Saints, Patriots, Bills). The Raiders running game has started the season slow, and if they have any chance in this game, Josh Jacobs needs to take some pressure off Derek Carr. Jacobs has averaged fewer than 4 yards per carry in 3 of the 4 games this year. That is not going to get the job done. The Raiders formula for success in this game is simple, run the ball, control the clock, and keep Mahomes on the sidelines. I don't see anyone stopping the Chiefs, at least not this week.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Chiefs 37 - 17

AJ’S PREDICTION: Chiefs 29 - 23

Denver (1-3) at New England (2-2)

*THIS GAME HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR MONDAY OCTOBER 12TH AT 5 p.m. ET*

ESPN

Point Spread: Patriots, -3.5

The banged-up Broncos limp into Foxborough to face the Patriots, who are going to come into this game with a little chip on their shoulder. Especially since their new star quarterback, Cam Newton was not able to play against the Chiefs last week, due to contacting COVID. If Newton is feeling better and can play in this game, then the Broncos could be in serious trouble. The Patriots have dominated the Broncos at home, winning 5 games in a row which includes the playoffs. The Broncos defense will have to keep Newton in the pocket and not allow him to escape into open space and make big plays with his arm or legs downfield. The Broncos offense could struggle in this game since they are decimated by injuries, and have only averaged 20.5 points a game, however, the offense does continue to spread the ball around which could make the Patriots change up their defense strategy. Regardless, I don't see the Broncos offense staying up with the Patriots (assuming Cam plays).

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Patriots 27 - 13

AJ’S PREDICTION: Broncos 26 - 20

Arizona (2-2) at New York Jets (0-4) 

1 p.m. ET

FOX

Point Spread: Cardinals, -7.0

Remember Joe Flacco? He is back! This will be Flacco's first start since week 8 of 2019 when he was with the Denver Broncos. Have the Jets finally realized that Sam Darnold is a bust? Regardless, the Jets are one of the worst teams in the league in most statistical categories. They are the only team ranked in the bottom 3 in PPG (16.3) and PPG allowed (32.8). I don't think Flacco can turn this team around immediately, but he could over a short-term solution until the Jets find their quarterback of the future, Trevor Lawrence are you listening? Kyler Murray has been a fantasy stud for fantasy football players. In fact, he is one of two quarterbacks with 21+ points in each game this season. If you have Murray on your fantasy team, I would start him with confidence. The Cardinals offense should get back on track in a big way, and the Jets defense will continue to struggle. If the Cardinals somehow lose this game, it might be time to panic. This could very well be the last game that Adam Gase coaches for the New York Jets as well.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Cardinals 31 - 10

AJ’S PREDICTION: Cardinals 24 - 6

Philadelphia (1-2-1) at Pitsburgh (3-0) 

1 p.m. ET

FOX

Point Spread: Steelers, -7.0

They call this matchup the Keystone State Rivalry! The Eagles lead the all-time rivalry 47-28-3. The Steelers come into this game with one of the best defenses in the league, and with the way the Eagles offense has been playing, it could be a long day for Carson Wentz and the Philly fans. The Steelers are coming off of an early "bye- week" due to the Tennessee Titans COVID outbreak. So, not only are the Steelers well-rested, but they are angry with having their game against the Tennessee Titans rescheduled for later in the season. Neither team has really gotten much out of their running games. Miles Sanders is only averaging 63 yards per game and James Connor is only averaging 64 yards per game, though he has looked much better in recent weeks. The team that can establish a solid running game comes out on top. Carson Wentz needs to play mistake-free football if the Eagles have any chance in this game. He already has 7 interceptions this season, which leads the league. He only had 7 interceptions total in the last 3 seasons. I really don' see this game being close at all.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Steelers 38 - 20

AJ’S PREDICTION: Eagles 23 - 21

Buffalo (4-0) at TEnnessee (3-0) 

*THIS GAME HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR TUESDAY OCTOBER 13TH at 7 p.m. ET*

CBS

Point Spread: Bills, -8.5

This is the only battle of the weekend that features two undefeated, first-place teams. Of course the Titans, like the Steelers, had their "bye week" early due to COVID-19, but they are also well-rested, and this is good news for head coach Mike Vrabel. He is 1 of 3 coaches to have no losses following a bye in the entire NFL. The Titans have only started 4-0 once in their franchise, which was back in 2008. Can the trend continue? Here is a little fun fact for you, each meeting between the Bills and Titans since 2015 has been played in Week 5. The Bills have been victorious in each of those games, winning by 7 points or less. Stefon Diggs has been a nice acquisition for the Bills, as he has become Josh Allen's favorite target. Allen has a passer rating of 122.7 with Diggs this season, and without Diggs, the passer rating was an abysmal 78.2. (2018-2019). Even though the Bills have had issues establishing the run, I still like them in this contest, but this could be the best game of the day. Unfortunately, one of these teams has to lose.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Bills 24 - 17

AJ’S PREDICTION: Bills 31 - 20

LA Rams (3-1) at Washington (1-3) 

1:00 p.m. ET

FOX

Point Spread: Rams, -7.0

All I can say to the Washington Football Team is, it is about time! I knew Dwayne Haskins was not going to be successful in the NFL, and up to this point, I am going to pat myself on the back for making that prediction. The Football Team will call upon Kyle Allen, from the University of Houston, to start against the Rams. Was Alex Smith not available? Not only has the Football Team had offensive struggles, but their defense also has not been very good either. They have allowed 30+ points in 6 of their last 7 games dating back to 2019. The only team that did not score 30 points on them was back in Week 1 when the Eagles were only able to put up 17 points. This could be a long day for the Washington Football on both sides of the ball. The Rams come in looking like a playoff team. They are one of the most dominant teams on the road this season compared to at home. Away from Los Angeles the Rams are averaging almost 35 points per game and averaging over 460 yards per game. However, at home is a different story. The Rams are only averaging 18.5 points per game and 331 yards per game. That is a huge difference in production, so I guess it is a good thing the game is in Washington? Rams should win easily!

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Rams 35 - 13

AJ’S PREDICTION: Football Team 15 - 13

Miami (1-3) at San Francisco (2-2)

4:05 p.m. ET

FOX

Point spread: 49ers, -9.5

Surprisingly, the Miami Dolphins have won 3 of the last 4 against the 49er's, but I do not see that trend continuing. Tight End George Kittle, had himself a game against the Eagles last Sunday night. He is averaging over 113 yards receiving per game, which is the most in the NFL. The 49ers are also getting back starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for the first time in two weeks and should be much better than Mick Mullens and C.J. Bethard. Running back Raheem Mostert has been a blessing for the 49er's offense who has been decimated by injuries. The team is averaging over 150 yards rushing per game with Mostert in the lineup and only 104 rush yards per game without Mostert. I think the 49ers rely heavily on getting Kittle the ball and a solid running game behind Mostert to win the game. I am sure the defense will step up in a big way as well. For the Dolphins, the one bright spot on this team has been, wide receiver, DeVante Parker. Since 2019, Parker has the most receiving yards and is tied for 2nd in receiving touchdowns. If the Dolphins have any chance they need to get the ball to Parker early and often.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: 49ers 24 - 13

AJ’S PREDICTION: 49ers 32 - 11

Indianapolis (3-1) at Cleveland (3-1)

4:25 p.m. ET

CBS

Point spread: Colts, -1.0

This could definitely be a very intriguing matchup this weekend as well. The Browns come in with the best rushing attack in the NFL, and the Colts come in with the 2nd best defense in the league, so something has to give in this game. In fact, the Colts defense has allowed fewer than 12 points in 3 straight games, and this is the first time they have accomplished this since 2013. Baker Mayfield has struggled against teams with winning records, with a 4-11 record against those teams. However, they will be without the heart and soul of their defense as Darius Leonard will miss this one. On the other end of the ball for Indy, starting left tackle Anthony Castanzo will also miss this game. This will break Indy’s streak of 20 straight games with the same starters up front for the offense. The Colts are also 2-10 when Castanzo has not played. If the Browns are going to have any chance against this stingy Colts defense, they will need to establish the run and get Odell Beckham Jr. involved often and early. The Colts have relied more heavily on the run and solid defense, and that is a recipe for success. If the Colts can stop the run, the Browns could be in for a long day.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Colts 24 - 21

AJ’S PREDICTION: Colts 27 - 24

New York Giants (0-4) at Dallas (1-4)

4:25 p.m. ET

CBS

Point Spread: Cowboys, -8.5

How is it that the Dallas Cowboys are 1-3 and have the best offense in the NFL? The answer is simple, the defense stinks! The Cowboys are one first down away from being 0-4. The Cowboys have had a lead on 7 of their 313 offensive snaps this season, the lowest percentage of offensive snaps with a lead in the NFL. Prescott and the Cowboys offense should have no issues against the Giants, but this is a divisional game, so anything is possible. As far as the Giants are concerned, they have not been the same football team since they lost Saquon Barkley for the year to a major knee injury. Daniel Jones continues to struggle. He is the only quarterback in the NFL with a sub-80 passer rating in his first 4 games. That is not a recipe for success. I don't see how the Giants offense can keep up with the Cowboys. Dallas should win this game easily.

SHAWN’S PREDICTION: Cowboys 31 - 14

AJ’S PREDICTION: Giants 30 - 28

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