In Week 4 I turned in my best performance of the season with a 10-5 record. On the season, I'm up to 30-31-2, so I'm still under .500. There's a few toss-ups this week and some underdogs with realistic chances to win. In other words it should be another challenging week.
Thursday Night
Indianapolis Colts (1-3) at New England Patriots (2-2)
Andrew Luck lit up the Texans for 4 touchdowns in a losing effort last week, while the Patriots offense also got back on track with a 38-7 win over the previously undefeated Dolphins. Could be a recipe for a high-scoring Thursday night game. Would have to take Brady and Belichick, at home, in prime-time. They thrive in these conditions.
Patriots win 27-20
Andrew Luck lit up the Texans for 4 touchdowns in a losing effort last week, while the Patriots offense also got back on track with a 38-7 win over the previously undefeated Dolphins. Could be a recipe for a high-scoring Thursday night game. Would have to take Brady and Belichick, at home, in prime-time. They thrive in these conditions.
Patriots win 27-20
Sunday
Tennessee Titans (3-1) at Buffalo Bills (1-3)
The Titans are among a handful of unlikely 3-1 teams, and are in good position to push themselves to 4-1. Take away their exciting win against the Vikings, and the Bills have been straight up bad and one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Marcus Mariota is lucky to catch Buffalo now and not in the colder weather. The Bills do show up at home on occasion, but I'll take Tennessee to 4-1.
Titans win 34-10
The Titans are among a handful of unlikely 3-1 teams, and are in good position to push themselves to 4-1. Take away their exciting win against the Vikings, and the Bills have been straight up bad and one of the worst teams in the NFL this season. Marcus Mariota is lucky to catch Buffalo now and not in the colder weather. The Bills do show up at home on occasion, but I'll take Tennessee to 4-1.
Titans win 34-10
Miami Dolphins (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)
A month ago, I would not have believed this game could have the biggest implications for the NFL playoff picture. A win here will result in the 2nd best record in the AFC, with a head-to-head victory over a division leader. This may be thinking far ahead, as either team could fall off, but that's exactly why this game will show us who's for real.
I think the Dolphins have more problems than just losing to their rival Patriots, and Andy Dalton and the Bengals will win at home to keep the pace in the AFC playoff picture.
Bengals win 27-17
Baltimore Ravens (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-2-1)
These aren't the same Browns as last year, and with the narrowest of defeats and a tie, Cleveland could easily have 3 or even 4 wins already. Yet their record still seems abysmal. Unfortunately, the Baltimore Ravens are hot, and unless Baker Mayfield can outplay the resurgent Joe Flacco, I think the Ravens get the road win here.
Ravens win 21-20
Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) at Detroit Lions (1-3)
The Packers are the only team with a tie to get to two wins (all three other teams are 1-2-1). The Packers are trending in the right direction. The Lions have been competitive after Week 1, but still have just one win to show for it. Aaron Rodgers gets it done in Detroit.
Packers win 30-14
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
I previously hyped up Dolphins-Bengals as an important game for AFC standings, but this game takes the cake as an early season playoff preview. The Chiefs have steamrolled to 4-0, avoiding a loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars had an off game against the Titans but have impressed in their other three.
Mahommes has been brilliant, and the Chiefs are always great at home. But five weeks in, he faces the Jaguars defense, his toughest challenge yet. Jacksonville is able to put the clamps on Kansas City's offense, at least for this week.
Jaguars win 20-15
Denver Broncos (2-2) at New York Jets (1-3)
The Jets are one of the coldest teams in the league, and the Broncos are coming off a narrow loss to the Chiefs. But the Broncos aren't the same team away from Denver, and Sam Darnold seems due for another good game. I'll put my faith in the rookie in his 2nd game at MetLife Stadium.
Jets win 20-10
Atlanta Falcons (1-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1)
The Falcons have been high-flying on offense and competitive across the board, but hold an unfortunate 1-3 record. The Steelers have been all over the place, their only win a parting gift from Ryan Fitzpatrick (three interceptions in the first half).
I'd like to think this could be a fun offensive game but I really don't know what to expect. But I do think the better team wins here: the Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons win 34-20
New York Giants (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (2-1)
After a win over the Houston Texans, many thought the Giants would enter a shootout with the Saints last week. But as it's been for over two seasons now, the Giants offense is not consistent enough to stay in games. I don't even value the Panthers that highly, but New York is trending in the wrong direction, and the Panthers defense on their homefield will be too much for Eli Manning and the G-Men.
Panthers win 24-13
Oakland Raiders (1-3) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
The Chargers have put up 28, 31, 23 and 29 points this season. It seems like Philip Rivers can put up the point this season, and his defense decides if it's a win or loss. The Raiders offense broke out with 45 points last week against the Browns, but overall pales in comparison to LA's offense. I'll take the hottest offensive town in the NFL.
Chargers win 30-27
Minnesota Vikings (1-2-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
The Vikings looked great offensively last Thursday, but their defense couldn't stop Jared Goff and the Rams for a second. This week they get the Eagles, who have been looking human this season. Minnesota is desperate for win #2: and they get it in Philadelphia, sending the Super Bowl champion under .500
Vikings win 17-16
Arizona Cardinals (0-4) at San Francisco 49ers (1-3)
Josh Rosen vs. CJ Beathard in the least prolific quarterback matchup of the season so far. The 49ers lost to the Chargers, put still put up 27 points in a narrow loss. The Arizona Cardinals have 37 points in the entire season. Even with the luxury of three home games so far, the Cardinals have mustered nothing in terms of points and wins. On the road, their woes continue.
49ers win 27-10
Los Angeles Rams (4-0) at Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
The hottest offensive NFL town sends it's crowned jewel up to Seattle. If this was Jared Goff vs. The Legion of Boom, this would be an extremely exciting Week 5 matchup. But Seattle's defense is in shambles, and Earl Thomas is out for the season. LA destroyed the Vikings defense and will probably carve up Seattle as well.
Rams win 33-18
A month ago, I would not have believed this game could have the biggest implications for the NFL playoff picture. A win here will result in the 2nd best record in the AFC, with a head-to-head victory over a division leader. This may be thinking far ahead, as either team could fall off, but that's exactly why this game will show us who's for real.
I think the Dolphins have more problems than just losing to their rival Patriots, and Andy Dalton and the Bengals will win at home to keep the pace in the AFC playoff picture.
Bengals win 27-17
These aren't the same Browns as last year, and with the narrowest of defeats and a tie, Cleveland could easily have 3 or even 4 wins already. Yet their record still seems abysmal. Unfortunately, the Baltimore Ravens are hot, and unless Baker Mayfield can outplay the resurgent Joe Flacco, I think the Ravens get the road win here.
Ravens win 21-20
Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) at Detroit Lions (1-3)
The Packers are the only team with a tie to get to two wins (all three other teams are 1-2-1). The Packers are trending in the right direction. The Lions have been competitive after Week 1, but still have just one win to show for it. Aaron Rodgers gets it done in Detroit.
Packers win 30-14
Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
I previously hyped up Dolphins-Bengals as an important game for AFC standings, but this game takes the cake as an early season playoff preview. The Chiefs have steamrolled to 4-0, avoiding a loss to the Denver Broncos on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars had an off game against the Titans but have impressed in their other three.
Mahommes has been brilliant, and the Chiefs are always great at home. But five weeks in, he faces the Jaguars defense, his toughest challenge yet. Jacksonville is able to put the clamps on Kansas City's offense, at least for this week.
Jaguars win 20-15
Denver Broncos (2-2) at New York Jets (1-3)
The Jets are one of the coldest teams in the league, and the Broncos are coming off a narrow loss to the Chiefs. But the Broncos aren't the same team away from Denver, and Sam Darnold seems due for another good game. I'll put my faith in the rookie in his 2nd game at MetLife Stadium.
Jets win 20-10
Atlanta Falcons (1-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1)
The Falcons have been high-flying on offense and competitive across the board, but hold an unfortunate 1-3 record. The Steelers have been all over the place, their only win a parting gift from Ryan Fitzpatrick (three interceptions in the first half).
I'd like to think this could be a fun offensive game but I really don't know what to expect. But I do think the better team wins here: the Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons win 34-20
New York Giants (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (2-1)
After a win over the Houston Texans, many thought the Giants would enter a shootout with the Saints last week. But as it's been for over two seasons now, the Giants offense is not consistent enough to stay in games. I don't even value the Panthers that highly, but New York is trending in the wrong direction, and the Panthers defense on their homefield will be too much for Eli Manning and the G-Men.
Panthers win 24-13
The Chargers have put up 28, 31, 23 and 29 points this season. It seems like Philip Rivers can put up the point this season, and his defense decides if it's a win or loss. The Raiders offense broke out with 45 points last week against the Browns, but overall pales in comparison to LA's offense. I'll take the hottest offensive town in the NFL.
Chargers win 30-27
Minnesota Vikings (1-2-1) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
The Vikings looked great offensively last Thursday, but their defense couldn't stop Jared Goff and the Rams for a second. This week they get the Eagles, who have been looking human this season. Minnesota is desperate for win #2: and they get it in Philadelphia, sending the Super Bowl champion under .500
Vikings win 17-16
Josh Rosen vs. CJ Beathard in the least prolific quarterback matchup of the season so far. The 49ers lost to the Chargers, put still put up 27 points in a narrow loss. The Arizona Cardinals have 37 points in the entire season. Even with the luxury of three home games so far, the Cardinals have mustered nothing in terms of points and wins. On the road, their woes continue.
49ers win 27-10
Los Angeles Rams (4-0) at Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
The hottest offensive NFL town sends it's crowned jewel up to Seattle. If this was Jared Goff vs. The Legion of Boom, this would be an extremely exciting Week 5 matchup. But Seattle's defense is in shambles, and Earl Thomas is out for the season. LA destroyed the Vikings defense and will probably carve up Seattle as well.
Rams win 33-18
Sunday Night
Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Houston Texans (1-3)
Both teams need a win here. If the Cowboys pull it off, they're suddenly in a good position despite a poor start from Dak Prescott. A loss for the Texans basically dooms them to mediocrity. DeShaun Watson hasn't seen the national spotlight yet: and he leaves a good first impression here.
Texans win 20-17
Both teams need a win here. If the Cowboys pull it off, they're suddenly in a good position despite a poor start from Dak Prescott. A loss for the Texans basically dooms them to mediocrity. DeShaun Watson hasn't seen the national spotlight yet: and he leaves a good first impression here.
Texans win 20-17
Monday Night
Washington Redskins (2-1) at New Orleans Saints (3-1)
The Saints are scoring points like it's nobody's business, and the defense barely has to keep up. The formula has gotten them to 3-1 so far. The margin was close against the Giants last week, but with Brees and the Saints at home in primetime, I don't think Alex Smith can overcome them.
Saints win 27-17
The Saints are scoring points like it's nobody's business, and the defense barely has to keep up. The formula has gotten them to 3-1 so far. The margin was close against the Giants last week, but with Brees and the Saints at home in primetime, I don't think Alex Smith can overcome them.
Saints win 27-17
More
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers take a bye week after two straight losses. Jameis Winston will return to the starting quarterback role in Week 6. The Chicago Bears, an impressive 3-1 and leading the NFC North, are also on bye.
Header photo courtesy of USA Today Sports
Baker Mayfield Cleveland Browns photo courtesy of Valerie Shoaps/CSM/Shutterstock
Marcus Mariota photo courtesy of Wesley Hitt/Getty Images
Josh Rosen photo courtesy of Cards Wire/ USA Today
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