NFL Week 5 Picks

Photo credit: barstoolsports.com

Okay, so everybody needs a slice of humble pie and last week, that slice of humble pie was for me as I went 6–9.

I’m not crying, it happens. This week hopefully will be better.

Overall record: 43–19–1

Thursday Night Football

Los Angeles Rams(3–1) at Seattle(3–1) (-1.5): Expect the Rams to get back to the basics after a sloppy loss on Sunday. They should pound the rock and set up the play action attack. It’ll be a nail-biter, though.

Prediction: Rams 24, Seahawks 20

Sunday early-afternoon games

Tampa Bay(2–2) at New Orleans(3–1) (-3.5): This is an odd game to pick. If the recent version of Jameis Winston shows up, the Bucs could win this game easily, but if the Winston who’s famous for turnovers shows up, it could be the other way around. I’ll be risky and take Tampa.

Prediction: Buccaneers 27, Saints 13

Chicago(3–1) (-6) vs. Oakland(2–2) (in London): Khalil Mack is licking his chops. I definitely expect him to get it least a couple sacks, including at least one strip sack en-route to a Bears win.

Prediction: Bears 23, Raiders 13

Buffalo(3–1) at Tennessee(2–2) (-3): Get ready for a smash-mouth game with a lack of excitement.

Prediction: Titans 16, Bills 10

Arizona(0–3–1) at Cincinnati(0–4) (-3): I don’t want to pick either one of these teams.

Prediction: Bengals 27, Cardinals 24

Atlanta(1–3) at Houston(2–2) (-5.5): In a matchup of two teams with disappointing offenses, I’ll take the Falcons on the road due to Houston’s inability to protect quarterback Deshaun Watson.

Prediction: Falcons 20, Texans 17

Jacksonville(2–2) at Carolina(2–2) (-3.5): This game is just screaming at me that it’ll be a low-scoring grinder.

Prediction: Panthers 13, Jaguars 9

New York Jets(0–3) at Philadelphia(2–2) (-13.5): I expect this game to be closer than people think. The home team will prevail though.

Prediction: Eagles 24, Jets 20

New England(4–0) (-15.5) at Washington(0–4): Whichever quarterback starts for the Redskins won’t stand a chance.

Prediction: Patriots 28, Redskins 0

Baltimore(2–2) (-3.5) at Pittsburgh(1–3): Overtime thriller anybody?!

Prediction: Steelers 23, Ravens 20

Minnesota(2–2) (-5.5) at New York Giants(2–2): I expect Dalvin Cook to have a massive game this week, or the Vikings won’t win.

Prediction: Vikings 24, Giants 17

Sunday late-afternoon games

Denver(0–4) at Los Angeles Chargers(2–2) (-6.5): Hopefully Melvin Gordon actually plays in this game and doesn’t just sit on the sideline. His team may need him.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Broncos 20

Green Bay(3–1) at Dallas(3–1) (-3.5): The loss of Davante Adams will hurt the Packers in this game. If he was active, I would take Green Bay.

Prediction: Cowboys 24, Packers 16

Sunday Night Football

Indianapolis(2–2) at Kansas City(4–0) (-11): The Colts will need to make things ugly in KC in order to win, but that’s easier said than done.

Prediction: Chiefs 30, Colts 21

Monday Night Football

Cleveland(2–2) at San Francisco(3–0) (-3.5): I don’t expect a ton of points to be scored on either side, but I like the upset here.

Prediction: Browns 20, 49ers 13

Awards predictions

Game of the week: Packers at Cowboys

Upset of the week: Falcons over Texans

Offense of the week: Kansas City Chiefs

Defense of the week: New England Patriots

Dud of the week(player): Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo(SF)

Dud of the week(team): New Orleans Saints

Breakout player: Wide receiver Diontae Johnson(PIT)

Player of the week: Running back Dalvin Cook(MIN)

Team of the week: Dallas Cowboys