NFL Week 5: Breakdowns & Picks for Every Game

Fall football is rolling into full swing as Week 5 of the NFL kicks off during what many argue is the best sports month of the year. Here’s a game-by-game preview of this weekend’s slate with odds, analysis, and score predictions.

49ers (3–1) at Rams (3–1)

Thursday, Oct. 2 – 7:15 p.m. | Line: Rams -5.5

The 49ers offense has leaned too heavily on Christian McCaffrey, and their other playmakers must do more to share the workload. Four turnovers cost them last week, and discipline must improve. The Rams, meanwhile, rebounded with a tidy home win against the Colts. Puka Nacua is averaging 10.5 catches and 126 yards per game, while sophomore defensive ends Jared Verse and Byron Young continue to shine.

Prediction: Rams 28, 49ers 24

Los Angeles’ passing attack should carry them to another key divisional win.

Vikings (2–2) at Browns (1–3)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 8:30 a.m. | Line: Vikings -3.5

Minnesota’s protection issues persisted last week as Carson Wentz was sacked six times. The Vikings need a spark soon if they want to keep pace in a tough NFC North. The Browns have failed to score more than 17 points in any game this season and will now turn to rookie Dillon Gabriel for his first start against a strong Vikings defense.

Prediction: Browns 20, Vikings 17

Cleveland’s defense and Quinshon Judkins’ power running should be just enough to sneak by Minnesota in London.

Cowboys (1–2–1) at Jets (0–4)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 12 p.m. | Line: Cowboys -2.5

Dallas’ offense continues to put up big numbers, with George Pickens stepping up in CeeDee Lamb’s absence. The defense, however, remains a glaring weakness. The Jets, still searching for their first win, dropped their third one-score game last week after two costly fumbles in scoring position.

Prediction: Cowboys 24, Jets 14

Dak Prescott is playing some of the best football of his career and should lead Dallas back to .500 against one of the worst teams 

Giants (1–3) at Saints (0–4)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 12 p.m. | Line: Saints -1.5

The Giants picked up their first win of the year against the previously undefeated Chargers, with the defense recording two interceptions and Jaxson Dart avoiding mistakes. The Saints remain winless, and Spencer Rattler is now 0–10 as a starter despite flashes of better play recently.

Prediction: Saints 24, Giants 21

New York faces an uphill climb without Malik Nabers and with a rookie quarterback who managed just 111 yards in his debut. The Giants were fortunate to slip past the Chargers in a fluky win, and while the Saints are not a great team either, they have been competitive and should finally break through.

Raiders (1–3) at Colts (3–1)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 12 p.m. | Line: Colts -6.5

Turnovers continue to plague Geno Smith, who has thrown seven interceptions in four games. The bright spot for Las Vegas was Ashton Jeanty’s breakout performance with 155 scrimmage yards and three touchdowns. The Colts also endured a gutting loss last week after an Adonai Mitchell fumble at the goal line but proved they can compete with top-tier teams.

Prediction: Colts 28, Raiders 27

Jonathan Taylor continues to dominate as the league’s top rusher and is poised to carry Indianapolis to another win.

Dolphins (1–3) at Panthers (1–3)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 12 p.m. | Line: Panthers -1.5

Miami earned its first win Monday but lost Tyreek Hill to a devastating injury that could alter his career. Darren Waller, however, was a bright spot with two touchdowns. Carolina has been wildly inconsistent, winning by 30 one week and losing by 29 the next.

Prediction: Dolphins 28, Panthers 24

Miami looks better equipped to string together a full 60 minutes.

Broncos (2–2) at Eagles (4–0)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 12 p.m. | Line: Eagles -4.5

Denver’s defense suffocated Cincinnati last week, limiting Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase to just 55 combined yards. The Broncos also produced their first 100-yard rusher since 2023. Philadelphia remains undefeated, but continues to flirt with danger as each victory has come by a single score, and last week the defense surrendered a pair of 70-yard touchdowns.

Prediction: Eagles 20, Broncos 14

Denver’s defense should keep this game tight, but Philadelphia seems to find ways to pull out close contests, and I expect them to do it again on Sunday.

Texans (1–3) at Ravens (1–3)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 12 p.m. | Line: Ravens -3.5

Houston looked sharp in a 26–0 shutout of Tennessee and is finally showing signs of life. Baltimore’s injury crisis deepened last week with Nnamdi Madubuike lost for the year and Marlon Humphrey and Roquan Smith sidelined for multiple weeks. Lamar Jackson is also out.

Prediction: Texans 23, Ravens 21

No Lamar Jackson, a defense falling apart, and a team that already looks adrift. The Ravens inspire little confidence, even at home against a Texans squad that has been just as up and down.

Buccaneers (3–1) at Seahawks (3–1)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 3:05 p.m. | Line: Seahawks -3

Tampa Bay fell short against Philadelphia but still looks dangerous with a strong defense and an offense that can score quickly. Seattle, riding a three-game winning streak, owns the league’s second-best scoring defense, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba has emerged as one of the NFL’s most productive receivers, ranking second in yards.

Prediction: Buccaneers 30, Seahawks 28

In a battle of 2018 draft classmates, Baker Mayfield edges out Sam Darnold.

Titans (0–4) at Cardinals (2–2)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 3:05 p.m. | Line: Cardinals -8.5

Top pick Cam Ward has shown flashes of talent but is surrounded by one of the league’s weakest rosters. Arizona has lost two straight by a combined four points and struggled in their first game without James Conner.

Prediction: Cardinals 20, Titans 17

If the Cardinals are a legitimate playoff contender, they must take care of business here.

Lions (3–1) at Bengals (2–2)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 3:25 p.m. | Line: Lions -9.5

Detroit made a statement with 34 points against one of the league’s top defenses. They remain the highest-scoring team in the NFL. Cincinnati’s offense has been dreadful without Joe Burrow, managing just 13 points in two blowout losses.

Prediction: Lions 35, Bengals 17

The Lions’ firepower is too much for a depleted Bengals team.

Commanders (2–2) at Chargers (3–1)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 3:25 p.m. | Line: Chargers -2.5

Washington’s early momentum is slipping after a loss to Atlanta with Jayden Daniels sidelined again. His expected return should give the offense its spark back, but questions linger about consistency. The Chargers, stunned by the Giants last week, are still a threat, especially with Quentin Johnston finally breaking through as a dependable deep threat for Justin Herbert.

Prediction: Chargers 24, Commanders 20

Los Angeles bounces back at home against a shaky Washington secondary.

Patriots (2–2) at Bills (4–0)

Sunday, Oct. 8 – 7:20 p.m. | Line: Bills -8.5

New England dominated Carolina last week as Drake Maye continued his impressive sophomore season. Buffalo’s perfect start is being questioned due to the weak combined record of its opponents (2-14), but the Bills still boast the league’s top rushing attack and pass defense, along with an MVP-caliber quarterback.

Prediction: Bills 24, Patriots 23

This defensive battle stays tight, but Buffalo grinds out another win.

Chiefs (2–2) at Jaguars (3–1)

Monday, Oct. 9 – 7:15 p.m. | Line: Chiefs -3.5

Kansas City looked rejuvenated with Xavier Worthy back in the lineup. His speed opened the field and reignited the offense. Jacksonville has been one of the league’s most pleasant surprises, riding Liam Coen’s offensive scheme and a revitalized running game. This primetime matchup is their chance to prove legitimacy.

Prediction: Jaguars 30, Chiefs 28

Jacksonville’s ground game and home-field edge should carry them to a statement win.

On bye: Falcons, Packers, Bears, Steelers

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