In a slightly better week than the last two, I managed to go 9-and-6 in Week 4. To be fair, I don’t think anyone saw the Buccaneers beating the Rams (there goes my survival pool). Also, my upset pick of the Bills over the Patriots was looking good, until Josh Allen went to the locker room in the third quarter.
But enough crying over spilled grapes. Here are my picks for Week 5.
I didn’t pick an upset of the week this week, I did however predict a game, which if I am correct, one team’s record will resemble that of a hockey team instead of a football team.
Rams 24, Seahawks 27
The Rams’ defense couldn’t stop the Buccaneers’ offense in Week 4, and the Seahawks’ offense is better than Tampa Bay’s.
Jaguars 21, Panthers 24
In this matchup of two backup quarterbacks, it seems Minshew’s magic may come to an end. Christian McCaffrey will help his Panthers get this victory at home.
Cardinals 20, Bengals 20
Neither team has gotten a victory through their first four games. Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray will make a crucial mistake late in this one, costing his team the win.
Bears 10, Raiders 17
Bears linebacker Khalil Mack find himself playing his first game against his former team. Chicago’s defense will keep them in this game, but Mitchell Trubisky being out will be the determining factor.
Buccaneers 20, Saints 27
Jameis Winston and the Buccaneers’ offense put on a show against the Rams. Teddy Bridgewater has played well enough since Drew Brees got hurt. I think that last game was a one-shot deal for Tampa Bay.
Bills 13, Titans 27
Like Winston, Marcus Mariota had a very efficient game last week. With the combination of Taylor Lewan’s season debut, the Titans playing at home, and the uncertainty of Bills quarterback Josh Allen for this game, the Bills will be in for a long day.
Vikings 17, Giants 24
Giants quarterback Daniel Jones will make his second home start. While Saquon Barkley is still sidelined, Jones gets a new weapon for his arsenal with the return of Golden Tate from suspension. While I expect Vikings running back Dalvin Cook to have a successful day on the ground, Kirk Cousins will continue his early-season struggles.
Jets 13, Eagles 31
If Sam Darnold was a lock to play, I would’ve made this my upset of the week pick. But his status is questionable, at best. Carson Wentz will carve up the Jets’ defense like he did the Packers’ a week ago.
Ravens 34, Steelers 20
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson will rebound after a tough loss to the Browns. The Steelers, coming off their first win on the season, won’t be able to keep up on the scoreboard.
Patriots 41, Redskins 13
Tom Brady and the Patriots will get back to their norm and put up points quickly and in a hurry. What could be Dwayne Haskins’s first career start for the Redskins, it could be the last for head coach Jay Gruden. The Patriots will remain undefeated, and with a Titans’ victory, they will be two games up in the AFC East.
Falcons 17, Texans 24
For the third week in a row, the Falcons face an AFC South opponent. Deshaun Watson will have an effective day against Atlanta’s defense and the Texans’ own defense will make key plays at key times, keeping Matt Ryan and co. from winning this game.
Broncos 21, Chargers 27
Chargers running back Austin Ekeler was a stud while Melvin Gordon was holding out. Now a week removed from Gordon returning to the team, although Ekeler’s carries will drop a bit, Von Miller and the Broncos’ defense can’t handle Los Angeles.
Packers 34, Cowboys 30
In this matchup between a pair of 3-1 teams, I expect a lot of scoring. Aaron Rodgers will get the better of Dak Prescott in this one.
Colts 20, Chiefs 34
Patrick Mahomes will have north of 300 yards passing. Jacoby Brissett just won’t be able to keep up with the reigning MVP. The Chiefs, like the Patriots, will remain undefeated.
Browns 27, 49ers 31
The 49ers come off an early bye. The Browns come off an impressive win against the Ravens. Having the week off will help Jimmy Garoppolo’s team to get the win over Baker Mayfield’s.
In Week 5, we’ll see the Patriots, Chiefs, and 49ers remain undefeated. Meanwhile, at least five (Jets, Bengals/Cardinals, Redskins, Broncos, and Dolphins) will remain winless.
