Hello readers! Another week of National Football League action is coming upon us yet again. With four weeks of regular season action in the books, the season is 22% complete. For matchups this week, I'll keep an eye on the Buccaneers-Falcons, Ravens-Bengals, Cardinals-49ers, Cowboys-Steelers and Saints-Chiefs games this week. This week's post will include a preview and the picks for the Week 5 games, the Early & Late Game broadcast pairings that Fox and CBS will have. Let's get to work!
Week 5 Preview
The Fifth week of the NFL's regular season will start in Atlanta, Georgia and will end in Kansas City, Missouri. There will be a Thursday night game, a Sunday morning game, six early games, four late games, a Sunday night game and a Monday night game. Week 5 will feature a 14-game slate where 28 teams will play. Teams on a bye this week are the Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans. For matchups there will be six division matchups, four interconference games, one AFC game and three NFC games. CBS will have the doubleheader this week while FOX will have just the single, regional game this week. Let's get to the picks!
Week 5 Picks
Note: All game times are in US Eastern. TW is me
The Buccaneers beat the Eagles and the Falcons beat the Saints last week. Tampa had a rough time against Denver. Their pass protection broke down and they really rattled Baker Mayfield. Last week, they proved the doubters wrong and really blew out the visiting Philadelphia Eagles. Granted it was more of a game of attrition as the Tampa sun shined down. I think the key to the game for the Buccaneers is the pass protection.
Atlanta started off rough to begin the season. Losses to Pittsburgh and Kansas City put a damper on them. A big win against the Eagles and then the Saints gave them some meaning to play games. Their win against the Saints is their first where they didn't score an offensive touchdown while scoring on defense and special teams. I don't think we've seen Kirk Cousins straight up have a great game yet in a Falcons uniform. I think the Falcons will need to get a good game from their offense. The Buccaneers won't let them get the opportunity to score on special teams or on defense. I like the Bucs.
All-time series: Buccaneers lead 31-30
NY Jets (2-2) @ Minnesota (4-0) (NFL Network; 9:30 am); TW: Jets
The Jets lost to the Broncos and the Vikings beat the Packers last week. The first of many international games this year. The Jets and Vikings will play in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. The Jets come into the game with a bad loss to the Denver Broncos. Their offense didn't score a touchdown all game and resorted to Greg Zuerlein hitting three field goals. Their offense needs to do better. The defense kept the Broncos to just 10 points so they can't be that bad on offense. Especially when they hung 20+ on the Patriots two weeks ago.
The Vikings are currently the 2nd undefeated team in the NFC with the Seahawks. The game against Green Bay last week showed how great they can be and how bad they can be at holding leads. Had Jordan Love not threw an interception (the 3rd one in the day) and actually scored, it would've been a choking a 28-0 lead. Suffice to say, the Vikings are still undefeated. The offense has seen a blossoming with Sam Darnold leading the way, Aaron Jones piling up yardage and Justin Jefferson doing Justin Jefferson things. If there was a point where the undefeated season ended I think this week might be the closest that the Vikes might have it to losing. I'll take the Jets.
All-time series: Jets lead 8-4
Baltimore (2-2) @ Cincinnati (1-3) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Ravens
The Ravens beat the Bills and the Bengals beat the Panthers last week. The rivalry renews in the AFC North. The last time these two teams met, Joe Burrow didn't play. As long as Burrow is playing the Bengals will have a chance to win games. They managed to get a win last week as they avoided the dreaded 0-4 record. Granted they played against the Panthers last week. Yes Andy Dalton has improved the Panthers but they still couldn't get a lead in the game against Cincy. The Bengals will have a tall task against the Ravens.
Baltimore started off 0-2 and then they are now 2-2. The win last week against the Bills proved that they can create a lead and hold onto it. They couldn't quite put the foot on the gas and keep the Cowboys from almost beating them in week 3. Derrick Henry had a stellar day on the ground with 199 rushing yards. They should try to keep him involved in this game as well. I think they are in general the better team than the Bengals. I'll take them.
All-time series: Ravens lead 30-27
Buffalo (3-1) @ Houston (3-1) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Bills
The Bills lost to the Ravens and the Texans beat the Jaguars last week. A good one in the AFC. A game that be key in deciding homefield in the divisional playoffs. At least a tiebreaker will be in play. For the Bills they blew out the Jaguars on Monday night and then the Ravens gave them a taste of their medicine and blew them out. It was a bit of a shocker as they let Derrick Henry run over them. They will need to clean up their run defense. If the offense can be like the Ravens it'll be a long day for them. Fortunately the Texans have the 18th ranked rush offense. It'll be a tough one to figure out with the Bills. They did get exposed a bit.
Houston got a big bounce back win against the Jaguars. The Jaguars played one of their better games of the season but still lost. If there was a weakness for the Texans is pressuring CJ Stroud and forcing him into pressure and their run offense. The talent level for Joe Mixon and Cam Akers is average to good. I would like to see them utilize them a bit more if they see some sort of weakness in the Bills defense. The Texans defense is fairly underrated and they have a good pass defense that can shut down teams. I'll take the Bills.
All-time series: Texans lead 6-5
Carolina (1-3) @ Chicago (2-2) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Panthers
The Panthers lost to the Bengals and the Bears beat the Rams last week. Carolina had a rough start to the year, going 0-2. Then the change at quarterback with Bryce Young struggling. In comes the Red Rifle, Andy Dalton, who provides offense to a team that has a decent core. In just two starts, Dalton has thrown five touchdowns and just one interception. They will need him to keep going for this one as the Bears defense is not too shabby.
The book on the Bears is pretty much their record, average. Caleb Williams has had an okay-ish start to the year. The turnovers could be cut down. I don't think we've seen a great game from him yet in four games this season. The Bears running game has gotten just as much touchdowns than their passer. I think if the Bears offense had to get off to a great dominating effort, I think this game might be the one. I like the Panthers though.
All-time series: Bears lead 8-4
Cleveland (1-3) @ Washington (3-1) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Commanders
The Browns lost to the Raiders and the Commanders beat the Cardinals last week. The Browns so far have been kind of what was to be expected. Their woes have been injuries to their offense. Nick Chubb hasn't played a down yet this year. David Njoku might be able to play. That will help out their cause to win. The quarterback play and mistakes have been their downfall in the early going. One such mistake was special teams missing a point after.
Washington has been a bit of a surprise so far this season. Jayden Daniels has looked like the clear winner of the rookie quarterback debate so far. With three passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns, he is a scoring machine. He looked great against Arizona with his fellow teammates. The offense has put up so many points that their defense hadn't had to worry about them. I think the Commanders will take this but maybe it might be a bit less of a scoring fest as the Browns defense is a bit better.
All-time series: Browns lead 35-12-1
Indianapolis (2-2) @ Jacksonville (0-4) (CBS; 1:00 pm): TW: Colts
The Colts beat the Steelers and the Jaguars lost to the Texans last week. When all hope seemed lost for the Colts when a hip injury was inflicted on Anthony Richardson, Joe Flacco came in and provided the help they needed. Flacco, the hardy veteran, was signed as a free agent who played in Cleveland in a magical season last year. He would lead the offense and got them to 27 points. The defense would hold off the Steelers last push. Jonathan Taylor found success in penetrating the Steelers defensive front. Joe Flacco kind of brought a breath of fresh air to the Colts.
Jacksonville has been a bit of a rough spot this season. They haven't won a game since December of last year. They had a 8-3 record and then fell off the earth and have been falling since then. The play last week was optimistic. They played smart football with little to no turnovers. Their defense kept the Texans to 24 points. They can't be playing that awful to the Colts possibly. The Jaguars just seem off whether it be that there is a rift with the head coach to the rest of the team. I think the Jags are a falling ship, I'll take the Colts.
All-time series: Colts lead 27-19
Miami (1-3) @ New England (1-3) (FOX; 1:00 pm): TW: Patriots
The Dolphins lost to the Titans and the Patriots lost to the 49ers last week. Miami looked to be a playoff and possibly a Super Bowl contender prior to the season. Since the loss to Buffalo, it looked like a bit of a lost season so far. If they can stay the ship and win games in Tua Tagovailoa's absense, they might have a shot to a wild card spot. The rough part is that he might return in Week 8. The sad thing is that the rest of the team hasn't stepped up in his absence. Perhaps the offense has been a bit more of a complex one than really anything.
New England has had a rough season so far. Perhaps it has been expected. The flaws of the Patriots are pretty evident. They can't protect the passer as they they snap the ball in one second then Jacoby Brissett is on the ground the next. If they can find some solace in giving him time, they might actually move the ball down the field and get first downs and then possibly score points. Essentially the gameplan is get the ball out as quickly as possible and try to find open receivers and tell them to go the distance. The run game is decent and can be productive if their offense can be more balanced. It will be hinging on if the Pats can go the distance and sustain drives. I think they can do it. I'll take them.
All-time series: Dolphins lead 62-55
Arizona (1-3) @ San Francisco (2-2) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: 49ers
The Cardinals lost to the Commanders and the 49ers beat the Patriots last week. Arizona has shown some signs of life this season. Partially because of Kyler Murray being healthy and having a true #1 wide receiver in Marvin Harrison Jr out there making plays helps. Last week was a bit of an unraveling. They got destroyed by Washington and the Cardinals defense is kind of suspect now going forward. The run game of Washington did exploit a weakness in them. A weakness that the 49ers would like to capitalize on.
San Francisco has had its growing pains this season. Starting off with a 2-0 record and then the losses to Minnesota and the LA Rams kind of exposed them a little bit. Teams with good offensive lines can hinder them. They found daylight in playing against New England's rough patchwork of an offensive line. Jordan Mason has been a bright spot for the running game of San Francisco. It kind of almost makes you forget that Christian McCaffrey is also on this team and once he returns he will likely make it back to the top spot in the halfback depth chart. I'll take the 49ers.
All-time series: 49ers lead 36-29
Las Vegas (2-2) @ Denver (2-2) (FOX; 4:05 pm): TW: Raiders
The Raiders beat the Browns and the Broncos beat the Jets last week. Las Vegas has been kind of a roller coaster of a team so far this season. They looked good and bad. Very bad for picking as I like to pick teams that are stable in what they're doing. Some drama is floating around with Davante Adams and the Raiders organization as the team is open to trading him. Kind of weird that they're willing to do it as he's probably their best wide receiver. Suffice to say, I think the Raiders have a shot to win this football game.
Denver has been a bit more of a surprise than people realize. The team was expected to be not good but yet they have two wins under their belt. The quarterback Bo Nix finally got his first touchdown pass against the Jets last week. The Broncos defense did the rest. Prior to last week, the Jets scored three touchdowns each in their games. They scored none against Denver. Has to be something worthwhile right. The Broncos running game hasn't really picked up yet and Javonte Williams hasn't quite had the start he would like to have with just 129 rushing yards with 40 carries. It would definitely get their offense going if he can find holes in the Raiders defense. If it comes down to the Raiders defense vs the Broncos offense, I would take the Raiders a lot of the time. I'll go with the Raidas.
All-time series: Raiders lead 73-54-2
Green Bay (2-2) @ LA Rams (1-3) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Packers
The Packers lost to the Vikings and the Rams lost to the Bears last week. Green Bay's season has been kind of a weird one. Jordan Love is 0-2 with the team while his backup Malik Willis is 2-0 on the year. Last week was also a weird one for the Packers. They were down 28-0 at one point against Minnesota and then lost by a 31-29 final score. Despite the turnovers and everything going wrong on defense, they only lost by 2 points. They might be down and outmatched but they still fight on. They might have a decent time against a depleted Rams team.
Los Angeles was supposed to be the great team that was expected to do well this season. I'm sure I was high on them this year. Injuries to Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp have been detrimental to them. Still you have to play with the guys that you got. Matthew Stafford is still healthy and moving so they have a shot to win anytime he's around. Remember he was a Detroit Lion. Suffice to say, the losses will be costly to them in this game. If only they can find some way to get them on the field sooner. The defense of the rams, isn't quite as good as they don't have a juggernaut of a force like Aaron Donald. Something that they will struggle a bit as the season goes on. I think the Packers will take it.
All-time series: Packers lead 50-47-2
NY Giants (1-3) @ Seattle (3-1) (CBS; 4:25 pm): TW: Seahawks
The Giants lost to the Cowboys and the Seahawks lost to the Lions last week. The Giants have had a rough go of it as of late. The loss to Dallas was a bit optimistic as they only lost by five points. Granted the game last year was a blowout. If there is a bright spot for the Giants it is Malik Nabers being the #1 guy as a wide receiver. The defense has shown some signs of improvement as well.
The Seahawks fell back to earth last week against the Lions. Their undefeated bid ended. It was a bit warranted as the Lions are a really good team. They almost made it a game. Geno Smith had a rough game but the rest of the Seahawks except maybe Kenneth Walker III had a rough game as well. Every team has them. I think the Seahawks can have a rebound game and get back to basics of running the football and spreading the ball around to their playmakers in DK Metcalf. The 12's in Lumen Field will help them out for sure.
All-time series: Seahawks lead 11-10
Dallas (2-2) @ Pittsburgh (3-1) (NBC; 8:20 pm): TW: Steelers
The Cowboys beat the Giants and the Steelers lost to the Colts last week. The Sunday night game features two teams that are well known in NFL History. The Cowboys come into this game with a big needed win against the Giants. Their offense didn't do a whole lot but their defense kept the Giants from really running over them. Micah Parsons might not play in this game as he was injured last week. That might put things in a bind for the Mike Zimmer coordinated defense.
Pittsburgh comes into this game with a loss to the Colts. They did knock out Anthony Richardson in this game but Joe Flacco, a foe they're all too familiar with, came in and provided needed offense to the Colts who needed it. The Steelers were down by a bit and they did almost pull off a tie game and/or a win, a lot of questions remain if Justin Fields can remain the starter while Russell Wilson is waiting in the wings. I think the Steelers defense will be the key once again. If they can give Cordarrelle Patterson more touches they could win this one. I'll take the Steelers.
All-time series: Cowboys lead 17-16
New Orleans (2-2) @ Kansas City (4-0) (ESPN; 8:15 pm): TW: Saints
The Saints lost to the Falcons and the Chiefs beat the Chargers last week. New Orleans really had a letdown against the Falcons. Their team really should've won against the Falcons. Their offense was the better of the two. Unfortunately a muffed punt and a pick-six doomed them and prevented them from doing what they should've done. Their offense laxed after the first half and let the Falcons hang around. Taysom Hill getting two touchdowns should've been more than enough for this offense to put up more than just 24 points.
Kansas City keeps their undefeated season alive with a 4-0 record. Rashee Rice got injured last week and will be out for at least this game and possibly more. It looked pretty bad. On the plus side, Travis Kelce did get going in this game just didn't get a touchdown pass. Their offense will remain the same as it is. Their defense will have a solid test against the Saints offense. If they can shut down the run game and force Derek Carr to beat you in the air. They have a solid shot to win this one. New Orleans did have the highest scoring offense earlier this season.
All-time series: Chiefs lead 7-5
CBS Early
Early & Late Game TV Broadcast Pairings
Note: Games in bold are being shown in my area, check local listings
CBS Early
Buffalo @ Houston
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Baltimore @ Cincinnati
Ian Eagle, Charles Davis
Baltimore @ Cincinnati
Kevin Harlan, Trent Green
Indianapolis @ Jacksonville
Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta
CBS Late
Green Bay @ LA Rams
Jim Nantz, Tony Romo
NY Giants @ Seattle
Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty
FOX Single
Miami @ New England
Chris Myers, Mark Sanchez
Carolina @ Chicago
Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma
Cleveland @ Washington
Jason Benetti, Greg Olson
Arizona @ San Francisco (Late)
Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady
Las Vegas @ Denver (Late)
Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston
For more information on which game is being shown in your area check out: NFL 2024: Week 5 Maps
Records
2024:
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6
Week 1: 14-2
Week 2: 10-6
Week 3: 10-6
Week 4: 10-6
Total: 44-20
2012: 164-90-2
2013: 162-92-1
2014: 172-83-1
2017: 164-92
2018: 156-98-2
2019: 161-94-1
2019: 161-94-1
2020: 167-88-1
2021: 173-98-1
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111
2022: 166-103-2
2023: 161-111
See you all after the Monday night game for the Week 5 Recap! Enjoy the games!
-Tom
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