2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 5

Atlanta Falcons (1-3) at Houston Texans (2-2)

Sunday, October 6, 1PM ET

The Atlanta Falcons are broken. Despite their bevy of offensive weapons, Matt Ryan can’t seem to get this team firing on all cylinders. Until that happens, I’m done picking them to win. That’s why I’m going with the Houston Texans to win this Week 5 showdown.

Don’t get me wrong, though — it’s not like the Texans don’t have to the talent to earn the W. In fact, they’re one of the more talented teams in the NFL, at least on paper. The problem is their putrid offensive line and inconsistent secondary. And yet, the pieces are there for them to make a run at the playoffs.

The real stars of the show are Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins, who continue to make life difficult for opposing defenses. They’ve been shining all season long, and will look to take advantage of a stingy Atlanta secondary on Sunday. If that doesn’t work, they’ll simply rely on their defensive front to keep Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman in check.

It hasn’t been a great season for either of these clubs, but neither is out of the running at this point. However, a Week 5 loss could put the Falcons in serious jeopardy of falling too far behind. That appears to be what their future holds, which also won’t bode well for Dan Quinn’s job security.

Prediction: Texans win 20-14