NFL picks and score predictions for Week 5 as the 2020 season rolls along.
With every new week of the 2020 NFL season, we seem to be hit with yet another curveball. Now Week 5 is upon us, and we’re hoping for even more epic gridiron action and nonstop highlight-reel plays. Either way, we’re ready to deliver our weekly NFL picks!
As always, we’ve got you covered with the Week 5 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Now I’ll never claim that these are going to be 100 percent correct. In fact, there’s a very good chance at least a few of my picks will go completely awry. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience and careful consideration.
I’m sorry for letting you all down. The first two weeks of the season went extremely well, but the last two have been ugly. After going 8-7-1 in Week 3, things didn’t get much better with a 9-6 finish on my Week 4 picks, moving my overall record on the year to 39-21-1. It’s been a bit of a bummer, but then again, what else should we expect from 2020?
Just remember that making picks is not a science. As much research goes into it, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Isn’t that part of why we watch football in the first place?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 5. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
Week 5 Byes: Detroit Lions (1-3), Green Bay Packers (4-0)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) at Chicago Bears (3-1)
Thursday, October 8, 8:20PM ET
Despite the opposition’s best efforts, Tom Brady continues to impress as the aging leader of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The number of pick-sixes may be on the rise, but the GOAT is still winning games and making victims of opposing secondaries.
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It’s also a fact that the Chicago Bears defense has been exceptional this season, meaning they’re more than capable of putting the clamps on Brady and Co. While that may be the case, that scenario doesn’t seem too likely to play out on Thursday night. Why? There are just too many weapons on this Tampa Bay offense.
The more important aspect, though, is that the Chicago offense isn’t ready to go toe-to-toe with the Buccaneers. Yes, Nick Foles had a nice game as a stand-in for Mitchell Trubisky. Then, he followed that up with an underwhelming performance against the Indianapolis Colts. Between Tampa Bay’s pass rush and secondary, they shouldn’t have too much trouble making big plays.
I know the Bears won’t roll over because that’s not the team they’ve been through four weeks. But if they think they’re going to force Brady to walk out of Soldier Field with his head hanging, they’ve got another thing coming to them.
Prediction: Buccaneers win 35-27
Los Angeles Rams (3-1) at Washington Football Team (1-3)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
As great as the Los Angeles Rams have looked at times this season, I’m still not entirely sold on them as one of the NFC’s top dogs. They barely bounced the feeble New York Giants in Week 4, and haven’t scored as many points as their offensive production would suggest.
Meanwhile, the Washington Football Team has been floundering since their surprising Week 1 win against the Philadelphia Eagles. They haven’t been embarrassed up to this point, but they also haven’t been nearly competitive enough for me to feel confident in their ability to beat the Rams on Sunday.
Why? Because D.C.’s offense has been putrid all year long. Currently ranked 30th in the league in total offensive yardage, it’s clear that Dwayne Haskins isn’t the answer under center. On top of that, getting rid of Adrian Peterson doesn’t seem to have been the best decision. Finally, they’re turning the ball over way too often.
Washington’s defense has been solid, but I don’t think they’re up to the task of slowing the Rams for 60 minutes. Look for Malcolm Brown and the running game to get rolling early, while Jared Goff makes a few big throws to put this one out of reach in the final minutes.
Prediction: Rams win 27-17
Buffalo Bills (4-0) at Tennessee Titans (3-0)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
It’s hard to know what’s going on with the Tennessee Titans right now. They were forced into a sudden bye in Week 4 due to a COVID breakout, and now it’s unclear what the immediate future holds and who is going to be available on game day.
The Titans were playing well prior to the spread, with Ryan Tannehill getting out of the gates fast and Derrick Henry still playing like a star. Although the defense was breaking a bit more than bending, they were showing resilience in close games and doing enough to land Tennessee in the win column.
Unfortunately, they face the Buffalo Bills in Week 5. Josh Allen is having a breakout season, already looking like an MVP candidate through four weeks. The run game has been dynamic with Devin Singletary stealing the show, and having Stefon Diggs out wide has been a huge boost. Put simply, the Bills are looking like one of the most complete teams in the league right now.
Even with an extra week of rest, it hasn’t necessarily been a restful last few days for the Titans. They’ll come ready to play (hopefully), but it still won’t be enough to overcome a Bills team that is absolutely rolling right now.
Prediction: Bills win 31-23
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
Ugh. I had no idea how ugly this season was going to start for the Eagles. They’ve managed not to completely blow their postseason hopes with a win and a tie, but the offense has been a mess, the defense isn’t much better, and the turnover margin (-5) is very un-Eagle-like.
Carson Wentz hasn’t been himself, throwing far too many interceptions and struggling with a lack of pass protection and reliable threats out wide. The only saving grace has been the ground game, led by Miles Sanders. Even then, it hasn’t been productive enough on a weekly basis to completely override Wentz’ woes.
As for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s been an impressive showing through three games. They own the 2nd-ranked defense in the league, and are allowing by far the least amount of rushing yards per game (54). They’re creating turnovers at a rapid pace, and are racking up sacks like it’s no big deal. The offense isn’t doing too shabby either.
On top of all of that, the Steelers had an extra week to rest and get healthy after the Titans’ COVID outbreak. The Eagles will do their best to keep up with their Pennsylvania rivals, but it’s going to be a tough game that ends in embarrassment for Philly.
Prediction: Steelers win 30-10
Arizona Cardinals (2-2) at New York Jets (0-4)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
For the last two weeks, I’ve been confident in the Arizona Cardinals’ ability to win. As you probably know, they’ve let me down both weeks, stumbling against the Detroit Lions before letting Teddy Bridgewater and the Carolina Panthers put on a show in Week 4.
Luckily for them, a Week 5 matchup with the New York Jets should allow them to right the ship and get back above .500. Why? Because Gang Green is arguably the worst team in the NFL right now — the defense can’t make enough stops to make up for a complete lack of offense.
If they couldn’t keep Brett Rypien and his three interceptions from getting the win, they certainly can’t contain Kyler Murray and his outstanding offensive weapons. The Cardinals defense hasn’t been great this year, but slowing down Sam Darnold should be a cakewalk considering the way he’s played so far in 2020.
The Cardinals have the talent to make a run at the playoffs, especially with an extra team per conference getting a postseason invite. Putting a hurting on the Jets and ending this losing streak is a must if they hope to make their playoff dreams a reality.
Prediction: Cardinals win 27-13
Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
Honestly, I’ve been pleasantly surprised by what we’ve seen from the Las Vegas Raiders this season. Derek Carr is playing well, the defense is flying around and hitting hard, and Josh Jacobs is still running like one of the best backs in the NFL.
Unfortunately, they’re far from perfect. The defense has dealt with too many injuries, and it’s hurt their ability to slow down opposing passing games. Injuries have also been a hindrance on offense, as Carr’s weapons seem to be falling like flies. On top of that, the Las Vegas offensive line is still a work in progress.
That doesn’t bode well for their hopes of winning on Sunday against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Chances are Patrick Mahomes will spend all game long shredding the secondary, while Clyde Edwards-Helaire works his magic in the running game. Even the Kansas City defense has been dangerous at times this season, which seems to spell disaster for Carr and Co.
It’ll be an exciting games between two teams that seem likely to be a part of the AFC playoff field. Unfortunately for the Raiders, I don’t think they have enough healthy talent to outscore the Chiefs and keep Mahomes from putting up big numbers in Week 5.
Prediction: Chiefs win 34-26
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) at Houston Texans (0-4)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
The Houston Texans have to win one eventually, right? I thought for sure they’d get their first W against the Minnesota Vikings this past weekend, but obviously that didn’t happen. Can they finally stop the bleeding with a victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars?
My gut tells me they will. The Jaguars haven’t been good this season, and Gardner Minshew hasn’t been able to work his magic often enough to land them on the landing side of things. That’s not all Minshew’s fault, though — the Jacksonville defense has been a mess for much of the season, often giving up more points than the Jaguars offense is capable of keeping up with.
If they couldn’t keep Joe Burrow and Joe Mixon in check in Week 4, how do they plan on slowing down Deshaun Watson? It’s simple — they won’t. Look for a “breakout” game from Watson, as he tosses at least three touchdowns and runs for another. David Johnson should also have a big game against Jacksonville’s susceptible defense.
As good as Gardner can be at times, he doesn’t have enough talent around him to overcome an awful defense. The Jaguars will stay in this one for at least three quarters but will fall victim to a Texans team desperate for their first win.
Prediction: Texans win 33-31
Cincinnati Bengals (1-2-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
Honestly, I’m glad Burrow finally earned his first win as an NFL quarterback. I’ve been rooting for the rookie gunslinger to get his first career W, and now he’s got it. Unfortunately, I don’t think Week 5 will see him start his first winning streak.
As rough as the Baltimore Ravens looked in Week 3, they bounced back in a big way in Week 4. Lamar Jackson looked far more confident than he did on Monday night and helped the Ravens earn a much-needed win against D.C. Now that he’s got his swagger back, it shouldn’t take much for him to start a streak against the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals.
As impressive as Burrow has been in 2020, the Cincinnati defense has hindered his ability to put marks in the win column. They’ve been gouged on the ground all season long, which doesn’t bode well for them in a matchup against a Ravens team that loves to pick up yards (and points) on foot.
Look for Jackson to go off, with Mark Ingram, J.K. Dobbins and the rest of the Baltimore ground game getting plenty of action. The Bengals keep things interesting through the first half but don’t be surprised if the Ravens roll in the second half to come away with the big win.
Prediction: Ravens win 38-21
Carolina Panthers (2-2) at Atlanta Falcons (0-4)
Sunday, October 11, 1PM ET
I’ll admit I didn’t have much faith in the Carolina Panthers coming into this season. I had even less faith when Christian McCaffrey went down with an injury. Despite the tough hand they’ve been dealt, the Panthers have turned heads with their ability to win against quality opponents.
Teddy Bridgewater is coming into his own. He’s quickly become a leader for this Carolina franchise, and it’s showing in his play. His receivers are making big plays when needed, and the ground game has taken off despite the absence of McCaffrey. On top of that, the Panthers defense has been surprisingly stout, currently ranking in the Top 10 in total yardage allowed.
You can’t say the same for the Atlanta Falcons. It’s been a dumpster fire for them this year, at least on the defensive side of the field. While Matt Ryan and the offense are producing yards and points, they simply can’t keep up with the number of touchdowns the Atlanta defense is giving up. Hence, they currently sit at 0-4 heading into Week 5.
The Panthers are aiming to put themselves in the NFC playoff picture as we work our way through the first half of the 2020 campaign. With another win in Atlanta, they’ll move to 3-2 and put themselves into prime position ahead of McCaffrey’s return.
Prediction: Panthers win 29-26
Miami Dolphins (1-3) at San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
Sunday, October 11, 4:05PM ET
It’s becoming harder and harder for the San Francisco 49ers to overcome the myriad of injuries they’ve already suffered this season. Then again, it’s understandable when you’re missing your starting quarterback, running back, wide receiver, cornerback, defensive end… You get the idea.
And while the Miami Dolphins may only be 1-3, they’ve been surprisingly competitive this season. They kept things close with the Seattle Seahawks this past weekend, and nearly took down the currently undefeated Bills in Week 2. I don’t think they’re any sort of playoff contender, but they’ve got the tools to play spoiler on any given Sunday.
I foresee them playing that role in Week 5, when they head west to face the 49ers. It’ll be a hard-fought battle between these two teams still hoping to stay in the race as we work our way into the second quarter of the season. But ultimately, I see San Francisco’s health problems putting them at a disadvantage, giving Ryan Fitzpatrick just the edge he needs.
Fitzmagic arrives and puts on a show, throwing for three touchdowns and picking up several clutch first downs with his feet. The 49ers do their best to keep up on the scoreboard, but fall short in the fourth quarter.
Prediction: Dolphins win 24-20
New York Giants (0-4) at Dallas Cowboys (1-3)
Sunday, October 11, 4:25PM ET
I had no idea the Dallas Cowboys could be this bad. I keep picking them to win, with the assumption being that they’ll finally shake off the rust and get what was supposed to be an outstanding season back on track. However, that hasn’t happened through four weeks.
Maybe that’ll finally happen in Week 4? I’m not exactly overflowing with confidence, but a win for the Cowboys seems likely given how poorly the New York Giants have played in 2020. At least Dallas has been able to create some offense on a regular basis, which hasn’t been the case for their NFC East counterparts.
Both defenses have been awful at times this season, particularly for Dallas. With that said, slowing Daniel Jones and the Saquon Barkley-less Giants won’t be nearly as difficult a task as slowing the Browns was this past weekend.
Dak Prescott and Co. should be able to outscore Jones and the G-Men, even if they do give up more points than you’d expect against this hapless New York squad. It’s closer than Dallas fans would like, but the Cowboys get the win and keep their slim hopes of turning this season around alive.
Prediction: Cowboys win 28-24
Indianapolis Colts (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (3-1)
Sunday, October 11, 4:25PM ET
Do you know who has the best defense in the NFL through four weeks? If you said the Indianapolis Colts, you’d be correct. And by a wide margin — they’re currently allowing only 225 yards per game, compared to the next-best Pittsburgh Steelers at 290.
It is true the Colts have played some cupcake foes in the Jaguars, Vikings and Jets. That probably helped pad those defensive stats a bit. But then they took it to the Bears offense in Week 4, giving up only 269 yards and 11 points to Foles and the Chicago offense. It’s safe to say they’re a group you can’t afford to take lightly.
Now some folks are starting to get the impression the Cleveland Browns are a sneaky contender this season after rattling off three straight wins. But let me be the first (maybe) to set the record straight — the Browns are not that great. The Colts defense will bring them down to Earth, the way the Cowboys’ 26th-ranked defense simply couldn’t in Week 4.
I wouldn’t put too much stock into the Colts offense just yet, as Philip Rivers is having a tough time getting things going through four weeks. With that said, they should muster more than enough points to move to 4-1 after an impressive showing against the Browns.
Prediction: Colts win 24-16
Denver Broncos (1-3) at New England Patriots (2-2)
Sunday, October 11, 4:25PM ET
The New England Patriots suffered a brutal loss on Monday night after a positive COVID diagnosis nearly cost them all of Week 4. Then again, they may have been better off considering the awful play they got at quarterback.
The hope will be that Cam Newton will be back and ready to go in Week 5, although it’s completely up in the air at this point. Then again, going up against the miserable Denver Broncos, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Patriots could still get the win even without their starting quarterback on the field.
It’s not like the Broncos’ quarterback situation has been any better. Even though they managed to get a win in Week 4, the play of Rypien nearly cost them the W against a similarly putrid Jets team. New England should be more than up to the task of keeping the Broncos from doing much in the way of scoring.
Even if Newton isn’t available, the Patriots have enough talent across the board to fend off the Broncos. Especially after that shellacking by the Chiefs, they could use an easy win to help bounce back from a rough last week.
Prediction: Patriots win 20-6
Minnesota Vikings (1-3) at Seattle Seahawks (4-0)
Sunday, October 11, 8:20PM ET
I’m glad to see the Vikings finally put together a quality outing (albeit against another winless team) in Week 4 to get their first win of the season. A Week 5 matchup with the Seahawks, however, seems to suggest that they won’t be starting a streak anytime soon.
Through the first four weeks of the season, the Seahawks are looking like one of the very best teams of 2020. Russell Wilson has been playing like an MVP, and his top targets D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are answering the call. Even Chris Carson and the ground game have gotten hot at times, helping Seattle to the team’s last 4-0 start since 2013 — when they won the Super Bowl.
Meanwhile, the Vikings have been a shell of the team that made it to the NFC Divisional Round last season. Dalvin Cook has been a star, but Kirk Cousins has delivered bipolar play and the defense is struggling after their cornerback room underwent a complete rebuild. They have the talent to compete on a weekly basis but haven’t shown it often up to this point.
The Vikings will keep this one from getting out of hand, as they often do against the Seahawks. However, Wilson will take advantage of their young, injury-riddled secondary and put up more MVP-esque numbers before the day is over.
Prediction: Seahawks win 37-28
Los Angeles Chargers (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Monday, October 12, 8:15PM ET
Based on what we’ve seen on the field this season, you would think these two teams’ records would be flipped. The New Orleans Saints haven’t looked great despite being 2-2, and the Los Angeles Chargers have been extremely competitive but tough breaks have landed them at 1-3.
Drew Brees hasn’t been the star we’ve seen in recent years, as he’s been forced to rely heavily on Alvin Kamara to keep the offense running. On top of that, the New Orleans defense has been shredded, especially through the air. That could give the Chargers just the opening they need to come away with a much-needed win.
Justin Herbert has looked great since stepping in as Los Angeles’ starting quarterback. Although he hasn’t been without his fair share of rookie mistakes, he’s keeping the Chargers in games with big throws and impressive poise in the pocket. He’ll have plenty of opportunities to deliver against the Saints’ suspect secondary.
Look for Keenan Allen to step up against New Orleans, scoring at least two touchdowns and keeping the points coming for the Chargers. Brees tries to engine a game-winning drive in the final minute, but comes up short against Los Angeles’ outstanding defense.
Prediction: Chargers win 26-24