2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 5
NFL picks and score predictions for Week 5 as the 2021 season chugs along.
After four amazing weekends of football, the 2021 NFL season continues with another 16-game slate of action. With it comes our regular batch of weekly NFL picks and score predictions to help you through the upcoming weekend of gridiron greatness.
Yes, we’ve got you covered with the Week 5 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Just as in years passed, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience and careful consideration.
After two weeks of 12-4 outcomes, I took a small step back this past week. When all was said and done in Week 4, my NFL picks had resulted in a 10-6 record. It’s far from disastrous, but not nearly as strong of an effort as I was hoping for. After that, my overall record on the year moves to 43-21. Could definitely be worse at this point in the season.
Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?
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: None | All point spreads and odds are courtesy of WynnBet.
Los Angeles Rams (3-1) at Seattle Seahawks (2-2)
Thursday, October 7, 8:15PM ET
It wasn’t long ago I thought the Los Angeles Rams were nearly invincible. They were playing fantastic football, their defense was downright dominant and Matthew Stafford was looking like the quarterback Sean McVay always wanted Jared Goff to be.
Then they got crushed in Week 4 by the Arizona Cardinals, putting on a performance that left plenty to be desired from one of the NFC’s supposed top contenders. Although I haven’t thrown in the towel on them, I’m not going to ignore the potential for them to take another tumble in Week 5 at the hands of the Seattle Seahawks.
Let’s consider this — what beat the Rams this past Sunday? The Cardinals’ air raid offense and Kyler Murray’s magic, mixed with a strong, diverse run game. As it turns out, the Seahawks are more than capable of reproducing that approach. Russell Wilson is essentially an older Murray with similar weapons, and the duo of Chris Carson and Alex Collins is dangerous.
The Rams will score as we’ve come to expect, with Cooper Kupp enjoying success against the Seahawks’ inconsistent secondary. However, Seattle gets just enough stops to stay ahead of the Rams all the way until the final whistle blows.
Prediction: Seahawks win 35-26 | Spread: Rams (-1.5)