We are a quarter of the way through the season, and the chaos has yet to die down. An 11-5 week four has us sitting at 35-28 on the season, meaning we still need to pick up the pace. Week five has a pedestrian slate of games to pick, so let’s see how we do.
Thursday, October 6th (8:15 PM):
Indianapolis Colts (1-2-1) @ Denver Broncos (2-2)
A battle between two underwhelming teams missing their star running backs does not make for an intriguing Thursday night football game, but here we are. With two staggering offenses on a short week, expect a low-scoring affair that favors the home team in Mile High. Denver wins to improve to 3-2 in a dominant defensive performance.
Prediction: Broncos win 20-17
Sunday, October 9th (9:30 AM):
New York Giants (3-1) @ Green Bay Packers (3-1)
Starting our second early Sunday in a row are the Giants and Packers in London. After struggling to put away rookie Bailey Zappe and the Patriots in week four, the Packers take on another below-average quarterback in a hobbled Daniel Jones. Aaron Rodgers and company get the job done for their fourth consecutive victory.
Prediction: Packers win 30-14
Sunday, October 9th (1:00 PM):
Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) @ Buffalo Bills (3-1)
It’s Kenny Pickett’s time in Pittsburgh as he gets his first start against the Super Bowl favorite Buffalo Bills. He showed flashes in his first action against the Jets after entering the game for Mitch Trubisky, but now takes on one of the stingiest pass defenses in the NFL. The Steelers don’t have enough on offense to keep up in this matchup as they drop their fourth straight game.
Prediction: Bills win 34-14 (Lock of the Week)
Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) @ Cleveland Browns (2-2)
These two teams are dealing with similar starts to the season. Injury problems and tough losses have these playoff contenders looking pedestrian so far. Justin Herbert is still nursing his rib injury from week two but has been a full go in practice this week. Jacoby Brissett has been serviceable enough for the Browns as they lean on their ground game, but they come up short this week.
Prediction: Chargers win 27-24
Houston Texans (0-3-1) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
The Texans are the last winless team in the NFL in 2022. Traveling to Jacksonville to take on a Jaguars team they beat twice in 2021 is a great time to resolve that. However, this is a different Jaguars team with Doug Pederson at the helm. Despite playing in a monsoon and turning the ball over five times, Jacksonville lost to the undefeated Eagles by one score in week four. This team is different and should dispose of Houston with ease.
Prediction: Jaguars win 30-10
Chicago Bears (2-2) @ Minnesota Vikings (3-1)
The Bears’ passing offense is anemic right now. They don’t have the protection to keep Justin Fields upright, which has caused him to struggle in his development. Minnesota is playing a week after their game in London, a rarity in the NFL, but they should be ready to keep their momentum going. Justin Jefferson has a big game as the Vikings improve to 4-1.
Prediction: Vikings win 24-7
Detroit Lions (1-3) @ New England Patriots (1-3)
The Lions have the #1 offense in the NFL through four games. However, their defense is one of the league’s worst after forcing zero punts in their loss to the Seahawks. The status of Patriots quarterback Mac Jones is unclear, meaning Bailey Zappe is currently in line to make his first NFL start. Detroit picks up their second win of the year as their defense finally shows up to play.
Prediction: Lions win 34-27
Seattle Seahawks (2-2) @ New Orleans Saints (1-3)
Geno Smith has played well as the Seahawks sit at .500 through their first four games. They travel to New Orleans to take on a Saints team that has failed to live up to expectations in every way. Whether Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton takes the field at quarterback, it’s time for New Orleans to right the ship. A healthy dose of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara wears down Seattle’s defense and gets New Orleans to 2-3.
Prediction: Saints win 24-20
Miami Dolphins (3-1) @ New York Jets (2-2)
Miami is coming off ten days of rest after their Thursday night loss to the Bengals and will be led onto the field by backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater against the rival Jets. Their offense has been great, in large part due to the addition of OPOY candidate Tyreek Hill. This game will be a tough matchup against a solid Jets team that has their quarterback back from injury, but the Dolphins’ offense will be too explosive for the Jets’ defense to keep them in the game.
Prediction: Dolphins win 24-20
Atlanta Falcons (2-2) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2)
Despite their 2-2 record, the Falcons have been unimpressive, primarily on the offensive side of the ball. Kyle Pitts has turned into a blocking tight end, while Marcus Mariota has struggled as the starting quarterback. Now, they travel to Tampa Bay to try and upset Tom Brady and the Buccaneers. While the Buccaneers offense hasn’t been as explosive as expected, they are almost back to health and should get back on track in this matchup.
Prediction: Buccaneers win 28-20
Tennessee Titans (2-2) @ Washington Commanders (1-3)
Tennessee is back on track after winning their last two games, led by Derrick Henry and the ground game. Washington has been one of the worst teams in the NFL in the early season but does have a solid run defense. While there is potential for this to be a trap game for the Titans, Carson Wentz doesn’t strike confidence in anyone’s heart. Tennessee wins handily against a team they should beat.
Prediction: Titans win 27-10
Sunday, October 9th (4:05 PM):
San Francisco 49ers (2-2) @ Carolina Panthers (1-3)
The 49ers’ defense, led by DPOY candidate Nick Bosa, has been dominant through four games. With 36 pressures against Matthew Stafford on Monday night, the team stunned the defending Super Bowl champions 24-9. Carolina has managed to hang around in each game this season but has failed to close due to uninspiring playcalling and poor quarterback play from Baker Mayfield. San Francisco wins and ends the Matt Rhule era in Carolina.
Prediction: 49ers win 20-10
Sunday, October 9th (4:25 PM):
Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-2)
The Eagles are the last undefeated team in the NFL, carried by solid quarterback play and an outstanding defense. Traveling to Arizona to take on a Cardinals team struggling to find its identity sounds like a recipe for success. However, the NFL is a crazy league with crazy results, and Kyler Murray is an electric football player that can keep defenses on their toes. Arizona’s receiving corps is healthy and will cause problems as they upset the Eagles, causing celebration from the 1972 Miami Dolphins for another year.
Prediction: Cardinals win 30-28 (Upset of the Week)
Dallas Cowboys (3-1) @ Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
The Cowboys’ defense has been outstanding in the early going as they sit at #3 in points per game allowed and #2 in sacks. Their opponent this week allowed 36 pressures in week four against the San Francisco 49ers. Micah Parsons hasn’t gotten to the quarterback for the last two weeks, but expect that to change against Los Angeles. The Cowboys steal a game from the defending champions to get to 4-1.
Prediction: Cowboys win 24-17
Sunday, October 9th (8:20 PM):
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) @ Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
The Bengals are 2-2 after an impressive win against the Dolphins. The Ravens are 2-2 after blowing a big lead to the Bills. The Bengals swept the Ravens in 2021, scoring 41 points in both games. While they aren’t likely to win another blowout against an MVP candidate in Lamar Jackson, the Bengals should be able to find success against the Ravens’ defense and secure their third straight victory.
Prediction: Bengals win 33-30
Monday, October 10th (8:15 PM):
Las Vegas Raiders (1-3) @ Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)
The Raiders finally got their first win against the Broncos but still aren’t playing inspiring football. Traveling to Kansas City in primetime on Monday night to take on Patrick Mahomes is not a great place to attempt to right the ship. The Chiefs’ offense hasn’t missed a beat without Tyreek Hill and should cruise to victory to end week five.
Prediction: Chiefs win 37-24