Many weeks during an NFL season are marked by the time-honored divisional rivalry games that make the league must-see TV. Clearly, Week 5 isn’t viewed as one of those weeks.
Of the 14 games on the schedule, only one – the bitter Baltimore Ravens–Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry – is a divisional matchup. The rest of the games are teams that don’t play one another nearly as often and six of the 13 are non-conference opponents.
Familiarity breeds contempt. Week 5 isn’t that contentious, especially when almost half the games pit teams that likely won’t see each other again for four years.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Chicago Bears (+200) at Washington Commanders (-250)
The Bears are 0-4 and their two road losses have been by 10 and 31 points. The Commanders are a solid favorite (5.5 points -110 for both teams). Washington isn’t flashy but gave the Philadelphia Eagles all they could handle last week and are the better team in this matchup. Take the Commanders and lay 5.5 points.
Jacksonville Jaguars (+200) at Buffalo Bills in London (-250)
Following a brutal season-opening loss to the New York Jets, the Bills have hit their stride with three convincing wins. The Over/Under is high (49 points at -110 for both the Over and Under), but it’s because the Bills have scored 37 or more points in each of their last three games. The Jaguars will have to play Buffalo’s style, which is hard to keep up with. Take the Over of 49 points (-110).
Houston Texans (+110) at Atlanta Falcons (-130)
The Falcons are a different team at home. In two home games (both wins), they have outscored their opponents 49-35. In two road games (both losses), they’ve been outscored 43-13. The Falcons are a small favorite (1.5 points at -105 Texans, -115 Falcons). The Texans are riding a two-game winning streak, but their run defense has been pushed around – and that’s what the Falcons do best. Take the Falcons and lay 1.5 points (-115).
Carolina Panthers (+350) at Detroit Lions (-450)
The Lions have won their last two games by 14 points each, which explains why they’re such a big favorite (9.5 points at -110 for both the Lions and Panthers). Carolina has lost both of its road games by double digits, and the Lions may be the best team the Panthers have faced this season. Take the Lions and lay 9.5 points (-110).
Tennessee Titans (-115) and Indianapolis Colts (-105)
The Titans are a slight road favorite (1 point at -110 for both teams), but something will have to give in this one. Tennessee has lost both of its road games this season, and Indianapolis has lost both its home games. This has the look of a close game and, if Derrick Henry can control the time of possession, that should be enough. Take the Titans and lay 1 point (-110).
New York Giants (+440) at Miami Dolphins (-550)
The Dolphins are coming off a beat-down from the Bills, but it hasn’t impacted them being the biggest favorite in this week’s games (10.5 points at -110 for both the Dolphins and Giants). The Giants have been brutal, and when they lose, they lose big. Their three losses have come by 40, 18 and 21 points. Look to add another big number to that list. Take the Dolphins and lay 10.5 points (-110).
New Orleans Saints (-105) at New England Patriots (-115)
The Saints offense has struggled to score points all season (62 points in four games) and the Patriots specialize in shortening games and keeping them close. The Patriots are the smallest of favorites (1 point at -110 for both teams). Neither team is likely to blow out the other, so you lean toward the advantages that come with being at home. Take the Patriots and lay 1 point (-110).
Baltimore Ravens (-210) at Pittsburgh Steelers (+170)
This rivalry is typically a low-scoring bloodbath. In the last five meetings, the Steelers have won four times, but neither team has scored more than 20 points in any of them. The Ravens are solid road favorites (4 points at -110 for both teams). Kenny Pickett has vowed he will play through a knee injury suffered last week, but Pittsburgh just doesn’t appear to have the offensive firepower to compete with the Ravens right now. Take the Ravens and lay 4 points (-110).
Philadelphia Eagles (-225) at Los Angeles Rams (+180)
The Rams have been one of the surprise stories of 2023, starting 2-2 with three of their first four games on the road. The Eagles are undefeated but have been winning close games and not dominating as many expected. Philadelphia is a solid road favorite (4.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Rams won’t be a pushover, but the Eagles should be able to cover the spread this week. Take the Eagles and lay 4.5 points (-110).
Cincinnati Bengals (-150) at Arizona Cardinals (+125)
The Bengals offense has sputtered all season – scoring just 49 points in four games – but are in desperation mode at 1-3. The Cardinals offense has been hot and cold so the Over/Under isn’t too high (44.5 points at -110 for both). In a game the Bengals need to win with key injuries on offense, this looks like a game that will be see drives that will need to be sustained to avoid a battle of field position. Take the Under of 44.5 points (-110).
New York Jets (+100) at Denver Broncos (-120)
The question posed for this game is which is worse – the Broncos defense or the Jets offense? The Broncos were humbled by the Dolphins scoring 70 points, but their other two losses have been one and two points. The Jets offense is dismal, which may explain the low Over/Under number (43 points at -110 for both Over and Under). This has the feel of a game with a lot of punts and playing it safe. Take the Under of 43 points (-110).
Kansas City Chiefs (-200) at Minnesota Vikings (+165)
The Chiefs haven’t been playing their “A” game, which is reflected by how small a favorite they are (4 points at -110 for both the Chiefs and Vikings). Minnesota’s defense stepped up against the Panthers last week to earn their first win, but that was against rookie Bryce Young, not Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs will thrive against Minnesota’s defense, and the Vikings won’t have an answer. Take the Chiefs and lay 4 points (-110).
Dallas Cowboys (+150) at San Francisco 49ers (-185)
Nobody has slowed down the 49ers. San Francisco has scored 30 or more points in every game, and no opponent has been able to hang with them for 60 minutes. The 49ers are a mild favorite (3.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Cowboys have dominated lesser teams so far this season, but this will be their biggest test – and they may have to play perfect ball not to fail. Take the 49ers and lay 3.5 points (-110).
Green Bay Packers (-130) at Las Vegas Raiders (+110)
The Raiders have been a dumpster fire that has gone from bad to worse as the season has progressed – in the second and third quarters, they have been outscored 61-9. They are a home underdog (2.5 points at -105 Packers, -115 Raiders). While the Packers have issues of their own, they don’t have as many self-inflicted wounds as the Raiders. Take the Packers and lay 3.5 points (-110).
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