After one month of football, the 2024 NFL season is still full of uncertainty. Thirteen teams remain 2-2 at this point. Neither of the league’s two undefeated teams, the Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs, feel like unbeatable juggernauts at this stage. And the Jacksonville Jaguars are the only winless team across the league.
Advertisement
Most teams are still figuring something out entering the second month of the season.
Week 5 begins some familiar patterns for the next stretch of the schedule. Bye weeks begin coming into play. The Detroit Lions, Los Angeles Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans are the first teams off.
Sunday is also the first full day of football, thanks to a morning London matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and New York Jets.
Thursday kicks off the week’s action with a continuation of theintriguing NFC South race as the division-leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers travel to face the Atlanta Falcons.
Other spotlight games include the battle of 3-1 teams when the Houston Texans host the Buffalo Bills, while the Dallas Cowboys try to get a road win on Sunday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The week ends on a strong note when the Chiefs host the New Orleans Saints in a Monday night matchup.
—Scott Phillips
We’ve got odds, previews, how to watch and expert picks for each game. But first, let’s review how our experts did last week.
Picks leaderboard
Top 10 | Win % | Record |
---|---|---|
Josh Kendall | 61% | 39-25-0 |
Zac Jackson | 60% | 39-26-0 |
Chad Graff | 60% | 29-19-0 |
Austin Mock | 58% | 38-27-0 |
Josiah Turner | 57% | 37-28-0 |
Tashan Reed | 57% | 37-28-0 |
Larry Holder | 55% | 36-29-0 |
Michael-Shawn Dugar | 54% | 35-30-0 |
Ben Standing | 51% | 33-32-0 |
Nick Kosmider | 49% | 24-25-0 |
All odds from BetMGM. Looking for NFL tickets? Find them here. For information on streaming, click here.
Scoop City Newsletter
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Free, daily NFL updates direct to your inbox.
Sign Up
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (Thursday, Prime Video)
With the NFC South being as wide open as it is, every divisional game takes on extra importance, and the Atlanta Falcons are going for their second straight divisional win on Thursday night at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Falcons are a very slim favorite and looking to move into what would be a share of the top spot in the division with the win.
The Falcons were able to beat New Orleans this past week without actually scoring an offensive touchdown, relying only on a special teams touchdown, a defensive touchdown and four Younghoe Koo field goals. They are going to need more on Thursday to beat a very good Tampa Bay team. One thing that would help get the offense going is finding a way to get tight end Kyle Pitts involved in the offense more. Pitts was targeted on just three passes on Sunday, catching none of them, and is buried down the Falcons’ pass-catching leaderboard through the first four weeks.
Advertisement
It has not helped that new quarterback Kirk Cousins is still working his way back from an Achilles injury and trying to make it work in a new offense.
On the Tampa Bay side, Baker Mayfield is coming off a monster performance against the Philadelphia Eagles and has been extremely effective in his career against the Falcons. In three career starts against Atlanta, Mayfield has a 101.7 passer rating and six touchdown passes to only one interception.
Along with their 3-1 overall record, the Buccaneers are also 3-1 against the spread this season while Atlanta is only 1-3 against the spread. That includes an 0-2 mark against the spread as home favorites.
—Adam Gretz
Expert picks
New York Jets at Minnesota Vikings (NFL Network)
At Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London
Well, so much for expectations. Favored by more than a touchdown at home against Denver, the Jets turned in one of the year’s most anemic performances in a 10-9 loss. Their reward is a trip to London to face the undefeated Vikings, who, improbably, are the league’s most complete team through four weeks. Unsurprisingly, New York is not favored.
While the Jets offense looked like they all met just before kickoff Sunday, the Vikings have been in sync since the opening game. Sam Darnold leads the NFL in passing touchdowns by a comfortable margin (he’s the only one in double digits), Justin Jefferson has the most touchdowns and is fifth in yards, and running back Aaron Jones has 464 all-purpose yards, which is sixth in the league. Number two wideout Jordan Addison came back from injury completely in rhythm, sliding back into action with 72 yards and a touchdown against Green Bay.
That’s to say nothing of their defense, which has all but eliminated opposing rushing attacks. But this is the NFL abroad, and London games are never predictable. Prior to Week 4’s debacle, New York’s passing attack seemed to be finding its footing. If Aaron Rodgers can restart that momentum, the Vikings are vulnerable through the air. Breece Hall and Braelon Allen will likely have an unpleasant day on the ground, but if the Jets use their receiving abilities to accent the wideouts, they could stress the weak spot of the Minnesota defense enough to create some cracks.
Advertisement
The Vikings have every advantage on paper, but the narrow spread shows just how variable overseas games are. Unfortunately for Londoners in attendance, the safest bet on the board is the under.
—J.J. Bailey
Expert picks
Cleveland Browns at Washington Commanders (FOX)
Two teams heading in opposite directions clash Sunday as the Cleveland Browns meet the Washington Commanders. Behind No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels, Washington’s offense looks prolific so far. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Browns are a disappointing 1-3 with an offense that can’t manufacture a big play. As Washington hosts Cleveland, the Commanders are favored by a few points in their attempt to win four straight.
Things looked easy the last few games for Daniels and the Commanders offense. A steady running game paced by Brian Robinson Jr. is third in the NFL in yards per game. That opens up the passing game for Daniels to spread the ball around. The results have been remarkable.
The Commanders didn’t punt or have a turnover for nine consecutive quarters on offense — which finally stopped last week. Washington’s newfound balance is a huge key to recent success. Five different targets already have over 100 receiving yards this season, led by talented deep threat Terry McLaurin. Cleveland’s fearsome front and ability to rush the passer will be a test for Daniels.
Abysmal offense plagued Cleveland’s first month of play. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has already taken a league-leading 19 sacks and his longest pass this season is only 30 yards — the lowest among 25 qualified passers in the league.
The team’s backfield lacks playmakers without injured Nick Chubb. And the Browns offensive line was missing up to four starters during most of Week 4’s loss to the Raiders.
Washington’s subpar defense gives an opening for Cleveland to make plays. The Commanders are 25th in points allowed and 27th in yards allowed so far this season as the team’s absurd offensive production has masked the team’s defensive deficiencies.
—Scott Phillips
Advertisement
Expert picks
Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals (CBS)
Two teams with designs on the Super Bowl meet in southern Ohio on Sunday. But the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals both need to shore up their defenses if they hope to get out of a challenging division. The Ravens are favored on the road in this meeting of contenders that have had slow starts to the season.
The Bengals secured their first win last week when they overcame the Panthers. Cincy is scoring like a playoff team (third in the AFC in total yards), but the defense is allowing 145.5 yards per game on the ground (bottom 10 in the NFL). Few teams can simply outscore opponents, especially when the other side is pounding the ball and beating up the defensive unit.
Quarterback Joe Burrow has turned around the Bengals franchise since being taken No. 1 overall in 2020, but the Ravens have proven to be a tough out for the former LSU star. Burrow is 3-4 lifetime against the Ravens.
The Ravens have righted their ship by winning twice following an 0-2 start. But this division matchup will test their surprisingly shaky defense, which finally showed up last week in an impressive 35-10 thrashing of Buffalo.
The Bengals are allowing 26 points per game, which doesn’t bode well for facing Lamar Jackson. Jackson has at times taken over in the last two weeks to get his team much-needed wins. Jackson has a touchdown on the ground in each of the last two weeks, and for the most part has managed the passing game with aplomb, with only one interception so far this season.
—Dan Holmes
Expert picks
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans (CBS)
Are the stars at night big and bright “deep in the heart of Texas?” The Buffalo Bills will need to answer that question this weekend when star quarterback Josh Allen leads the team against the formidable Houston Texans. The odds on this game have it as basically a toss-up.
Last weekend, Allen didn’t finish the game when his team was humbled in a loss in Baltimore. Buffalo emptied the bench at the end in a 35-10 defeat, and Allen was a non-factor. The Bills’ second-ranked offense will need his versatility against a Houston defense that makes it hard for opponents to move the chains.
Advertisement
The 65 first downs the Texans have allowed are the fifth-fewest in the NFL. Impressively, defensive coordinator Matt Burke has both the run defense and pass defense, which ranks fourth in passing yards allowed per game, playing well.
Yes, Allen will be a key, of course. But two weapons will need to show up for Buffalo: shifty running back James Cook (227 rushing yards, two touchdowns) and receiver Khalil Shakir (18 receptions for 230 yards, two touchdowns).
Houston running back Joe Mixon will be back in pads for Sunday’s game. That’s welcome news for QB C.J. Stroud, who can’t be expected to pull magic out of his right shoulder every week. Last Sunday, the second-year star led the Texans on a drive to win the game in the last seconds. Mature is the operative word for Stroud, and with Mixon available to take his handoffs, the Texans will be even more of a threat against the Bills this Sunday.
—Dan Holmes
Expert picks
Indianapolis Colts at Jacksonville Jaguars (CBS)
Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson could finally get a break from the heat in his seat, thanks to the Jaguars drawing a hobbled Colts team at home in Week 5. Despite being winless on the year, the Jags are slightly favored and could dodge Indianapolis’ best weapons.
Running back Jonathan Taylor is likely out with a high ankle sprain, and quarterback Anthony Richardson is doubtful with a bruised hip. If Richardson plays, pain management would be the primary concern, and his ability to run the ball could be limited.
But (this is Jacksonville; there’s always a but) the Jaguars have found a way to lose games all season. They squandered a 10-point lead to the Dolphins, gave up a safety to seal a loss to the Browns, and recently lost on a last-second touchdown pass against Houston. Worse still, if Richardson is out, it means Joe Flacco is in, and the latter found the on-switch for the Colts passing game in Week 4. While Richardson is a dynamic talent, his arm is built for distance, not accuracy.
Advertisement
Flacco isn’t going to light up a fantasy scoreboard, but he’s accurate and efficient on short-to-mid routes. Just ask Michael Pittman Jr., who came alive for six catches and 113 yards with Flacco under center after previously having season highs of four and 36 in those categories. Josh Downs flourished as well, with eight catches for 82 yards and a score.
Despite not being able to throw Richardson’s deep ball, Flacco may be the best choice for Indy’s offense with the ground game compromised.
The Jaguars have allowed the second most air yards, the third most yards per attempt, and are 29th in opposing QB rating. Flacco and a revitalized Indianapolis passing attack is not what they want to see. Add to that a lack of any offensive firepower and ongoing dysfunction between Pederson and his players, and this must-win game starts to feel less and less winnable, much less by a field goal.
—J.J. Bailey
Expert picks
Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears (FOX)
The last two NFL drafts intersect on the field in a Week 5 matchup featuring the Carolina Panthers taking on the Chicago Bears. The Bears are favored by a little over a field goal as they look to extend the league’s longest active home winning streak to eight games.
Even though Bryce Young won’t be under center for the Panthers (1-3), he will forever be linked with the Bears (2-2) because of the trade that preceded him being the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. That deal not only netted Chicago a haul of draft picks but also wide receiver D.J. Moore. Of course, one of the picks was used on quarterback Caleb Williams, but the others have produced three more starters. And don’t forget, there’s still one pick remaining, a 2025 second-round selection.
After two atrocious games, Young was replaced by Andy Dalton, and the change has been noticeable. Carolina has averaged 406 total yards over its last two games, compared to the 176 with Young at the helm. Dalton hasn’t solved all of the Panthers’ issues, but he has made them more competitive. He also made six starts for the Bears in 2021 during Justin Fields’ rookie season, so there could be a little extra motivation for the 14-year veteran.
Advertisement
On the other side of the ball, Dalton’s former team is coming off of its strongest all-around effort, with all three phases contributing during last week’s 24-18 win over the Los Angeles Rams. More importantly, Williams is showing signs of growth, and he was extremely effective when facing pressure last Sunday. Can the No. 1 pick keep making strides?
Carolina is near the bottom of the league with only five sacks and in rushing yards allowed per game (148.8). The defense also has dealt with plenty of injuries, with linebacker Shaq Thompson being the latest starter lost for the season. These circumstances present a golden opportunity for Williams to take another step forward and help deliver a win for his team, both on the field and when it comes to the narrative of a certain trade.
—Mark Ross
Expert picks
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots (FOX)
If you like low-scoring, ugly football, well, friends, this is the game for you. The Miami Dolphins are looking to snap a three-game losing streak and find themselves as a slim underdog on the road against a New England Patriots team that has also lost three consecutive games.
Points will be a problem in this game for both teams, a fact reflected in an over/under of only 35.5. That is by far the lowest total in the NFL on the Week 5 schedule, and even that might be a challenge to reach.
The two teams enter Sunday’s game ranked 31st (New England) and 32nd (Miami) in points per game.
The Patriots are remaining patient with veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett and do not seem in a rush to throw rookie Drake Maye into the fire with few skill position options at his disposal and a depleted offensive line. At some point, however, you have to expect that plan to go out the window as long as the Patriots keep averaging just 13 points per game and losing.
Advertisement
Things are not much better on the Miami side in terms of offense, as the Dolphins continue to struggle in the absence of starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. Not only are the Dolphins digging deep into their quarterback depth chart — Tyler Huntley started Monday’s game with regular backup Skylar Thompson also injured — head coach Mike McDaniel does not seem to have an answer on how to manufacture anything resembling even a remotely functional NFL offense without his starting quarterback.
Including playoffs, he is now just 1-6 in his head coach career without Tagovailoa, and neither of the past two games was even somewhat competitive.
Only one of the Dolphins’ four games this season has reached the over.
—Adam Gretz
Expert picks
Arizona Cardinals at San Francisco 49ers (FOX)
Injuries have contributed to an inconsistent start for the San Francisco 49ers, but the defending NFC champions hope they have turned the corner entering Sunday’s divisional clash with the Arizona Cardinals. From a betting perspective, the 49ers are currently the biggest favorite on the Week 5 slate.
San Francisco (2-2) got a few key pieces back last week, and it showed in a convincing 30-13 win over New England. Deebo Samuel and George Kittle were welcome sights for quarterback Brock Purdy, while Jordan Mason continued to fill in admirably for Christian McCaffrey. Mason is second in the NFL with 447 rushing yards and will certainly get his opportunities against an Arizona defense that has been gashed in back-to-back games.
Stopping teams, in general, has been an issue for the Cardinals (1-3), who have lost to the Detroit Lions and Washington Commanders since obliterating the Rams in Week 2. Last week, Arizona gave up 42 points in the loss to Washington. Besides Mason, the Cardinals also have to contend with Purdy, who is second in the league with 1,130 passing yards despite the injuries around him.
Advertisement
Getting off the field on third down will be key for both defenses, considering the early-season struggles in this department. San Francisco is allowing opponents to convert nearly half of the time on third down (46 percent), with the Cardinals just a tick behind (45.5 percent). The big difference is that the 49ers’ D has offered more resistance overall and just recorded six sacks and three turnovers against the Patriots.
One of those takeaways was a pick-six by All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner, who then left the game with an ankle injury. It’s not considered serious, so perhaps the tide is starting to turn for San Francisco when it comes to injuries. That’s not a good sign for Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, who also have lost four in a row against their NFC West rivals.
—Mark Ross
Expert picks
Las Vegas Raiders at Denver Broncos (FOX)
The Denver Broncos have won two games in a row and enter their Week 3 game against the Las Vegas Raiders as a small favorite. If they are able to win, it will not only extend their winning streak to three games and push them over the .500 mark, but it will also snap an eight-game losing streak against the Raiders. The Broncos have not defeated the Raiders since a 16-15 win back in 2019 that came down to a two-point conversion at the end.
While the Broncos are finding ways to win, it has not always been pleasant to watch. At least when they have the football. Their offense has been completely non-existent as rookie quarterback Bo Nix continues to go through some serious growing pains in the NFL. The good news for them is their defense has been sensational through four games, allowing just 13.8 points per game, the third-lowest mark in the NFL (trailing only the Chargers and Steelers). Over the past three games, they have allowed just 13, 7 and 9 points, with the latter two games coming on the road against Baker Mayfield and Aaron Rodgers.
They should have a chance to pad those numbers even more on Sunday against Gardner Minshew and a Raiders offense that may not have wide receiver Davante Adams.
The good news for the Raiders is they are expecting to have superstar edge rusher Maxx Crosby back after he missed the team’s Week 4 game against Cleveland.
Advertisement
Assuming Crosby does play, he has been especially dominant in his career against the Broncos with 13.5 sacks in 10 career games, while also adding 17 tackles for loss, 21 quarterback hits and two forced fumbles.
—Adam Gretz
Expert picks
Green Bay Packers at Los Angeles Rams (CBS)
A pair of playoff hopefuls looking for a turnaround will battle when the Los Angeles Rams host the Green Bay Packers. Early injuries at key positions coupled with some close losses on the road have the Rams desperate to play well at home. Big-play ability is present for Green Bay but the Packers also have two close defeats this season. Green Bay is favored by a few points over Los Angeles in this marquee afternoon matchup.
Even without injured star wideouts Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, Los Angeles is still moving the ball. The Rams are eighth in passing yards per game (224.3) behind veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford. Finishing drives with touchdowns is the problem. Los Angeles is 27th in red zone touchdown percentage — an issue magnified in a close Week 4 loss to the Bears when the Rams went 1-for-4 inside the 20.
Against an injured Green Bay secondary, Stafford can be aggressive throwing to emerging receiving threat Tutu Atwell and tight end Colby Parkinson — who Stafford has targeted 12 times over the last two weeks.
Potent offense makes the Packers a threat on any play. Green Bay is No. 2 in the NFL in runs over 10 yards (21) and receptions over 20 yards (17) this season. With Jordan Love healthy, the Packers have downfield passing to match the dangerous output of running back Josh Jacobs.
The Packers have relied on the receiver trio of Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs and Dontayvion Wicks to produce while Christian Watson is hampered with a high ankle sprain. However, this week, Doubs is suspended.
Advertisement
Consistency from Jacobs in the backfield could be the difference for Green Bay. Los Angeles allows more rushing yards per game than any team in football after a struggling Bears backfield gained 131 rushing yards in Week 4.
—Scott Phillips
Expert picks
New York Giants at Seattle Seahawks (CBS)
The Seattle Seahawks’ first loss of the season hasn’t knocked them from the preferred list of playoff contenders. Seattle (3-1) is heavily favored at home against the New York Giants in Week 5 of NFL action.
Last Monday, the Seahawks were outmuscled and outmaneuvered by the Lions, but there were many reasons for encouragement. Quarterback Geno Smith passed for 395 yards on a career-high 56 attempts. Smith is showing confidence in wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who was targeted 12 times in the 42-29 loss. With bookend pass catchers like Smith-Njigba and DK Metcalf, the Seattle QB is not short on talented targets.
On the other side, the Giants are not a big play team. They are the only NFL team without a pass play of 40-plus yards. They have only two offensive plays of 20-plus yards. That’s dreadful. The G-Men rank near the NFL average with three red zone opportunities per game, but the Giants have managed to score only six touchdowns in four games.
It will help if the Giants get good news on WR Malik Nabers, who left last week’s game with a concussion. His 13 targets per game will be tough to fill if he’s not in uniform on Sunday.
What’s the answer for the Giants offense? It doesn’t seem to be the ground: The team ranks last in the NFL at 3.4 yards per rushing attempt. Maybe the decision to jettison Saquon Barkley was hasty? Daniel Jones now has nine interceptions against six touchdown passes in his last 10 games. Neither the pass nor the run is working for the Giants, who face a difficult game in noisy Lumen Field.
—Dan Holmes
Advertisement
Expert picks
Dallas Cowboys at Pittsburgh Steelers (NBC)
Two of the NFL’s most successful and recognizable franchises will meet in Week 5 when the Dallas Cowboys and Pittsburgh Steelers share the Sunday night spotlight. The Steelers are slight favorites at home against a Cowboys team that will be short-handed on defense.
Pittsburgh (3-1) is coming off its first loss, but overall, it’s been an encouraging start for the offense under first-year coordinator Arthur Smith and new quarterback Justin Fields. The former Bears quarterback has made the most of an unexpected opportunity while filling in for an injured Russell Wilson. Fields has been effective with both his arm (career-best 70.6 percent completion rate) and legs (three rushing touchdowns).
The production may not be prolific but Fields likely will remain the starter while Wilson continues his recovery from a calf injury. Fields is a good fit for the Steelers’ ground-oriented approach, especially if he continues to limit turnovers.
This should be a good matchup for Pittsburgh, considering Dallas’ (2-2) struggles against the run. The Cowboys rank 27th in the league in rushing defense (145.8 yards per game) despite giving up just 26 yards on the ground in last Thursday’s win over the Giants. To add injury to insult, DeMarcus Lawrence (foot) was put on injured reserve this week and Micah Parsons (ankle) also isn’t expected to play on Sunday.
Defense has been a trademark of coach Mike Tomlin’s long and successful tenure in the Steel City, and this year has been more of the same. This year’s unit is second in the league in scoring defense (13.3 points per game) and fourth in total defense (261.3 yards per game). That said, the Steelers were victimized by a few big passing plays in last week’s 27-24 loss to Indianapolis, which is certainly a concern heading into a matchup with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
These franchises have combined for 11 Super Bowl victories. It’s only Week 5, but this game could say a lot about how realistic each team’s championship aspirations are this season.
—Mark Ross
Advertisement
Expert picks
New Orleans Saints at Kansas City Chiefs (Monday, ESPN)
Monday Night Football delivers a compelling early-season tilt when the unbeaten Kansas City Chiefs host the New Orleans Saints. Injuries are piling up for the Kansas City offense as quarterback Patrick Mahomes navigates a rotating lineup around him. Kansas City is favored by a handful of points despite its offensive uncertainty.
Kansas City leading receiver Rashee Rice is the latest standout sidelined with injury. Running back Isiah Pacheco remains out as well, making tight end Travis Kelce the focal point of the Chiefs’ offense. Mahomes and Kelce shook off a slow start to 2024 by connecting a season-high seven times for 89 yards in Week 4’s win over the Chargers.
An unsung New Orleans defense that is sixth in points allowed (17.5 per game) and seventh in rushing yards allowed per game (96.5) hopes to stall Mahomes and a rotating Kansas City backfield. Kareem Hunt could see a heavy workload following a solid season debut in Week 4 for the Chiefs.
Optimism was high in New Orleans, but a high-scoring 2-0 start sputtered with tight back-to-back losses. New Orleans still owns the NFL’s highest-scoring offense despite scoring only 36 of the team’s 127 points in the past two weeks. Explosive plays from quarterback Derek Carr punctuated the offense early, but the Saints haven’t generated a passing play longer than 29 yards over the last two games. The offensive line and key weapons Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill are also beat up with injuries.
To beat a sturdy Chiefs defense ranked No. 7 in points allowed (18 per game), diversifying the offense is paramount for New Orleans. Kamara and receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed make up 70 percent of Carr’s targets. The Saints need additional options for Carr to maintain an elite offense.
—Scott Phillips
Expert picks
(Photo of Brock Purdy: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images)