NFL Week 5 Quick Picks

As we enter Week 5 in the NFL, thanks to the postponement of the Titans/Steelers game last week I was spared having either a .500 record or with a Steelers win, nine correct predictions in 16 games. So after scoring eight of those games correctly I also missed seven.

So far for this weekend’s games, we have only 14 scheduled with two teams having a bye (Detroit and Green Bay). It’s been a rough start for me picking through the last two weeks so hopefully, I’ll be more accurate this time around.

Tampa Bay at Chicago: A Super Bowl rematch between the two starting quarterbacks both of who are now with a new team. Nick Files defeated Tom Brady in that Super Bowl and both teams are 3-1. Something tells me Foles will prevail again. Prediction: Bears 24 Bucs 21.

Carolina at Atlanta: If capacity crowds were allowed in the stadium, perhaps inside the typically noisy Mercedes Benz Stadium the Falcons would have an advantage. But they are playing poorly right now and the Panthers are on the move. Prediction: Panthers 27 Falcons 17.

Buffalo at Tennessee: Will this game even be played? At the time of this writing, these two teams are scheduled but the Titans have had several more players get positive COVID results. Either way, if the game comes off, it will be a stern test for the Bills. This could be their first loss of the season, that’s how I’m calling it. A cooling down day for the hot Bills. Prediction: Titans 30 Bills 24.

Las Vegas at Kansas City: Like the Raiders have any chance. Prediction Chiefs 34 Raiders 17.

Arizona at New York Jets: This might be the Jets' best chance to win a game this season. Otherwise, they could easily finish 0-16. With Sam Darnold injured, Joe Flacco is being resurrected in New York. He’ll have the necessary spark to eke out a win for the Jets. Prediction: Jets 23 Cardinals 20.

Philadelphia at Pittsburgh: The battle of Pennsylvania will be won by the better team. Prediction: Steelers 35 Eagles 17.

Los Angeles Rams at Washington: Dwayne Haskins is out Kyle Allen the former Panther is in at quarterback for Washington. Prediction: The Washington Football Team 27 Rams 24.

Cincinnati at Baltimore: Joe Burrow gets a stern test on Sunday as the rookie will try to lead the surprising Bengals team to their second victory. No chance. Prediction: Ravens 30 Bengals 9.

Jacksonville at Houston: With Romeo Crennel as the interim head coach in Houston, the Jaguars are trying hard to prove they are not the worst team in the NFL. Crennel gets the win and Texans fans will enjoy their team’s first victory of 2020. Prediction: Texans 41 Jaguars 21.

Miami at San Francisco: The 49ers need this one to stay close to the undefeated Seahawks. Miami is in rebuilding mode. Prediction: 49ers 33 Dolphins 13.

Indianapolis at Cleveland: There is no doubting the talent Cleveland has on its roster but the Colts will always be a stern test for anyone. This should be a close game. Prediction: Browns 34 Colts 31.

New York Giants at Dallas: How long before we hear from Jerry Jones about the lack of wins by his team and any criticism of new head coach Mike McCarthy. For now, there should be no way the ‘Boys lose this one. Prediction: Cowboys 45 Giants 20.

Denver at New England: Will Cam Newton be ready for this one? Patriots head coach Bill Belichick rarely loses two games in a row. Prediction: Patriots 28 Broncos 10.

Minnesota at Seattle: Mike Zimmer’s job might be on the line with this game. A Vikings loss would drop Minnesota to 1-4 so taking down the 4-0 Seahawks in their stadium is a difficult task. Prediction: Seahawks 38 Vikings 20.

Los Angeles Chargers at New Orleans: The Chargers opened the season with a surprising victory but have lost three straight since then. New Orleans must keep pace with Tom Brady and company. Prediction: Saints 32 Chargers 14.