The NFL season is quickly approaching a third of its way through as we enter Week 5. Today, I’ll be predicting every single game for the week and also placing a $100 bet for a chance to win $2,000 on my five-player pick ’em. Stay tuned, as I’ll be sharing score predictions, storylines, and player picks for each matchup.
Thursday Night Football: Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Atlanta Falcons
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are set to face the Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons secured a narrow victory over the New Orleans Saints last week, but their offense struggled, failing to score a touchdown. They largely benefitted from a muffed punt leading to a touchdown and a pick-six. Conversely, the Buccaneers had an inconsistent performance last week, first getting blown out by the Denver Broncos and then bouncing back to dominate the Philadelphia Eagles.
In this matchup, the Buccaneers will be missing key players, including offensive and defensive linemen and their star safety, Antoine Winfield Jr. Despite this, I believe the Falcons are an overrated team, and their luck will eventually run out. I predict the Buccaneers will win 24-20. For player picks, I’m betting on B.J. Robinson to have over 14.5 rushing attempts and Mike Evans to exceed 60.5 receiving yards.
New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings
Next, we have the New York Jets traveling to face the Minnesota Vikings. The Jets had a dismal outing against the Broncos last week, suffering a humiliating 10-0 loss. Their offense has been sloppy all year, and unless they miraculously acquire Davante Adams, I don’t see them getting back on track.
The Vikings, on the other hand, recently crushed the Green Bay Packers, though the final score doesn’t reflect their dominance. They took their foot off the gas, allowing the Packers to rally. With the Jets facing drama surrounding their coach and quarterback, I see the Vikings winning decisively, 27-13. For player picks, I like Sam Darnold to have over 1.5 passing touchdowns and Breece Hall to surpass 52.5 rushing yards.
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears
The Carolina Panthers will travel to Chicago to face the Bears. The Panthers are coming back to reality after their earlier victory against the Raiders, losing to the Bengals last week. The Bears, despite injuries, managed to get a win against the Rams, finally showcasing a competent offense.
At home, the Bears should come out on top with a close win, 23-20. I’m betting on DeAndre Swift to exceed 48.5 rushing yards and Deontay Johnson to find the end zone.
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals
In an important divisional matchup, the Baltimore Ravens will face the Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens dominated the Buffalo Bills last week, while the Bengals had a mixed performance against the Panthers. The Bengals have struggled all season, but they managed to get back on track.
Both teams have a lot at stake, but I believe the Bengals will pull off an upset at home, winning 27-24. For player picks, I’m taking Jamar Chase to have over 75.5 receiving yards and Lamar Jackson to surpass 56.5 rushing yards.
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots
The Miami Dolphins head to New England, where the Patriots are on a three-game losing streak. After their strong start, the Dolphins have struggled, particularly after Tua Tagovailoa’s concussion. With injuries affecting both sides, I still think the Dolphins can manage a win, albeit a close one, at 20-13.
I’m betting on Jacoby Brissett to stay under 158 passing yards and Tyreek Hill to score at least one touchdown.
Cleveland Browns vs. Washington Commanders
The Browns, coming off a disappointing loss against the Raiders, will face the red-hot Washington Commanders. Cleveland’s offensive line issues have hindered their performance, while the Commanders have found success behind rookie quarterback Jaden Daniels.
Despite the Browns’ solid defense, I see the Commanders winning handily, 27-6. For player picks, I like Terry McLaurin to have over 22.5 receiving yards and Jerry Jeudy to exceed 44.5 receiving or rushing yards.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Indianapolis Colts travel to face the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are still searching for their first win. The Colts managed a surprising victory against the undefeated Steelers last week. I believe the Colts can take advantage of the Jaguars’ struggles and come out with a big win, 31-24.
For player picks, I’d take the higher on Joe Flacco’s passing yards and Trevor Lawrence to have more than 1.5 passing touchdowns.
Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Texans
In what I’m calling the “Stefon Diggs Bowl,” the Bills will face the Texans. After a rough loss to the Ravens, the Bills look to bounce back against a Texans team that barely scraped by the Jaguars. Both teams are dealing with injuries, but I think Josh Allen will prove he doesn’t need Diggs to succeed.
I predict a close game with the Bills winning 24-21. For player picks, I’m taking Stefon Diggs to have over five receptions and Josh Allen to go over 236.5 passing yards.
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Denver Broncos
Finally, the Las Vegas Raiders will travel to face the Denver Broncos. As a Raiders fan, I’m disappointed with the team’s recent performances, especially with Devonte Adams being on the trade block. The Broncos are riding a two-game winning streak and seem to have the upper hand.
I predict the Raiders will lose this one 20-17. For player picks, I’m taking the higher on Javonte Williams’ rushing yards.
