NFL Week 5 is here, and we are already past the first month of the season. It’s been unexpected, confusing, and exciting, and it’s far from over. Here are my official picks and predictions for NFL Week 5.
With Baker Mayfield sidelined with a thumb injury, the Buccaneers have turned to rookie UDFA quarterback Jalon Daniels. In his Week 4 debut, he went 19/27 for 148 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. This team is winless, and after a disappointing loss, things don’t seem to be getting better.
The Cowboys’ offense is still as high-powered as they come. Dak Prescott went 32/45 for 335 yards and one touchdown, while CeeDee Lamb caught 17 passes for 189 yards. They’ve scored over 30 points in each of their last three games, and that’s something Tampa Bay can’t keep up with.
Score Prediction: Cowboys 37 – Buccaneers 20
It’s too early to say the Eagles’ season is over, but they look completely uninspired. Injuries have torn through the roster, and Jalen Hurts has looked like a shell of himself. Add in a lack of second-half adjustments, and this team is in major trouble.
The Jaguars are an extremely well-balanced team in 2026. They’re coming off a 22-17 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and Trevor Lawrence is having another great season thus far. This could be a close game, but it’s hard to see Philly pulling off the win.
Score Prediction: Jaguars 27 – Eagles 23
The Bengals’ 2-2 record isn’t as reflective of their season as it seems. Joe Burrow has had a strong start to the season, and the defense has shown improvement. Ja’Marr Chase suffered a concussion in Week 4, but Cincy has a favorable matchup, with or without him.
The Dolphins are arguably the worst team in the NFL. They have yet to score more than 13 points in a game, and they felt the loss of De’Von Achane in Week 4. There’s extremely little to be excited about with this team.
Score Prediction: Bengals 24 – Dolphins 10
The Patriots appeared to return to form in a 29-26 win over the Buffalo Bills. It’s hard to jump back on the bandwagon after an otherwise disappointing start to the season. History has shown that a surprising win over Buffalo is not uncommon, but it hasn’t led to much success otherwise.
The Raiders came within a Dareke Young fumble of beating the Kansas City Chiefs last week. They’re the biggest surprise of the season so far, and still considered underdogs in this matchup. Don’t be surprised if they pull off the win here.
Score Prediction: Raiders 23 – Patriots 20
Despite having a high-powered offense, the Saints are 1-3 and coming off a brutal loss to the Atlanta Falcons. Their defense ranks 30th in the NFL in rush yards allowed per game (147.8) and dead last in points allowed per game (32).
The Vikings are a stark contrast to their Week 5 opponent. The defense has allowed a league-low 12.8 points per game and has a 22.6% third-down rate. Over the last three games, though, their kicker has outscored the offense 35-6. This game is truly a toss-up.
Score Prediction: Saints 20 – Vikings 17
The Browns have been a strange surprise in 2026. They’re 3-1 with a -14 point differential. The defense has held up, and Deshaun Watson is playing his best ball since arriving in Cleveland. This is another favorable matchup for them.
After a big win in Week 1, the Jets have lost three straight games. Despite the roster playing above expectations, the coaching has been questionable at best. On paper, this could be a close game, but the Browns are the better team right now.
Score Prediction: Browns 21 – Jets 16
The Colts are coming off a 30-13 win over the Washington Commanders in London. Jonathan Taylor rushed for 95 yards and two touchdowns while Daniel Jones went 19/34 for 143 yards and an interception. They’re still not contenders, but the season isn’t dead yet.
The Steelers are a “middle of the pack” team in many ways. The defense ranks 13th in total yards allowed per game (322.2) and 14th in points allowed per game (21.8). The offense ranks 17th in total yards per game (317.8). They play to their opponent’s level, for better or worse.
Score Prediction: Steelers 24 – Colts 20
The Texans’ defense has been surprisingly bad, but the offense has shown life. The Titans, on the other hand, haven’t shown much at all. Their offense ranks dead last in total yards per game (261.3), and they have yet to score more than 20 points in a game.
Houston is struggling, but has displayed more firepower in 2026. This will likely be an ugly game, but the Texans should pull away with it.
Score Prediction: Texans 17 – Titans 13
The 2026 Giants continue to win despite themselves. Without Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns, they’ve gone 2-1 in their last three games. Breakout rookie Arvell Reese and the defense have kept them in games, but this is an uneasy 3-1 team.
Save for an underdog win against the Seattle Seahawks, the Commanders have been a massive disappointment. They have a -34-point differential in four games. With Jayden Daniels likely to return, there may be a spark of life again.
Score Prediction: Giants 20 – Commanders 17
It seems as though the Bears can succeed with anyone at QB. Caleb Williams is rehabbing a hamstring injury, but the team is 2-0 with Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent. The offense is electric and will only get better as the season progresses.
The Packers are the ugliest 2-2 team in the NFL. They have exceeded 20 points once in Week 1, but not since. The defense is disappointing, and the offense is middling without a true run game. Division matchups are unpredictable, but the Bears are clearly the better team.
Score Prediction: Bears 31 – Packers 24
The Chargers had high expectations in 2026, but have massively underperformed. The offense is disappointing, and the defense ranks 24th in points allowed per game (26.5).
The Broncos still can’t play four full quarters of competitive football, but they’re capable of winning games. This is another case of a messy division matchup, but it’s hard to have any faith in the Chargers.
Score Prediction: Broncos 23 – Chargers 17
The Lions’ offense is extremely fun to watch, but the defense makes opposing quarterbacks look like prime Tom Brady. They rank dead last in total yards allowed per game (423.8) and 31st in points allowed per game (31.8).
The Cardinals have a similar problem. The offense can score points, but the defense ranks 29th in points allowed per game (29.2). This could be a high-scoring shootout, but the Lions have more firepower.
Score Prediction: Lions 34 – Cardinals 31
This could be the game of the week between the 49ers and Seahawks. San Francisco has been one of the best teams in the NFL, while Seattle has shown chips in its armor.
The 49ers have been a powerhouse, ranking in the top 10 in both pass yards (251.8) and rush yards (137.3) per game. The defense also ranks third in points allowed per game (16). This is another toss-up and should be extremely exciting.
Score Prediction: 49ers 28 – Seahawks 27
With Lamar Jackson suffering an ankle sprain, the 3-1 Ravens will likely turn to backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley. While he’s a serviceable backup, the offense loses a spark without Jackson.
The Falcons dominated the Saints on Monday night with five rushing touchdowns. Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson exploited a lackluster run defense. With Baltimore ranking 10th in rushing yards allowed per game (100), this will be a significantly tougher matchup.
If the Ravens’ offense falls off without Jackson, this could be Atlanta’s game to win.
Score Prediction: Falcons 31 – Ravens 24
The Bills’ annual dud game happened in a Week 4 loss to the Patriots. Josh Allen struggled to keep up with a surprisingly strong performance from Drake Maye, and Buffalo fell to 3-1.
The Rams pulled off a double-digit comeback against the Eagles in Week 4, but looked largely lost for most of the game. With Puka Nacua settling back into the offense, they should look more complete. As of now, though, the Bills have shown more consistency.
Score Prediction: Bills 34 – Rams 31
Bye Week: Carolina Panthers, Kansas City Chiefs
With October football in full swing, winning now matters more. Teams leading their division will look to hold on for dear life, while struggling teams hope to avoid unofficial elimination.
Everyone is mostly settled in, and we’ll see the contenders start to rise above the rest of the pack.
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