NFL picks Week 5: Packers-Cowboys and every other game

The Green Bay Packers will beat the Dallas Cowboys this week, while the Detroit Lions keep rolling in the NFC North.

We live in a world where the New England Patriots and New York Jets have the same record a quarter of the way through the season. A world where a team like the Bills, given no shot of a successful season in August, are 3-1, while the talented Chargers are winless. That’s the NFL for you.

There are some huge games coming up this week. Not only do the Packers meet the Cowboys in a playoff rematch, but the Seahawks take on the Rams, and the unbeaten Chiefs play the Texans.

Will the Packers move to 4-1?

Green Bay (3-1) at Dallas (2-2)

You bet they will. The key for the Packers is to limit Ezekiel Elliott‘s effectiveness. The Cowboys offensive line has struggled somewhat, and Mike Daniels could be disruptive if healthy. In a tough road game, the Cowboys defense has no answer for Aaron Rodgers and company.

Pick: Green Bay

New England (2-2) at Tampa Bay (2-1)

Winning on the road on a short week isn’t easy. That’s especially true when you own the league’s bottom-ranked defense. New England is giving up a stunning 456.8 yards per game. Mike Evans could cause the Pats real problems, and a backfield welcoming back Doug Martin is just what the doctor ordered for the Bucs.

Pick: Tampa Bay

San Francisco (0-4) at Indianapolis (1-3)

Jacoby Brissett impressed in Seattle last week, and for a moment in looked like the Colts could win. They just need to stay afloat until Andrew Luck returns, and this is a huge opportunity to grab a second victory on the year.

Pick: Indianapolis

NY Jets (2-2) at Cleveland (0-4)

Could the Jets really move above .500? You better believe it.

Pick: NY Jets

Jacksonville (2-2) at Pittsburgh (3-1)

A great opportunity to improve to 3-1 fell away as the Jaguars got taken down by the Jets. It doesn’t get any better for them this week.

Pick: Pittsburgh

Carolina (3-1) at Detroit (3-1)

Carolina’s record is almost as impressive as the upset win in New England last week. I still believe the Lions are a far better team than the Panthers, though, and at home their strong start to 2017 continues.

Pick: Detroit

Tennessee (2-2) at Miami (1-2)

The Dolphins have been bad since their Week 2 victory against the Chargers. They might catch a break here though if Marcus Mariota is forced to sit. As Mariota’s status is up in the air, my prediction will depend on his status.

Pick: Tennessee (if Mariota starts the game), Miami (if Mariota is ruled out)

Buffalo (3-1) at Cincinnati (1-2)

Cincinnati finally put a win on the board against winless Cleveland, but the Bills present a tougher challenge. Buffalo pulled off an upset in Atlanta last week and has been impressive on both sides of the ball. That said, the Bengals need it more and continue to build some momentum.

Pick: Cincinnati

LA Chargers (0-4) at NY Giants (0-4)

The Chargers simply can’t win close games. They are in a losing habit and can’t get over the line. That finally changes this week. The Giants are a mess, and their season all but ends in Week 5.

Pick: LA Chargers

Arizona (2-2) at Philadelphia (3-1)

The Cardinals are fortunate not to be 0-4. With lucky escapes against Indianapolis and San Francisco, Arizona is no match for the Eagles.

Pick: Philadelphia

Seattle (2-2) at LA Rams (3-1)

The Rams have been one of the surprises of the year so far. They have regularly been a slip-up team for the Seahawks, and a week after winning in Dallas, they get the job done at home.

Pick: LA Rams

Baltimore (2-2) at Oakland (2-2)

Without Derek Carr, it’s difficult to see the Raiders winning many games, particularly up against a tough defense like Baltimore’s.

Pick: Baltimore

Kansas City (4-0) at Houston (2-2)

This should be a great game. Deshaun Watson has been impressive since taking over as the starting quarterback, and at home they hand the Chiefs their first loss of the season.

Pick: Houston

Minnesota (2-2) at Chicago (1-3)

The Vikings continue to lose key players to injury, and star running back Dalvin Cook is now out the year with a torn ACL. At the time of writing it remains unclear whether Sam Bradford suits up. Mitch Trubisky is finally getting his shot in Chicago, and he leads his team to victory in a low-scoring game.

Pick: Chicago

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Last week: 10-6

Season: 37-26

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