Packers vs. Lions Week 5 predictions, picks for every NFL game
Predictions for every Week 5 game, including the Green Bay Packers’ meeting with the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Will the Green Bay Packers win a second straight on Sunday?
The Packers were swept by the Detroit Lions in 2017, but they were without Aaron Rodgers for both games. Rodgers will be on the field this week, but he might not have any wide receivers to throw to.
Last week I went 11-4 with my predictions, ending a three-week streak of going 8-8.
Who will win in Week 5?
Green Bay (2-1-1) at Detroit (1-3)
This game will be tougher for the Packers than it may appear on paper.
Despite losing three of their four games, the Lions have played well three weeks in a row. They could easily sit here at 3-1 had they won at San Francisco and Dallas. Their last home game was a comfortable victory over the Patriots.
Detroit’s receiving trio of Kenny Golladay, Golden Tate and Marvin Jones will test the Packers’ secondary, but the good news is that Kevin King and Jaire Alexander should play.
The Packers could be thin at wide receiver with Davante Adams, Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison all appearing on the injury report, but they should have no trouble moving the ball on the ground against a Detroit defense that ranks dead last against the run.
The combination of Aaron Jones and Ty Montgomery could be particularly effective against the Lions’ struggling defense.
If the Packers play defense like they have the past one-and-a-half games, they will win the game. I expect it to be close, but the Packers get an important divisional victory on the road.
Pick: Green Bay
Indianapolis (1-3) at New England (2-2)
It’s hard to pick against the home team on a short week. Considering the Colts are without T.Y. Hilton, Jack Doyle and Marlon Mack, and also with the return of Julian Edelman for the Patriots, I’m going for a New England victory, even if Rob Gronkowski is out or limited.
Pick: New England
Tennessee (3-1) at Buffalo (1-3)
The real Buffalo Bills returned at Lambeau last week. The Titans have quietly picked up victories over the Jaguars and Eagles the past two weeks, and they continue their excellent start in Week 5.
Pick: Tennessee
Atlanta (1-3) at Pittsburgh (1-2-1)
Both teams desperately need a win here. This should be a high-scoring game. The Steelers have allowed 29 points per game after four weeks, the Falcons 30.5 points per game. Atlanta has lost two close games at home, but picks up a potentially season-saving victory at Pittsburgh.
Pick: Atlanta
Denver (2-2) at NY Jets (1-3)
After both teams started the season with victories, the Broncos have now lost two straight, the Jets three in a row. In a low-scoring game, Denver’s defense dominates to give the Broncos a road win.
Pick: Denver
Jacksonville (3-1) at Kansas City (4-0)
This could be one of the game’s of the year. The No. 1 scoring offense hosts the No. 2 scoring defense. Patrick Mahomes has been outstanding in the first quarter of the season, and I’m not picking against this Chiefs offense at home.
Pick: Kansas City
Baltimore (3-1) at Cleveland (1-2-1)
The Browns could be 4-0. They’ve been in four close games, and should have got victories at New Orleans and Oakland, and had to settle for a tie in Week 1. The Ravens defense will be tough to score against, and Cleveland loses another close one at home.
Pick: Baltimore
NY Giants (1-3) at Carolina (2-1)
The Giants offense has yet to get going, and it could be another tough day on the road at Carolina.
Pick: Carolina
Miami (3-1) at Cincinnati (3-1)
The Bengals offense has been excellent so far this year, and now they get Joe Mixon back. The Dolphins crashed back down to earth last week, and they will lose again at Cincinnati.
Pick: Cincinnati
Oakland (1-3) at LA Chargers (2-2)
The Raiders finally got a win last week against Cleveland, but their defense could have a tough day up against the Chargers offense.
Pick: LA Chargers
Arizona (0-4) at San Francisco (1-3)
Arizona has struggled so far this season, and yes, the 49ers almost got the victory against the Chargers last week, but I’m going for the upset. Josh Rosen didn’t play badly last week and could have a better game against the No. 22 pass defense.
Pick: Arizona
Minnesota (1-2-1) at Philadelphia (2-2)
This is a big game for the Vikings. Offensively they have been great (outside of the Bills game), and I think they’ll have some success against the Eagles defense. It’s then on Mike Zimmer’s defense to improve from recent weeks. I think the Vikings will pick up a key
Pick: Minnesota
LA Rams (4-0) at Seattle (2-2)
The Rams are the best team in football. They have been dominant on offense, and it’s hard to see any defense slowing them down at home or on the road. The Seahawks are giving up 122.5 yards on the ground per game, sixth most in the NFL. Todd Gurley could have a big game.
Pick: LA Rams
Dallas (2-2) at Houston (1-3)
The Texans were considered playoff contenders in preseason, but so far that hasn’t been the case. The Cowboys, too, have been up-and-down after four weeks, which is why I’m picking the home team to get an important victory.
Pick: Houston
Washington (2-1) at New Orleans (3-1)
Washington’s defense has played well, ranking third in total defense and second in scoring defense. That said, the Saints offense is one of the league’s best, and the return of Mark Ingram will only help. At home, the Saints will get the win.
Pick: New Orleans
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Last week: 11-4
Season: 35-28