NFL picks against the spread, Week 5: Will the Bengals beat Lamar Jackson and the Ravens?
For the first time all season, we had a couple pushes in Week 4. Now, our experts have ties on their records, but momentum continues to build as we head into Week 5.
After re-tallying records from past weeks, there were some minor discrepancies, so here’s a look at last week’s records with updated season records. Blake Schuster had the best week of the season, going 9-5-2 (26-36-2 overall). Caroline Darney went 7-7-2 (25-37-2 overall), Charles Curtis went 6-8-2 (24-38-2 overall) and Prince J. Grimes went 5-9-2 (24-38-2 overall).
Prince: I’ll steal a phrase previously used by Blake: Fade me.
Caroline: Well, I didn’t get more wrong than right this week, so, yay!
Charles: So we should all just copy Blake!
Blake: *raises arms in triumph, confusion*
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Colts at Broncos (-3)
Prince: Broncos
Denver’s offense finally came to life last week, albeit in a loss. Meanwhile, Indy might be without Jonathan Taylor in this one.
Caroline: Broncos
Indy didn’t build off of the win from two weeks ago, and now they are going to be without Jonathan Taylor. Not ideal!
Charles: Broncos
I dunno, Thursday nights get weird, but this makes sense.
Blake: Colts
You’re giving me points against this Broncos team on short rest? Fine, twist my arm.
Giants at Packers (-9)
Prince: Giants
After the Pats took Green Bay to overtime last week, I’ll roll with the Giants to keep things tight in London.
Caroline: Giants
Packers will likely win, but I don’t think they get the G-Men by nine.
Charles: Packers
Aaron Rodgers is figuring things out with the offense and R-E-L-A-X-I-N-G.
Blake: Giants
This Giants team is going to spoil some team’s season in the NFC East. Possibly it’s own.
Falcons at Buccaneers (-9)
Prince: Buccaneers
Cordarrelle Patterson landing on the IR is a big blow to Atlanta’s offense.
Caroline: Falcons
I have no idea. I just don’t particularly trust the Bucs right now. I don’t like having to trust the Falcons, however. Nine points seems like a lot, so going with Atlanta?
Charles: Buccaneers
I don’t think the Falcons can keep up, especially in a game that Tom Brady knows he can use to get the Bucs back on track.
Blake: Buccaneers
This is not a game a tanking team like Atlanta can afford to win. Maybe they cover, but you gotta take your easy losses where you can.
Titans at Commanders (+2)
Prince: Titans
I think Washington looks better in this one than it has in recent weeks but still loses by a field goal.
Caroline: Titans
Tennessee by a field goal feels about right.
Charles: Titans
One of the lock-ier picks of the week.
Blake: Titans
Washington is 1-3 ATS. We’re likely witnessing the end of the Ron Rivera era this year.
Seahawks at Saints (-5.5)
Prince: Seahawks
Seattle’s defense is atrocious, but Geno Smith and that offense is showing me something.
Caroline: Seahawks
I agree with Prince. It’s a little surprising that the Saints are favored by 5.5 here?
Charles: Seahawks
This should be Saints -3, so grab the free points!
Blake: Seahawks
I have no idea what to make of this Saints team so I’ll take all the points they want to hand out.
Bears at Vikings (-7)
Prince: Vikings
Picked the Bears to cover last week, and I’ll never do that again.
Caroline: Bears
Why am I doing this to myself?
Charles: Vikings
Watch, the Bears find a way to cover. SIGH.
Blake: Vikings
This is typically when the NFC North starts to eat itself alive to make sure the Packers win the division yet again, but the Bears are truly not interested in winning football games this year, so I think the Vikes cover.
Lions at Patriots (-3)
Prince: Lions
Apparently, Detroit only covers when it’s an underdog.
Caroline: Patriots
THE BAILEY ZAPPE ERA IS UNDERWAY.
Charles: Lions
Let’s keep an eye on who’s the QB for the Pats, but I think Detroit will keep things close, regardless.
Blake: Lions
Playing in New England just isn’t as intimidating as it used to be. I can’t believe I’m saying this but the Lions (3-1 ATS!) look more put together than the Pats at this point.
Texans at Jaguars (-7)
Prince: Texans
I know this is a new Jags team, but they haven’t beaten Houston in a few years. So even if they snap the streak, it won’t be easy.
Caroline: Jaguars
I initially typed Jaguars, then went to Texans, then back to Jaguars. It’s mostly the touchdown spread that gives me pause.
Charles: Jaguars
This is a prove-it game for the Jags: Prove they’re actually among the better teams in the AFC. This one has let-down written all over it, but Trevor Lawrence will go off.
Blake: Jaguars
Totally agree with Charles, but I’m not convinced they cover. Just have to trust my gut that the Texans struggle to pass once again.
Dolphins at Jets (+3)
Prince: Dolphins
Teddy Bridgewater is a more than capable fill-in for Tua Tagovailoa.
Caroline: Dolphins
The absence of Tua isn’t enough for me to pick against the Dolphins here.
Charles: Dolphins
Teddy will have no problem throwing all over the Jets.
Blake: Jets
Not that Teddy Bridgewater wouldn’t likely be the best QB on New York’s roster, but it’s hard to fade a home underdog in a divisional game—even if I think Dolphins straight-up is most likely.
Steelers at Bills (-14)
Prince: Bills
This feels like a get-right game for the Bills after a couple tough battles.
Caroline: Steelers
Do not get me wrong … the Bills will win comfortably. I just think in true Steelers fashion this season, it’s hilariously close (it’ll be like a 10 point win) just to torment Pittsburgh fans. Kenny Pickett has earned his time to shine, however.
Charles: Bills
Kenny Pickett will have some good weeks ahead, just not against this defense.
Blake: Steelers
This game is already on “Backdoor Cover” alert before it even kicks off.
Chargers at Browns (+3)
Prince: Chargers
Toughest test of the year for Cleveland’s defense.
Caroline: Chargers
Sure, this feels right.
Charles: Chargers
The Browns are a feisty team, but the Chargers need to win games like these to prove they’re a contender.
Blake: Browns
How healthy are the Chargers? I’m just not sure the answer is “enough to overcome and early deficit” in this one.
49ers at Panthers (+6.5)
Prince: 49ers
The Panthers are probably wishing they traded for Jimmy Garoppolo instead of Baker Mayfield.
Caroline: 49ers
I’m surprised this line isn’t bigger,
Charles: 49ers
[Zoolander voice] What is this? It has to be at least three times bigger a spread than this!
Blake: 49ers
Baker cannot be thrilled about having to play the Niners defense right now.
Cowboys at Rams (-4.5)
Prince: Cowboys
I keep coming back to Dallas’ defense, because it has been that good.
Caroline: Cowboys
I know Vegas knows, but have they seen Cooper Rush??
Charles: Cowboys
Matthew Stafford hasn’t been great, and the Cowboys’ pass rush is SO good.
Blake: Rams
My colleagues are cowards.
Eagles at Cardinals (+5.5)
Prince: Eagles
The Eagles have won each of their last three games by more than a touchdown.
Caroline: Eagles
I will pick the Eagles until they lose.
Charles: Eagles
Easy choice for the best team in the NFC.
Blake: Cardinals
An east coast team flying out west to face a home underdog spells trouble. As much as I believe Philly is the best team in the NFC, I’m rolling with Arizona.
Bengals at Ravens (-3)
Prince: Bengals
Baltimore can’t put together a full four quarters right now.
Caroline: Ravens
Can Baltimore hold onto a lead?
Charles: Ravens
Lamar Jackson > Joe Burrow.
Blake: Ravens
Here comes a big bounce back game after losing to Buffalo.
Raiders at Chiefs (-7)
Prince: Chiefs
Something is still off about the Raiders offense.
Caroline: Chiefs
I think the Raiders are better than their record, but not better than the Chiefs.
Charles: Chiefs
Kansas City by 10.
Blake: Chiefs
Will Josh McDaniels make it to Year 2 at this point?
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