Forecaster Frank NFL Picks Week 5
Week 4 was a strong week, with a pair of pushes. I went 8-6-2 and stand 33-29-2 on the season.
Thursday Night
Den -3.5 (o/u 42)
Broncos 14 Colts 10
The Broncos wear orange; the Colts wear blue; the loser of this game will be turned into glue. Both teams spent draft capital landing veteran quarterbacks that have each underperformed. It can be said that Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan are washed up. With Jonathan Taylor on the shelf, the Colts are compromised, as the Broncos overcome the coaching of Nathaniel Hacket to win at home.
London Calling
GB -8 (o/u 41)
Packers 23 Giants 3
The Giants are 3-1, one of the NFL's biggest surprises, but with their top two quarterbacks injured, they are forced to start Davis Webb in London. It is the first trip across the pond for the Packers; expect a big game from Aaron Rodgers as the Packers get an easy win.
Sunday at 1
Buf -14 (o/u 46.5)
Bills 37 Steelers 16
Kenny Pickett makes his first start as the struggling Steelers take on the Bills. After rallying to beat the Ravens last week, the Bills hope they are back on track and are poised for a big day as the rumble on Sunday.
LAC -2.5 (o/u 47.5)
Chargers 30 Browns 17
The Browns stumbled in Atlanta last week, while the Chargers found their footing in Houston. Look for Justin Herbert to have a big game as the Browns continue to spin their wheels.
Hou +7 (o/u 43.5)
Jaguars 20 Texans 17
The Jaguars played well despite their loss in Philadelphia. Trevor Lawrence had four fumbles that ended up costing them the game. The Jaguars have not beaten the Texans since 2017, that streak will end, but a seven-point spread seems a bit high.
Min -7 (o/uu 44)
Vikings 27 Bears 12
The Bears lost the reality bowl in New York last week and go into a divisional match-up against the Vikings, who have beaten the Packers and Lions already. Expect Minnesota to complete a 3-0 start against the NFC North as Justin Fields cannot match up with the weapons of the Vikings.
Det +3 (o/u 45.5)
Lions 31 Patriots 27
This is a test for both teams, as the loser's season is likely over. The etroit Lions are missing their D, as the Lions have allowed 35 points per game in the first month of the season. The Patriots quarterback situation is in flux, though Bailey Zappe played well against the Packers last week.
Sea +5.5 (o/u 46)
Saints 24 Seahawks 20
The Seahawks are 2-2 in what was expected to be a rebuilding season, while Geno Smith has outplayed Russell Wilson in 2022. Alvin Kamara will likely play for the Saints, but Jameis Winston remains questionable. Andy Dalton played well in London, so the Saints should win the game, but they will sweat it out until the final minutes.
Mia -3 (o/u 45.5)
Dolphins 20 Jets 16
The Dolphins are banged up. Tua Tagovailoa will not play as he is finally in concussion protocol. Xavien Howard and Jaylen Waddle are both dealing with tender groins, but against the Jets, they should be able to find a way to win this game. Look for Teddy Bridgewater to connect with Tyreek Hill often as the Dolphins win again in the Meadowlands.
TB -8.5 (o/u 48)
Buccaneers 23 Falcons 6
The Buccaneers have lost their last two games, as Tom Brady appears to be heading to splitsville with Giselle. Look for him to find something and have his best game of the season.
Ten -2.5 (o/u 42.5)
Titans 23 Commanders 9
The Titans appear to be back on track with wins in their last two games. The Commanders are a mess, as Carson Wentz could be the worst quarterback in the NFL. Look for the boos to rain in Washington as the Titans get to 3-2.
Sunday Late Games
SF -6.5 (o/u 39)
49ers 27 Panthers 16
The 49ers had an impressive win on Monday night, as their defense was in the face of Matthew Stafford all night. Expect them to roll again as they crush Carolina, as the Panthers are already looking for a rebuild at season's end.
Ari +5 (o/u 49)
Eagles 24 Cardinals 22
This game has all the signs of a trap game for the 4-0 Eagles. They face a primetime showdown with the Cowboys next week in Philadelphia. The Cardinals are feast or famine and could win this game. Expect it to be close, with Philadelphia hanging on as the Cardinals fail on a game-tying two-point try.
Dal +5 (o/u 43.5)
Cowboys 16 Rams 13
The Rams had trouble with the Niners' pass rush on Monday. Now they face the Cowboys, who may have the best defense in the NFL. Look for a monster day for the Cowboys as they get the upset in Los Angeles.
Advertisement
Sunday Night
Bal -3 (o/u 48.5)
Ravens 27 Bengals 17
The Ravens have been good at getting leads in 2022 but have had trouble holding leads. Both home games that the Ravens have blown were against teams in the AFC East. The Ravens are done with the AFC East, splitting their first four games; now it is time to focus on the division as they look to take control of the AFC North.
Monday Night
KC -7 (o/u 51)
Chiefs 34 Raiders 23
The Raiders earned their first win of the season last week, quieting the critics in Vegas. However, there is no rest for the weary as they battle the Chiefs on Monday night. Expect Patrick Mahomes to shine as the Chiefs get the win.