The New Orleans Saints head back home to face the New York Giants, to continue their winless season so far. After avoiding getting stampeded in Buffalo last week, the Saints proved they could rebound from a terrible performance, even in a loss. Now the Saints go from facing the NFL’s best to facing a team in their own weight class, a team that just earned their first win of the season last week, with rookie QB Jaxson Dart in his first career start. Thankfully, there is now some film on Dart, following
his win over the Chargers, a luxury the Saints historically haven’t had against many rookie quarterbacks. Four weeks over, and the Saints have yet to earn their first win and attaining that goal could be a giant hill to climb, but with some returning stars, that hill may not be as giant as it appears.
Let’s take a look at this and every matchup in Week 5.
Last week I went 10-6 (I count the tie as a loss)
I told you so: Steelers over Vikings!
What do I know: Bears over Raiders?
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WEEK 5
Thursday, October 2nd – Thursday Night Football
49ers(3-1) at Rams(3-1)
Outside of the final play in Philadelphia two weeks ago, the Rams have arguably looked like they could be considered the best team in the NFL. Now they host their arch-rivals in primetime. Like a continuation of last week, San Francisco’s rash of injuries will prove to be more than they can withstand. Los Angeles wins 21-14.
Pick: Rams
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Sunday, October 5th – Very Early Game
Vikings(2-2) at* Browns(1-3) – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium – London, England
The Jekyll & Hyde Vikings will benefit from having stayed in Europe the past few weeks, along with the added benefit of facing this Cleveland offense. Minnesota wins 20-12.
Pick: Vikings
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Sunday, October 5th – Early Games
Texans(1-3) at Ravens(1-3)
Derrick Henry will put Baltimore on his back in this one, while the Ravens defense finally has their best performance of the season, against a Houston team desperately looking for answers. Baltimore wins 30-7.
Pick: Ravens
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Dolphins(1-3) at Panthers(1-3)
Fresh off their first win of the season, Miami will double their win total against the pathetic Panthers in Carolina. Miami wins 38-16.
Pick: Dolphins
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Raiders(1-3) at Colts(3-1)
Indy blew their game in Los Angeles last week due to self-inflicted wounds, but that wont happen again here against Vegas. Indianapolis wins 25-20.
Pick: Colts
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Cowboys(1-2-1) at Jets(0-4)
Dallas’ offense will simply overwhelm Aaron Glenn’s defense in this one. Dallas wins 26-17.
Pick: Cowboys
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Broncos(2-2) at Eagles(4-0)
With Philly’s passing offense under internal and external scrutiny, despite their undefeated record, they have a lot to prove. The Eagles will prove a lot to the doubters as well as themselves with a monster performance against Denver. Philadelphia wins 40-17.
Pick: Eagles
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Giants(1-3) at Saints(0-4)
Since Week 13 of the 2024 season, the Saints have been without their best contingency plan, in quarterback/tight end/football player Taysom Hill. Taysom hasn’t played in an NFL game since his injury and has yet to play in Kellen Moore’s system, but he is the best “break open glass in case of emergency” player the Saints have on their roster, and him being on the field simply gives the defense something to worry about.
Ultimately, the Saints defense will be the unit that carries this game, facing a rookie quarterback in his second career start. A week after playing tough against the reigning NFL MVP at quarterback, the Saints know they can cause problems for Jaxson Dart, and they will, giving their own offense enough space to make the few points they score enough to win the game. Saints win 17-12.
Pick: Saints
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Sunday, October 5th – Late Games
Titans(0-4) at Cardinals(2-2)
Much like the Jets, Tennessee will remain winless, with another poor offensive outing against the Cards. Arizona wins 25-10.
Pick: Cardinals
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Buccaneers(3-1) at Seahawks(3-1)
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs rebound from a disappointing loss last week, with a win in an exciting game in Seattle. Tampa Bay wins 28-21.
Pick: Buccaneers
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Lions(3-1) at Bengals(2-2)
Cincy’s offense is DOA without Joe Burrow under center, and things will get worse against Detroit on a hot streak. Detroit wins 28-7.
Pick: Lions
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Commanders(2-2) at Chargers(3-1) – Game of the Week
Los Angeles is returning home following a stunning loss to the Giants, while Washington is welcoming Jayden Daniels bask at quarterback. Daniels will be the difference-maker in this high-scoring affair. Washington wins 28-25.
Pick: Commanders
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Sunday Night Football
Patriots(2-2) at Bills(4-0)
Buffalo seemed to be sleepwalking through the majority of last week’s victory, but they will be awake and alert for this primetime matchup with their AFC East rival. Buffalo wins 40-22.
Pick: Bills
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Monday, October 6th – Monday Night Football
Chiefs(2-2) at Jaguars(3-1)
Jacksonville took advantage of a team that has been losing its mojo last week in San Francisco, while KC got a good bit of their mojo back last week against Baltimore. Kansas City will be the one to keep it going on Monday Night. Kansas City wins 24-19.
Pick: Chiefs
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There we go, Week 5 is shaping up to be pretty interesting. Leave us your picks, comments, and insight below!
