OK, gang … after a nice comeback week of 3-1-1, my combined mark after two weeks of picks is 5-5-1. Here are my words of wisdom for Week 5 … and I strongly advise you not bet the house on any of these picks.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
Line: Baltimore -3
Over-Under: 48.5
Believe it or not, I am going to make two plays in the same game. I read that the Ravens have only trailed for 14 seconds in their losses this season, as if that’s supposed to give me some chicken soup for the soul. I also read that through the first four games the Ravens have allowed an average of 300-plus yards through in the air. Unless Baltimore’s front can get to him, Joe Burrow will pick apart the Ravens again.
I also love the over on this game. Lamar Jackson can certainly keep it close and high octane all the way. So this counts as two plays.
Prediction: CINCINNATI 30, Baltimore 27
Miami Dolphins (3-1) at New York Jets (2-2)
Line: Miami -3
Both New York teams are playing well (the Giants are 3-1) and giving us something to think about, but I am mystified at this line. I get that it’s in the Jets’ house, which they share with the Giants. But I think the Dolphins’ defense will create some mayhem for young quarterback Zach Wilson. I am also pretty sure that Dolphins backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater is a pretty damn good player, too … and he has weapons all days long.
Prediction: MIAMI 31, New York 19
Tennessee Titans (2-2) at Washington Commanders (1-3)
Line: Tennessee -2.5
By this time in the season, I get to know all of the teams better and make some adjustments. I am not a hugely strong believer in the Titans, but I respect they went into Indianapolis and handed the Colts their hat. From what I have seen out of this Washington football club, I cannot see a way they beat the Titans. The 2.5 points are chump change here. The Ron Rivera hot seat is just warming up.
Prediction: TENNESSEE 27, Washington 19
Seattle Seahawks (2-2) at New Orleans Saints (1-3)
Line: New Orleans -5.5
This is another adjustment game for me, as I now have a little bit of respect for Geno Smith … there, I said it. I have no strong feeling for who wins this game, although my lean is toward Pete Carroll. But just as much that lean is because of one-time coaching wunderkind Dennis Allen’s abysmal record as a head coach (9-31 in his first 40 games). That includes a lame two-plus seasons as head coach of Oakland back in 2012, 2013 and four games into 2014 (8-28). I’m not sure either Jameis Winston or Andy Dalton can put enough points on the board to win this by six or more points.
Prediction: New Orleans 28, SEATTLE 27
Detroit Lions (1-3) at New England Patriots (1-3)
Line: New England -3.5
It’s spin-the-bottle QB week in Foxborough, as we don’t know if it’ll be Bailey Zappe or Mac Jones under center for the Patriots. Brian Hoyer was placed on injured reserve, so it won’t be him. I have a ton of respect for Bill Belichick’s career, but I’m not buying that an injured Jones is going to be back from that high ankle sprain … and I’m not sure if Zappe can put up enough points to keep this one close.
Meanwhile, Jared Goff is scoring points at an alarming rate. The problem is the Lions have yet to stop anyone. It says here that they’ll play against a team that’ll stop itself enough for the growling Lions offense to put up enough points to win this one.
Prediction: DETROIT 27, New England 20
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