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2016 NFL Picks, Predictions For Week 5

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Week 4 of the 2016 campaign is officially in the books, which means it’s about time to take an early look at the NFL picks and predictions for Week 5.

Another crazy week of NFL action unfolded before our eyes in Week 4, which has me optimistic that Week 5 should be more of the same. While I wouldn’t expect the New England Patriots to get shut out or for Julio Jones to run wild with 300 receiving yards again, I’d prepare for 14 games of gridiron chaos. That is why we all love this sport, after all.

For those of you looking to make your NFL picks for Week 5, I’ve got you covered.

I’ve taken a look at every game, considering numerous factors and coming up with the team I believe will walk away victorious. It’s not an exact science, though, so don’t come crying to me when you lose your money—I accept no responsibility for your financial losses if you choose to use my picks.

After a rough Week 3 that saw me finish 8-8, I got back on track in Week 4 with a strong 10-5 showing. If it wasn’t for my 3-4 performance during the early afternoon games, it would have been an excellent week for me. Either way, I head into Week 5 with a respectable 38-25 record on the year.

So now we enter Week 5, and it’s sure to be another doozy. Here’s your look at my NFL picks for this upcoming slate of games.

Week 5 Byes: Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, New Orleans Saints, Seattle Seahawks

Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals (1-3) at San Francisco 49ers (1-3)

Coming into the season, my expectations for this Cardinals team were sky high. They were coming off a 2015 campaign during which they came within one game of the Super Bowl, and appeared to have improved during the offseason.

Instead, they’ve gotten off to a miserable 1-3 start. To make matters worse, they’ll likely be without Carson Palmer on Thursday night.

That’s why I’m going with the 49ers in this one. I simply don’t believe Drew Stanton has what it takes to get the win on a short week, even if it is against a San Francisco team I have very little faith in.

However, I can’t ignore the fact that the 49ers were at least competitive last Sunday against a solid Cowboys team. They kept things close, and nearly made a comeback before falling just short. While I’m still baffled by Blaine Gabbert’s presence in the starting lineup, I must admit this team isn’t a total lost cause.

In the end, it’ll come down to who can protect the football. While I have no doubt the Cardinals are the better team, an untimely turnover by Stanton should drop Arizona to the bottom of the NFC West.

Pick: 49ers

Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots (3-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-4)

After four weeks, the prodigal son returns.

Even after a miserable showing against the Buffalo Bills in Week 4, the Patriots shouldn’t have too much trouble disposing of the Browns. Especially with Tom Brady back in the fold, this one could be over before the third quarter is over.

While the Browns have flashed some firepower this season, they simply can’t seem to make plays when it matters most. They blew one in overtime against the Miami Dolphins, and then fumbled away a close one against the Washington Redskins in Week 5. The efforts of Terrelle Pryor and Isaiah Crowell just aren’t enough at this point.

The Patriots need to get back on track after an embarrassing loss. The return of Brady should allow this team to earn a dominant win in Cleveland, keeping the Browns winless and giving this New England team a sizable confidence boost moving forward.

Pick: Patriots

Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) at Detroit Lions (1-3)

Right now, there’s simply no reason to pick against the Eagles. There’s also little reason to pick in favor of the Lions. So, as you can tell, this one was a fairly easy decision.

After destroying the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3, the Eagles are fresh off a bye week that should have them firing on all cylinders. They’ve played some excellent football through three games, as the surprising performance of rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has them sitting pretty at 3-0.

Meanwhile, the Lions have struggled to stay competitive through four games. They’re currently sitting at 1-3, having enjoyed little success on either side of the ball. Detroit has been unable to avoid turnovers and put together consistent drives, while struggling to slow opposing offenses.

Unless Wentz has a rookie meltdown, there’s little chance the Lions walk away victorious in this one. Philadelphia is rolling right now, and should keep doing so as we move into the second quarter of the season.

Pick: Eagles

Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Bears (1-3) at Indianapolis Colts (1-3)

I’m not a big fan of what either of these teams bring to the table. However, someone’s got to win this one, and I believe the Bears will be the team to walk away with a W.

Despite having a healthy Andrew Luck, the Colts have been a wreck this season. Their only win this year came against a team that’s become notorious for blowing late-game leads. After dropping a London game against the then-winless Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 4, I don’t see things getting much better from here on out.

While the Bears haven’t exactly handled their business in 2016, they’re coming off a solid win a week ago. The offense looked improved in Week 4, especially with the sudden emergence of rookie runner Jordan Howard.

With a quality ground game and the better of the two defenses, Chicago should win this one. It won’t be pretty and won’t go down as one of the great games of this season, but it’ll allow the Bears to remain optimistic.

Pick: Bears

Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

Tennessee Titans (1-3) at Miami Dolphins (1-3)

At this moment, I’m just trying to figure out which of these teams I like less.

Neither has shown much through four weeks, which makes deciding a winner extremely difficult. However, it has to be done, which is why I’m going with the Titans as the victors in Week 5.

They might not have home-field advantage, but they do have a slightly better defense and comparable offense. I mean, the Dolphins currently have the fourth-worst defense in the NFL, while the Titans have the fourth-best rush offense. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry have shown well early in Tennessee, so the duo should stay busy in Week 5.

The Dolphins will inevitably make some plays, as Jarvis Landry should set off a firework or two before all is said and done. However, it won’t be enough to put more points on the scoreboard than Tennessee.

It should come down to the final drive or two, with the Titans making a key stop to seal the deal on Sunday.

Pick: Titans

Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Washington Redskins (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

Honestly, I haven’t seen much to be excited about with this Redskins team. Their defense has been miserable through four games, and the offense is inconsistent at best. They’re best game so far was against a winless Browns team.

The Ravens, however, fell one point short of staying undefeated this past weekend. The Baltimore defense has been dominant, excelling against both the run and pass through Week 4. While the offense has been modest, we’ve seen some exciting plays from Joe Flacco and Co. throughout the early stages of 2016.

So who is going to win this one? I have to go with the Ravens, who seem like the more complete and confident team right now.

While Washington is riding a two-game winning streak and Baltimore is coming off a disappointing loss, the Ravens should bounce back in a big way at home.

Pick: Ravens

Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans (3-1) at Minnesota Vikings (4-0)

You may not agree, but this is a no-brainer for me.

While the Texans may be 3-1, they’ve been an ugly 3-1 this season. They’ve already been shut out in prime time and haven’t won a single game in convincing fashion. Meanwhile, the Vikings have been one of the NFL’s biggest surprises of 2016.

The Minnesota offense is still ramping up, but it’s the defense that has opponents dreading facing this team. They’ve racked up countless sacks, created turnovers in clutch situations and continue to find ways to keep opponents out of the end zone. Mike Zimmer has made his mark on the Vikings, and it’s working wonders.

Just look at it this way–Minnesota has held Aaron Rodgers and Cam Newton to 14 points or less. And the offense isn’t half bad, either. While Sam Bradford and Co. aren’t putting up ridiculous numbers, they’ve yet to turn the ball over this year and are putting enough points on the board to win on a weekly basis.

For as much money as the Texans spent on offense this offseason, it isn’t helping. Brock Osweiler has more interceptions than touchdowns, and the running game has yet to find the end zone. Neither of those things should change against the Vikings’ elite defense in Week 5.

Pick: Vikings

Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

New York Jets (1-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

It took me about 15 seconds to pick the winner of this one.

Based on the last two weeks, I’m convinced Ryan Fitzpatrick is not the man to get the job done in New York. While the other Jets quarterbacks might not be either, it’s clear the aging veteran didn’t deserve the overpriced deal he got this offseason.

There’s just not enough talent on offense for the Jets to overcome a sensational Steelers team.

Especially with Le’Veon Bell back in the fold, the Pittsburgh offense should cruise. The real clincher here, though, is the Steelers’ defense, which looked elite on Sunday night against the Chiefs. They wreaked havoc all game long, creating turnovers and forcing Alex Smith and Co. into mistakes at a consistent clip.

Fiztpatrick better strap that helmet up real tight, because it’s going to be a bumpy ride on Sunday. The Steelers will get after him early and often, forcing enough turnovers to prove Week 3 was at least somewhat of a fluke.

Pick: Steelers

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Falcons (3-1) at Denver Broncos (4-0)

This could very well be the matchup of the week. One of the NFL’s most potent offenses against one of its stingiest defenses. When all is said and done, though, I believe the Broncos will remain undefeated after what should be an excellent Week 5 showdown.

Sure, the Falcons have a tremendous offense that has allowed them to lead the league in yards per game through four weeks. The passing attack is unstoppable, as evidenced by Jones’ 300-yard performance in Week 4. However, they have yet to face a defense like Denver’s.

Not only do they sport the No. 2 pass defense in the NFL, but here are a few eye-popping stats for the Broncos. They’re only allowed two passing touchdowns through four games, hauled in five interceptions and sacked opposing quarterbacks 17 times.

The best Atlanta has seen so far is Carolina, a defense that obviously wasn’t up to the task. Especially with Trevor Siemian and the Broncos offense starting to catch fire, this one should see Denver come out on top.

Pick: Broncos

Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) at Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

This should be a very good game as well, especially based on the way these two teams have played through four weeks. I still my reservations about both squads, but I like the matchup in this showdown.

When it all comes down to it, though, I have to give the edge to the Bengals.

Sure, the Cowboys have looked great with their surprise rookie sensation under center. Heck, even their rookie runner has gotten things going in recent weeks, and is helping this Dallas offense roll along. However, things are going to come to a halt at some point for Dak Prescott.

This could be that week, especially since he’s going up against a Cincinnati defense that’s not exactly a pushover. Although they’ve had their struggles slowing opposing passers, they’ve yet to allow a single touchdown on the ground. That means it’ll be tough sledding for Ezekiel Elliott, which will put more pressure on Prescott to perform.

Andy Dalton and A.J. Green always put on a show, and should move the ball well against this middle-of-the-road Cowboys defense. Cincinnati has had the tougher schedule up to this point, but should get a break in Week 5 against a vulnerable Dallas team.

Pick: Bengals

Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Buffalo Bills (2-2) at Los Angeles Rams (3-1)

As fun as it’s been, the Rams’ surprising start has to hit a snag at some point, right?

Realistically, it’s a bit shocking they’ve even managed to win three of their four games with the way they’ve played. They currently sport the worst offense in the NFL, and the defense realistically hasn’t done that much better.

Meanwhile, the Bills are suddenly hot after two straight wins–including a shutout of the then-undefeated Patriots. They’ve overcome their rocky start, and appear eager to prove they’re worth taking seriously in 2016. Just ask their seventh-ranked rushing attack.

As we’ve seen in every Rams game since their pitiful opener, this one should be close. Both teams have done a great job of protecting the football and forcing timely turnovers, which will likely be the deciding factor in this one.

In the end, I just can’t imagine a Case Keenum-led offense outplaying Buffalo’s opportunistic defense. I’ll probably regret this one, but the Rams’ luck is going to run out eventually.

Pick: Bills

Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

San Diego Chargers (1-3) at Oakland Raiders (3-1)

My expectations for the Raiders continue to waver with each passing week. They’ve been unable to close out games, often needing a fourth-quarter rally to come away victorious. The Chargers have essentially faced the same situation, but they’ve been the team on the other end.

Regardless, I believe the Raiders are the superior team in terms of overall talent. Especially on offense, Oakland offers more weapons like Latavius Murray, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree. While the pass defense is still a work in progress, the presence of Khalil Mack always gives the Raiders that added spark.

Obviously the Chargers have their own playmakers, but I don’t think the defense can keep the Oakland offense contained. They’ve struggled to limit opponents on the scoreboard, and will continue to do so against Derek Carr and Co.

Just about every one of the Raiders’ games so far has been a close call, so why would that change in Week 5? It’ll be a nailbiter, but I believe Oakland comes out on top.

Pick: Raiders

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New York Giants (2-2) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)

Maybe it’s just me, but this Giants team looks mentally drained–and it’s only Week 5.

During their Monday night showdown with the Vikings, New York couldn’t get out of their own way. There were numerous mental errors, and Odell Beckham Jr. couldn’t keep his cool. Before the game was even out of hand, him and Eli Manning appeared to have thrown in the towel.

After two demoralizing losses, I just don’t know how tough this Giants team is.

That’s why I’m confidently picking the Packers to improve to 3-1 in Week 5. They’re fresh off a bye, and have looked strong this season outside of their own painful run-in with Minnesota’s suffocating defense.

Aaron Rodgers is still Aaron Rodgers, and he’s got excellent weapons like Eddie Lacy and Jordy Nelson to work with. If Sam Bradford can shine against the New York defense, there’s no telling how much damage can be done by Rodgers and this Green Bay offense.

Pick: Packers

Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-3)

I had high hopes for both of these teams in 2016. However, after four weeks, neither has given me much reason to be optimistic about their outlooks.

Despite making it to the Super Bowl last season, the Panthers are off to a miserable 1-3 start only highlighted by a shellacking of a pitiful 49ers team. The defense has taken a step backwards, the running game can’t get going and the Carolina front five can’t keep Cam Newton protected.

Even when they do, Newton decides to open himself up to huge hits from rookie linebackers.

As for the Buccaneers, they’ve been an even bigger disaster. While the Panthers have kept most of their games close, Tampa Bay has been blown out twice and barely beat the Falcons in Week 1. Jameis Winston is battling the sophomore slump, as he’s thrown eight interceptions–the second highest total in the NFL through four weeks.

I still think both of these teams can be competitive, but things need to change in a hurry. Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, I believe Carolina gets back on track in Week 5. Even if Newton doesn’t play (a possibility, based on Steve Reed’s tweet), Derek Anderson should muster a win.

Pick: Panthers

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