NFL Week 5 preview: Schedule, evaluation, matchups and picks for each sport

The 2022 NFL season continues to shock. 4 division leaders are 2-2; the Philadelphia Eagles are the one undefeated crew within the sport; the Detroit Lions lead the NFL in yards and factors however are simply 1-3. 

This week options one other sport in London and a number of other pivotal divisional matchups — some coming in primetime.

FOX Sports activities’ employees of NFL writers has assembled a information to each sport that will likely be performed in Week 5. Be sure that to examine the positioning and app all through the season for previews and predictions every week.

Sunday Oct. 9, 2022

New York Giants (3-1) vs. Inexperienced Bay Packers (3-1) (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Community)

Overview: One thing clearly just isn’t proper with Aaron Rodgers and the Packers‘ passing offense. He has simply 935 yards and 6 touchdowns by way of 4 video games and Inexperienced Bay ranks in the midst of the pack in aerial assault. However “not proper” is relative, so do not assume the upstart Giants are catching them at time. The Pack nonetheless has a top-five offense (OK, perhaps top-six) and protection. 

New York is averaging 19 factors a sport — which is definitely a giant enchancment on final 12 months’s 15.2. Sadly for the Giants, they head to London with beginning QB Daniel Jones nursing an ankle harm and backup Tyrod Taylor in concussion protocol. That might go away their depressing offense within the fingers of quarterback Davis Webb, who has performed 4 snaps and has but to throw a cross in his six NFL seasons. Yikes.

Matchup to look at: Packers RB Aaron Jones vs. Giants linebackers 

AJ Dillon is harmful too, however Jones is the one the Giants determine to have essentially the most bother with. He is averaging 6.8 yards per carry and is especially efficient on outdoors runs, the place the Giants have been notably susceptible this season. Their linebackers, aside from center linebacker Tae Crowder, have not been good, which is why they picked Jaylon Smith up off the road and gave him 31 (of 62) snaps final week. The Giants have one of many worst dashing defenses in soccer and have given up a median of 157 dashing yards per sport over the previous three weeks. This could possibly be a giant day for Jones.

Key stat: That is the thirty second NFL regular-season sport performed in London, and it is going to be the primary to characteristic two groups with successful data. That is wonderful and … type of unhappy for the soccer followers of London. They lastly get to look at two successful groups, however one is available in with Aaron Rodgers not working at full effectiveness and the opposite is available in with two injured quarterbacks. On the intense aspect, British followers love kickers and Inexperienced Bay’s Mason Crosby and New York’s Graham Gano ought to get loads of work.

Prediction: All good issues should come to an finish. The Giants’ 3-1 begin has been stunning and pleasing for a company that has principally suffered for a decade. However they’re approach too flawed in too many key areas to stick with it. Even when Daniel Jones had been at full power, they’d be hard-pressed to cease Rodgers, regardless of the Packers’ passing sport struggles up to now. The Giants’ offense is approach too restricted. And no matter whether or not we see Jones taking part in on a sprained ankle, or one in all his backups — Taylor or Webb — they will be fortunate to attain double digits on this sport.

Packers 27, Giants 9 –Ralph Vacchiano

Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) at Cleveland Browns (2-2) (1 p.m. ET, CBS)

Overview: The Chargers personal an 18-9-1 edge within the all-time regular-season collection towards the Browns, and have gained 13 of the previous 17 matchups. The final time the 2 groups met, the Bolts gained 38-14 in Cleveland. Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert has thrown for not less than 300 passing yards in seven straight street video games relationship again to final season, one shy of tying Wealthy Gannon (eight straight video games from 2001-02) for the longest stretch in league historical past.

Matchup to look at: Chargers QB Justin Herbert vs. Browns DE Myles Garrett

Herbert leads the NFL in passing yards with 1,250. He is taking part in with torn rib cartilage, and the Chargers have achieved a pleasant job of defending him — even with blindside protector Rashawn Slater out for the season (torn biceps). The Chargers have allowed solely 4 sacks this season, the fewest within the NFL. Nevertheless, the Bolts face the robust job of containing Cleveland’s formidable defensive entrance, led by Garrett; his three sacks high the Browns up to now this 12 months.

Key Stat: The Browns are 2-10 of their previous 12 video games towards the AFC West.

Prediction: The Bolts lastly received the operating sport going final week in a win over the Houston Texans, with Austin Ekeler totaling 109 scrimmage yards and three scores. Cleveland provides up 4.7 yards per run, so the Chargers ought to transfer the ball on the bottom. Count on Khalil Mack (5 sacks) to make Jacoby Brissett uncomfortable.

Chargers 27, Browns 23 –Eric D. Williams

Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2) (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

Overview: Has any crew been by way of the gauntlet greater than the Buccaneers by way of the primary 4 weeks of the season? They opened with the Cowboys, performed their largest rivals within the Saints, then needed to play the Packers and the Chiefs. Sheesh. 

The Bucs get considerably of a breather towards a well-known opponent struggling to seek out an identification. The Falcons are inconsistent at greatest, rating close to the underside in nearly each energy rankings checklist, together with our personal. Atlanta really had been within the high 5 for dashing yards per sport, however that was earlier than utility again Cordarrelle Patterson was positioned on injured reserve. The Falcons do not have a lot of a passing sport to fall again on, both, averaging simply 108.9 passing yards per sport and rating twenty ninth within the league. The Falcons’ protection ranks close to the underside in almost each main metric, too. 

Briefly, that is all a recipe to get the Bucs again on observe as they proceed to get more healthy.

Matchup to look at: Falcons QB Marcus Mariota vs. the Buccaneers’ secondary

Mariota has thrown 4 interceptions in 4 video games this season, together with getting picked off twice towards the Rams in Week 2. In the meantime, the Bucs’ protection has recorded six interceptions already, all of which have come by the hands of one in all Tampa’s ball-hawking defensive backs. They’re going to have that chance once more.

Key stats: Large receiver Julio Jones will face the Falcons for the primary time in his profession. Jones is Atlanta’s all-time chief in receptions (848) and receiving yards (12,896). He’ll be coming in with Public Enemy No. 1 in Atlanta in Tom Brady, who’s 10-0 all time towards the Falcons, together with the postseason.

(Sorry, Falcons followers.)

The one quarterbacks in NFL historical past with a greater document towards a single opponent are John Elway (11-0 towards the Patriots) and Andrew Luck (11-0 towards the Titans).

Prediction: I am predicting an absolute steamrolling by the Buccaneers. They’re anxious to quell any type of considerations over their season and make the most of a well-known opponent.

Buccaneers 41, Falcons 3 —Carmen Vitali

Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3) at Buffalo Payments (3-1) (1 p.m. ET, CBS)

Overview: The sweetness and the beast? The Payments are a magnificence. And — you guessed it — the Steelers are the beast.

Even on a nasty day towards the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo found out tips on how to pull off a giant win. The Payments overcame three turnovers to defeat MVP candidate Lamar Jackson — partly as a result of Buffalo generated two takeaways, each interceptions. The Payments got here out with an unpleasant win, which is able to depend simply the identical as a fairly one on the finish of the season. And whereas there are clear issues coming to a head for Buffalo — particularly the crew’s cavalier first-half method — the Payments have established themselves as one of many NFL’s high 5 groups. No query.

The Steelers, in the meantime, have established they’re among the many backside 5 groups. It is the Kenny Pickett period in Pittsburgh, and it is stunning that the Steelers stored Mitchell Trubisky within the beginning position for nearly 4 weeks. It is not that Trubisky introduced Pittsburgh to decrease lows; the quarterback simply does not add a lot worth to a nasty crew. It is time for the Steelers to get Pickett into the driving force’s seat for a studying expertise. However so far as a primary begin goes, the Payments are the final crew the Steelers would have chosen.

Matchup to look at: Steelers edge Alex Highsmith vs. Payments LT Dion Dawkins

Hightower does not at all times line up on the blindside, however he’ll spend your entire sport on the sting. That is the place he has racked up 5.5 sacks, second-most within the NFL. The 25-year-old is having fun with a breakout season and has been one of many few nice surprises in Pittsburgh. Dawkins and QB Josh Allen should regulate Highsmith, who can single-handedly wreck a drive.

Key stat: The Payments are tied for first within the NFL in Complete Protection (permitting 234.5 Complete YPG), rank first in Passing Protection (permitting 150.8 Cross YPG) and are second in Scoring Protection (permitting 14.5 PPG). 

Prediction: The Steelers, who haven’t misplaced 4 straight video games since 2016, do not stand an opportunity. Pickett goes to face fixed strain, even when the Payments do not blitz usually. He’ll be underneath duress and can proceed to show the ball over after tossing three interceptions in his debut. Allen, in the meantime, will likely be targeted on taking part in a cleaner sport after throwing two picks in Week 3. It is a blowout within the making.

Payments 31, Steelers 13 –Henry McKenna

Chicago Bears (2-2) at Minnesota Vikings (3-1) (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

Overview: The Vikings get proper again to work after their jaunt in London. Sometimes, groups opted for bye weeks after a world collection sport. This 12 months, neither the Vikings, Saints, Packers nor Giants will get a bye after taking part in in London. Will that have an effect on how productive Minnesota could be in its Week 5 matchup towards a division rival? We’re about to seek out out.

The excellent news for the Vikings is that the Bears are nonetheless sputtering. They’ve a 2-2 document however do not appear to have figured something out up to now this season with a wholly new employees and main roster turnover. First-time playcaller Luke Getsy is commanding a disjointed offense that has restricted choices at receiver, a shoddy (at greatest) offensive line on the subject of cross safety and a quarterback the OC hasn’t fairly cracked. 

Getsy’s offense might find yourself being precisely what Justin Fields must lastly get away and be the signal-calling savior Chicago has wanted for many years, however they will must throw the ball extra to seek out out. Fields has tried 67 passes by way of 4 video games, which is the fewest by any crew by way of 4 video games for the reason that 1982 Patriots. The Bears are averaging simply 97.5 passing yards per sport. 

That is fewer yards than Vikings broad receiver Justin Jefferson is averaging towards the Bears in his profession. In 4 video games towards Chicago, Jefferson is averaging 98.25 receiving yards per sport.

Matchup to look at: Justin Jefferson and whoever the Bears line up towards him

Not solely has Jefferson succeeded towards Chicago, he has additionally succeeded at house. He is averaging 101.6 yards per sport at house. He has had 15 receiving touchdowns in 18 profession house video games. And oh yeah, cornerbacks Jaylon Johnson and Jaylon Jones had been each listed on Chicago’s Wednesday observe stories as non-participants. It might get ugly.

Key stat: The Bears should not solely going to must cease Jefferson but additionally rating some factors of their very own. The issue is, the Bears rank thirty first in scoring offense (16.0 PPG), thirty second in passing offense (97.5 cross YPG), and thirty first in whole offense (274.8 whole YPG).

Prediction: Sorry, Bears followers. There’s nothing to recommend issues are going to go your approach on Sunday. Even should you double-team Jefferson, Adam Thielen is there. So is operating again Dalvin Cook dinner. Your greatest wager is to try to get to quarterback Kirk Cousins, however he is hiding behind an offensive line giving up the sixth-lowest sack fee within the league.

Vikings 37, Bears 13 –Carmen Vitali

Detroit Lions (1-3) at New England Patriots (1-3) (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

Overview: The poor, poor Lions. Their offense is without doubt one of the NFL’s most pleasing to look at. Quarterback Jared Goff is totally slinging the ball and Detroit has the highest-scoring offense within the league. Critically.

Too unhealthy it does not matter. The Detroit protection cannot make a cease to avoid wasting its life, or a sport. The Lions are letting up 0.3 extra factors per sport than their offense is scoring, which is 35.3. Sure, over 35 factors a sport. If they may simply let up one fewer level … what this Lions crew could possibly be. 

The Detroit offense can also be about to run straight right into a brick wall of a protection within the Patriots at house. The Lions hope to get a few of their offensive weapons again in Amon-Ra St. Brown, D.J. Chark and D’Andre Swift, all of whom missed the final sport, however it should be robust. It took each minute of regulation and time beyond regulation for the NFC North-leading Packers to attain extra factors than the Patriots final week, and that could be a testomony to their ever-Belichickian protection. 

The excellent news for the Lions is that New England has a serious query mark underneath heart. Mac Jones, coping with a excessive ankle sprain, started working towards once more on Wednesday in a restricted vogue. Veteran backup Brian Hoyer exited the sport early final week with a head harm, however rookie Bailey Zappe managed to select up proper the place Hoyer left off and maybe even outplayed him. He accomplished 10 of 15 cross makes an attempt for 99 yards and a landing for a 107.4 passer score. So even when Zappe will get the beginning, the Lions might nonetheless have bother.

Matchup to look at: Patriots LB Matthew Judon vs. Lions RT Penei Sewell

Judon was an absolute menace to the Packers’ offensive line, particularly within the first half final Sunday. Sewell is without doubt one of the greatest younger tackles within the league, however he will be put to the check. We’ll see if that forces any errors by Goff this go-around.

Key stat: The Lions lead the NFL in scoring offense (35.0 PPG) and whole offense (436.8 whole YPG), but additionally rank thirty second in each scoring protection (permitting 35.3 PPG) and whole protection (permitting 444.8 whole YPG). 

Prediction: The Lions’ offense will get a actuality examine because of the aforementioned Belichick-led protection, and all of us get shocked once more that Zappe has some zippy.

Patriots 31, Lions 18 –Carmen Vitali

Seattle Seahawks (2-2) at New Orleans Saints (1-3) (1 p.m. ET, FOX)

Overview: The Seahawks look to proceed their successful approach with one other street contest, this one within the Large Simple towards the Saints. New Orleans leads the all-time collection 9-6 and has gained the previous three video games. Seattle quarterback Geno Smith leads the NFL with a 77.3% completion proportion and has posted back-to-back video games of not less than 300 passing yards for the primary time in his NFL profession.

Matchup to look at: Seahawks WR DK Metcalf vs. Saints CB Marshon Lattimore

Metcalf stays top-of-the-line vertical threats within the NFL. The Ole Miss product totaled two receptions for 96 yards, together with an 84-yard landing reception, on 5 targets in a 13-10 loss to the Saints final 12 months. Nevertheless, New Orleans held Smith to simply 167 passing yards in that contest. Lattimore and Metcalf went at it the final time these two groups met. Lattimore doubtless will see time on Metcalf once more this weekend.

Key Stat: The Saints have the worst turnover differential (minus-7) within the NFL this season and have dedicated essentially the most turnovers (11) within the league.

Prediction: It is robust to win on the street within the NFL in back-to-back video games — to not point out the Seahawks could have an extended airplane journey throughout the nation for a second straight week. The Saints additionally ought to get Alvin Kamara again. The operating again missed final week’s sport in London with a rib harm. 

Saints 24, Seahawks 21 –Eric D. Williams

Miami Dolphins (3-1) at New York Jets (2-2) (1 p.m. ET, CBS)

Overview: Wanting on the field scores after Week 3 (with the Dolphins beating the Payments and the Jets dropping to the Bengals), nobody would have circled this sport as being aggressive. However I believe New York might shock Miami in a heated matchup.

The Jets may need seen Zach Wilson‘s greatest quarter of play in Week 4. He was 10-of-12 for 128 yards and a landing within the fourth quarter of a comeback win over the Steelers. New York in all probability will not see that model of Wilson for all 4 quarters towards Miami, notably contemplating how spectacular the Dolphins’ secondary could be. But when Wilson can seize that magic for 2 or three quarters, then perhaps the Jets stand an opportunity. It will begin with good offensive line play. Wilson will not be capable to get going if this injury-riddled unit does not carry out at the next stage.

Primarily, the Jets have an opportunity on this sport as a result of the Dolphins will likely be with out QB Tua Tagovailoa, who’s working by way of concussion protocol. Teddy Bridgewater will take over, beginning a sport for his fifth NFL franchise. In opposition to the Bengals, the Miami offense did not have the identical swagger, notably within the fourth quarter with Bridgewater underneath heart. The Dolphins might want to see defensive stars like Jevon Holland and edge Melvin Ingram generate unfavourable performs and fluster Wilson.

Matchup to look at: Jets WR Corey Davis vs. Dolphins CB Nik Needham

There is not any coincidence that Wilson regarded most correct when throwing to Davis. Sure, Garrett Wilson and Elijah Moore are explosive threats who can generate YAC — and the occasional large play. However Davis is the safety blanket. He picked up key first downs. He moved the chains. He made Wilson appear to be he had the command of a veteran. Needham, the Dolphins’ nickel cornerback, is a reliable however not a superb participant. Can he take away Wilson’s favourite possibility?

Key stat: The Jets have misplaced 12 straight divisional video games, going 0-6 towards the AFC East in every of the previous two seasons.

Prediction: Bridgewater could have extra time to work with the primary unit this week and must be higher ready going into the sport because the starter. He additionally has Tyreek Hill, who leads the NFL with 477 receiving yards. I think Bridgewater could have a greater exhibiting. And with the Jets coping with one more injured sort out (this checklist goes: Mekhi Becton, Duane Brown, George Fant, Max Mitchell), they are going to battle to present Wilson the time he wants.

Dolphins 21, Jets 17 –Henry McKenna

Tennessee Titans (2-2) at Washington Commanders (1-3) (1 p.m. ET, CBS)

Overview: The Titans continued to say their dominance over the divisional-rival Colts final week, however a sputtering offense late in video games stays a big concern transferring ahead. Tennessee hasn’t scored within the second half since its season opener. The crew has been outscored 64-7 after halftime by 4 opponents. A potential prolonged absence for first-round rookie receiver Treylon Burks, who harm his ankle towards the Colts, might make it harder to maintain drives. 

The Commanders‘ cross safety has been a serious drawback for quarterback Carson Wentz, who’s been sacked a league-high 17 occasions. Considered one of his high targets, first-round rookie receiver Jahan Dotson, could possibly be out for every week or two with a hamstring harm, too. Washington has scored simply 18 factors prior to now two video games.  

For each these groups, offensive points are on the forefront.  

Matchup to look at: Titans’ inside DL vs. Commanders’ inside OL 

The Commanders are on their third heart resulting from accidents. Their guard play has been suspect, too. In the meantime, the Titans have one of many NFL’s greatest defensive tackles in Jeffery Simmons, some of the underrated defensive linemen in Denico Autry (who traces up at a number of spots) and a rising nostril sort out in Teair Tart, who’s coming off arguably one of the best sport of his profession towards the Colts. If Washington cannot discover a technique to maintain blocks, it is going to be an extended sport. 

Key stat: The Titans have scored a landing on 90% of their red-zone journeys this season, the very best proportion within the NFL.

Prediction: Even with no Harold Landry this season, the Titans have the personnel to use the Commanders’ pass-protection points. Second-year professional Rashad Weaver, tied for fifth within the NFL with 4 sacks, is an ascending edge rusher who enhances Simmons and Autry’s inside cross dashing. Tennessee’s background with Wentz, the Colts’ quarterback final season, ought to assist quite a bit on this matchup, too.

 Titans 26, Commanders 16  –Ben Arthur

Houston Texans (0-3-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) (1 p.m. ET, CBS)

Overview: After back-to-back 20-plus level wins, the upstart Jaguars got here again to Earth in moist and windy Philadelphia, the place quarterback Trevor Lawrence dedicated a season-high 5 turnovers. Coach Doug Pederson hopes the efficiency is only a “blip” for Lawrence, the reigning AFC Offensive Participant of the Month. Nevertheless it’s not simply concerning the 2021 No. 1 general decide for Jacksonville. In opposition to the Eagles, the Jags had been dominated in time of possession and posted a season-low in dashing yards.  

The Texans have not been good, however nobody anticipated them to be. Coming off a house loss to the Chargers, Houston is the one winless crew within the NFL. Considered one of its most obtrusive points has been ending video games. The Texans scored 17 unanswered factors to get inside three factors within the fourth quarter towards the Chargers, solely to give up a 12-play landing drive that put the sport out of attain. Houston hadn’t scored within the fourth quarter this season till final Sunday.  

Matchup to look at: Texans RB Dameon Pierce vs. Jaguars ILBs Foyesade Oluokun, Devin Lloyd 

Pierce, a fourth-round rookie, has been one of many Texans’ largest vivid spots early within the season. He had 14 carries for a season-high 131 yards, together with a 75-yard landing run, towards the Chargers final week. He is at the moment tenth within the league in dashing yards. On the flip aspect, the Jaguars have had robust inside linebacker play from Oluokun and Lloyd (a first-round rookie), each of whom are within the high 11 for tackles within the league. Jacksonville is permitting simply 3.6 dashing yards per play, fifth-best within the NFL.  

Key stats: The Texans have gained eight straight matchups towards the Jaguars, their longest-ever successful streak towards Jacksonville. The Jaguars have gained back-to-back divisional video games after dropping their earlier 10.  

Prediction: The Jaguars beat the Texans for the primary time since 2017. I believe Jacksonville will get again on observe, dominating the way in which good groups ought to towards unhealthy ones. An enormous efficiency could possibly be in retailer for Jaguars operating again James Robinson contemplating the Texans have the league’s second-worst run protection. They’re permitting 172 dashing yards per sport.

Jaguars 30, Texans 17 –Ben Arthur

San Francisco 49ers (2-2) at Carolina Panthers (1-3) (4:05 p.m. ET, CBS)

Overview: Matt Rhule’s seat heats up because the Panthers, losers of three of their previous 4 video games, host San Francisco. The Panthers lead the all-time collection 13-8 and have gained six of the previous seven matchups. Nevertheless, the Niners gained the newest contest between these two groups, a 51-13 drubbing on Oct. 27, 2019.  

Matchup to look at: Panthers QB Baker Mayfield vs. 49ers DE Nick Bosa

The final time Bosa performed towards Mayfield, he sacked him twice when the 2 had been rookies and the Oklahoma product was nonetheless in Cleveland. This time, Bosa and the Niners have top-of-the-line defenses within the league, and Mayfield has had a league-high 11 passes batted down whereas being sacked 11 occasions this season. Bosa leads the NFL in sacks (six), quarterback hits (16) and quarterback pressures (22) as he makes an early Defensive Participant of the 12 months case.

Key Stat: The Panthers have transformed solely 25.5% of their third downs this season, the bottom proportion within the NFL.

Prediction: It is exhausting to see the Panthers mounting a lot of an offensive assault towards top-of-the-line defenses within the NFL. Add to that the weapons at quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo‘s disposal in Deebo Samuel and George Kittle, and San Francisco ought to roll on this one.

Niners 28, Panthers 20 –Eric D. Williams

Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at Los Angeles Rams (2-2) (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)

Overview: Successful three straight towards the Bengals, Giants and Commanders is a commendable achievement. It will tackle one other stage of significance if Cooper Rush can go into SoFi Stadium and beat the defending Tremendous Bowl champions. Rush is without doubt one of the greatest tales within the NFL, having improved to 3-0 within the time since Dak Prescott broke his thumb. He hasn’t began towards a protection with this diploma of expertise, although, with Aaron Donald and Jalen Ramsey ready to make the most of a backup quarterback. If the Cowboys can enhance to 4-1, it would not simply set them up fantastically for Prescott’s eventual return, however would assist put the league on discover about what this crew is able to at full power.

As for the Rams, that wasn’t precisely the impression they wished to make taking part in on Monday evening. In two standalone video games this season — final week’s loss to San Francisco and the season opener towards Buffalo — L.A. allowed Matthew Stafford to be sacked 14 occasions. That is unhealthy information going towards a Cowboys crew that will get after the quarterback relentlessly. The Rams have lots of kinks to work out, however it all begins with fortifying a banged-up offensive line.

Matchup to look at: Cowboys cross rush vs. Rams offensive line

The earlier paragraph provides it away, however the central facet of this sport is past apparent. The Rams’ offensive line is decimated. L.A. has been struggling to exchange retired left sort out Andrew Whitworth all season, and each heart Brian Allen and left guard David Edwards are at the moment injured. The Rams want these guys again within the worst approach — this weekend if in any respect potential. 

The Cowboys are second within the league in sacks with 15, as Micah Parsons, DeMarcus Lawrence and Dorance Armstrong have terrorized almost each opponent. The Rams’ prospects of successful are going to hinge on their capacity to guard Stafford.

Key stat: Rush is the primary Cowboys QB to win his first 4 begins. With one other victory, he would develop into simply the fifth undrafted QB within the Tremendous Bowl period to win his first 5 begins (Kurt Warner, Kyle Allen, Dieter Brock, Mike Tomczak). 

Prediction: It felt like lunacy to select a Dallas win over L.A. a month in the past. However the Cowboys’ offense has been regular and mistake-free, which has allowed their protection to play with lots of leads and tee off on opposing quarterbacks. The Rams battle with cross safety and turnovers, which is a nightmare situation when going through a cross rush like this one. It is not going to be simple, however chalk this up as a vote of confidence that Cooper Rush can comply with the components to a different spectacular win.

Cowboys 26, Rams 21 –David Helman

Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) at Arizona Cardinals (2-2) (4:25 p.m. ET, FOX)

Overview: Bear in mind when everybody feared the Cardinals‘ offense, led by elite quarterback Kyler Murray and genius coach Kliff Kingsbury? That looks like ages in the past. This 12 months Arizona is averaging a mere 22 factors and 349.5 yards per sport, operating an offense that appears sluggish and mediocre. Murray has been tremendous and WR Marquise Brown (30-339-2) has been wonderful, however the offense does not have a lot past that. The Cardinals appear to be a crew simply attempting to remain afloat till WR DeAndre Hopkins returns from his six-game suspension. 

That is an issue towards a juggernaut just like the Eagles, who’ve all the pieces clicking proper now, together with a revived cross rush that can absolutely hold Murray on the run. In actual fact, the Cardinals’ possibilities will hinge on Murray’s capacity to make performs outdoors the pocket. Though, contemplating the Playing cards barely have a cross rush of their very own to hassle Philly QB Jalen Hurts, even a spectacular day from Murray may not be sufficient.

Matchup to look at: Cardinals WR Marquise Brown vs. Eagles CB Darius Slay

Brown mainly is the Cardinals’ offense by way of the air proper now — not less than by way of explosive performs. If the Eagles shut him down, does anybody assume WR Greg Dortch, Arizona’s No. 2 receiver, goes to beat them? The Cardinals do have the NFL’s fifth-best dashing assault, they usually’ll absolutely attempt to sluggish the sport down. However they want large performs to have an opportunity towards the Eagles, and this Philly protection does not permit lots of them. If Slay is totally wholesome, he is ok to close down Hollywood Brown. And if Slay is not totally wholesome, CB James Bradberry is greater than able to doing the job.

Key stat: The Eagles have 16 sacks this season, most within the NFL. That is enormous, as a result of they’d a restricted cross rush final season and there have been large considerations about it after they barely received close to Lions quarterback Jared Goff in Week 1. Now, two of their cross rushers — DE Brandon Graham and LB Haason Reddick — have gained the previous two NFC Defensive Participant of the Week awards.

Prediction: The Eagles are on a roll and even survived their first style of actual adversity — falling behind 14-0 early towards the Jaguars earlier than operating throughout Jacksonville’s protection. In actual fact, taking part in in horrible, windy, wet situations, the Eagles put up 401 yards and 29 factors on Jaguars protection. Now they get to face a a lot worse Cardinals protection in good climate within the desert? Good luck, Arizona. 

The Cardinals would appear to have two possibilities right here. First, they may generate a cross rush and disrupt Hurts to maintain him on the run. However he’s fairly good operating the ball, too, and the Cardinals’ protection has a mere 4 sacks in 4 video games, so overlook that. The opposite probability: They might go point-for-point in a shootout and hope they get the ball final. However they are not constructed for that proper now — not with Hopkins nonetheless out. 

Perhaps the Eagles will look previous this sport to their Week 6 NFC East showdown with the Dallas Cowboys. However I doubt it.

Eagles 34, Cardinals 23 –Ralph Vacchiano

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) at Baltimore Ravens (2-2) (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)

Overview: These two groups are among the many greatest 2-2 groups within the NFL, up there with the Los Angeles Rams. It is early within the season and their mediocre data do not correctly characterize how good they’re. And but in some way, one in all them could have a dropping document in Week 5. So unusual.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is taking part in at a formidable clip, with 893 passing yards, 11 passing touchdowns and 4 interceptions. He additionally has 316 dashing yards and two touchdowns. That is a tempo that’ll put him close to the highest — or on the high — of MVP voting. He is averaging an insane mixture of seven.6 yards per try on passes and eight.5 yards per try on rushes. 

The Ravens have, nevertheless, struggled to shut out video games, with Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins erasing a 21-point deficit in Week 2 and Josh Allen and the Payments staging a comeback in Week 4. Baltimore’s protection has been center of the street by way of counting stats, although it’s notably unhealthy defending the run at 5.0 yards per carry allowed, tied for eighth-highest within the NFL. For the Ravens, the subsequent few weeks will likely be about proving they will handle a fourth-quarter lead.

Joe Burrow and the Bengals‘ passing assault lastly confirmed indicators of life the previous two weeks after a really weird (and unhealthy) begin to the season. Let’s chalk it as much as a Tremendous Bowl hangover, lets? No matter it was, Burrow is again. He has thrown for 250 or extra yards and two or extra touchdowns prior to now two video games. 

On the opposite aspect of the ball, security Vonn Bell had two interceptions towards the Dolphins final week to assist the Bengals win the turnover battle. That’ll be how Cincy tops Baltimore as nicely. The Bengals might want to get Jackson, whose interception proportion (3.4) matches his career-high, at hand over the soccer.

Matchup to look at: Ravens CB Marcus Peters vs. Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase

Final week, Peters was noticed on the sideline yelling at coach John Harbuagh for the way the fourth quarter fell aside for Baltimore. Apparently, Peters did not like how Harbaugh managed — or did not handle — the sport. So which means we’ll get a feisty and hungry Peters towards Chase, who was top-of-the-line receivers within the NFL final 12 months and, this season, has been ho-hum up to now. Turning level for Chase? Or shutdown efficiency from Peters?

Key stat: The Bengals swept the season collection towards the Ravens in 2021, their first sweep of Baltimore since 2015. In these two video games, Burrow went 60-of-84 (71.4%) for 941 yards and 7 touchdowns, with just one interception.

Prediction: Regardless of who finally ends up 2-3, each these groups will likely be OK. They’re supremely gifted. However within the crowded AFC, each win will matter for groups like Cincy and Baltimore, who may find yourself preventing the Browns for the highest spot within the division — after which an enormous group of groups for wild-card spots. General, I believe the Ravens have been taking part in higher soccer, even when their fourth-quarter play has been a multitude. Plus, Baltimore is due for a win: The Ravens have misplaced 5 straight house video games, the longest house dropping streak in franchise historical past.

Ravens 23, Bengals 20 –Henry McKenna

Las Vegas Raiders (1-3) at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs (3-1) (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)

Overview: Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels received his first win final week — at house towards the Denver Broncos — however now he faces the daunting job of attempting to beat the defending AFC West champs at Arrowhead Stadium. Kansas Metropolis swept the season collection towards Las Vegas final season, outscoring the Raiders 89-23. Underneath Andy Reid, the Chiefs are 15-3 towards the Raiders.

Matchup to look at: Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes vs. the Raiders’ secondary

The Raiders have given up seven passing touchdowns and have picked off simply two passes this season. And now they will face top-of-the-line within the enterprise in Mahomes. In opposition to the Raiders, Mahomes has 24 whole touchdowns, simply three interceptions and a 112.4 quarterback score. Las Vegas additionally has struggled to generate a constant cross rush, with simply 5 sacks this season, No. 31 within the NFL.

Key Stat: Mahomes is 22-3 in 25 profession begins towards the AFC West, together with 7-1 towards the Raiders.

Prediction: Las Vegas operating again Josh Jacobs had a career-high 144 dashing yards in final week’s win over the Broncos, essentially the most dashing yards by a Raider since 2013. Nevertheless, the Chiefs have top-of-the-line run-stuffing defenses within the NFL, holding groups to a league-best 68.5 yards per sport. Until star receiver Davante Adams has an amazing sport, it is exhausting to see how Las Vegas will muster sufficient offense to maintain up with the Chiefs.

Chiefs 31, Raiders 17 –Eric D. Williams

FOX Sports activities’ Week 5 NFL preview was compiled by:

AFC South reporter Ben Arthur (@benyarthur)
AFC East reporter Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis)
NFC West reporter Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams)
NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano)
NFC North reporter Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV)
Dallas Cowboys reporter David Helman (@davidhelman_)

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