NFL Survivor Pool Picks Week 5: Advice and Predictions
The madness of the NFL season is in full swing, and expectations have rapidly shifted for teams throughout the league. The Philadelphia Eagles are the lone remaining undefeated team, while the Texans (0-3-1) are the only team without a victory. After an impressive showing from the underdogs in Week 3, the favorites bounced back with a 10-6 overall performance and a 10-5-1 ATS spread record in Week 4. The Titans' 24-17 upset over the Colts was the biggest upset of the week. As the competition for surviving teams continues, here are the best NFL Survivor Pool picks ranked for Week 5.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-9) over Atlanta Falcons
While Father Time seems to be growing stronger as an opponent, the lesson to never count out Tom Brady has been widely taught over the past two decades. Tampa Bay has not won a home game yet this year and has an opportunity to make a statement in this matchup. Even amid his off-field drama, his will to win is up there with the best among any athlete ever. The Buccaneers are the more complete team, and they will prove it in a convincing victory over the Falcons.
Buffalo Bills (-14) over Pittsburg Steelers
While the Steelers will have a jolt of energy from Kenny Pickett becoming the starting quarterback, the Bills are the better team in every area of the game. Pickett saw his first NFL action last week and completed 10 of his 13 passes for 120 yards and three interceptions. The Bills have flashed the capability of blowing teams out as they had a 55-point win margin through the first two weeks of the season. Expect this matchup to go this way and for the Bills to cruise to a comfortable victory.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-7) over Houston Texans
The Jaguars were building a ton of momentum prior to last week when they were taken down by the Eagles, 29-21. Trevor Lawrence fumbled the ball four times and threw an interception as the weather made the ball control extremely difficult to control. The Texans have stayed competitive but have been unable to crack the win column yet this year. Don’t expect this to be the week that this changes. With better weather and a lesser opponent, count on the Jaguars to get back in the win column in Week 5.
Minnesota Vikings (-7) over Chicago Bears
The Minnesota Vikings come into this matchup 3-1 and ride the momentum of the 28-25 victory over the Saints in Week 4. In contrast, the Bears are 2-2 and coming off a loss to the Giants in which Saquon Barkley even took snaps under center due to quarterback injuries. The Vikings have too much firepower for the Bears to keep up with, and count on Minnesota to pick up the victory in this matchup.
San Francisco 49ers (-6.5) over Carolina Panthers
Baker Mayfield has not revitalized the Panthers' offense in the way it was hoped as Carolina has the fewest yards tallied across the entire NFL. Mayfield has eclipsed 200 yards passing just once this year and will be facing the best defense he has seen thus far. Expect this to be a low-scoring matchup for the Panthers’ lack of firepower to prevent them from getting the win.
Miami Dolphins (-3) over New York Jets
Teddy Bridgewater is set to take the reigns as the starting quarterback as Tua Tagovailoa continues through concussion protocol following last week’s scary injury. He will be facing off with Zach Wilson, who led the Jets to a win in his return last week. Bridgewater is an excellent option as a backup, and the dynamic weapons around him will make life easy. Expect Mike McDaniels to get creative in his play calling and for this to be too much for the Jets to handle.
Los Angeles Rams (-4.5) over Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys are 3-1 on the season but will face their toughest task against the defending Super Bowl Champion Rams. Dak Prescott is not ready to make his return yet, so Cooper Rush will remain under center. While Rush has exceeded expectations overall, the Rams are a more complete team and will be ready to make a statement following their Monday Night loss to the 49ers. Expect the Rams to come out ready to play and take down Dallas by a comfortable margin.
Los Angeles Chargers (-3) over Cleveland Browns
This pair of 2-2 teams is set to square off, with neither one fully living up to expectations this year. The Chargers defense has been a cause for concern as they currently rank 30th in the NFL in points allowed. Los Angeles is 8-2 straight up in their last 10 matchups against the Browns, and this is a trend that should be expected to continue. Expect the Chargers to move above .500 and get the win.
Sunday Morning: Green Bay Packers (-8.5) over New York Giants
In another Sunday morning matchup in London, the Packers are set to face off with the Giants, with both teams coming in 3-1. The Giants have proven to be a scrappy team, but it is unclear who will be taking snaps under center as both Daniel Jones and Tyrod Taylor suffered injuries last week. Regardless of who is playing quarterback for New York, expect Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to come in ready to take care of business. This is a matchup that will likely stay closer than most expect, but you should feel confident the Packers get the win.
Monday Night: Kansas City Chiefs (-7) over Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are sure to come out and play with continued desperation after falling to 1-3 to start the season. Unfortunately for them, the Chiefs' offense still looks incredibly dynamic. Kansas City is 8-1 against the Raiders in their last nine matchups, and this is a trend that can be expected to continue. Expect Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to get the better of their divisional rival in this one.
Thursday Night: Denver Broncos (-3.5) over Indianapolis Colts
Neither of these teams has lived up to their offseason expectations so far, but there is still time to turn things around. The Colts will especially have trouble as Jonathan Taylor is set to miss the matchup. With the dome-oriented Colts set to travel to the cold and high-altitude of Denver, count on the Broncos to move to 3-2 and get closer to the team they are hoping to grow into.
Seattle Seahawks (+5.5) over New Orleans Saints
The Seahawks have been thrilled with the production of Geno Smith to start the season. His 77.3% completion percentage is the highest ever recorded through the first four games of the season, and he most recently led the team to a 48-45 victory over the Lions. The Saints have a number of injury concerns as Jameis Winston, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara each seem likely to miss the game. Regardless of if they suit up or not, count on the Seahawks to keep their momentum rolling and pull off the upset win.
Sunday Night- Baltimore Ravens (-3) over Cincinnati Bengals
The Ravens are coming off a heartbreaking 23-20 loss to the Bills and will be looking to make a statement. Lamar Jackson has looked like a man on a mission and is playing at a very high level this year. The 2019 MVP is the driving force behind the Ravens' 29.8 points per game, which ranks 3rd in the NFL. This is going to be a thrilling game, and you cannot fully count out Joe Burrow. You are probably better off staying away from this matchup, but expect the Ravens to get the win.
Detroit Lions (+3) over New England Patriots
It was a disappointing result for the Patriots to lose to the Packers last week as they maintained control for nearly the whole game. They will continue to be without Mac Jones as he recovers from his high ankle sprain. The Detroit Lions are a hard-nosed team that does not quit against any opponent. With Jared Goff quietly producing at a high level and the Patriots shorthanded, expect the Lions to come out on top in this matchup.
Tennessee Titans (-2.5) over Washington Commanders
The Titans saw success against Carson Wentz during his time with the Colts, going 2-0 and forcing a pair of interceptions last season, and will now face off with him in a different uniform. Tennessee will be riding some momentum following the victory over the Matt Ryan-led Colts last week. The 1-3 Commanders are not a pushover but are still finding their identity as a team. Expect the Titans to come out on top in this matchup, but this is another game that could go either way.
Arizona Cardinals (+5.5) over Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles have looked unstoppable through the first four games of the season. However, this matchup against the Cardinals will be their toughest test, and it will take place in Arizona. Kyler Murray will provide the defense with a new challenge with his mobility. The Cardinals are already extremely battle-tested and will have the right mentality. The Eagles have looked terrific thus far, but this is a matchup that could go either way.
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