Betting the NFL Line: Week 5

A league-wide view into the best wagers to make for NFL Week 5 action.

With byes starting, Week 5 will be the last week where teams are playing at a level playing field for a while. Teams will start coming back off rest to play teams that haven’t had their bye, but — for this week anyway — everyone is playing their fifth game, and there are no advantages.

Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook


Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-105) at Atlanta Falcons (-125)

The Falcons are small home favorites (1.5 points at -110 for both Bucs and Falcons). Atlanta has faced a gauntlet coming out of the gate. This is Atlanta’s third straight home game and with the Buccaneers missing key pieces missing on both lines, Kirk Cousins will take advantage. Take the Falcons and lay 1.5 points (-110).


New York Jets (+125) at Minnesota Vikings (-150)

The Vikings are favored in London (2.5 points at +100 Jets, -120 Vikings). Until somebody can figure out Minnesota’s defense in the first half of games, it’s hard to bet against them. Aaron Rodgers knows the Vikings, but not this defense. Take the Vikings and lay 2.5 points (-120).


Carolina Panthers (+165) at Chicago Bears (-200)

The Bears are solid home favorites (4 points at -110 for both teams). Chicago is 2-0 at home this season. While the Panthers are better with Andy Dalton, Chicago’s defense will be too much to handle on the road. Take the Bears and lay 4 points (-110).


Baltimore Ravens (-150) at Cincinnati Bengals (+125)

The Ravens are road favorites (2.5 points at -115 Ravens, -105 Bengals). Baltimore has been on fire since turning the offense over to Derrick Henry and the Bengals are allowing 146 rushing yards a game. That is not a good mix. Take the Ravens and lay 2.5 points (-115).


Miami Dolphins (+100) at New England Patriots (-120)

The Over/Under is very low (36.5 points at -110 for both teams). It’s hard to embrace either of these teams, because the defenses are better than the offenses. Neither team may end up scoring more than 20 points. Take the Under (-110).


Cleveland Browns (+145) at Washington Commanders (-175)

The Over/Under is middle of the road (43.5 points at -110 for both Over and Under). Washington’s offense has turned heads, while the Browns have been carried by their defense as the offense sputters. Jayden Daniels has shined, but Cleveland’s defense will be a stiff test. Take Under 43.5 points (-110).


Indianapolis Colts (+130) at Jacksonville Jaguars (-155)

The Jaguars are standard home favorites (3 points at -115 Colts, -105 Jaguars). Jacksonville is 0-4 and, while they’re due to click on all cylinders at some point, a division rivalry tends to be close and getting three points is enough. Take the Colts plus 3 points (-115).


Buffalo Bills (-120) at Houston Texans (+100)

The Over/Under is high (47.5 points at -110 for both). The Texans at home are capable of lighting up the scoreboard, and the Bills can do damage if Josh Allen gets time in the pocket. This game should have more touchdowns than field goals. Take Over 47.5 points (-110).


Las Vegas Raiders (+115) at Denver Broncos (-140)

The Broncos are small home favorites (2.5 points at -105 Raiders, -115 Broncos). I don’t like any bet on this game, because the defenses will likely dominate. In that case, take the team that is getting additional points. Take the Raiders plus 2.5 points (-105).


Arizona Cardinals (+280) at San Francisco 49ers (-350)

The 49ers are the biggest favorite of the week (7.5 points at -115 49ers, -105 Cardinals). San Francisco has dominated at home, winning by 13 and 17 points. The Cardinals have the offense to keep it close, but the 49ers’ home dominance continues. Take the 49ers and lay 7.5 points (-115).


Green Bay Packers (-175) at Los Angeles Rams (+145)

The Packers are small road favorites (3 points at -115 Packers, -105 Rams). The Packers have scored 29 points in both games Jordan Love started. If they come anywhere close to that, it should be enough to beat the injury-hobbled Rams. Take the Packers and lay 3 points (-115).


New York Giants (+220) at Seattle Seahawks (-275)

Seattle is a solid home favorite (6 points at -105 Giants, -115 Seahawks) and should win this game, but they’re down four defensive linemen, which could give Daniel Jones time to throw successfully and keep the Giants close enough. Take the Giants plus 6 points (-105).


Dallas Cowboys (+115) at Pittsburgh Steelers (-135)

The Cowboys will be the stiffest test Pittsburgh’s defense has faced this season, and the Dallas defense will pressure Justin Fields from start to finish. If Dallas loses this game, changes may be coming. Take the Cowboys on the moneyline (+115).


New Orleans Saints (+200) at Kansas City Chiefs (-250)

The Chiefs are strong home favorites (5.5 points at -110 for both teams), and the Saints have cooled off since a torrid start. The champs at home on Monday night is hard for anyone to pass up, because they thrive in prime time. Take the Chiefs and lay 4.5 points (-110).