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A snapshot look at the NFL betting lines and odds for Week 5 sports betting and DFS action.
A good way to start your weekly homework for DFS (daily fantasy sports) play is to analyze the early Vegas odds around Week 5.
These guys have a long history of making money off of setting the right game spread and points scored. So it can be an early indicator of teams to target due to high-scoring potential, and teams to avoid for the opposite reason.
Note: Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
OFF = No odds currently listed.
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The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
This week’s picks cover the gamut of Sunday’s games. We have a speed receiver showing his stuff in London to start the day. During the afternoon we have two of the most dynamic players surpassing their expectations and quarterback who will underperform by design. Sunday ends with fantasy football’s favorite son looking to take down America’s Team. We’re getting 14 hours of football, so we may as well make interesting from start to finish.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The five smartest wagers to take to the pay window for Week 5.
This week, we look at nothing but teams with pedigrees doing what they do best. The picks include two of the most heavily decorated teams of all time as underdogs, two defending division champs lighting up the scoreboard, the most heated rivalry in the league, and the defending Super Bowl champs winning. What could go wrong?
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
Use our staff’s weekly pick’em against the spread and straight up for the win.
NFL picks are provided for straight up (moneyline) and against the spread (ATS) NFL pick pools.
Each week’s spread picks are graded by the line as of when the person entered their picks. This will create situations in which a movement of the line can result in two participants having the correct pick but with different teams chosen during an individual game.
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Odds provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
DMD – David Dorey, SG – Steve Gallo, HS – Harley Schultz, CC – Cletis Cutts, CJB – Cory Bonini, HCG – HC Green, KH – Kevin Hickey
A league-wide view into the smartest wagers to make for NFL Week 5 action.
Many weeks during an NFL season are marked by the time-honored divisional rivalry games that make the league must-see TV. Clearly, Week 5 isn’t viewed as one of those weeks.
Of the 14 games on the schedule, only one – the bitter Baltimore Ravens–Pittsburgh Steelers rivalry – is a divisional matchup. The rest of the games are teams that don’t play one another nearly as often and six of the 13 are non-conference opponents.
Familiarity breeds contempt. Week 5 isn’t that contentious, especially when almost half the games pit teams that likely won’t see each other again for four years.
Note: Odds are provided by BetMGM Sportsbook
The Bears are 0-4 and their two road losses have been by 10 and 31 points. The Commanders are a solid favorite (5.5 points -110 for both teams). Washington isn’t flashy but gave the Philadelphia Eagles all they could handle last week and are the better team in this matchup. Take the Commanders and lay 5.5 points.
Following a brutal season-opening loss to the New York Jets, the Bills have hit their stride with three convincing wins. The Over/Under is high (49 points at -110 for both the Over and Under), but it’s because the Bills have scored 37 or more points in each of their last three games. The Jaguars will have to play Buffalo’s style, which is hard to keep up with. Take the Over of 49 points (-110).
The Falcons are a different team at home. In two home games (both wins), they have outscored their opponents 49-35. In two road games (both losses), they’ve been outscored 43-13. The Falcons are a small favorite (1.5 points at -105 Texans, -115 Falcons). The Texans are riding a two-game winning streak, but their run defense has been pushed around – and that’s what the Falcons do best. Take the Falcons and lay 1.5 points (-115).
The Lions have won their last two games by 14 points each, which explains why they’re such a big favorite (9.5 points at -110 for both the Lions and Panthers). Carolina has lost both of its road games by double digits, and the Lions may be the best team the Panthers have faced this season. Take the Lions and lay 9.5 points (-110).
The Titans are a slight road favorite (1 point at -110 for both teams), but something will have to give in this one. Tennessee has lost both of its road games this season, and Indianapolis has lost both its home games. This has the look of a close game and, if Derrick Henry can control the time of possession, that should be enough. Take the Titans and lay 1 point (-110).
The Dolphins are coming off a beat-down from the Bills, but it hasn’t impacted them being the biggest favorite in this week’s games (10.5 points at -110 for both the Dolphins and Giants). The Giants have been brutal, and when they lose, they lose big. Their three losses have come by 40, 18 and 21 points. Look to add another big number to that list. Take the Dolphins and lay 10.5 points (-110).
The Saints offense has struggled to score points all season (62 points in four games) and the Patriots specialize in shortening games and keeping them close. The Patriots are the smallest of favorites (1 point at -110 for both teams). Neither team is likely to blow out the other, so you lean toward the advantages that come with being at home. Take the Patriots and lay 1 point (-110).
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This rivalry is typically a low-scoring bloodbath. In the last five meetings, the Steelers have won four times, but neither team has scored more than 20 points in any of them. The Ravens are solid road favorites (4 points at -110 for both teams). Kenny Pickett has vowed he will play through a knee injury suffered last week, but Pittsburgh just doesn’t appear to have the offensive firepower to compete with the Ravens right now. Take the Ravens and lay 4 points (-110).
The Rams have been one of the surprise stories of 2023, starting 2-2 with three of their first four games on the road. The Eagles are undefeated but have been winning close games and not dominating as many expected. Philadelphia is a solid road favorite (4.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Rams won’t be a pushover, but the Eagles should be able to cover the spread this week. Take the Eagles and lay 4.5 points (-110).
The Bengals offense has sputtered all season – scoring just 49 points in four games – but are in desperation mode at 1-3. The Cardinals offense has been hot and cold so the Over/Under isn’t too high (44.5 points at -110 for both). In a game the Bengals need to win with key injuries on offense, this looks like a game that will be see drives that will need to be sustained to avoid a battle of field position. Take the Under of 44.5 points (-110).
The question posed for this game is which is worse – the Broncos defense or the Jets offense? The Broncos were humbled by the Dolphins scoring 70 points, but their other two losses have been one and two points. The Jets offense is dismal, which may explain the low Over/Under number (43 points at -110 for both Over and Under). This has the feel of a game with a lot of punts and playing it safe. Take the Under of 43 points (-110).
The Chiefs haven’t been playing their “A” game, which is reflected by how small a favorite they are (4 points at -110 for both the Chiefs and Vikings). Minnesota’s defense stepped up against the Panthers last week to earn their first win, but that was against rookie Bryce Young, not Patrick Mahomes. The Chiefs will thrive against Minnesota’s defense, and the Vikings won’t have an answer. Take the Chiefs and lay 4 points (-110).
Nobody has slowed down the 49ers. San Francisco has scored 30 or more points in every game, and no opponent has been able to hang with them for 60 minutes. The 49ers are a mild favorite (3.5 points at -110 for both teams). The Cowboys have dominated lesser teams so far this season, but this will be their biggest test – and they may have to play perfect ball not to fail. Take the 49ers and lay 3.5 points (-110).
The Raiders have been a dumpster fire that has gone from bad to worse as the season has progressed – in the second and third quarters, they have been outscored 61-9. They are a home underdog (2.5 points at -105 Packers, -115 Raiders). While the Packers have issues of their own, they don’t have as many self-inflicted wounds as the Raiders. Take the Packers and lay 3.5 points (-110).
The five best NFL player prop bets to make for the upcoming week.
More than a month into the 2022 season, we’re starting to see the separation between the good and bad teams, and their strengths and weaknesses are becoming defined. We’re starting to see what roles players have carved out in their offenses and what defenses are vulnerable.
This week we have one quarterback, two running backs and two wide receivers from which to chose.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
These wagers will have you stacking cash at the pay window.
As has come to be expected, we have a mixed bag of picks on the last week when fantasy rosters include players from 32 teams – make sure to set your roster back a player or two before you get up on Sundays.
I always look for a moneyline pick, and we have one this week – along with three playoff-team beatdowns of three non-playoff teams and a primetime game where fireworks can be expected.
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
The smartest wagers to make for NFL Week 5 action.
The oddsmakers are starting the see the separation between the good teams and the bad teams of 2022, and it is being reflected in the point spreads.
Of the 16 games on the Week 5 slate – the last week that all teams are on equal footing with bye weeks coming – seven of them have one team favored by 6.5 points or more. Of those, four are division games where both teams have an innate familiarity with each other.
The question bettors have to ask themselves is whether or not the favorites are giving away enough points or giving away too many?
Odds provided by Tipico Sportsbook
Thursday night games are always a mixed bag. You never know if the short week is going to result on offenses controlling the defenses or a low-scoring slugfest between teams with lingering injuries from the previous week. The Over/Under seems low (42.5 points at -105 Over, -115 Under). However, the Broncos have gone over this point once, and the Colts haven’t hit that number yet. Take the Under (-115).
The Packers don’t have great receivers, and the Giants have highly paid receivers doing nothing. The Packers are a prohibitive “home” favorite (8.5 points at -112 Giants, -108 Packers) in London. I’m not a big fan of laying a ton of points, but I just don’t think the Giants will muster 17 points. At that number, Green Bay should score enough to cover. Take the Packers and lay 8.5 points (-108).
The Vikings are a solid home favorite (6.5 points at +100 Bears, -125 Vikings). Minnesota struggled against Chicago prior to last year – when they swept the Bears. Minnesota has struggled to win games but found ways. The Bears can’t generate the offense required to run with Minnesota in their house. Take the Vikings and lay the 6.5 points (-125).
I didn’t give up on the Titans when they started 0-2 and didn’t buy in when Carson Wentz started the season on fire. Both teams have come back. Tennessee is a modest favorite (2.5 points at -115 Titans, -105 Commanders). Washington is the type of team that allows an opponent to dictate pace, and Derrick Henry is a tough bone to chew. Take the Titans and lay 2.5 points (-115).
I’m actually leaning on the Lions winning this game as a road underdog, which is why the point spread is intriguing (3.5 points at -125 Lions, +100 Patriots). Those making the line don’t have confidence in a Patriots team with two dinged QBs – and neither do I. Take the Lions and 3.5 points (-125).
The Bills are massive favorites and a beating of epic proportions is being presented. However, the Over/Under (46.5 points at -110 for both) doesn’t take into account that the Steelers aren’t awful on offense and Buffalo can be had defensively. I believe the Bills are going to score 34. If the Steelers can provide 13, we’re good. Take the Over (-110).
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I’ve been touting the Jags as a team with the offense to make a jump up the power rankings. However, even against the Texans, I’m not willing to give the Jags the points they’re assigned (7.5 points at -125 Texans, +100 Jaguars). They coming up and the Texans are nondescript, but 7.5 points? Too rich for my blood. Take the Texans plus 7.5 points (-125).
I look for a underdog or two to take every week on the moneyline. There weren’t many contenders because of the fat spreads on so many games. The Chargers are a road favorite heading east for 1 p.m. game. They are the better overall team, but the Browns protect the yard in this one. Take the Browns on the moneyline (+115).
Seattle is once again a high-point pick (46.5 points at -108 Over, -112 Under), and I don’t see it. Didn’t see it last week when the Seahawks and Lions combined for 93 points and still don’t. Take the Under (-112).
The Buccaneers finally showed they could score in the first half (because they had to) and the Falcons are far less daunting an opponent than the Chiefs. The Bucs are solid favorites (9.5 points at -110 for both). We haven’t seen the Buccaneers beat down somebody yet. If it isn’t this week, it may not be coming. Take the Buccaneers and lay 9.5 points (-110).
In most cases, when a starting QB goes down, hope is lost. The Dolphins invested in Teddy Bridgewater to avoid that. The Dolphins are a solid road favorite (3.5 points at -103 Dolphins, -117 Jets). The number tells you not to bet Miami, but I am willing. Take the Dolphins and lay 3.5 points (-103).
The 49ers aren’t a Super Bowl winner, but they dominate when they force teams to play their style. They’re a big road favorite (6.5 points at -103 49ers, -117 Panthers). This disparity says the 49ers won’t cover. I’m thinking low-to-mid double digits. Take the 49ers and lay 6.5 points (-103).
The Eagles are the last unbeaten team and are heading to play a Cardinals team that hasn’t put together a full game yet this season. Philly is a strong road favorite (5.5 points at -108 Eagles, -112 Cardinals). While I think the Eagles will find a way to win, I’m not willing to give away that many points for a team that has legitimate playoff aspirations. Take the Cardinals plus 5.5 points (-112).
I’m not ready to give up on the Rams, although they have given reason to be abandoned. They remain a solid home favorite (5.5 points at -105 Cowboys, -115 Rams). The Cooper Rush saga has been a cute story, but Aaron Donald makes the difference in the decision when Dak Prescott comes back. Dallas didn’t put Prescott on four-week Injured Reserve but don’t want him making his comeback here. Take the Rams and lay 5.5 points (-115).
For divisional games, this rivalry is known for its lopsided smackdowns. The Ravens are favored (3.5 points at -117 Bengals, -103 Ravens). The two most recent beatings saw the Bengals outscore the Ravens 82-38. I’m picking the Ravens to win, but I like the chances getting 3-and-a-hook with the Bengals. Take the Bengals and 3.5 points.
The Raiders saved their season last week, but now head into Kansas City – where blowouts have been the norm. Vegas is going to try to run with the Chiefs, and the Over/Under on this game is the highest of Week 5 (50.5 points at -115 Over, -105 Under). At some point, this game is going to turn into a track meet – and it might take a defensive TD to get it started. Take the Over (-115).
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