NFL Week 5: Early Picks
Four weeks of NFL action are nearly complete and things have started to heat up.
This past weekend we saw eight underdogs win outright with another two underdogs winning against the spread.
Here’s a look at some early lines that may end up moving because of Week 4’s results:
New York Jets (+14) @ Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 PM:
The Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) hit the road on Thursday night and hung on to an upset win over the Green Bay Packers 34-27.
Quarterback Carson Wentz returned to form completing 16-of-27 for 160 yards and three touchdowns.
Running back Jordan Howard had himself a day accounting for three total touchdowns rushing for 87 yards on 15 carries and two touchdowns, adding four receptions for 28 yards and another score.
The New York Jets (0-3) had a bye week in Week 4 to get healthy, and hopefully somehow become a football team for the sake of Jets fans.
It all starts at the quarterback position with Sam Darnold, who has been sidelined for the last two games with mononucleosis. New York has also been without starting defensive tackle Quinnen Williams and middle linebacker C.J. Mosley.
New York’s had a week to plan for Philadelphia and will take the field as a different team in Week 5 if healthy. Although the Eagles defense came up big at times in Green Bay, there are some serious holes in the secondary; Philadelphia allowed 422 passing yards against the Packers.
If Darnold and the other starters suit up, expect this line to drop; but if it doesn't, jump all over New York at +14.
Pick: Jets (+14)
Jacksonville Jaguars (+3.5) @ Carolina Panthers, 1:00 PM:
The Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) picked up a second consecutive win courtesy of Gardner Minshew’s magic, defeating the Denver Broncos 26-24 on a game-winning field goal as time expired.
Minshew was solid completing 19-of-33 for 213 yards and two touchdowns. Running back Leonard Fournette had a monster day on the ground rushing for 225 yard on 29 carries, adding two receptions for 20 yards.
No Cam Newton, no problem, as the Carolina Panthers improved to 2-2 after winning a second straight game behind back up Kyle Allen, defeating the Houston Texans 16-10.
Carolina was lead by the efforts of running back Christian McCaffery. He lead the Panthers in rushing and receiving with 27 carries for 93 yards and one touchdown, adding 10 receptions for 86 yards.
Roll with Jacksonville (+3.5), and I’ll definitely be sprinkling on the moneyline at +168.
Carolina had a surprise win in Houston, but that’s not enough for me to feel confident in them.
The Jaguars have a mojo about them with Minshew at quarterback, and I’ll ride the hot hand for another week.
Pick: Jaguars (+3.5)
Minnesota Vikings @ New York Giants (+4.5), 1:00 PM:
New York has been rejoiced by rookie quarterback Daniel Jones as the Giants (2-2) picked up a second straight win defeating the Washington Redskins 24-3.
Jones completed 23-of-31 for 225 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions, adding five rushes for 33 yards. Running back Wayne Gallman filled in for the injured Saquon Barkley nicely rushing for 63 yards on 18 carries for a touchdown, adding six receptions for 55 yards and another touchdown.
New York’s defense showed up in a big way totaling three sacks and four interceptions, including a 32-yard Jabrill Peppers interception return for a touchdown.
The Minnesota Vikings (2-2) struggled to get anything going on the road in Chicago, losing to the Bears 16-6. Minnesota was stuck in the mud allowing six sacks and losing two fumbles.
The Vikings were kept off the scoreboard until late in the fourth quarter when Dalvin Cook rushed in the team’s only touchdown. Cook had 14 carries for 35 yards and a score, adding six receptions for 35 yards.
New York as a home dog at +4.5 is sitting at a sweet spot.
The Giants’ offense will have no problem keeping up with Minnesota’s and look for both defenses to keep this game close throughout. My anticipation is this game will be decided by a field goal so I’ll take the +4.5.
Pick: Giants (+4.5)