Four games don’t mean much, but the small sample size has taught us a few things about each team. It’s enough to head into NFL Week 5 with a new batch of bold predictions. While four teams are on a bye, below we make one bold prediction for all 14 games on this week’s schedule.
With Puka Nacua averaging an NFL-high 125.8 yards per game, scoring is up for the Los Angeles Rams this season. The San Francisco 49ers are once again battling injuries, including to Brock Purdy , and eventually they’ll pay for their losses. We could see it this week in the form of a mistake-filled game, leading to many advantageous situations for LA.
Myles Garrett is a one-man wrecking crew, but he has a bit more help this season with fellow first-round pick Mason Graham , plus Maliek Collins . Meanwhile, the Minnesota Vikings have battled injuries along the offensive line, and it could set Garrett up to feast.
Brock Bowers is only in his second season, but he’s already one of the NFL’s best tight ends. Coming into the game leading the NFL with seven interceptions, Geno Smith may feel like he needs to rely on his best weapon more than usual. A big Bowers game could be just what the Raiders need to get past the Colts.
Spencer Rattler is 0-10 as an NFL starting quarterback and the New Orleans Saints are still sticking with him. Meanwhile, Jaxson Dart is 1-0 as the New York Giants ‘ starter. The Giants haven’t looked dominant at any point and the Saints have been sticking with some tough teams, like the Bills . It wouldn’t be a complete shock if Rattler gets his first win this week.
Justin Fields has returned to the starting lineup, which means the New York Jets ‘ good rushing attack just got a lot better. Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys are uber-focused on stopping the run after trading for Kenny Clark . Yet, the Cowboys aren’t as good as they think.
The Denver Broncos have one of the NFL’s best defenses and the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles ‘ offense hasn’t exactly been humming. They’ve topped 300 yards just once in four games. This could be the one where Philadelphia loses, and it will take another dominant performance from Denver’s D.
The Miami Dolphins are a bit wounded after Tyreek Hill ’s season-ending injury, but they still managed to win last week. The locker room knows they’ll need to elevate their performance after the loss of one of their best players, so we expect everyone to step up. That could include a Dolphins front seven that has averaged two sacks per game in their first four matchups. With the Carolina Panthers ‘ offensive line still battling consistency issues, Miami’s defense could be in for a big day.
The Houston Texans have the NFL’s best defense through four weeks, allowing just 12.8 points per game. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have the NFL’s worst, allowing 33.3 points per game. Both teams have the same record, but the real shock here is if the Texans can shut Lamar Jackson down and hold the Ravens to under ten points.
Since becoming the first overall pick back in April, Cam Ward is still trying to establish his footing in the NFL. Ward only has a total of two touchdowns through four games, but eventually he’ll find a spark. It could happen this week against a Cardinals team that hasn’t found consistency either.
Chris Godwin made his long-awaited season debut in Week 4, returning from a serious ankle fracture. He was held to just 27 yards but we’re guessing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have bigger plans for their 29-year-old Pro Bowler. With teams more likely to key in on Mike Evans or Emeka Egbuka , Godwin could find himself with a few extra opportunities.
Ironically, Ja’Marr Chase’s biggest game this season came with backup quarterback Jake Browning finishing the contest. But after that 165-yard day, Browning has only recorded a total of 73 yards in the two games since. This one was supposed to be a high-scoring bout, but that was with Joe Burrow . Now that Browning has been subbed in, it will take a special day from the QB and reeivers to outduel the Lions, but that’s where Chase can make a big difference.
Now that Najee Harris has been ruled out for the rest of the season, the Los Angeles Chargers ‘ starting running back job belongs to Omarion Hampton. His first start generated 128 rushing yards, now we think Jim Harbaugh will learn to trust his top back even more. We could even see the first multi-touchdown game of his career.
Drake Maye has taken a big step forward in his second season as the New England Patriots ‘ starter, but we still haven’t seen a 300-yard game from him this year. In fact, 16 starts into his career, Maye doesn’t even have a 300-yard game. So far the Bills have allowed the NFL’s fewest passing yards, so seeing Maye have a career game against Buffalo would be quite the feat.
Linebacker Devin Lloyd leads the NFL with three interceptions, already tying his previous career high. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes is coming off his best performance since 2023. You’d think the Chiefs would be able to win out, but the 3-1 Jaguars could have a few extra tricks up their sleeves and Lloyd having a big game could certainly help swing the momentum in Jacksonville ’s favor.
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