After a couple of fortunate weeks, my NFL forecasts returned to a more typical performance last week.
The positive aspect is that it wasn’t a losing week. I achieved 8-6 in outright predictions and 7-7 against the point spread.
That’s a bit of a relief considering my recent streak.
My season standings now stand at 57-20-1 in outright predictions and 43-35 against the spread. Achieving a record above .500 against the spread after five weeks is generally considered a promising beginning to the year.
Similar to the teams in the NFL, the crucial period has arrived. This is the phase where contenders establish themselves and pretenders begin to fall behind.
I intend to be a contender, so let’s proceed.
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. on NFL Network (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
The Jets are currently in a dire situation at 0-5, displaying minimal defensive capabilities. The Broncos are experiencing a surge of confidence after their victory over the Eagles last week. Bo Nix performed notably better in the latter half of that game compared to his performance throughout the year, which is expected to continue here. The Jets struggle with tackling, and the Broncos are likely to capitalize on this weakness.
Pick: Broncos 26, Jets 14 | Odds via BetMGM
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
The Colts made a strong impression with their victory over the Raiders last week, whereas Arizona is recovering from a defeat against the Titans, which can be psychologically damaging to a team. This will present a significant hurdle for the Arizona defense, and I anticipate that Daniel Jones will maintain his strong performance. The Colts are expected to win.
Pick: Colts 27, Cardinals 24 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
The Steelers are entering the game after a week of rest, while the Browns are coming off a loss to the Vikings in London last week. Dillon Gabriel made his debut as a starting quarterback in that game and performed adequately, although he did not achieve significant numbers as they adopted a cautious approach. The Steelers have performed admirably in reaching a 3-1 record, especially Aaron Rodgers. However, the Browns’ defense is expected to keep them competitive. It will be a closely contested match.
Pick: Steelers 21, Browns 18 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook, where new users get $300 in bonus bets with a winning $5 bet:
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
The Cowboys are participating in consecutive away games, but their offense, led by Dak Prescott, is performing exceptionally well. The Panthers managed to come back and defeat Miami last week, but limiting Prescott’s effectiveness will be a major challenge. Expect the Cowboys’ offense to continue its strong performance as their defense progresses. Dallas is anticipated to win.
Pick: Cowboys 30, Panthers 21 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
This involves a substantial journey for a depleted Chargers team that underperformed in the second half of their recent loss to the Commanders. The Dolphins are coming off a disappointing loss to the Panthers. Their defense has had difficulties in stopping rushing plays, but the Chargers are facing injury issues in their offensive line and backfield. The Dolphins are expected to win this game, driven by a strong performance from Tua Tagovailoa.
Pick: Dolphins 27, Chargers 26 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
The Ravens are disorganized, while the Rams are rebounding from a significant loss to the 49ers at their home stadium. The Ravens will likely continue to be without Lamar Jackson, and their weakened defense is struggling to contain opposing offenses. The Rams defense did not perform well against the 49ers but is anticipated to improve here. The Rams are expected to win.
Pick: Rams 31, Ravens 17 | Odds via BetMGM
Sunday, 1 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
The Patriots are experiencing a high after defeating the Bills on Sunday night, but this upcoming game will be demanding, particularly after such a major victory. The Saints defeated the Giants last week, with Spencer Rattler and the defense making key contributions. This will pose a challenge for the Patriots and Drake Maye. It’s expected to be close, but Maye will secure the win late in the game.
Pick: Patriots 22, Saints 21 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook, where new users get 20 100% profit boosts with the code CBS20X:
Sunday, 1 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
Although this represents a long journey for Seattle, the Jaguars are playing with a shortened week, which balances the conditions. Seattle’s defense was not impressive last week. However, this game has the potential to turn into a high-scoring contest. Expect the Jaguars to maintain their momentum, with Trevor Lawrence securing a thrilling victory against Sam Darnold.
Pick: Jaguars 33, Seahawks 30 | Odds via BetMGM
Tennessee Titans at Las Vegas Raiders (-4.5)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. on Fox (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
The Titans are playing consecutive away games after achieving a miraculous win last week in Arizona. The Raiders suffered a significant defeat against the Colts last week in a game where they appeared uninspired. Geno Smith hasn’t been performing well, but he is expected to show improvement here. The Raiders are predicted to win.
Pick: Raiders 27, Titans 17 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
The Bengals are encountering significant offensive difficulties with Jake Browning as quarterback, prompting their trade for Joe Flacco. Regardless of who starts at quarterback, they will be playing on the road against a strong Packers defense that is entering after a bye week. This is likely to be another difficult game for the Bengals as Green Bay is expected to win, largely due to a defense seeking redemption after their previous performance.
Pick: Packers 31, Bengals 17 | Odds via Caesars Sportsbook
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. on CBS (Stream on Paramount+)
The 49ers are entering the game well-rested after playing last Thursday, which will be beneficial for recovering from injuries. They achieved an upset victory against the Rams, while Tampa Bay defeated Seattle with Baker Mayfield leading the charge last week. Mac Jones delivered a strong performance for the 49ers, but Mayfield and the Buccaneers are currently on a winning streak. They are anticipated to maintain their momentum.
Pick: Buccaneers 30, 49ers 20 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. on NBC (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
The Chiefs are playing on a short week, recovering from a challenging loss to the Jaguars on Monday night. However, they are facing a Lions team that has numerous injuries. The Chiefs are in a situation where a win is crucial, and this desperation is expected to be evident. The Chiefs are predicted to win in a high-scoring game, capitalizing on the Lions’ injured defense. Patrick Mahomes is expected to secure the win late in the game.
Pick: Chiefs 34, Lions 30 | Odds via FanDuel Sportsbook
Monday, 7:15 p.m. ET on ESPN (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
The Bills are coming off their first loss from Sunday night, while the Falcons are entering after a week of rest. The Falcons are expected to present a tough challenge for the Bills’ defense, but the focus of this game is anticipated to be on Josh Allen. He is likely to start connecting on deep passes, which hasn’t been a significant feature this season, as the Bills secure a win.
Pick: Bills 33, Falcons 27 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Chicago Bears (+4.5) at Washington Commanders
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC (Stream: Fubo — try for free)
This game showcases Caleb Williams against Jayden Daniels, the top two picks from the 2024 NFL Draft. They previously faced each other last year in a game where Daniels secured a win with a Hail Mary pass. The Bears are entering after a week of rest and two consecutive victories, but this game is expected to be decided by Daniels outperforming Williams, leading the Commanders to victory.
Pick: Commanders 31, Bears 27 | Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
