NFL Picks: Week 5

The Patriots finally got back on track on Sunday vs. Miami and will have Julian Edelman back on a short week. Despite a 1-3 start, the Colts have back-to-back close losses at Philadelphia and vs. Houston. However, they're likely to be without T.Y. Hilton and impressive rookie linebacker Darius Leonard with little time to plan for their visit to Foxborough.

The anemic Giants offense failed to reach 20 points for the third time in four games, and that was at home vs. New Orleans. The visit to Carolina looks much more difficult, especially with the Panthers coming off a bye. The frustrating Giants have started just 1-3 against the spread so far and will also be without Evan Engram for the second straight game.

This matchup features a pair of surprising 3-1 teams, though they look to be going in different directions after Week 4. Miami came back to earth, getting demolished by the Patriots. The team also lost center Daniel Kilgore and cornerback Bobby McCain in the process. Cincinnati had a thrilling late win at Atlanta and has scored at least 34 points in three of four games. The possibility that Joe Mixon returns makes the Bengals even more enticing, but their defense has shown some warts, allowing 419 yards per game and ranking last in stopping offenses on third down. The line moved a half-point in Cincinnati's favor on Tuesday.

Baltimore has covered in five straight matchups vs. Cleveland, but this is a different Browns team. That said, rookie Baker Mayfield has a tough test against the No. 3 ranked defense in football and one that was particularly adept at creating takeaways last season.

Tennessee is now 3-1, but all three of its victories were by a field goal. That said, the Titans have yet to face a team as bad as Buffalo. Marcus Mariota is still limited due to an arm injury. As for the Bills, it remains to be seen if they can do anything offensively. After scoring 27 points at Minnesota in Week 3, Josh Allen and Co. were shut out against a so-so Packers defense.

The Chiefs are now the only remaining undefeated team in the NFL against the spread (based on closing lines) after their Monday night thriller at Denver. They return home for a game that could have huge playoff implications in the AFC against the 3-1 Jags. It's worth noting that Jacksonville has played only one road game this season, barely escaping with a win at the Giants. Blake Bortles is coming off a huge performance, but it remains to be seen if he can keep up with Patrick Mahomes, especially with Leonard Fournette sidelined again.

Won't the real Lions please stand up? After a 26-10 win vs. New England in Week 3, the Lions couldn't stop the Cowboys offense in Week 4. Green Bay's offense has been scuffling and could be without both Randall Cobb and Geronimo Allison this week. Still, the fact that Green Bay got Aaron Jones back last week is notable (5.9 yards per carry), as the Lions are the worst team in football against the run.

A win escaped Denver's grasp on Monday night, but its defense certainly showed up. The task vs. Sam Darnold is much easier, as the Jets offense has averaged less than 14 points over the last three weeks. The Broncos are the only remaining team without a win vs. the spread.

It's desperation time for both of these teams, neither of which has shown any semblance of defense this season. The over/under was 57.0 points as of Tuesday, which shows the likely track meet forthcoming. For the Steelers' purposes, they've at least been able to get to the quarterback, which will be key with the Falcons averaging a staggering 8.7 yards per pass attempt.

Jon Gruden finally got in the win column last week, with the help of some reffing. The Chargers have been one of the league's most disappointing teams so far at 2-2 and 1-3 against the spread, and the defense had its fair share of issues in Week 4 against a backup quarterback. The Raiders offense is finally starting to click and ranks No. 2 in yards per game.

The Rams extended their streak to four straight weeks with 33-plus points and have had a long week to rest before visiting Seattle. The Seahawks are usually a different team at home, but they haven't scored more than 24 points yet and are now without star safety Earl Thomas. It could be tough for Seattle to keep up with the Rams offense in this one, especially after the Seattle defense received yet another blow with Mychal Kendricks' suspension.

These teams entered the year as NFC favorites but now are in desperate need of wins. The Eagles are 2-2 after losing last week. Their offense still seems off, and they had a heartbreaking defeat at Tennessee in Week 4. Meanwhile, Minnesota is trying to end its three-game slide but has had extra rest and continues to do a nice job rushing the passer, ranking sixth in sack percentage.

Arizona is still looking for its first win, but the offense is coming off its best week with rookie quarterback Josh Rosen under center. While the 49ers kept it close at the Chargers in Week 4, it took a pick-six. The team has been gashed defensively in consecutive weeks, and running back Matt Breida is still banged up.

It's a Texas battle on Sunday Night Football. Houston's defense continues to struggle and will now be without cornerback Aaron Colvin, but the Dallas offense is a good remedy, averaging just 5.8 yards per pass attempt. Houston matches up well vs. the run (3.5 yards per carry allowed) and Ezekiel Elliott is banged up.

New Orleans has now won three straight games, and its defense doesn't look nearly as bad as it did in Week 1. The return of Mark Ingram gives the offense, averaging 34.2 points per game, yet another weapon, and the Saints have been able to stop the run better than any other team (3.2 yards per carry allowed). And Washington has the most rush attempts per game.