NFL Picks Against The Spread 2016: Week 5 Games

Photo by: Jeff Fusco.

Before Week 5 of the 2016 NFL season schedule kicks off, let’s have some fun by taking a look at the spreads for this week’s round of games. (Click here for our NFL Week 5 expert predictions.)

Here are suggestions when trying to beat the odds. You can find all of today’s NFL betting lines and more at Bovada. My record so far this season is 29-27-2 after going 8-5-1 last week. Let’s get to the picks.

2016 NFL WEEK 5 PICKS AGAINST THE SPREAD

Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (-3.5): This matchup between two bad teams is so boring that I don’t really have any desire to write about it. And you shouldn’t want to read about it anyway. Let’s just go with the Dolphins because they’re the home team, I guess. PICK: Dolphins -3.5

Washington Redskins at Baltimore Ravens (-4): The Ravens are a one-point loss away from being 4-0. Despite this, they haven’t been overly impressive this year. Baltimore had narrow wins over the Browns and the Jaguars before losing to the Raiders last week. The Ravens might win this one, but it’s hard to trust them to cover. Take the points. PICK: Washington +4

Chicago Bears at Indianapolis Colts (-5): The Colts lost to the Jaguars in London and they oddly chose not to have their bye week right after the overseas trip. Indianapolis looks bad. Bringing back Chuck Pagano and Ryan Grigson continues to look like the wrong choice. Despite this, Andrew Luck still inspires more confidence than Brian Hoyer. It’s hard to feel great about this pick, but it’s too difficult to trust the Bears, especially on the road. PICK: Colts -5

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers (-8): Ryan Fitzpatrick has thrown nine interceptions in his last two games. Nine! Giving the Steelers’ offense extra possessions is just asking to be blown out. New York’s defensive line might be able to keep the game close, but that Pittsburgh offense is no joke. The home field advantage is another plus. PICK: Steelers -8

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings (-7): The Texans got shut out going up against New England’s defense. Minnesota’s defense is even better. Brock Osweiler hasn’t looked great as a starting quarterback. Sam Bradford and the Vikings’ offense will once again do enough to get the win. PICK: Vikings -7

New England Patriots (-11.5) at Cleveland Browns: Tom Brady is back. Need I say more? You just know he’s going to be fired up in his return from a suspension that he felt was incredibly undeserved. He’s going to want to stick it to everyone with a dominant win over Cleveland. PICK: Patriots -11.5

Philadelphia Eagles (-3) at Detroit Lions: The Lions would be 0-4 if not for a late comeback win over a bad Colts team in Week 1. Detroit is also missing a number of key starters due to injury. The Eagles, meanwhile, are well-rested coming off their bye. Philadelphia has the best point differential in the NFL. There’s no reason to think the Birds can’t win this game comfortably. PICK: Eagles -3

Atlanta Falcons at Denver Broncos (-6): This has the makings of a really good game. Denver’s defense has picked up right where it left off last season. The Falcons’ offense, meanwhile, has also been great this season. The Matt Ryan to Julio Jones connection is lethal. Atlanta embarrassed Carolina’s defense last week. I don’t know if the Falcons will win this game, but I do like taking the points here because it could be close. PICK: Falcons +6

Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams (-1): Who saw the Rams getting off to a 3-1 start? Especially after getting shut out by the 49ers in Week 1? Now that everyone is realizing the Rams just might be good, it’s a perfect time for them to show they’re the Rams and lose this one at home. The Bills take it. PICK: Bills +1

San Diego Chargers at Oakland Raiders (-4): It’s crazy how the Chargers have lost a key player to a season-ending injury every single week. First it was Keenan Allen, then it was Danny Woodhead, then it was Manti Te’o, and most recently it was Jason Verrett. San Diego is depleted and they have a reputation for blowing games. The Raiders are on the rise and they’ll win. PICK: Raiders -4

Cincinnati Bengals (-2) at Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys needed help from the officials to beat a bad 49ers team by one score last week. Dak Prescott has been impressive, but he also had a sure pick dropped by San Francisco. The Bengals are coming off extra rest having played on Thursday night in Week 4. Cincinnati is the toughest opponent Dallas has faced all year and that will show on Sunday. PICK: Bengals -2

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers (-7): There’s almost no chance the Giants will win this game. New York is heading to Lambeau Field on a short week after losing to Minnesota on Monday night. The Packers, meanwhile, are coming off their bye week. Aaron Rodgers will have success against an injured Giants defense. PICK: Packers -7

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Carolina Panthers (-4.5): Cam Newton is out after suffering a concussion last Sunday. Derek Anderson gets the start. To much surprise, the Panthers haven’t looked good this year. But neither have the Bucs. Tampa Bay’s defense has allowed the most points in the league. Anderson and the Panthers will be able to get by this bad Bucs team. PICK: Panthers -4.5