NFL Week 5: picks, bets and predictions

Predicting the results of the NFL has become an extreme sport.

So far, 23 games (17.9%) have been decided by three points or less and 31 (24.2%) -almost one in four- have been defined by six or lessthe most in NFL history after the first four weeks of a season.

Last week, in 15 of 16 games (93.8 percent) there was no difference of more than 8 points on the scoreboard at any point in the fourth quarter, another league record.

And then I see the spreads of Week 5 and I find myself with seven teams that are marked favorites by at least 6.5 points.

Someone explain to me, because I can’t find the square to the circle.

For now, I’ll try again.

GAME OF THE WEEK

Dallas at Los Angeles Rams (-4.5)

What will the Dallas Cowboys do when Dak Prescott be back? Will it be the team that dominates with defense and a conservative game plan? Or will they try to be that explosive team that had the best offense last season? It is unknown, but for now it is Cooper Rush who gets ready to face the champions Ramsin the main game on Sunday afternoon.

Prescott thought he might make a comeback this week after breaking the thumb on his right hand in the season opener, but Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jonesreported Tuesday that his starting quarterback isn’t ready yet because he can’t hold the ball well.

So Rush will get his fifth chance (fourth this season) as the Cowboys’ starter. And as long as he keeps winning, I don’t think anyone in the organization or any fan will complain.

Rush is the fifth quarterback in league history, and the first of the Cowboys, to have a rating of at least 90 points in the first four games of his career. The 107.5 rating against Washington last week is the most in those four games.

Rush has attempted 102 passes in 2022 and not one of them has been an interception.

On the other side of the ball is a defense that is third in the league in points allowed at 15.5 and second in sacks at 15 (tied with San Francisco).

The Rams’ offense, which struggled to move the ball to the 49ers on Monday, will have its hands full again against the Dallas defense.

Matthew Stafford was sacked seven times in that MNF and if the LA offensive line doesn’t do a better job Sunday, the number could be similar against Micah Parsons and company.

When Stafford has time in the pocket, obviously the wide receiver will have to be followed. Cooper CoupNFL leader with 42 receptions (402 yards and three touchdowns).

El Pick: Dallas’ running game has been inconsistent, to say the least. One week after averaging 6.4 yards, Ezekiel Elliott y Tony Pollard they combined to average just 2 yards per attempt on 27 carries against Washington. Los Angeles’ game plan will be to slow down the run and put the game in the hands of Rush, who will know why. Aaron Donald he is the most dominant player in the league. Rams 23-19 Cowboys

SURE PICK

New York Giants vs. Green Bay (-8, en Londres)

Aaron Rodgers and the rookie Romeo Doubs They start doing chemistry. In America and in Europe. Packers 24-13 Giants

ALSO READ: The NFL Power Rankings

UPSET

Miami (-3.5) in New York Jets

Con Teddy Bridgewater Miami’s attack is horizontal and not vertical. Jets 24-21 Dolphins

TWO MINUTE DRILL

Indianapolis and Denver (-3.5)

Russell Wilson is 9-2 in 11 starts on Thursday Night Football, with 21 touchdown passes, five interceptions and a 110.7 rating. Broncos 24-20 Colts

Pittsburgh vs. Buffalo (-14)

The noob Kenny Pickett debuts at home of the best team in the NFL. Good luck Rook. Bills 31-21 Steelers

Los Angeles Chargers (-3) at Cleveland

Justin Herbert + Austin Ekeler > Jacoby Brissett + Nick Chubb. Chargers 27-23 Browns

Houston en Jacksonville (-7.5)

Houston has won eight in a row in this series. Trevor Lawrence will be in charge of putting an end to malaria. Jaguars 27-17 Texans

Chicago at Minnesota (-7)

The best wide receiver in Justin Fields es Darnell Mooney. Who? Vikings 23-17 Bears

Detroit en New England (-3)

All Detroit games are entertaining. I wish Bill Belichick don’t mess it up. Lions 28-25 Patriots

Seattle en New Orleans (-5.5)

Geno Smith He owns the highest completion percentage (77.6%) ever by a quarterback through the first four games of a season. You can read it again. Seahawks 28-24 Saints

Atlanta a Tampa Bay (-8.5)

Tom Brady he passed for 644 yards, 9 touchdowns and an interception in two games against Atlanta last season. A balm after two losses in a row. Buccaneers 27-17 Falcons

Tennessee (-2.5) en Washington

Derrick Henry he totaled 147 combined yards (114 rushing) last week at Indianapolis. Washington has nothing to stop the “King” with. Titans 20-17 Commanders

San Francisco (-6.5) at Carolina

Nobody talks about the Niners’ defense, but it’s the best in the league with 11.5 points and 234.5 yards per game. Also, Nick Bosa he’s the leader with six quarterback captures. 49ers 21-13 Panthers

Philadelphia (-5.5) not Arizona

Nick Sirianni today he has no competition for recognition as Coach of the Year. Eagles 28-21 Cardinals

Cincinnati at Baltimore (-3)

How many more games can John Harbaugh screw up? Bengals 28-27 Ravens

Las Vegas and Kansas City (-7)

In seven games against the Raiders, Patrick Mahomes he has thrown 24 touchdown passes and three interceptions. Chiefs 34-24 Raiders

In the past week: 8-8

Total in the season: 30-33-1

IN THE LINE OF PLAY