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It's difficult to believe that Week 5 of the 2026 NFL season already is here. About a quarter of the season is done and the spreads continue to be tricky to navigate as every team, from undefeated to winless, is still discovering its identity.
The bye week for the Chiefs will guarantee they stay perfect going into Week 6. The Panthers also get a break, reducing the slate of games to 15.
But there are two 4-0 teams facing some tough road tests. Which one will stay unblemished?
Also, all five 0-4 teams are in action, with two playing each other. Unfortunately, the remaining three are significant underdogs in their games this week.
Here's Sporting News' latest fearless forecast of professional pigskin prognostications:
All spreads and odds are courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook
MORE: SN's latest NFL power rankings for Week 5
Troy Taormina/Imagn Images via Reuters Connect
NFL picks against the spread for Week 5
Game of Midweek: Buccaneers at Cowboys (-9.5, 47.5 o/u)
Thursday 8:15 p.m. ET, Amazon Prime Video
The Buccaneers are fighting to flash offense with undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels filling in for Baker Mayfield at quarterback. They stayed in a low-scoring game against the Packers at home, but Dallas at home with a likely healthy Dak Prescott is a different story. The Cowboys' offense is hot from the second half in Houston and will carry that over, pushing Todd Bowles closer to the end of his tenure in Tampa Bay.
Pick: Cowboys win 34-17 and cover the spread.
Game of the Week: Bills at Rams (-2.5, 54.5 o/u)
Monday 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN/ABC
The Bills' defense had some major breakdowns and Josh Allen couldn't complete the comeback in New England. The Rams had some offensive issues until late to save their season in Philadelphia. Joe Brady is trying to become the new Sean McVay, leading to a strong offensive-minded battle of wits. Both defenses will oblige in giving up a ton of points and yards through ground and air, but Allen's running makes the difference to outduel a pocket-bound Stafford.
Pick: Bills win 34-31.
NFC Game of the Week: 49ers at Seahawks (-3, 47.5 o/u)
Sunday 4;25 p.m. ET, Fox
The 49ers are one of those 4-0 teams hoping to jump further ahead of the Rams and Seahawks in the NFC West, controlling the latter outcome. San Francisco's offense is rolling with Brock Purdy locked in, George Kittle showing little sign of slowing down and Christian McCaffrey still doing his thing. Deebo Samuel also has felt back at home and Mike Evans is staying on the field. That's a lot for the Seahawks' defense to contain. Seattle is hurting in the backfield and can't get it done with just Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Pick: 49ers win 24-20.
Lock of the Week: Bengals (-7.5, 42.5 o/u) over Dolphins
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
There are not many comfortable options in a Week 5 full of some tight matchups. Let's count on the Bengals cleaning up their turnover woes of the past two weeks and supporting their defense better on the road. This is an OK game for Ja'Marr Chase to miss as Joe Burrow has plenty of pop around him, including sparkplug former Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki.
Pick: Bengals win 27-14 and cover the spread.
Upset of the Week: Saints (+1.5, 42.5 o/u) over Vikings
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Vikings cannot find offensive rhythm and consistency and there's potential Justin Jefferson will miss his return to the state of Louisiana. Minnesota's defense has taken advantage of some weaker offenses. New Orleans is not that with Tyler Shough chucking in the Superdome for Kellen Moore. The Vikings are overdue to be nipped and it happens to take them from the undefeated ranks.
Pick: Saints win 23-20.
Eagles at Jaguars (-5.5, 42.5 o/u)
Sunday 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network (from London, England)
The Eagles' offense is riddled with significant injuries, making it unclear who will be healthy enough to play in a trip across the pond. The Jaguars' defense is showing no mercy with relentless big plays led by a rising Travis Hunter. Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars' running game also has hit a tougher gear for Liam Coen. Jalen Hurts, much like the 2019 national championship game, is too shorthanded to outduel Lawrence.
Pick: Jaguars win 27-20 and cover the spread.
Bears (-2.5, 44.5 o/u) at Packers
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Bears are proving just how strong Ben Johnson's offensive system is with both backup quarterbacks winning in place of Caleb Williams. Their running game will travel to be effective, while the Packers cannot run well at all with their offensive line issues and no Josh Jacobs.
Pick: Bears win 20-17 and cover the spread.
Texans (-6, 39.5 o/u) at Titans
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
Something has to give to get one of these two 0-4 AFC South rivals off the mat. The Battle for Houston goes to its current team with C.J. Stroud and the offense providing the big lift while the struggling defense gets a break against a flustered fading Cam Ward.
Pick: Texans win 17-14 but fail to cover the spread.
Raiders at Patriots (-3.5, 45.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Raiders pushed the Chiefs to the brink and their offense, led by Kirk Cousins and Klint Kubiak, can score with anyone as long it protects the ball. Their defense is more active in the pass rush but Drake Maye's mobility will continue to break him out of his slump. This is also another great spot for the Patriots to ride their own well-coached defense and running game.
Pick: Patriots win 27-20 and cover the spread.
MORE: Pats hope another win in Buffalo will spark winning streak
Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
Browns at Jets (-1.5, 40.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Browns will be much more dangerous in the Dawg Pound with Deshaun Watson and the defense. The Jets are playing their own brand of inspired ball with higher energy for Aaron Glenn's defense. Cleveland comes down to earth while New York gets on the board in another winnable game.
Pick: Jets win 23-20 and cover the spread.
Colts at Steelers (-1.5, 43.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, CBS
The Colts will try to work over the Steelers with plenty of Jonathan Taylor, carrying over their success from London vs. Washington. Unfortunately, the compressed passing game for Daniel Jones won't help. No matter what the Steelers get from former Colt Michael Pittman Jr., they have unlocked big plays for Aaron Rodgers and using tight ends well, too.
Pick: Steelers win 20-17 and cover the spread.
Giants at Commanders (-3.5, 43.5 o/u)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET, Fox
The Giants are enjoying the ride with Jameis Winston and it helps their defense has saved the day late the past two weeks. There's a good chance Jaylen Daniels returns to help the Commanders, just as Marcus Mariota will miss the duel vs. his fellow 2015 first-round QB. Washington will be more active for Dan Quinn to win the turnover battle at home.
Pick: Commanders win 24-21 but fail to cover the spread.
MORE: How the Giants can challenge in the NFC East
Broncos (-3.5, 42.5 o/u) at Chargers
Sunday 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS
The Broncos' offense has been pass-crazy and putting too much on Bo Nix. The Chargers are not putting too much on Justin Herbert, but he keeps making too many critical mistakes. This comes down to which QB will get the better help and avoid turnovers. Jim Harbaugh's team shows bonus fight this week, but Sean Payton still will get more out of his.
Pick: Broncos win 23-20 but fail to cover the spread.
MORE: Four reasons why Jim Harbaugh's Chargers are a disaster
Lions (-4.5, 53.5 o/u) at Cardinals
Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET, Fox
The Lions' defense gets Mike LaFleur's offense, which doesn't mind staying relentless with the pass from Jacoby Brissett with Trey McBride and Michael Wilson causing matchup problems. On the flip, Jared Goff gets comfortable on the road as Arizona can't slow down Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams or Sam LaPorta. There will be some fireworks in the desert and the Lions will come ready to rule the Cards' roost.
Pick: Lions win 31-27 but fail to cover the spread.
MORE: Best trade fits for Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
Ravens (-3.5, 45.5 o/u) at Falcons
Sunday 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC and Peacock
The Ravens saw Lamar Jackson get hurt against the Titans, leading this to be a prime-tme game headlined by running backs Derrick Henry and Bijan Robinson. The Falcons' run defense leads the league, so it will be a good test for the King. Baltimore is also pretty tough up front for Robinson. The Ravens have a little more diversity in their passing game, which will allow them to sneak away with a road win.
Pick: Ravens win 23-20 but fail to cover the spread.
Stats of the Week
- Week 4 straight up record: 9-7
- Week 4 against the spread record: 7-9
- Season-to-date straight up record: 39-25
- Season-to-date against the spread record: 29-35
