NFL Game Week 5 - Schedule, Picks, How to Watch, and more
The NFL season is racing along, and I think we are finally starting to see some balancing out of what is normal for the 2024 season. With injuries to Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco, and Patrick Mahomes not playing good football, the AFC feels as wide open as ever, although we were saying that at this time last year...
Elsewhere, the Niners re-found their footing a bit in the NFC, but it would be fair to say they shouldn’t get too excited about beating the New England Patriots. One team that does still look red hot after four weeks is the Minnesota Vikings, who take a trip to London this week. They are one of our key games to watch in Week 5, so let’s get straight into the action and reveal what we think you should be looking out for in Week 5.
New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings
- Date & Time: Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 9:30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, London, UK (NFL International Games)
- Broadcast Details: NFL Network
Game Preview:
The first London game this year is taking place at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, pitching the unbeaten Minnesota Vikings against the 2-2 New York Jets. Minnesota has been the standout story from the 2024 season so far, producing unexpected dominance on both sides of the ball. Brian Flores has taken his chaotic defense to the next level, baffling some of the league’s best offenses and leading the league with 17 sacks. So far, his defense has overwhelmed Brock Purdy and the 49ers, CJ Stroud and the Houston Texans, and the Jordan Love-led Green Bay Packers. This week, against the New York Jets, is going to be absolutely fascinating, because there is no quarterback in the league as smart or experienced as Aaron Rodgers. If Flores’ confusing schemes can get the better of Rodgers, then frankly, no one will have a chance all season long.
But it’s not just the defensive side of the ball that’s thriving for Minnesota. Kevin O’Connell has proven yet again what a fantastic coach he is, by helping Sam Darnold lead an electrifying offense. The Vikings are top 10 in yards gained and top five in points scored. Darnold himself is playing like one of the best quarterbacks in the league, completing 69% of his passes for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Can he keep it up against this elite New York defense?
While everything is plain sailing and joyous in Minnesota, things aren’t quite the same for Gang Green. A 2-2 record is underwhelming considering the preseason hype surrounding this team, and the loss at home to the Denver Broncos in Week 4 is borderline unforgivable. Aaron Rodgers and Robert Saleh appear to have their issues, and young stars Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall haven’t been able to get going yet. They will need to do so soon; otherwise, this could get messy quickly.
Prediction/Analysis:
Both teams have talent all over the roster, and the New York Jets' defense is arguably the most talented of the units that will take the field. However, with Brian Flores and Kevin O’Connell, the Vikings have a huge coaching advantage over the Jets’ Robert Saleh and Nathaniel Hackett. New York is shook after the shocking loss to Denver, and honestly feels on the brink of more chaos. I absolutely trust O’Connell and Flores to run rings around their opponents this week.
Baltimore Ravens @ Cincinnati Bengals
- Date & Time: Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Paycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH
- Broadcast Details: CBS, Paramount+
Game Preview:
After an 0–2 start, the Baltimore Ravens have dragged themselves back to a 2-2 record and have looked pretty convincing in doing so. They are fresh off a Week 4 dismantling of the surging Buffalo Bills, thanks largely to a 271-yard rushing day by the team. Everyone knows that the Baltimore Ravens are a run-first team, especially now that they benefit from the presence of Derrick Henry in the backfield. This week, against the Cincinnati Bengals, there is no reason why they should move away from that game plan.
The Bengals are conceding 145.5 rushing yards per game, which is good enough for only 25th in the NFL. It was a weak spot for the Bengals last year, and the problem remains this year. Now they have to go up against Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson, who are arguably the greatest quarterback and running back duo of all time, from a rushing perspective.
On the Cincinnati side of things, there have been some much-needed signs of life from Joe Burrow and the Bengals' offense. They have scored 77 points over the last two games, and Burrow looks back to his best. He has completed 71% of his passes, for 978 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 1 interception. He is now going up against a Ravens defense that has improved throughout the season, but has given up the third most passing yards with 1,030. Can the Bengals' exciting pass attack outlast the Ravens' brutal run game?
Prediction/Analysis:
This is a fascinating clash with a lot on the line. The Bengals definitely do not want to slip to a 1-3 record, but I think that is the most likely outcome of this game. A good rush attack allows teams to control a game, and that is exactly what the Baltimore Ravens have. The Buffalo Bills had no answer for it and paid the price, and with the Bengals having a weak run defense, I see this game going a similar way.
Buffalo Bills @ Houston Texans
- Date & Time: Sunday, October 6, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: NRG Stadium, Houston, TX
- Broadcast Details: CBS, Paramount+
Game Preview:
The Buffalo Bills looked like the best team in the AFC prior to the one-sided beatdown by Baltimore. Derrick Henry ran wild over the Bills defense, collecting 199 yards and a touchdown on 24 carries. He also had another touchdown through the air. Thankfully for Buffalo, Houston doesn’t have Derrick Henry on their roster, but they will undoubtedly keep a keen eye on Joe Mixon’s status heading into this game. Mixon ran wild over Indianapolis in Week 1, collecting 159 yards, which adds a very dangerous element to an already potent Texans offense led by CJ Stroud.
If Mixon does not play on Sunday, then we should expect another heavy dose of passing work for CJ Stroud. His battle with the Buffalo Bills defense is going to be fascinating to watch, as they currently rank as a top-10 defense against the pass, and have already notched four interceptions and 12 sacks, both of which are also top 10. Nico Collins is a pretty handy player to have on Stroud’s side though, leading the league with 489 yards as he continues to emerge as one of the NFL’s elite wide receiver talents.
For Buffalo, the offense has thrived on efficiency and shared production between the pass catchers. Josh Allen has gotten over the loss of Stefon Diggs by utilizing Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid, Keon Coleman, and James Cook out of the backfield. These talented playmakers have helped the team rack up 122 points, which is the second most in the NFL this season. This is a clash between two very exciting offenses, and it should be box-office entertainment.
Prediction/Analysis:
Life hasn’t been quite as smooth sailing as the Texans might have expected entering the season, suffering a humiliating defeat to Minnesota while also being pushed close by Indianapolis, Chicago, and Jacksonville. They are still standing strong on a 3-1 record, but it doesn’t appear as if they have quite clicked yet. The Buffalo Bills, on the other hand, have already clicked this season, and they will be out for revenge after their embarrassing loss to another conference rival in Week 4. When you factor in that this game is in Buffalo, I think they should walk away with the win.
Honorable Mentions
Dallas Cowboys @ Pittsburgh Steelers
- Sunday, Oct 6th, 8:20 p.m. ET | NBC, Peacock
This feels like a very dangerous game for Dallas, who have been far from impressive so far this season and are struggling with injuries. Can TJ Watt send their season into an early chaos spiral and lead the Steelers to a 4-1 record?
Author: Venuse, Inc.