Sunday Night Football Odds Week 5

Share News

SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL ODDS WEEK 5

This week will feature several make-or-break games for contenders and pretenders for the Sunday Night Football Odds. Let’s check the NFL Futures and bet on the best options for each game: 

New York Jets (2-2) at Minnesota Vikings (4-0)  

The Jets travel to Minnesota, where their top-tier pass defense will look to slow down a red-hot Vikings offense led by Sam Darnold. The Jets’ “No Fly Zone” defense, one of the best against the pass, will aim to limit the production of Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, making it a tough day for Darnold. Despite Darnold’s impressive play, his performance will be tested against this elite secondary. 

Conversely, Aaron Rodgers will aim to capitalize on a Vikings defense that has shown weaknesses in coverage. After an unfocused performance last week, the Jets could bounce back strong in what looks to be a tightly contested game.  

Pick: Jets +2.5

Carolina Panthers (1-3) at Chicago Bears (2-2)  

The Panthers have seen improvement on offense with Andy Dalton under center, and they’ll look to take advantage of a Bears team that has shown inconsistency. Dalton has been well-protected by a Panthers offensive line that has upgraded significantly this year, allowing him to find his talented receivers downfield. 

The Bears’ defense can create pressure, but their secondary has been exposed at times, and Dalton is experienced enough to make the right reads. Carolina’s run game, led by Chuba Hubbard, has improved, which could help balance the offense and make it difficult for Chicago to contain. This could be a close game, with Carolina having a real chance to pull off an upset.  

Pick: Panthers +4

Baltimore Ravens (2-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)  

The Ravens have been on fire offensively, especially in the run game, but they’ll face a Bengals team that matches up well against their strengths. Baltimore’s ground attack, led by Lamar Jackson, has been challenging to stop. Still, Cincinnati has shown it can limit rushing teams, particularly when they clamped down on Brian Robinson Jr. earlier this season. 

The Ravens’ passing game may struggle against a Bengals pass rush that can pressure Jackson. On the other side, Joe Burrow and the Bengals’ offense should be able to exploit Baltimore’s vulnerable secondary. Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, who had slow starts, are coming into form and could trouble the Ravens’ defense. With Cincinnati as a home underdog, this game looks like an opportunity for the Bengals to cover and possibly win outright.  

Pick: Bengals +2.5

Buffalo Bills (3-1) at Houston Texans (3-1)  

The Bills will look to bounce back after a rough loss, and they have a favorable matchup against a Texans defense that has struggled in crucial areas. Josh Allen had a tough outing last week, but Houston’s defense isn’t as strong, particularly against the pass, and Allen should have better success finding his receivers. 

The Texans have also been weak against the run, ranking 22nd, which could allow James Cook to have a breakout game. The Texans’ offense, led by C.J. Stroud, has shown potential but hasn’t been as explosive as expected, and their offensive line, with a banged-up Laremy Tunsil, could struggle against the Bills’ pass rush. With Buffalo looking to rebound, this seems like a good spot to cover and win.  

Pick: Bills +1

Indianapolis Colts (2-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)  

The Colts are heading into Jacksonville with uncertainty at quarterback, as Anthony Richardson is dealing with an injury. If backup Joe Flacco plays, it could be an advantage for Indianapolis. Flacco’s experience and accuracy could help the Colts take advantage of the Jaguars’ struggling defense, especially in the secondary. 

Jacksonville’s offense, led by Trevor Lawrence, hasn’t lived up to expectations, and their offensive line has been shaky, making it hard for them to find consistency. While the Jaguars are favored, the Colts’ offensive line should give them enough protection to keep the game close and possibly pull off the upset.  

Pick: Colts +3.

Miami Dolphins (1-3) at New England Patriots (1-3)  

The Dolphins head to New England with backup QB Tyler Huntley, which could limit their offensive production. Huntley will face a tough Patriots pass defense that ranks near the league’s top. Miami’s run game, featuring De’Von Achane, won’t have much room to work with, as the Patriots are strong against the run. 

However, the Patriots have issues, particularly with their offensive line, which has struggled to protect Jacoby Brissett. Without much firepower in the passing game and a questionable run game, the Patriots could find scoring challenging, leaving the door open for the Dolphins to grind out a low-scoring win.

Pick: Dolphins PK

Cleveland Browns (1-3) at Washington Commanders (3-1)  

The Browns are heading into Washington to face a surprisingly strong Commanders team, but Cleveland’s defense, led by Myles Garrett, could make life difficult for Jayden Daniels. Washington’s offense has been effective, but they haven’t faced a defense as tough as Cleveland’s, which ranks well in pressure and against the run. 

On offense, Cleveland’s Deshaun Watson had his best game of the season last week and will be up against one of the worst secondaries in the NFL. With the Redskins’ defense showing vulnerability, the Browns could exploit the matchup and pull off a win or at least keep the game close.  

Pick: Browns +3.

Las Vegas Raiders (2-2) at Denver Broncos (2-2)

Both teams enter this Week 5 matchup with a 2-2 record, but the Broncos have ups and downs on offense. Bo Nix struggled mightily last week, finishing the first half with just -7 passing yards in a rain-soaked game against the Jets. The Broncos will have to contend with the Raiders’ defense, which the potential return of Maxx Crosby has boosted. Crosby’s presence will make it hard for Nix to operate in the pocket, forcing Denver into check-downs and limiting their ability to exploit the Raiders’ poor run defense. Denver, however, has its struggles running the ball, so this may not be much of a factor. 

On the other hand, the Broncos’ defense has been strong, ranking fourth in defensive EPA. However, they have trouble defending the middle of the field, which means the Raiders will look to get Brock Bowers involved, especially with Davante Adams possibly sitting out due to a desire to be traded. Patrick Surtain II will likely shut down Jakobi Meyers, making Bowers a key weapon. Despite the Broncos’ recent success, they are favored by three points, and the Raiders, who have won the last eight meetings between these teams, seem poised to extend that streak.  

Pick: Raiders +3.

Arizona Cardinals (1-3) at San Francisco 49ers (2-2)

The 49ers are coming off a dominant performance where they got their key offensive weapons back from injury. Brock Purdy led the charge against the Patriots, taking full advantage of their weak defense. The 49ers’ offense will face an Arizona defense that struggled mightily last week, especially against the pass. The Cardinals’ secondary was shredded by the Redskins, and they will likely face similar problems with Purdy targeting George Kittle and Deebo Samuel, who are both healthy again. The Cardinals have been equally poor on the ground, allowing Jeremy McNichols to run wild last week, meaning the 49ers’ Jordan Mason could have a big day.

Arizona, meanwhile, will need to score in a shootout to keep up with San Francisco. Although the Cardinals only scored 14 points last week, they could do better in this game as the 49ers have critical injuries on defense, including Fred Warner and Dre Greenlaw. James Conner will look to take advantage of a weakened run defense, and Marvin Harrison Jr. could be in for a big day against the 49ers’ vulnerable cornerbacks. However, the 49ers are heavy favorites, and although Arizona has shown they can compete, San Francisco’s potent offense and Arizona’s defensive struggles make this a tough matchup for the Cardinals.  

Pick: Cardinals +7

Green Bay Packers (2-2) at Los Angeles Rams (1-3)

The Packers will look to get back on track against the Rams, and quarterback Jordan Love should be in much better form after shaking off the rust in his return last week. Love started slow but found his rhythm in the second half. He will now face a Rams defense among the worst in the league. The Rams have struggled against both the run and the pass, ranking near the bottom of the league in both categories. Without Christian Watson, Love will still have enough weapons to exploit a Rams defense riddled with injuries in the secondary. Running back Josh Jacobs should also have a big game, as Los Angeles has been gashed on the ground in recent weeks.

On offense, the Rams will likely lean on Kyren Williams, but it will be difficult for him to find much room to run against a Packers defense that ranks third in EPA against the run. This means Matthew Stafford must carry the load without top receivers Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. Stafford will look for rookie Jordan Whittington to step up, but Green Bay’s pass rush should have enough pressure to limit Stafford’s effectiveness. While the Packers have the edge, the -3 spread is tricky, and Stafford’s ability to lead a second-half rally keeps this one interesting.  

Pick: Packers -3

New York Giants (1-3) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

The Giants will head to Seattle in what could be a challenging game for them, but they may have a few key advantages. The Seahawks defense was exposed last week against the Lions, allowing Jared Goff to throw a perfect 18-for-18 in a 42-point offensive explosion. If he clears concussion protocol, Malik Nabers will be a crucial weapon for the Giants, as Seattle’s secondary has shown weakness. Additionally, the Seahawks are vulnerable against the run, meaning New York’s Devin Singletary should successfully move the ball on the ground, which could help keep the game close.

On offense, the Seahawks have looked sharp, with Geno Smith finding success against weaker defenses. The Giants’ secondary is one of the worst in the league, meaning D.K. Metcalf and Seattle’s other receivers could have a big day. However, New York’s pass rush is solid, and Geno Smith tends to hold onto the ball too long, which could lead to some disruptions. Seattle is the better team, but with a tough divisional matchup against the 49ers just four days away, they may not be fully focused, giving the Giants a chance to cover.  

Pick: Giants +7

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)

The Steelers are slight favorites in this Sunday night matchup, and injuries will play a significant role in how this game unfolds. Dallas has been struck on defense, losing key players Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence, which will give Steelers QB Justin Fields more time to operate in the pocket. Fields will likely target George Pickens, who should have success against a Cowboys secondary that has struggled without a pass rush to support them. Najee Harris could also find some running lanes, as Dallas has been weak against the run this year.

On the offensive side for the Cowboys, Dak Prescott has had trouble finding consistent protection, and with T.J. Watt and the Steelers’ pass rush coming at him, things won’t get easier. Rookie tackle Tyler Guyton has struggled in pass protection, which could lead to a rough day for Prescott. The Cowboys also haven’t been able to rely on their running game and the Steelers rank among the top players in the NFL for stopping the run. While the Steelers have their injury concerns on the offensive line, Pittsburgh should be able to do enough to edge out a win at home.  

Pick: Steelers -2.5