An early look at the opening point spreads and intriguing spots in Week 5

The undefeated teams dropped like flies in Week 4. We started the week with eight and will end with three. The Patriots and Chiefs both narrowly escaped with their 4-0 records, while the 49ers enjoyed their bye week to make them the only remaining undefeated team in the NFC. Meanwhile, the Saints, Panthers and Giants continue their winning streaks with their newly appointed quarterbacks. Just when we thought we were starting to get an idea of how this season would play out, we were reminded just how unpredictable this sport can be. In Week 5, we get a break from the dreadful Dolphins as they go on their bye week. But don’t worry, there are still a couple of big spreads to pick from.

The betting odds may change as each game approaches its kickoff time. When that time is near, we’ll break down each matchup in more detail. In the meantime, here are a couple of the games that I have my eyes on as Week 5 lines open.

The Rams are one of the aforementioned teams who lost their undefeated record this week. In what was the highest scoring game of the season, Los Angeles was stunned by a visiting Tampa Bay team, losing 55-40. Now, the Rams have the pleasure of flying to meet their NFC West rivals up in Seattle. The Seahawks easily dealt with the Cardinals, winning 27-10 to advance to 3-1. Aside from this being an important game for the NFC West landscape, the spread is what’s intriguing me. The Rams open up as 1-point favorites for this Thursday night matchup, despite being on the road after a disappointing result. Sean McVay is 3-1 against the Seahawks in his tenure as the Rams’ head coach, so that’s a plus for LA. But while the Rams have won their last two Thursday Night Football games, they lost one in 2016, which happened to be in Seattle and was Jared Goff’s primetime debut. While the young quarterback has gained experience, I don’t think the Rams have been convincing enough in their wins this season to warrant opening as the favorites. Give me the moneyline on the Seahawks at -108 and start my week off with a win, please.

I brought up the Giants in the opening paragraph, and with Danny Dimes making waves in New York, it’s just hard not to talk about them. Since announcing Daniel Jones as their starting quarterback in Week 3, the Giants have scored 56 points in their two wins in comparison to 31 points in their two losses to start the season. Whether Jones is just a burst of energy or actually a good QB has yet to be seen, but a lot of people are going to be riding the wave. The Giants open as Week 5 underdogs, getting five points against the visiting Vikings. Dalvin Cook, who has been a beast this season, scored the sole touchdown for Minnesota in their loss to the Bears this week. I haven’t been blown away by the Vikings this season, though I do think they’re the better team in this matchup. But five points better? I’m not so sure. This line should only shrink as the week goes on, so I’m inclined to take the Giants to cover off the bat.

The Bills/Titans odds have yet to be released, as we wait for news on Josh Allen (concussion.)

All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

Thursday Night

Rams at Seahawks (+1)

Sunday, 1pm ET

Patriots at Washington (+14.5)
Jets (+14) at Eagles
Ravens at Steelers (+3.5)
Bears at Raiders (+5)
Falcons (+4.5) at Texans
Vikings at Giants (+5)
Jaguars (+3.5) at Panthers
Cardinals (+4.5) at Bengals
Buccaneers (+5.5) at Saints

Sunday, 4pm ET

Broncos (+6.5) at Chargers
Packers (+4) at Cowboys

Sunday Night

Colts (+9.5) at Chiefs

Monday Night

Browns (+3) at 49ers

Bye Week Teams: Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions

Odds and lines subject to change. See website for actual odds.
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