The best game, worst game, and sleeper game to watch in Week 5 of the NFL schedule

This week’s schedule is all over the place thanks to two games getting pushed back to Monday and Tuesday because of positive COVID tests. There are also a few one-sided affairs on the docket, but there are still some choice pairings that should be plenty exciting.

The best game

It’s been a long time since we could point to a game in Cleveland as the week’s best, but these are most definitely unusual times. Seriously though, the Colts vs. Browns game on Sunday looks like the pick of litter for Week 5. The Browns have won three in a row, off to their best start since 2001. After losing their season opener, Cleveland now has the highest scoring offense in the AFC (31 points per game). They lost Nick Chubb last week, but with Kareem Hunt and D’Ernest Johnson picking up the slack, the ground game that’s powering this offense, should be just fine.

Whether or not the Browns can keep that up depends on how well prepared they are for the Colts defense, currently the NFL’s best when it comes to scoring, holding opponents to a measly average of just 14 points per game.

Sleeper game

The air will be thick with desperation when the Falcons host the Panthers this week. Fortunes were supposed to be reversed for these two teams in 2020. Atlanta should have been in the running for the NFC South lead, or at least a wildcard bid. While the Panthers, in the midst of a franchise rebuild, should be treading water at the bottom of the standings. Instead, the Falcons are one of three winless teams in the league, with head coach Dan Quinn coaching to not be the next guy fired. The Panthers, meanwhile, are 2-2 and keeping pace for second place in the division.

This game could also be a pretty good one for people who like offense. The over/under is set at 53.5 points, the second-highest total on this week’s slate.

Worst game

If you’re looking to catch an afternoon nap, just put on the Eagles-Steelers game and that should do the trick. Pittsburgh is favored by a touchdown, and that somehow feels way too generous to the Eagles. The only question to be settled in this one is how soon it will be out of hand.

2020 NFL TV schedule, Week 5

1 p.m.

Panthers @ Falcons — FOX
Raiders @ Chiefs — CBS
Cardinals @ Jets — FOX
Eagles @ Steelers — FOX
Rams @ Washington — FOX
Bengals @ Ravens — CBS
Jaguars @ Texans — CBS

4:05/4:25 p.m.

Dolphins @ 49ers — FOX
Colts @ Browns — CBS
Giants @ Cowboys — CBS

8:20 p.m.

Vikings @ Seahawks — NBC