NFL week five is already upon us. Two teams remain undefeated, while three teams have not won a game yet this season.
Four teams have a bye week.
- Atlanta Falcons
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Pittsburgh Steelerers
This is the first week of the season where teams are on a bye.
While these four teams get a rest in week 5, there are a bunch of key games to follow in week 5.
NFL Week 5 Key Games
There are a bunch of key games to follow in week 5 that will have an impact on the playoffs.
We start with a massive NFC West showdown on Thursday Night Football.
San Francisco 49ers @ Los Angeles Rams(-8.5) (O/U:45.0)
Both teams have a record of 3-1, making this a massive NFC West showdown.
Nick Bosa is out for the season, but he is not the only 49er starter who will miss this crucial NFC West showdown.
WR Brandon Aiyuk has yet to play a game this season and will be out for this contest.
Here are the current starters the 49ers will be without:
- QB Brock Purdy
- WR Ricky Pearsall
- WR Jauan Jennings
These are five massive names the 49ers will be without for their divisional contest against the Rams. This is why the Rams are so heavily favored.
Mac Jones will start in place of Brock Purdy. This will need to be the Christian McCaffrey show for the 49ers, as he is the only weapon left that is available to play.
The Rams are fairly healthy. The only starter who may not play is Tyler Higbee. He is listed as doubtful. LA will need to take advantage of an injured ravage 49ers team for this crucial matchup.
Denver Broncos @ Philadelphia Eagles(-3.5) (O/U:43.5
Before the season began, this matchup would be a Super Bowl preview for some.
It remains a viable Super Bowl preview as the Broncos’ two losses this season came on a last-second field goal. Denver could easily be 4-0 like the Eagles are.
Both teams have a good all-around team.
Denver has the fifth-most rushing yards per game this season. Uncharacteristically, the Eagles are 16th in rushing yards per game. The Broncos rank 18th in passing yards per game, while the Eagles rank dead last. However, despite ranking 16th in rushing yards per game and last in passing yards per game, the Eagles somehow rank seventh in points per game. Denver ranks 16th in points per game.
Denver has the edge on defense. The Broncos rank 13th in passing yards allowed per game, while Philly ranks 14th. Denver is 11th in rushing yards allowed per game, and Philly is 21st. The Broncos have allowed the second-fewest points per game in the league, while the Eagles rank 15th.
Despite Denver being 2-2 and Philly 4-0, the Broncos have been the more impressive team thus far.
This is a very good matchup and a key game in week 5.
Houston Texans(-1.5) @ Baltimore Ravens (O/U:40.5)
This feels like a must-win for both teams as they both sit at 1-3.
Houston’s offense has been dreadful in the first four games of the year. They rank 22nd in passing yards per game, 23rd in rushing yards per game, and 29th in points per game. These stats were much worse for the Texans before a week 4 matchup against the lowly Titans.
Baltimore enters the contest with a major question mark. Will Lamar Jackson be available? Chances are, he will not be able to suit up for this contest. This means the Ravens will need to somehow defeat a very tough Texans defense with Cooper Rush under center. Baltimore will need to rely on Derrick Henry a ton in this contest.
Houston has a major edge on defense. The Texans rank eighth in passing yards allowed per game, while the Ravens rank 29th. Houston is 12th in rushing yards allowed per game, while Baltimore is 27th. The Texans rank first in points allowed per game, while Baltimore ranks dead last.
Lamar Jackson isn’t the only key member of the Ravens who will miss this game. Baltimore’s defense is severely banged up as well.
With both teams at 1-3 and cannot afford to fall to 1-4, this is a must-win game for both clubs.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers @ Seattle Seahawks(-3.5) (O/U:44.5)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks are both 3-1 on the season.
However, the Bucs enter the game with injuries to key players. WR Mike Evans will likely miss the contest. RB Bucky Irving is dealing with a foot and shoulder injury that could sideline him for this contest. Irving was seen on crutches and seems to have a foot sprain. Baker Mayfield missed practice on Wednesday, but he should be good to go for this contest.
Seattle has won three straight games after losing in week 1 to the 49ers in a close contest. Jaxon Smith-Njigba has established himself as a top wideout this season. He ranks sixth in receptions and second in receiving yards.
This is a big game for both teams, but the Bucs will need to overcome injuries to key offensive players.
Washington Commanders @ Los Angeles Chargers(-2.5) (O/U:48.0)
The Washington Commanders are 2-2 while the Chargers are 3-1.
Jayden Daniels has been cleared by doctors to return, and he will suit up in week five after missing two weeks of action. Washington won one game and lost one game without Daniels under center. WR Terry McLaurin has yet to practice after suffering an injury in week 3. He is in danger of missing this contest.
The Chargers will be without their two starting offensive tackles. Despite missing two starting tackles on offense, they are favored, and the total is high. Justin Herbert has been very good this season. The Chargers rank sixth in passing yards allowed per game and fourth in points allowed per game, making it even more strange that the total is so high.
This is a big game for both teams and a key game in week 5.
Kansas City Chiefs(-3.5) @ Jacksonville Jaguars (O/U:46.5)
The Kansas City Chiefs are 2-2 while the Jaguars are 3-1.
Kansas City has won two straight after losing its first two games of the season. They are getting healthier on offense, but remain without WR Rashee Rice.
Jacksonville has been impressive this season. They are playing well on defense, ranking fourth in rushing yards allowed per game and fifth in points allowed per game.
This will be a tough game, and the Chiefs cannot afford to go 2-3 in a tough AFC West division.
