We hit NFL week 5 betting with confidence after starting last week in style, steering you right with the Giants, Saints and Dolphins. Let’s try and keep the train rolling with some more fearless forecasting.
Oakland Raiders @ New York Giants
Sunday, October 11, 1:00 p.m. ET
Sportsbook favorite: Giants -16
Believe it or not, the 16-point spread shouldn’t scare you away from picking the Giants. JaMarcus Russell is beyond bad; he’s verging on posting some of the worst numbers ever for a starting NFL quarterback if he hasn’t done so already. Russell was 12/33 against the weak Houston defense and now has a 39.8 completion percentage. Do we dare imagine what the ferocious Giants pass rush will do to him? It makes my hair stand on end.
Pick the Giants with confidence and understand that their defense could score as many points on the Raiders as Eli Manning and the offense do.
Betting services recommend: Giants -16
Atlanta Falcons @ San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, October 11, 4:05 p.m. ET
Sportsbook favorite: 49ers -2.5
Mike Singletary’s 49ers are for real thanks to their powerful defense, especially against the run. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t flawed.
Shaun Hill and the 49ers aren’t passing the ball with authority, ranking 28th in the NFL with 156.3 yards per game. If Hill can’t keep the Falcon defense honest, Atlanta will stack the box against Glen Coffee. The Rams did so successfully last week; yeah, they got blown out, but three of San Francisco’s touchdowns came via their defense.
It’s also worth noting that the 49ers’ pass defense isn’t perfect; it allowed 299 and 283 yards to Arizona and Minnesota, respectively, so Matt Ryan and the potent Atlanta attack could move the ball on San Fran. Pick Atlanta to win; even if the 49ers keep Ryan and Michael Turner in check, Atlanta will still outscore them.
Betting services recommend: Falcons +2.5
Houston Texans @ Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, October 11, 4:15 p.m. ET
Sportsbook favorite: Cardinals -5.5
Thanks to their exciting offense, the Texans are easy to love, but we shouldn’t get overconfident with our NFL picks this week. The Cardinals are angry after the Colts embarrassed them in Week 3 and fresh coming off a bye week. Kurt Warner, Larry Fitzgerald, Anquan Boldin and company can match Houston’s high-octane attack. They’re also the better defensive team and they’re playing at home. The Cards are a smart play.
Betting services recommend: Cardinals -5.5
