Why defence makes Vikings our best bet for NFL Week 5 picks

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Tampa Bay +8.5 over DALLAS

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Just a pathetic showing from the Cowboys, especially on defence. Not to take anything away from Jalon Daniels, but getting torched by an undrafted rookie at home just can’t happen to a wannabe contender.

Jacksonville -7.5 over Philadelphia in England

The news just seems to keep getting worse and worse for the Eagles with the injuries and offensive line shakeup this week. The Jags aren’t a team to be messed with, especially in London, a place they’ve grown accustomed to.

Cleveland +2.5 over NEW YORK JETS

The biggest surprise here is that this matchup isn’t a complete dud, considering the teams. We’ll take the Browns, who have the rest and coaching advantages, but this one should be close.

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Cincinnati -6.5 over MIAMI

Even if Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins miss this game, the Bengals should have enough talent to dispose of the Dolphins and bounce back from the loss to Jacksonville.

Minnesota -1.5 over NEW ORLEANS

Nothing about the Saints performance on Monday night impressed us, leaving the impression that even the Vikes’ struggling offence should be able to move the ball while the defence again wreaks havoc.

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TENNESSEE +7.5 over Houston

The analytics still say the Texans are much better than their 0-4 record says they are, but how confident can you be giving up more than a touchdown on the road to a division rival? Nico Collins certainly could blow this open, but the line’s a point too high for us.

New York Giants +3.5 over WASHINGTON

Jayden Daniels may be back in action after that gruesome arm injury, but his top target Terry McLaurin looks like he’ll miss another week. That said, we’ll back the Jameis’ Giants as dogs getting more than a field goal.

PITTSBURGH -2.5 over Indianapolis

Aaron Rodgers has been surprisingly decent over the past two games despite the loss to the Browns. Plus working with a few extra days to prepare for a team coming back from London, we’ll take the hosts.

Chicago -2.5 over GREEN BAY

This was close to our best bet of the week because it’s just too hard to trust the Packers – even as a slight home dog in a heated division rivalry game.

Las Vegas +3.5 over NEW ENGLAND

Is Drake Maye back are that win over the Bills? We need to see it for another week. The Pats are still nursing quite a few injuries and will have a tough time containing Brock Bowers, just like everyone else does.

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L.A. CHARGERS +3.5 over Denver

It just simply can’t keep this poorly for the Chargers, right? This L.A. team should have enough talent to at least cover a field goal at home against a rival.

San Francisco +3 over SEATTLE

The 49ers have to be looking for revenge after last season’s playoff embarrassment. They’ve lost a lot of players to injury, but most of their key guys are still in the lineup and performing at a high level.

Detroit -5.5 over ARIZONA

All of the good will that the Cards got from that Week 1 win over the Chargers has slipped away and it’s hard to see this team keeping up on the scoreboard with the Lions – even if Detroit’s defence leaves a lot to be desired.

ATLANTA -3.5 over Baltimore

Without Lamar Jackson, you have to be skeptical about how the Ravens offence will perform. On the other side, the Falcons have looked like an absolute buzzsaw since Michael Penix Jr. returned from injury and Bijan Robinson has been unstoppable.

Buffalo +2.5 over L.A. RAMS

One hell of a Monday Night matchup here between two Super Bowl contenders. Both teams do have their issues, however, but we think that Josh Allen and Co. right the ship after that tough home loss to the Pats.

Last week: 7-9

Best bets: 1-3

This season: 28-36

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