Week 5 of the 2025 NFL season marks the first week that we have byes. Four NFL teams will have the week off as the rest of the league will take to the gridiron to get a much-needed victory.

The week opens with an NFC West battle as the Los Angeles Rams host intra-state rivals the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football. You know it’s going to be a good week when things open up with two strong squads.

And, yet, that’s not even the best game of the week. In fact, there are a handful of matchups that have us excited even before the season has started.

The Detroit Lions will battle the Cincinnati Bengals in the marquee game of Week 5. On the undercard of that main event billing, we’ll see the Denver Broncos vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens, and Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Chargers. All six teams were in the Playoffs last year.

Sunday Night Football will punctuate the weekend with a big AFC East showdown as the New England Patriots head to Western New York to take on divisional rival the Buffalo Bills.

Without any further delay, let’s take a look at the NFL Week 5 odds and make our early Week 5 picks. There’s no shame in getting your Week 5 NFL bets in early if you can identify value on the boards, which we definitely have!

NFL Week 5 Schedule

NFL Week 5 Odds

As of this early look, the Week 5 NFL odds give us a few insights into what the top sports betting sites think about the week and some of the top teams.

The Buffalo Bills are the biggest favorites of the week. In fact, I wouldn’t be surprised if this 8.5-point spread rises above 10 points by time the game kicks off.

The Lions vs. Bengals has the highest total of the week at 50.5 points. Oddsmakers are expecting this game to be the highest scoring contest of the week and it should also deliver some strong player prop bets to wager on as well.

The biggest surprise at first glance, is the Washington Commanders being listed as 1.5-point Underdogs on the road in Week 5 at the Los Angeles Chargers. That line will definitely flip in favor of the Commanders before October comes around.

With that said, if you would like more assistance on these early NFL betting lines or some last-minute advice when Week 5 arrives, then check out the industry’s best handicapping membership. Get a Free Trial today and take advantage of elite NFL picks.

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NFL Week 5 Predictions

Let’s take a look at the full slate of NFL Week 5 matchups and make our NFL picks for each game.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Odds

These longtime rivals have played against each other 152 times coming into this season. The San Francsico 49ers hold the advantage with a 78-71-3 record. However, after years of dominating this rivalry, the Los Angeles Rams have won three games in a row.

In fact, the Rams swept the 49ers last year and beat them all three times in 2024. LA won at home last season by the score of 27-24. We could see a similar result this weekend as well.

San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams Predictions

After a month of action, I believe we’ll see the Rams separate themselves from the rest of the NFC West division. And, that starts with the 49ers. LA’s additions plus San Francisco’s departures, have provided the Rams with a big gap in talent.

I expect Los Angeles to defend their home turn in this matchup as their young defense shows up in primetime on Thursday night, and that their offense overpowers a remade 49ers defense.

Take the Rams to win by at least 3 to 4 points and firmly entrench themselves at the top of the division.

Bet: Los Angeles Rams (-120), Rams -1.5 (-110)

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns Odds

These two franchises have played against each other 17 times, and it’s the Minnesota Vikings who have dominated the Cleveland Browns with a 12-5 record.

The last time these two teams played against each other was in 2021, and the Browns won that game. However, Minnesota has gone 5-2 in the last seven head-to-head meetings.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Cleveland Browns Predictions

This Week 5 International game will take place in London, which gives neither team the advantage. In fact, it hurts the Browns because they won’t have the fans behind them like they would at home in Cleveland.

While I believe that last year’s NFC North runner-up Vikings are the better team, and they will win this game, I don’t see them winning by more than a touchdown. The Browns should be able to keep the game close, which is a small victory for them.

Bet: Minnesota Vikings (-325), Browns +7 (-110)

Denver Broncos vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds

After 14 games, the Philadelphia Eagles hold a 9-5 advantage over the Denver Broncos in this series. The Eagles have won three of the last four games, including two in a row. Their most recent matchup came in 2021, where Philly won in Denver 30 to 13.

The Eagles are an impressive 6-1 at home versus the Broncos and have won four straight games in the “city of brotherly love.”

Denver Broncos vs. Philadelphia Eagles Predictions

Putting aside my fandom for my Buffalo Bills, and outside of the Lions vs. Bengals, I’m really looking forward to this game the most. The reigning Super Bowl Champs Philadelphia Eagles will face an equally as talented defense, if not more, in the Broncos.

Philly will have their rabid fanbase supporting them, and they do have the edge on offense. However, I think Denver can do enough to cover the points even if they fall short of victory.

Bet: Philadelphia Eagles (-195), Broncos +4.5 (-110)

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets Odds

These two teams met in 2023, where the Dallas Cowboys won 30 to 10 over the New York Jets. However, that game was played in Dallas.

The last two trips to New York have resulted in the Jets winning both of them. Yet, the Cowboys do hold the advantage with an 8-5 series record.

Dallas Cowboys vs. New York Jets Predictions

I don’t believe in the Jets this season at all. Too many question marks and not enough talent to overcome the deficiencies in their QB, head coach, and offensive line.

The Cowboys may be a Wild Card contender this season, if Dak Prescott can stay healthy and the defense returns to form from two years ago.

I do see Dallas picking up this road win as they have enough talent on both sides of the ball to win by at least three points at New York.

Bet: Dallas Cowboys (-120), Cowboys -1.5 (-110)

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts Odds

Surprisingly, these two teams have met 22 times and have split the series with 11 wins apiece. They also played three games in a two-year period (2022-23). Their last game came at the end of 2023, where the Indianapolis Colts won 23-20.

While the Colts have won three of the last four meetings, the Las Vegas Raiders have won two of the last three games in Indy.

Las Vegas Raiders vs. Indianapolis Colts Predictions

Two of my favorite rookies will play in this game as Ashton Jeanty and the Raiders head to Indy to face Tyler Warren and the Colts.

I’m not a believer in the Raiders this season. Although I like the foundational pieces they’re building there, Las Vegas has another year before we can even think they flirt with a .500 record and get out of the AFC West basement.

The Colts won’t beat everyone this season. In fact, they will be luck to surpass a .500 record this year. Yet, they should handle the Raiders by at least a field goal.

Plus, Jeanty vs. Jonathan Taylor is going to be an exciting fantasy battle for this game.

Bet: Indianapolis Colts (-120), Colts -1.5 (-110)

Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers Odds

The Miami Dolphins hold a commanding lead in this series with a 6-2 record against the Carolina Panthers.

The Dolphins have also won two games in a row, with their last meeting coming in 2023. That year. Miami won at home by the score of 42-21. The Dolphins are also 2-1 in games at Carolina. However, the Panthers won their last home game in this series, which came in 2017.

Miami Dolphins vs. Carolina Panthers Predictions

At this point in time, you have to go with the Miami Dolphins to win this Week 5 matchup. However, Carolina is certainly capable of becoming a surprise team in the NFC this season. We’ll see just how good they are over the first four weeks of the season before this game.

I would hold off until Week 5 before betting this one because both teams could be far different than what we expect at this point in time. With that said, take the Dolphins for now but be ready to pounce on the Panthers if the first month goes the way that Carolina fans believe it will.

Bet: Miami Dolphins (-120), Dolphins -1.5 (-110)

New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints Odds

After 33 head-to-head meetings, the New York Giants hold a slight advantage over the New Orleans Saints with a 17-16 record.

These two teams met last year, and the Saints won 14-11. In fact, New Orleans has won three of the last four meetings including two years in a row.

Additionally, the Saints have gone 10-5 in home games versus the Giants. New York has won only once (2021) at New Orleans in their last five trips.

New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints Predictions

Along with the Titans and Browns, I believe the Saints will be arguably the worst team in the league. I would be surprised if they won four games this year.

While the Giants aren’t an elite team, they certainly have enough talent on both sides of the ball to beat the Saints even on the road.

I expect Russell Wilson to outduel any and all QBs that the Saints throw out there. New York wins this game by a touchdown.

Bet: New York Giants (-122), Giants -1.5 (-110)

Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Odds

This series is very one-sided as the Baltimore Ravens have thrashed the Houston Texans by winning 13 of 15 all-time meetings. In fact, the Ravens have won six straight games over the Texans including last year on Christmas Day by the score of 31-2.

The Texans have not defeated the Ravens since 2014. Baltimore has never lost to Houston at home. They’re a perfect 8-0 in home games against the Texans.

Houston Texans vs. Baltimore Ravens Predictions

It’s not often you see two reigning divisional winners play against each other where one is a favorite by more than a touchdown. Yet, that’s what we have here.

The AFC South champs Houston Texans, who should runaway with the division this year, will head on the road against the AFC North champs, Baltimore Ravens, who might not be in first place by time this game takes place.

With that said, I like what Houston has done adding talent on both sides of the ball through free agency and the draft. Now, I don’t expect them to win this game but I think they have a shot. And, I definitely believe they will cover the 7.5 points.

Bet: Baltimore Ravens -340, Texans +7.5 (-110)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Seattle Seahawks Odds

Two NFC Playoff hopefuls will clash in Week 5 as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Seattle Seahawks meet for the 14^th time in their respective histories.

It’s been three years since they last met (2022). That year, the Bucs won 21-16 at home. However, Seattle holds a 9-6 advantage in this series, and has also won five of the last seven meetings.

The Seahawks are 5-2 in home games versus the Bucs and have won the last two meetings in front of the 12^th man.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Seattle Seahawks Predictions

The reigning NFC South champs head west into the state of Washington to battle the Seahawks and the 12^th man. Typically, this is a tough environment to play in for any road team.

However, the Bucs are going to have a Top 7 offense this year and I don’t see the Seahawks having a strong offense without Metcalf and Lockett in the receiving corps.

The Seattle defense should be decent, but not elite. That means Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, and company will have a big game on the road as they win by at least a field goal.

Bet: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-122), Bucs -1.5 (-110)

Tennessee Titans vs. Arizona Cardinals Odds

The Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans have played against each other 12 times, and it’s the Cardinals with an 8-4 commanding lead in this series.

Arizona has won four of the last five meetings including three in a row. Additionally, Arizona won their last home game versus the Titans, which took place in 2017.

Tennessee Titans vs. Arizona Cardinals Predictions

I see the Tennessee Titans being one of the worst, if not the worst, teams in the league. And, I like how the Cardinals are quietly going about their business building up a contender in the NFC West.

Arizona should stack the box to stop Tennessee’s running game, which will force rookie QB Cam Ward to have to beat them with his arm. I don’t see that happening.

Take the Cardinals to win at home by at least a touchdown as this offense showcases its potential through the air and on the ground.

Bet: Arizona Cardinals (-218), Cardinals -5.5 (-110)

Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Chargers Odds

These two Playoff teams from last season, will be meeting for the 13^th time in this Week 5 clash. The Washington Commanders hold a small lead in this series with a 7-5 record.

However, it’s the Los Angeles Chargers that have won five of the last six meetings including two in a row.

These two teams last met in 2021, and the Chargers won 20-16. The last time they played in Los Angeles was 2017, and the Chargers won 30-13. Overall, the Chargers are just 3-2 in home games versus the Commanders, but have won three in a row at home.

Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Chargers Predictions

I was very surprised to see the Washington Commanders listed as the underdog for this matchup. I think these betting lines provide excellent value for the Commanders.

Although both teams made the Playoffs last year, Washington is still the better overall squad compared to Los Angeles. As much as I’ve been a fan of Justin Herbert since he started for the Oregon Ducks, the Chargers don’t have as much talent as the Commanders do.

Whereas the Commanders should contend with the Eagles for the NFC East title, the Chargers are the third best team in their division.

I expect Washington’s defense to be the difference in this matchup as the Commanders come away with a big road win by a field goal or more.

Bet: Washington Commanders (+102), Commanders +1.5 (-110)

Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals Odds

The best game of Week 5 features two explosive offenses and two teams looking to get to the Super Bowl. However, you might be surprised to know that the Cincinnati Bengals hold a commanding lead in this rivalry with a 10-3 series record.

In fact, the Bengals have won seven consecutive games including two in a row at home. The Detroit Lions have not defeated the Bengals since 1992, back when Barry Sanders was becoming one of the greatest running backs of all-time.

Piling on to Detroit’s past miseries in this series, the Bengals have gone 6-1 at home versus the Lions which includes winning six games in a row. Their last home game came in 2021, where Cincy crushed Detroit by the score of 34-11.

Detroit Lions vs. Cincinnati Bengals Predictions

This is going to be an exciting matchup for NFL fans, bettors and fantasy football enthusiasts. Get your popcorn ready, as we have two teams battling for supremacy in their respective conferences.

The Lions should return to the NFC Championship game this year, but I don’t see the Cincinnati Bengals making it to the AFC Championship game. And, we’ll see why in this very game.

Cincy has the worst defense out of all the true AFC contenders and the Lions will rip it to shreds in Week 5. Detroit’s defense is at lest two steps up in overall talent and they will eventually slow down Joe Burrow enough for Jared Goff and company to win by 5 to 6 points.

Bet: Detroit Lions (-118), Lions -1.5 (-110), Over 50.5 (-110)

New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills Odds

There was a time when the New England Patriots owned this rivalry. They had won over 30 games under Tom Brady at the helm, as The GOAT dominated the Buffalo Bills.

However, Tom Brady isn’t playing and Bill Belichick isn’t coaching. Buffalo has gone 8-3 versus the Patriots over the last 11 meetings. New England did win last year, but it was the final game of the regular season and the Bills rested their starters.

The Patriots do have a commanding lead in this series with a 79-51-1 record. However, Buffalo has won five of their last six, including four games in a row at home over New England. The Patriots have not won at Buffalo since 2019, when Brady was leading the team.

New England Patriots vs. Buffalo Bills Predictions

Most pundits are picking the Patriots to be the second-best team in the AFC East, which I agree. However, I believe we’ll still see a big gap between the Bills and Patriots. Although New England is making progress towards Buffalo’s level, they’re still at least a year or two away.

The Bills will dominate this game at home in primetime and on national TV. I expect Josh Allen to pick apart the Patriots secondary and for Buffalo’s defense to harass Drake Maye all game long.

Bet: Buffalo Bills (-380), Bills (-8.5)

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Odds

Just like in Week 3 against the Giants on SNF, this Monday Night Football game features the Kansas City Chiefs taking on an inferior opponent with no real business being on primetime television. Why wouldn’t the NFL put the Lions vs. Bengals on MNF?

Looking at their history between each other, and it’s even more clear just how one-sided things have been. Although the Kansas City Chiefs hold just a 10-6 all-time record, they have beat the Jacksonville Jaguars eight consecutive times.

The Chiefs have also won three consecutive games at Jacksonville. Their last trip came in the 2023 season, where KC won 17-9. Since Mahomes took the starting QB role, the Chiefs have won four in a row, and by an average of nearly 10 points a game.

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Predictions

I expect the Chiefs to steamroll over the Jaguars in this matchup. Jacksonville doesn’t have the defense to stop this potent KC offense. Additionally, the Chiefs do have the defense to give Trevor Lawrence fits, smother their top two receivers and stifle the run.

In other words, Kansas City should win this game by at least 7 to 10 points.

Bet: Kansas City Chiefs (-205), Chiefs -4.5 (-110)

NFL Week 5 Best Bets

Check out our best bets for NFL Week 5:

• Kansas City Chiefs (-205)
• Lions vs. Bengals Over 50.5 (-110)
• Washington Commanders +102

The Chiefs have won eight straight games against the Jaguars, are vastly superior on both sides of the ball, and Patrick Mahomes has never lost to Jacksonville. This should be an easy win for Kansas City.

The Lions and Bengals are two explosive teams that can both easily put up 30 points a game. Cincy’s defense is weak, so I expect the Lions to hit the 30-point threshold, while the Bengals come up a little short. Either way, this game quickly surpasses the 50.5 point total.

I’m really high on the Washington Commanders this year. They’ve added some talent to both sides of the ball through the off season and the draft. I think they’re a better overall team than the Chargers and I really like the value with Washington as the Underdog in this matchup.

If you want to combine all three picks into an NFL parlay, then you would win $474 on a $100 wager.