NFL Week 5 Preview

Story posted October 3, 2018 in CommRadio, Sports by David Green

Week four in the NFL was filled with tight matchups, controversial calls and more unlikely heroes. As we head into week five of the season, there are some notable matchups such as the Jaguars visiting the undefeated Chiefs, Miami at Cincinnati and many more.

Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) @ Kansas City Chiefs (4-0). 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - CBS

The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a thrilling Monday night victory over the Denver Broncos and show no sign of slowing down. Since his pro debut in week one quarterback Pat Mahomes has thrown for 14 touchdowns, which is three more than second place. The Jaguars who are known for their high powered defense are coming off a win as well against the New York Jets. Many people agree that as long as Blake Bortles can play at a solid level then the Jags have no limits based off their talented defense. Jacksonville definitely has its work cut out for them trying to slow down Mahomes because he was able to secure the win while coming from behind ten points in the fourth quarter against two of the league’s top pass rushers in Von Miller and Bradley Chubb.

Prediction: Jacksonville 13, Kansas City 24

Miami Dolphins (3-1) @ Cincinnati Bengals (3-1). 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - CBS

Despite the Miami Dolphins’ recent blowout loss to the New England Patriots, they still remain at the top of the AFC East division and are looking to improve to 4-1 on Sunday vs. the red-hot Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals are coming off a huge win over the Atlanta Falcons and are tied for the lead in the AFC North division with a 3-1 record.  Andy Dalton has thrown for 11 touchdowns through the first four games of the season, which is tied for the second most in the league. AJ Green has been an instrumental part of the Bengals offense and should cause issues for the Miami secondary. Miami really needs to focus on keeping the ball out of Dalton’s hands and having a longer time of possession by establishing a solid run game early.

Prediction: Cincinnati 31, Miami 17

Dallas Cowboys (2-2) @ Houston Texans (1-3). 10/7/18, 8:20 p.m. - NBC

The Dallas Cowboys are coming off a two-point victory over the Detroit Lions and are looking to make up ground in the still wide open NFC East division. Despite the slow start, the Houston Texans are looking to turn their season around while it is still early, especially because of the amount of talent the team has on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Deshaun Watson is coming off the ACL injury from last season and should continue to improve. While JJ Watt and Jadeveon Clowney lead the front seven on the defensive end, the Texans offense with the arm and legs of Deshaun Watson to go along with the hands and speed of Deandre Hopkins should cause problems for the Cowboys defense on Sunday night.

Prediction: Dallas 31, Houston 41

Predictions for other week 5 NFL matchups (Home team in CAPS)

Atlanta 28, PITTSBURGH 31. 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - FOX
Baltimore 10, CLEVELAND 14. 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - CBS
Denver 24, NY JETS 21. 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - CBS
Green Bay 38, DETROIT 21. 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - FOX
NY Giants 24, CAROLINA 27. 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - FOX
Tennessee 31, BUFFALO 14. 10/7/18, 1 p.m. - CBS
Oakland 38, LA CHARGERS 35. 10/7/18, 4:05 p.m. - CBS
Arizona 17, SAN FRANCISCO 21. 10/7/18, 4:25 p.m. - FOX
LA Rams 38, SEATTLE 19. 10/7/18. 4:25 p.m. - FOX
Minnesota 17, PHILADELPHIA 20. 10/7/18, 4:25 p.m. - FOX
Washington 24, NEW ORLEANS 35. 10/8/18, 8:15 p.m. - ESPN

David Green is a junior majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email davidrgreen95@gmail.com