NFL Week 5 officially got underway with an explosive performance by the Chicago Bears and while my narrative for the game script was off, we still hit with the underdog pick getting the points and we also hit on the over. Now we've got the rest of the slate to sift through for this weeks best bets. Of course, we have fewer games with a few teams on a bye week, but with some of the current match-ups we've got some very interesting action to lay down. If you caught me on Friday's edition of the Bettor Sports Betting Show with Dan Servodidio, then you've probably heard me speaking on a number of the plays I've got for you this week. But things can change with the NFL news updates, so let's take a look at what football bets we like for Week 5.

 

 

NFL Week 5 Best Bets:

Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions

Some might call me stubborn for going back to the Panthers well this week, but we were dead-on with the breakdown last week and would have sailed on to betting victory had we not been victimized by a late-game Bryce Young fumble. This week the Panthers head to Detroit and while yes, I know Jared Goff's numbers at home are significantly better at home than they are on the road, I believe in this Carolina pass defense. The Lions are 3-1 against the spread this season but just 1-1 ATS at home with the loss coming against the Seahawks when the Lions were a 10.5-point favorite. I actually bet this at 10 when it was available on Friday and would consider buying the extra half-point if you bet offshore, but with Amon-Ra St. Brown, Josh Reynolds banged-up and this current match-up, I'm fine getting just 9.5 in this one.  

Pick: Panthers +9.5 (-108)

Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts

Servo and I were on opposite sides on this one during the show, though we could both cash as he was only on the Tennessee money line and didn't bet with the spread. I know everyone loves betting on Mike Vrabel, but that's usually when he's an underdog. As the favorites here, I find it to be a little more wide open, especially with the Titans struggling offensive line, the lack of Treylon Burks, the shortcomings of Ryan Tannehill and the boost the Colts are getting from the Jonathan Taylor contract signing, I think they win this one. It will be a nice test for Anthony Richardson on the passing front, but with Michael Pittman and Josh Downs in his corner, I feel good about his chances.

Pick: Colts +2.5 (-110)

Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons

Am I a sucker for the Falcons? Yes. Have they disappointed on both the betting and offensive front? Absolutely. But I'm not wavering and this match-up against the Texans in Atlanta has me believing even more. Especially with the rushing attack led by Bijan Robinson. Far too many people are favoring CJ Stroud and the Texans right now and while I'm a big fan of their coach Demeco Ryans, I think this game is going to pose some difficulty for them. They're great against the pass and soft against the run. That's the Falcons wheelhouse and I'm sorry but anytime you lean more on Bijan than Desmond Ridder, I'm a happy camper. 

Pick: Falcons -2 (-110)

Cincinnati Bengals at Arizona Cardinals

I truly believe Vegas and others in the industry are wrong about his game total. I know Joe Burrow has been struggling while recovering from the calf injury, but this Arizona defense is not strong and even just a slight lean on Joe Mixon is going to put the Bengals on the board. With pressure off Burrow, he should be able to settle in and find his pass-catchers downfield, especially because the Cardinals are not a blitz-heavy team. On the other side, I think this Bengals defense is trash and heir secondary is even worse than that. Joshua Dobbs, Hames Conner and company will have ample opportunities to put points up and I think they do.

Pick: Over 44.5 (-110)

Favorite NFL Week 5 Player Props:

**all lines & odds courtesy of DraftKings Sportsbook