NFL - Week Five Preview

 

As the pro football season goes to Week Five, it's condolences and remembrance to one of the greatest defensive players ever to play in the NFL. Dick Butkus, legendary linebacker who played for the Chicago Bears from 1965-1973 and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio in 1979, died today at the age of 80. 

 

RIP legendary Dick Butkus. 

 

 

As for the current Bears team, they are 0-4 and face the Washington Commanders (2-2) on the road on Thursday night. The Commanders narrowly lost against Philadelphia in overtime last week while the Bears squandered a 21-point lead to Denver and lost 31-28 at Soldier Field. Odds are the Commanders will win the game against Chicago, but let's see if the current Bears team can win one for a legend from the Windy City. 

The biggest game this weekend takes place in San Francisco on Sunday night when the undefeated 49ers (4-0) take on the Dallas Cowboys (3-1) in what could be a playoff preview (San Francisco has knocked Dallas out of the playoffs the past two years) and that's important for the Cowboys if they want to compete in the NFC against both the 49ers and the Eagles. 

San Francisco has been outstanding on both sides of the football so far this season while the Cowboys have been dominant on defense as well. The offense needs to pick it up if they want to win this game. The 49ers can score on Dallas' defense, so it will be vital for Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott and the offense to get it rolling early. 

There are some other intriguing games this week and the capsule style previews and the Heftyinfo predictions for all the games follow up. 

 

Jacksonville (2-2) at Buffalo (3-1) - (Game is being played in London, England) - The Bills annihilated the Dolphins last week and should win this game as well. 

N.Y. Giants (1-3) at Miami (3-1) - The Dolphins are smarting after getting spanked last week and should rebound at home against a weak Giants team. 

Tennessee (2-2) at Indianapolis (2-2) - These two teams are very evenly matched. Toss up. 

New Orleans (2-2) at New England (1-3) - Can the Patriots avoid a 1-4 start? Yes they can. Saints have been inconsistent so far this season. 

Baltimore (3-1) at Pittsburgh (2-2) - Smash mouth football between these two teams. Ravens rate the edge as the Steelers are banged up and might not have starting QB Kenny Pickett. 

Houston (2-2) at Atlanta (2-2) - Another toss up game. Falcons rate slight edge (at home) against a plucky Texans team. 

Carolina (0-4) at Detroit (3-1) - Take the Lions. 

Cincinnati (1-3) at Arizona (1-3) - As QB Joe Burrow goes, so go the Bengals . . . and he is hurt right now. Cardinals should win this one at home. 

Philadelphia (4-0) at L.A. Rams (2-2) - Surprise! Rams edge the Eagles out in this one. 

N.Y. Jets (1-3) at Denver (1-3) - The Broncos finally got a win last week while the Jets battled the mighty Kansas City Chiefs down to the wire. Toss up. 

Kansas City (3-1) at Minnesota (1-3) - Chiefs should win this one, but they didn't look too sharp last week against the Jets. Vikings have struggled early on this year. 

Green Bay (2-2) at Las Vegas (1-3) - The Monday night game in Vegas . . . these Raiders are hardly a must watch team. Packers have been so-so through four games. 

 

The Heftyinfo picks for Week Five  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .        (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)

Chicago over Washington 

Miami over N.Y. Giants 

Buffalo over Jacksonville (in London, England)

Indianapolis over Tennessee 

New England over New Orleans 

Baltimore over Pittsburgh 

Atlanta over Houston 

DETROIT over Carolina 

Arizona over Cincinnati 

L.A. Rams over Philadelphia 

Denver over N.Y. Jets 

Kansas City over Minnesota 

San Francisco over Dallas 

Green Bay over Las Vegas 

 

 Last Week's Record - 11-5

SEASON RECORD - 43-21

Lock of the Week Record - 4-0