2023 NFL Week 5 Player Props and Predictions: London’s Calling for the Bills and Jaguars
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Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders: Bears Beatdown in D.C.?
We’re expecting a big game from Sam Howell in the Thursday nighter, but most of that confidence comes from how putrid Chicago’s defence has been this season.
The winless Bears easily have the worst defence in the NFL. Last week in a home loss to a bad Denver squad, Chicago’s defence allowed 6.5 yards per play and a 54.6 per cent third-down conversion rate. The Bears rank at the bottom or near the bottom in almost every major defensive statistic and there’s no reason to think that will change anytime soon.
Howell and the Commanders should pick apart Chicago’s pass rush in Week 5.
NFL Week 5 Prediction: Sam Howell Over 243.5 passing yards (-115)
Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills: London’s Calling
It’s true that Trevor Lawrence has thrown multiple touchdown passes only once this season, but the Jags have a massive advantage this week against Buffalo. Fresh off a 23-7 win against Atlanta, they’ve had an extra week to get acclimated in London.
Meanwhile, the Bills are flying across the Atlantic Ocean after a huge Week 4 divisional game that would have taken all their focus away from pre-planning for Jacksonville. This could be a throwaway game for Buffalo, while the Jaguars need a win to keep pace with the current four-way tie in the AFC South division.
This smells like a breakout game for Lawrence.
NFL Week 5 Prediction: Trevor Lawrence Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (+100)
Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings: Jefferson on Historic Pace
Justin Jefferson had the best season of his career last year, recording 1,809 yards on 128 receptions. Both numbers led the NFL. He’s started even hotter this year as he is on pace to break the NFL record for receiving yards in a season.
Jefferson has been on an absolute tear in 2023, leading the NFL with 543 receiving yards after four weeks. The fourth-year wideout is also tied for second in receiving touchdowns (3) and tied for third in total receptions (33).
It’s a big number for Jefferson this week, but he’s topped 148 receiving yards in three of four games, with his season-low standing at 85 yards. Kirk Cousin will need to throw the ball against Kansas City and Jefferson will be his top target.
NFL Week 5 Prediction: Justin Jefferson Over 103.5 receiving yards (-115)
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers: March with McCaffrey
The 49ers are rolling this year as one of only two remaining undefeated teams and Sunday’s home tilt against Dallas is a chance to cement their place as the team to beat in the NFC.
A big part of San Francisco’s success is clearly owed to running back Christian McCaffrey, who leads the NFL with 459 rushing yards and six touchdowns. He’s run in a touchdown in every game this season, including three last week against Arizona. McCaffrey has topped 100 receiving yards thee times, with 85 yards being his season-low.
The pace McCaffrey is playing at not only makes him a favourite to win Offensive Player of the Year, it could help him become the first running back to win league MVP since Adrian Peterson in 2012.
We’re marching with McCaffrey in Week 5.
NFL Week 5 Prediction: Christian McCaffrey Over 73.5 rushing yards (-115)
Green Bay Packers at Las Vegas Raiders: Lots of Love for Love
There are still a lot of question marks surrounding Jordan Love in Green Bay, but this week stacks up well for him. The Raiders have allowed the second-most passing touchdowns to quarterbacks this season and Love’s eight TD passes on the year is the fifth-most in the NFL.
Love’s two best games this season came on the road as he threw for three touchdowns each in Chicago and Atlanta. He’s logged at least two total scores in all four games this year and he’s thrown for more than 240 yards three times.
Don’t be surprised if Love throws for at least 250 yards and three TDs in Las Vegas.
NFL Week 5 Prediction: Jordan Love Over 1.5 passing touchdowns (-110)