PFN’s NFL Week 5 predictions are back, but the slate of games does not provide the same amount of wackiness we’d seen over the first four weeks of the season. And with four teams not playing, there are fewer games to choose from.
From the current NFL standings to team depth charts to coverage of every game in the 18-week NFL schedule, we have all the news from around the league to keep you up to speed!
Pro Football Network’s Week 5 NFL Predictions
What do the game selector’s records look like so far in 2023, and how did each one fair in Week 4?
Year to Date
- Dalton Miller: 45-19
- Dallas Robinson: 43-21
- David Bearman: 40-24
- Adam Beasley: 39-25
- Jay Morrison: 33-31
Last Week
- Miller: 12-4
- Robinson: 11-5
- Bearman: 9-7
- Beasley: 9-7
- Morrison: 9-7
These predictions are simply deciding between winners and losers. There are no point spreads here. For that, head over to our Week 5 betting predictions.
Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders
- Beasley: Commanders
- Bearman: Commanders
- Miller: Commanders
- Morrison: Commanders
- Robinson: Commanders
It would take a lunatic to choose the Bears to win on a short week on the road, but at least one of the game selectors almost did. For as bad as Chicago has been, their matchup against Washington might be one of the better ones they’ll get all season.
MORE: Chicago Bears vs. Washington Commanders Predictions — 3 Crucial Stats
Justin Fields and the passing attack are bad overall, but Fields has been great so far on downfield attempts. Additionally, the Commanders’ defensive backfield has struggled to maintain structural integrity downfield so far in 2023.
But in the end… they’re still the Bears.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Buffalo Bills
- Beasley: Bills
- Bearman: Bills
- Miller: Bills
- Morrison: Bills
- Robinson: Bills
The Jacksonville Jaguars have been underwhelming so far in 2023. They’ve consistently shot themselves in the foot since the beginning of the season. Although Trevor Lawrence is playing incredibly well overall, it hasn’t translated to offensive efficiency.
Meanwhile, the Bills are currently doing exactly what they’ve done over the past few seasons. They’re third in offensive EPA and fourth in defensive EPA over the first few weeks of the season. They’ve looked entirely dominant over the past three weeks since opening up with a stinker against the Jets.
Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons
- Beasley: Falcons
- Bearman: Texans
- Miller: Texans
- Morrison: Texans
- Robinson: Texans
Through four weeks, the Houston Texans are something not many expected from them, particularly after most of their offensive line went down with injuries. They are average. In fact, they’re 16th in offensive and defensive EPA through four weeks.
C.J. Stroud is playing incredibly sound football despite playing behind an underwhelming offensive line. Meanwhile, Desmond Ridder is playing behind what is supposed to be a strong offensive line with more than enough offensive weapons to succeed.
Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
- Beasley: Lions
- Bearman: Lions
- Miller: Lions
- Morrison: Lions
- Robinson: Lions
Bryce Young seems overwhelmed as it is. Having to face Aidan Hutchinson, Alim McNeill, and the rest of the Lions’ defensive front is not what he needs right now.
It doesn’t help that his best (only?) offensive weapon is 33-year-old Adam Thielen. While he’s playing well, he’s not Justin Jefferson.
Meanwhile, the Lions are coming off of an extended rest period after playing on Thursday Night Football against the Packers in Week 4. Although Detroit’s offensive efficiency hasn’t been as efficient as in 2022 yet, they are a much better defensive unit in 2023.
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts
- Beasley: Colts
- Bearman: Colts
- Miller: Colts
- Morrison: Titans
- Robinson: Colts
The Indianapolis Colts have played far above expectations so far in 2023, and their new head coach and rookie QB have a lot to do with it. However, this was not a unanimous decision, which makes sense considering Morrison had a front-row seat to a Titans’ domination against the Bengals in Week 4.
But comparatively speaking, the Colts are a far more dynamic football team than the Titans. But if Tennessee can keep a game in a neutral script, they can compete with nearly anybody, because they have a fantastic defensive line that can get after opponents.
New York Giants at Miami Dolphins
- Beasley: Dolphins
- Bearman: Dolphins
- Miller: Dolphins
- Morrison: Dolphins
- Robinson: Dolphins
How convinced are we that the New York Giants aren’t the worst team in the NFL? They’re currently the worst offensive team in the league from an EPA perspective, and they rank 28th defensively.
MORE: Miami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Should Absolutely Shred the New York Giants
Meanwhile, the Dolphins’ speed and the Giants’ inability to rush the passer while playing very aggressively on the back end is a horrific combination. The Dolphins should get back on track offensively.
New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots
- Beasley: Patriots
- Bearman: Saints
- Miller: Saints
- Morrison: Saints
- Robinson: Patriots
The Saints absolutely need to win this game. They once again refinanced the house to put this roster together, and they absolutely must take advantage of an underwhelming division. But New Orleans needs their offense to get on track.
Meanwhile, the Patriots are incredibly injured at the moment. They’re missing a large chunk of their defensive backfield and lost Matthew Judon last week against the Cowboys.
But can Derek Carr and his injured shoulder actually play real football in Week 5 instead of whatever it was they were trying to do in Week 4?
Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Beasley: Ravens
- Bearman: Ravens
- Miller: Ravens
- Morrison: Ravens
- Robinson: Ravens
Mike Macdonald might be a head coach in 2024. Despite mounting injuries to his defense, they currently rank third in defensive EPA. While their offensive EPA is lower, that is largely due to some untimely turnovers. The offense is fifth in success rate.
The passing attack isn’t just good for the Ravens; it’s good, period. Lamar Jackson has been outstanding passing from within the pocket. If he can limit his need to do too much too often, Baltimore’s offense could become unstoppable.
MORE: NFL Coaches on the Hot Seat — Steelers OC Matt Canada
Meanwhile, the Steelers are… struggling. They’re 31st in EPA and success rate offensively. Kenny Pickett has been atrocious, as has the offensive line. While they’re a middle-of-the-pack defense, they have one of the best pass-rushing duos in the NFL.
Cincinnati Bengals at Arizona Cardinals
- Beasley: Cardinals
- Bearman: Cardinals
- Miller: Cardinals
- Morrison: Bengals
- Robinson: Bengals
These are not the Cincinnati Bengals we’re used to seeing. They are not even close to what we’ve seen over the past few seasons. Joe Burrow’s calf has made him a shell of his former self, and the defense has underwhelmed so far in 2023.
The Bengals rank 27th in offensive EPA, 29th in success rate, 25th in defensive EPA, and 27th in defensive success rate. In other words, Cincinnati, right now, is a bad football team.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals have grossly overperformed relative to expectations so far. They’re ninth in EPA and 11th in success rate on offense. But their defensive EPA took a massive hit after surrendering five touchdowns in six drives against the 49ers.
Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams
- Beasley: Eagles
- Bearman: Eagles
- Miller: Eagles
- Morrison: Eagles
- Robinson: Eagles
The Rams have been much better in 2023 than anyone anticipated, but the Eagles have been outstanding in the “finding a way to win ugly games” category over the past two seasons. They’re so well-rounded that even when multiple facets of their game are off, it doesn’t matter in the end because another facet can absolutely dominate.
The spine of Philadelphia’s defense is bad, but the rest of the roster is incredibly strong.
Meanwhile, Matthew Stafford has a new best friend in Puka Nacua, and Cooper Kupp isn’t far from returning to the field. The defense is playing well, and Aaron Donald is back to his uber-elite form.
New York Jets at Denver Broncos
- Beasley: Broncos
- Bearman: Jets
- Miller: Jets
- Morrison: Broncos
- Robinson: Jets
The Broncos’ offense has been playing well, but their defense has been horrendous. Denver’s offense has also avoided playing defense at the caliber of the Jets so far through four weeks. If New York can limit Russell Wilson’s downfield passing production, they can stymie the Broncos’ offense.
Zach Wilson is coming off what may have been his best game as a pro. Meeting Denver’s defense will either be the largest confidence boost of his career or a complete confidence killer.
Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings
- Beasley: Chiefs
- Bearman: Chiefs
- Miller: Chiefs
- Morrison: Chiefs
- Robinson: Chiefs
Although Patrick Mahomes didn’t look 100% against the Jets, New York has done that thus far against him and Josh Allen this season. Kansas City’s defense has been very good so far, and Mahomes will be another week past his ankle injury.
The Vikings have been average on both offense and defense, but Kirk Cousins has made some critical mistakes in the red zone that are uncharacteristic in his game.
Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
- Beasley: 49ers
- Bearman: 49ers
- Miller: Cowboys
- Morrison: 49ers
- Robinson: 49ers
The 49ers are currently second in offensive EPA, third in offensive success rate, ninth in defensive EPA, and 20th in defensive success rate. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are sixth in offensive EPA, ninth in success rate, second in defensive EPA, and fourth in defensive success rate. In short, they’re two of the most well-rounded NFL teams.
MORE: Will Winner of Cowboys-49ers Have Inside Track to the Super Bowl?
Going against the grain here and selecting the Cowboys was one of two calculated risks this week. The first could have been choosing the Bears to win on Thursday night. But it’s much easier to trust Dallas, even when they’re playing their boogeyman. It’s the first time their entire offensive line has been healthy since 2021.
The Cowboys’ offense has struggled to find answers against the 49ers the past few years. That might not be the case anymore with their new offensive structure.
Green Bay Packers at Las Vegas Raiders
- Beasley: Packers
- Bearman: Packers
- Miller: Packers
- Morrison: Raiders
- Robinson: Packers
Who doesn’t want to see the 2-2 Packers playing against the 1-3 Raiders?
Green Bay’s offense is still very structurally sound. Jordan Love isn’t yet making the most out of it, but he’s playing decently well as a new starter behind an offensive line that continues to shuffle around.
Meanwhile, Las Vegas’ defense remains a massive problem in their pursuit of winning football games. They’re 30th in defensive EPA, and aside from Maxx Crosby, they have very little on the defensive roster to intimidate opponents.
