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ESPN NFL Week 5 Predictions, Picks, And Schedule: Steelers, Packers, Vikings, And Eagles Viewed As Consensus Winners

By Phillip Dengler
Published on: 10:06 PST, Oct 8, 2016

NFL predictions and picks for Week 5 from the experts at ESPN are now here, and there are a few big surprise teams after the first quarter of the season. While the Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles were not expected to make a ton of noise this season, they are the only two remaining undefeated teams left in the NFC. Despite losing quarterback Tom Brady for the first four games of the season due to suspension, the New England Patriots are sitting at 3-1, which is good for first place in the AFC East.

Regardless of the current standings, there is still a lot of football left to be played. With only 16 games for each team, every single game counts, and Week 5 has some very intriguing matchups. In addition to the predictions by the experts at ESPN, the latest NFL odds from Vegas Insider were also used as reference points. Here are a few of the notable games.

New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers – WINNER: Steelers

After getting blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, it appeared as though the Steelers may have been slightly overrated. While Eagles rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has already proven that he can play, the game was not even close. Regardless, the Steelers rebounded in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, and they showed that they are still one of the few elite teams in the AFC. With Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick struggling mightily this year, it is unlikely their offense will be able to keep up with the Steelers. All nine ESPN experts believe the Steelers will win this game easily.

New York Giants at Green Bay Packers – WINNER: Packers

After starting the 2016 season with a record of 2-0, the Giants have lost their past two games. While Giants quarterback Eli Manning is off to a solid season, he struggled against the elite Vikings defense last week. Even though he should be better against the Packers, it is unlikely the Giants offense will be able to outscore the Packers. Expect Odell Beckham, Jr. to score his first touchdown of the year, but it will not be enough. Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson should have this one sealed by the beginning of the final quarter. All nine ESPN experts believe the Packers will win this game.

Houston Texans at Minnesota Vikings – WINNER: Vikings

After losing quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in the preseason, it appeared as though the Vikings season was already over. While they traded for former Eagles quarterback Sam Bradford, they were still expected to take a step back this year. After losing running back Adrian Peterson, it really appeared as though the Vikings were done. Regardless, they are off to a 4-0 start, and Bradford is playing great. Their defense looks to be one of the best in the NFL, and it should be a fairly easy victory against the suspect Texans offense. All nine ESPN experts believe the Vikings will win this game.

Philadelphia Eagles at Detroit Lions – WINNER: Eagles

While they will be traveling to Detroit, the experts still believe the Eagles will come out on top against the 1-3 Lions. Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford has looked better this year, but they are not a good team. After starting off the season with a 3-0 record, the Eagles are due for a down game, but the early Week 4 bye may have done them well. New Eagles coach Doug Pederson has had his team prepared so far, and Carson Wentz has looked like a 10-year pro. Six out of nine ESPN experts believe the Eagles will win this game.

More ESPN NFL Picks for Week 5

  • Patriots over Browns
  • Colts over Bears
  • Dolphins over Titans
  • Ravens over Redskins
  • Broncos over Falcons
  • Bengals over Cowboys
  • Rams over Bills
  • Raiders over Chargers
  • Panthers over Buccaneers

Jacksonville, Kansas City, New Orleans, and Seattle are all on their bye weeks.

[Featured Image by Rich Schultz/Getty Images]

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