NFL picks Week 5: Chiefs-Bears and all others
Aug 15, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Kansas City Chiefs safety Eric Berry (29) against the Arizona Cardinals during a preseason NFL football game at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Week 5 of the National Football League season will hopefully be kinder to the Kansas City Chiefs than the last three. In fairness, it is impossible for the slate to get any tougher, since the three teams who beat the Chiefs are still without a single loss between them.
On Sunday, the Chiefs return to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the Chicago Bears, who are also 1-3. Chicago has a decent offense with Jay Cutler, Matt Forte and Alshon Jeffrey, but the defense is deplorable. The only unit ranked below them belongs to … Kansas City. Can the Chiefs finally get things turned around, or does this dumpster fire of a season come completely unhinged? Here are my Week 5 NFL picks:
All lines are courtesy of OddsShark.com.
Chicago Bears at Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5)
It’s impossible to pick Kansas City (1-3) to cover the spread right now. The question is whether the Chiefs can rise up and win a must game. Kansas City has allowed 74 points over the last two games and faces a Chicago (1-3) offense that has some weapons. Frankly, I have no confidence in the Chiefs showing guts and winning. This feels like the moment a total unraveling happens.
Pick: Chicago 31, Kansas City 23
Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans (NO LINE)
Assuming Andrew Luck plays, Indianapolis (2-2) is not losing this game. The Colts are no good, but Houston is starting Ryan Mallett at quarterback. The guy looks absolutely brutal. Indianapolis won’t blow the Texans out, but it will win.
Pick: Indianapolis 20, Houston 17
Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons (-8)
Atlanta (4-0) is rolling and has one of the easiest schedules in the NFL. Washington (2-2) is surprisingly tied for first place in the NFC East, mostly because that division resembles a dumpster fire. Look for Matt Ryan to take advantage of a bad secondary while Devonta Freeman runs wild.
Pick: Atlanta 34, Washington 21
Next: More early games...