NFL week 5 tips: Patriots and Cowboys to continue strong starts to the season
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NFL week 5 tips
As we enter week 5 of the NFL season there are only three unbeaten teams left in the league, while one of the stars of the sport enters the fray.
Yes, Tom Brady will return from his four-game suspension for the deflategate scandal, when the New England Patriots take on the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Elsewhere, Denver Broncos, Minnesota Vikings and Philadelphia Eagles are all aiming to keep a zero in the loss column for another week.
Here, Coral gives its top NFL week 5 tips for this weekend’s round of matches…
Tennessee Titans @ Miami Dolphins
Hurricane Matthew may have the final say over whether this game commences on time and, given the potentially tricky conditions, it may favour the travelling Titans.
Both teams are 1-3 in their seasons and will know that another defeat will leave them with an almost impossible task to reach the playoffs.
The Dolphins’ defeats have come at the hands of three quality outfits – New England Patriots, Seattle Seahawks and Cincinnati Bengals, while their only victory came in unconvincing fashion over Cleveland Browns.
Their defense has holes in the secondary and their offense remains a weak unit under the coaching of Adam Gase. For all their problems the Titans have the ability to exploit their opponents and may be able to sneak out a close victory should Marcus Mariota and DeMarco Murray find their form.
Backing the AFC South outfit at 10/3 to claim a 1-6 point victory over the Dolphins could be a worthwhile punt.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Detroit Lions
The Eagles have enjoyed an excellent start to the campaign, winning all three of their matches due to the outstanding play of rookie quarterback Carson Wentz.
Doug Pederson’s men travel to Detroit fresh off their bye week and determined to defend their unbeaten start to the season.
The Lions have lost three games on the bounce, and are in dire need of a victory to keep in touch with their rivals Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers in the NFC North.
Detroit have talent on their roster, but need to prove it before it’s too late for head coach Jim Caldwell. This is a game that they cannot afford to lose especially at home, which may just bring out their best, despite having a number of injuries on defense.
The NFC North side are backed at 29/20 on the money line to defeat the Eagles and Wentz, and it could be a wise option given the unpredictable play of rookie quarterbacks.
New England Patriots @ Cleveland Browns
Brady returns to competitive action for the first time since his side’s defeat to Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship game in January, although his team have fared well without him – boasting a 3-1 record.
However, the Patriots were handed their first shutout in 10 years by the Buffalo Bills last week, making the 39-year-old’s comeback a timely one.
Brady remains one of the best players in the league, despite his advancing years and he will be eager to make up for lost time, particularly against one of the worst defenses in the NFL. The Browns have allowed 28.5 points per game thus far this term and expect that to increase against the Pats.
New England have a full arsenal of weapons to throw at Hue Jackson’s men, with All-Pro tight end Rob Gronkowski almost restored to 100 per cent after struggling with a hamstring injury.
As a result of the winless Browns’ struggles, and Brady’s desire to punish every team he faces this season, back Bill Belichick’s men to win by 13-18 points at 16/5. A larger margin could be possible depending on how cruel Brady is feeling on Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys have been one of the surprise stories of the 2016 season, thriving without the presence of injured quarterback Tony Romo. Rookie Dak Prescott has stepped into the void and played error-free football to guide his team to a 3-1 record.
Running back Ezekiel Elliott has also starred for Jason Garrett’s men, helping them to three-straight wins, while the defense has been efficient despite missing Randy Gregory and DeMarcus Lawrence through suspension.
Cincinnati claimed a vital win over Miami Dolphins last time out to move back to .500, but they have been far from their best in the early stages of the campaign. Only the performances of A.J Green have kept them afloat, and the 28-year-old will need to have another fine outing for his team to secure victory at AT&T Stadium.
The Cowboys are +2.0 against the spread (10/11) which, considering their recent displays, is a good bet to take on -especially since they’re playing at home.
New York Giants @ Green Bay Packers
The Packers come into the match off their bye week, where they will have hoped to have solved some of their issues from the opening three matches of the campaign.
Mike McCarthy’s men have a 2-1 record, beating Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions, but have not been overly convincing in their victories, almost allowing late comebacks from both teams.
Aaron Rodgers showed signs of his imperious best in the win over the Lions, and will need to continue that form for his team to close the gap to Minnesota Vikings at the top of the NFC North.
The Giants have a potent offense on paper, but need to get Odell Beckham Jr along with Victor Cruz and Sterling Shepard firing, after underwhelming displays in their side’s defeat to the Vikings on Monday.
Offense will be key in this contest, while neither boast a particularly formidable defense. This is why backing over 49 points at 19/20 would be a solid bet to take as it could be touchdowns aplenty at Lambeau Field on Sunday.
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