Oct. 2 Minnesota (2–2) at Green Bay (2–2)

The Thursday nighter in week five should be a good one as both teams are coming off impressive wins. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked virtually unstoppable last week and will look to keep it rolling at home again. Rookie quarterback Teddy Bridgewater looked composed in his first National Football League start but will have a tougher test against the Packers. Take: Green Bay 

Oct. 5 Atlanta (2–2) at New York Giants (2–2)

Tight end Larry Donnell stole the show last week as he hauled in three touchdowns in a big Giants win. Now they come home and get to play a poor road team — the Atlanta Falcons. Wide receiver Julio Jones and the Falcons offence should have a bounceback game against a weak Giants defence. Take: Atlanta

Oct. 5 Chicago (2–2) at Carolina (2–2)

The Bears were steamrolled at home by Green Bay and now have to go on the road and take on a strong Carolina team. Linebacker Luke Kuechly and the Panthers have dropped two straight and were exposed last week. The Bears passing attack is even better than what the Panthers saw last week. 

Take: Chicago 

Oct. 5 Houston (3–1) at Dallas (3–1)

Houston is off to a very surprising start and are being led by their shutdown defence. Dallas looked excellent at home last week and running back DeMarco Murray is leading the NFL in rushing. We’re seeing a good offence against a good defence. 

Take: Dallas

Oct. 5 Buffalo (2–2) at Detroit (3–1)

Quarterback E.J. Manuel is being replaced by Kyle Orton who gets to face a difficult Detroit defence. Detroit’s stingy run defence means Orton will be relied on to move the ball. The Lions just simply overmatch the Bills on both sides of the ball. 

Take: Detroit

Oct. 5 Baltimore (3–1) at Indianapolis (3–1)

This could potentially be the game of the week as both teams have looked scary good the past two weeks. Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck leads the league in passing and will use the advantage of being at home this week. 

Take: Indianapolis

Oct. 5 Pittsburgh (2–2) at Jacksonville (0–4)

The Steelers fell victim to the upset of the week as the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers squeaked out a win. Still not having found the win column, the Jacksonville Jaguars aren’t expected to anytime soon. Pittsburgh coach Mike Tomlin will not allow his team to be beaten by a weaker team again. 

Take: Pittsburgh 

Oct. 5 Tampa Bay (1–3) at New Orleans (1–3)

Surprisingly both of these teams are 1–3. The Bucs pulled out a stunner last week but now have to travel to New Orleans where the Saints haven’t lost in almost two years. Quarterback Drew Brees could have a huge game. Take: New Orleans 

Oct. 5 Arizona (3–0) at Denver (2–1)

The Arizona Cardinals are one of two unbeaten teams left in the NFL and coming off the bye get to face future hall of famer Peyton Manning. The Broncos are very tough to beat at home and it will come down to whether the Cards defence can slow down the highflying Denver offence. Take: Denver

Oct. 5 St. Louis (1–2) at Philadelphia (3–1)

Philly lost a close one last week for their first defeat of the year. Despite coming off a bye week, the Rams still don’t have a quarterback. With the Eagles at home, it could get ugly.

 Take: Philadelphia 

Oct. 5 Cleveland (1–2) at Tennessee (1–3)

Coming off the bye, the Cleveland Browns get a good matchup with the Tennessee Titans, who still could be without their starting quarterback. Whether it’s Jake Locker or Charlie Whitehurst under center for the Titans, the Browns should be able to control the game. Take: Cleveland

Oct. 5 New York Jets (1–3) at San Diego (3–1)

Quarterback Philip Rivers torched the Jaguars for three touchdowns and 300 yards last week and now gets the young and inexperienced Jets defence. In order to keep Rivers and the rest of the Chargers offence off the field, quarterback Geno Smith will need to be efficient on his own offence.Take: San Diego 

Oct. 5 Kansas City (2–2) at San Francisco (2–2)

Coming in off of a dominant Monday Night Football win, the Kansas City Chiefs now get a tough test travelling to San Francisco. The 49ers were the first team to beat the Eagles this year and their defence was exceptional in the process. Chiefs running back Jamaal Charles is finally healthy, but he can’t win the game on his own. Take: San Francisco

Oct. 5 Cincinnati (3–0) at New England (2–2)

The Cincinnati Bengals are the other unbeaten team left and their defence has carried them to this point. Look for much of the same as the New England Patriots offence hasn’t been able to find its rhythm this season. Take: Cincinnati 

Oct. 6 Seattle (2–1) at Washington (1–3)

The Monday nighter could be another blowout as it features the reigning Super Bowl champions against a Washington team that was flat out embarrassed last week. Young quarterback Kirk Cousins will have a tough an extremely tough test in his third career start. Take: Seattle

Byes: Miami, Oakland

Last Week: 7-6

Overall record: 34-27