Eagles vs. Rams, 49ers vs. Cowboys picks: NFL Week 5 predictions
Post sports gambling editor/producer Erich Richter is in his first season in the Bettor’s Guide.
Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5) over LOS ANGELES RAMS
Preseason, this line would have been double digits — the Rams have surprised us all.
But is it fool’s gold?
The Rams are 17th in team DVOA, with their run defense profiling among the league’s worst, ranking 24th.
Matthew Stafford has been phenomenal in 2023 despite terrible pass blocking — the third-worst in the NFL, according to PFF — while having the fourth-worst pass block win rate (45 percent).
If they’re playing from behind, expect the Birds to flock at Stafford’s expense Sunday.
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (-3.5) over Dallas Cowboys
Dallas comes into this one as the No. 1 defense in DVOA but will have its work cut out for it Sunday against an elite rushing attack in San Francisco.
After the Cowboys allowed 222 rush yards in an embarrassing loss to the Cardinals in Week 3, Christian McCaffrey and Deebo Samuel will be licking their chops on “Sunday Night Football.”
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With Trevon Diggs out for the season, the Cowboys’ passing defense should take a step back (top-ranked on PFF).
The 49ers win 24-17 on Sunday night — tell Roger Goodell to hold the Taylor Swift movie ads this time, though.
Last week: 2-0. Jaguars (W). Vikings (W)
2023 season: 2-5-1.
