The NFL is an ever changing league with teams rising and falling each week. This past week’s results gave us a better glimpse into the state of each team. Check out last week’s Strength Rankings
- Scroll down to see the game by game picks for this week.
- See the game by game results of the pick results from last week at the bottom of the page as well as the picks for this week.
Win/Loss Records of the picks for Week 4:
| Picker | Rivalry Sports – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker – Brandon Kirby |
| Win – Loss Record Week 4 | 11 – 5 | 11 – 5 |
Rivalry Sports Lock Pick of the Week
| Week | Rivalry Sports Game Score Pick | Actual Result |
| 4 | San Francisco Over Arizona 27 -13 | San Francisco won 35 – 16 |
| 5 | Detroit Lions Over Carolina Panther 31 – 17 |
Take a look at each division to see where Rivalry Sports currently has your team ranked within the division.
NFC EAST
Philadelphia Eagles (4 – 0)
The Commanders took the Eagles to overtime, but Philadelphia prevailed in the end. The Eagles were able to put up better numbers in the passing game, but something just feels off with this talented team. Although they have plenty of time to correct any issues and they are undefeated, the Eagles need to establish more of a running game and see improvement from their Defense.
Strengths: With a strong collection of offensive playmakers including QB Jalen Hurts and WRs A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, and a loaded defensive front seven, the team is built to compete now and for years to come.
Weaknesses: An aging offensive line has not shown signs of regression, but could be an area to watch. The chemistry could be tested this year as sideline arguments have already been seen between star players.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Los Angeles Rams at 4:05pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Dallas Cowboys (3-1)
Dallas absolutely dominated the New England Patriots this past week. This team is talented and is a serious threat to overtake the Eagles for the Division lead.
We get to see just how good the Cowboys are when they take on undefeated San Francisco this week!
Strengths: When healthy, Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and Tony Pollard form a strong base of skill position offensive players. The Defense is one of the NFL’s best with perennial Defensive Player of the Year Candidate Micah Parsons rushing the passer or manning the running lanes.
Weaknesses: Age on the offensive line and injuries. The devastating injury to CB Trevon Diggs as well as the injuries across the Offensive Line could derail the season.
Week 5 Opponent: @ San Francisco 49ers at 7:20pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Washington Commanders (2-2)
The Commanders took the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles to overtime and played well. QB Sam Howell played much better than the previous week and the Defense got after Jalen Hurts.
To take the next step, the Commanders need Sam Howell to continue to progress and for the vaunted Defensive Line to become an unblockable unit.
Strengths: Their Defensive line can wreak havoc when healthy and they have playmakers at the WR position.
Weaknesses: The Defensive line will soon become too expensive to keep all of the pieces. Sam Howell is a gutsy QB, but can he be the QB to lead the Commanders to dominance in the NFL?
Week 5 Opponent: Chicago Bears at 8:15pm EDT, Thursday 10/5/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
New York Giants (1-3)
The Giants are very frustrated. After a surprising playoff run last year, the Giants are experiencing a letdown. Even with star RB Saquon Barkley, this team needs more weapons, but without him they really struggle.
This past week they outgained the Seattle Seahawks and dominated time of possession, but still lost by the score of 24 – 3.
The Giants lost mainly due to the turnover battle as they threw 2 interceptions and lost a fumble and Seattle had no turnovers.
New York has a tough road ahead with the Dolphins their next opponent.
Strengths: Brian Daboll is a good coach that has the Giants play hard each week. Daniel Jones has some dual threat talent that he is still tapping into and when healthy Saquon Barkley is a great RB.
Weaknesses: Saquon Barkley has a hard time staying healthy which throws off the entire offense. The other offensive playmakers have not stepped up enough to take the pressure off when Barkley is out.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Miami Dolphins at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC North
Detroit Lions (3-1)
The Lions earned an impressive victory over Green Bay in Week 4 to take control of the division. With a steady offense led by veteran QB Jared Goff and an emerging Defense led by young stars to be Aidan Hutchinson and Brian Branch. This team is ready to make some noise!
Strengths: Young defensive stalwarts such as Aidan Hutchinson, Brian Branch, and Jack Campbell have a bright future. On offense, the strong offensive line provides protection for underrated QB Jared Goff and the running game.
Weaknesses: The Lions have a great slot receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown and a talented young TE in Sam LaPorta, but they need production from their outside receiving crew which is holding this team back from reaching even higher heights.
Week 5 Opponent: Carolina Panthers at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Green Bay is in a weird spot this year. They have a team that can compete for the playoffs led by a talented young QB in Jordan Love. Love is learning how to lead and win in the NFL and if he can string together good games the Packers will have a shot at the playoffs.
However, Packer nation must be patient as Love experiences highs and lows during his on the job training.
Strengths: Green Bay is a well run team from the front office to the coaching staff. They have talent across the board and their young QB Jordan Love looks like he may have what it takes to be the “answer” at QB.
Weaknesses: The age/injury history of the offensive line is concerning, especially when it comes to Pro Bowl Left Tackle David Bakhtiari. Also they have a young star WR in Christian Watson, but he has failed to stay healthy so far in his career.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Las Vegas Raiders at 8:15pm EDT, Monday 10/9/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Minnesota Vikings (1-3)
The Vikings got their first win of the year this past week! Unfortunately it was still a struggle for Minnesota to beat the winless Carolina Panthers.
Minnesota needs veteran QB Kirk Cousins to take better care of the ball and for the defense to continue to improve. They also need a steady running game that will take some pressure off of Cousins and the passing game.
Over the next few weeks we will see if the Vikings should be buyers or sellers at the trade deadline, starting with a tough game against the defending Champs!
Strengths: Justin Jefferson is an All-Pro WR and T.J. Hockenson is a talented TE for steady and underatted QB Kirk Cousins.
Weaknesses: Kirk Cousins is now 35 years old and the Vikings have not committed to him past this year. Too much money is spent on a defense that is not dominant and the run game fails to hold up their end of the bargain on offense.
Week 5 Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Chicago Bears (0-3)
QB Justin Fields played much better against the Broncos, but the Bears were still not able to come away with a win. Fields is still trying to show that he is the QB of the future, but the Bears are falling further from contention each week.
The Bears play a solid Washington Commanders team this week. They will be underdogs, but if they are going to start winning games this is a game they should be competitive in, but ultimately I expect another loss.
Strengths: This team is a mess. They have some good players, but none of their units stand out on either side of the ball. The good news is that they will have two high first round picks in the upcoming draft.
Weaknesses: Justin Fields is in his third year in the NFL, but does not seem to be progressing at a rate to show that he is the future for the Bears at QB. Without a good QB in the NFL, you will be stuck in mediocrity or worse. Now Fields has publicly questioned the coaching so we will see where this goes.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Washington Commanders at 8:15pm EDT, Thursday 10/5/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC South
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Tampa Bay has continued to exceed preseason expectations and they are at the top of the NFC South!
QB Baker Mayfield has looked revived and along with a great Defense helped lead the Bucs to a win over the Saints in Week 4.
They can enjoy the Bye week and be ready to get back to work in Week 6.
Strengths: The Bucs have a strong D and a great 1 – 2 punch at WR with Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
Weaknesses: Tampa Bay is an aging team that must decide if they want to keep the band together, or trade some veterans now to reload instead of having to rebuild later. With many veteran core players that will need a new contract, now is the time to go all in or to trade them for young assets.
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
New Orleans Saints (2-2)
The Saints were just dominated in this past week’s game with Tampa Bay and it should have been a close game. Maybe QB Derek Carr is hurt more than the SAints are letting on, but if not it is inexplicable why they threw so many short passes.
Alvin Kamara caught a staggering 13 passes, but only gained 33 yards! The Bucs defense was able to key in on the short passing game and the running game without a threat of the deep ball.
The Offensive Line will need to give Carr time and the Offensive Coordinator will have to scheme up some plays to get the talented receiving corps some opportunities downfield.
This week will be a tough game against a desperate New England Patriots team.
Strengths: The Saints have a good offensive line, a star RB in Alvin Kamara, a star young WR in Chris Olave, a steady veteran QB in Derek Carr and a steady and strong defense.
Weaknesses: The heart and soul of the D is Cam Jordan and while Jordan is still a good player, he is 34 years old. Kamara will need a new contract soon or the Saints will need to replace the talented RB. Do they have enough young talent on Defense to make some noise in the playoffs?
Week 5 Opponent: @ New England Patriots at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
The Falcons missed an opportunity to win a winnable game against the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, but the Defense played fairly well.
The Dirty Birds will look to get back on track against a surging, but young Houston Texans team this week. If the Falcons can establish a strong running game, but have the threat of the passing game then they should win this weekend.
Strengths: The Falcons have a lot of young talent on offense including RB Bijan Robinson, TE Kyle Pitts, and WR Drake London, but can QB Demond Ridder get the ball to the TE and WRs?
Weaknesses: The Falcons need to continue to add to their D and offensive line, but most importantly, they need QB Desmond Ridder to prove that he can be a dangerous passer in the NFL.
Week 5 Opponent: Houston Texans at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Carolina Panthers (0-4)
The Panthers are experiencing the tough times of a rebuild. QB Bryce Young has had a rough start to his career and it is hard to see things improving in the near future with the Panthers facing a tough Lions team this week.
Carolina has a veteran coaching staff and the coaches will need to hold this team together while they are experiencing these turbulent times. I believe that Young will be a good QB, but it takes time.
Strengths: Bryce Young will be a good QB in the league, but it takes time. They have some young talent on defense including star DE Brian Burns.
Weaknesses: The Panthers need more playmakers to help Young out and they will need to continue to build a stronger offensive line.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Detroit Lions at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
NFC West
San FRancisco 49ers (4-0)
The 49ers are not only the class of the NFC West, they might be the best team in the NFC!
San Francisco is loaded on Offense and Defense and will be a hard matchup for any opponent. If young QB Brock Purdy continues to improve as well then look out for this team come the playoffs!
Strengths: This team is loaded. They have superstar RB Christian McCaffrrey at RB, George Kittle at TE, Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk at Wr and 2nd year surpise QB Brock Purdy leading the offense. The D is just as impressive with Nick Bosa and Jason Hargrave leading what might be the best D-line in the NFL.
Weaknesses: The only true “weakness” for the 49ers is the injury bug. For years now their starting QB seems to get injured and throw the season off the rails, but last year they had 4 QBs injured which led them to not being able to pass in the playoffs.
Week 5 Opponent: Dallas Cowboys at 8:20pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Seattle is trying to prove that last year was no fluke and that they are a playoff contending team again. As per usual, Coach Pete Carroll has the Seahawks playing tough offense and limiting turnovers and playing strong Defense.
That recipe has continued to lead to success. With a stable of capable running backs and a smart veteran QB in Geno Smith that has a lot of weapons in the passing game, this team is tough to beat.
SEattle and its young defenders were able to beat the New York Giants 24 – 3 this past week due to turnovers created by their young and talented Defense.
Strengths: Seattle is a well run team led by coach Pete Carroll and GM John Schneider. They seem to always fill out the roster with talented players and Carroll gets the team to play smart, tough football. They have a very talented WR and RB room this year.
Weaknesses: The offensive line has improved, but remains an area in need of an upgrade. Can career backup QB Geno Smith replicate his great season last year? They are near the bottom of the league in pressuring the QB and continuing to win without getting to the QB will be difficult.
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Los Angeles Rams (2-2)
The Rams showed they have the heart of a Champion. Playing without injured superstar WR Cooper Kupp, Los Angeles has still managed a respectable start to the season with a 2 – 2 record.
With QB Matthew Stafford, suprise rookie WR Puka Nacua, and All-World Defensive lineman Aaron Donald, this team has a chance each week if they can stay healthy.
Strengths: Aaron Donald, Cooper Kupp, and Matthew Stafford. Those three still have star level talent even though they are all in their 30’s.
Weaknesses: An older core of star players and not enough blue chip young players since so many of their draft picks were traded away in pursuit of a Super Bowl.
Week 5 Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles at 4:05pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
The cardinals might be in rebuilding mode, but veteran QB Joshua Dobbs is the perfect QB to keep them competitive and to help keep them positive through this tough season.
The CArdinals will not win many games this year, but so far they have the look of a tough team that shows up each week and forces the other team to win, rather than just laying down.
This week Arizona faces a surprisingly struggling Cincinnati team. Both teams need this win, but I believe that the Bengals need it more as they have playoff aspirations.
Strengths: The Cardinals have a decent offensive line, but need to continue to add new talent to it. They also have some talented young players that can help with the rebuild such as WR Marquise Brown and LB Zaven Collins.
Weaknesses: The Cardinals need more impact players across the board. What do the Cardinals currently hang their hat on as a team?
Week 5 Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals at 4:25pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
AFC EAST
Buffalo Bills (3-1)
The Bills have reclaimed the top spot in the AFC EAst with their dominant 48 – 20 victory of the Miami Dolphins this past week.
If QB Josh Allen can continue to play the way he did against the Dolphins and the Bills Defense can show up each week like they did against Miami, then look out! One thing that could hurt them is losing star CB Tre’davious White to a season ending knee injury.
The Bills have to travel to London to face the Jaguars this week, but the Jaguars may have already adjusted to the time difference since they played last week’s game in London as well.
Strengths: Franchise QB Josh Allen is one of the best QBs in the NFL, but he is not the only talent on the team. With talented TEs and WRs Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, Allen has a lot of weapons. The Defense is still solid and if Von Miller can get back to his old self by the end of the year, the Bills will be tough to beat.
Weaknesses: Advancing age of the Defense and possibly chemistry issues between star WR Diggs and QB Allen.
Week 5 Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars (London) at 9:30AM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Miami Dolphins (3-1)
Miami was stymied on Offense for the first time this year when the Buffalo Bills slowed them down and beat them to the tune of 48 – 20!
Don’t expect the Dolphins to be slowed down like that most weeks, but the NFL is a copycat league so expect many Defensive Coordinators to try to replicate the success that the Bills had in slowing down the Dolphins.
I expect QB Tua Tagovailoa and crew to get back on track this week against the New York Giants.
Strengths: Speed, Speed, Speed! When healthy Tua has become a top QB in the league and with weapons like WRs Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, and then speedy RBs Raheem Mostert and De’von Achane make it hard on any defense.
Weaknesses: The biggest obstacle to success for the Dolphins stands to be the injury bug. Star CB Jalen Ramsey has missed the first part of the year and the only thing that can hold QB Tua back is an injury.
Week 5 Opponent: New York Giants at 1:00pm EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
New England Patriots (1-3)
The Patriots have fallen far since the days of Tom Brady. Coach Bill Belichick must be very frustrated and he gives the team a chance to win each week, but in a tough division they are in for a rough year.
If Aaron Rodgers would have been healthy for the New York Jets, it would be an even tougher year for the Patriots.
Look for New England to continue to fight and play hard and to really evaluate QB Mac Jones throughout the rest of the season.
Strengths: This is a solid team across the board. You don’t see any unit on the team and say that it is a glaring weakness. They are well coached and play hard.
Weaknesses: While the Patriots don’t have a unit across the board with a glaring weakness, they also don’t have a unit that stands out unless it is the TE’s. Can QB Mac Jones take the reigns of the offense and show that he is the QB of the present and the future?
Week 5 Opponent: New Orleans Saints at 1:ooPM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
New York Jets (1-3)
This is one of the most frustrating situations in football. The Jets are a good team that is built to win now and if QB Aaron Rodgers would not have gotten hurt they would be a legit playoff team and maybe more.
With former first round pick QB Zach Wilson leading the team, they are at a disadvantage at the most important position in football almost every week.
This past week against the Chiefs, Wilson actually played fairly well, but it wasn’t enough to get a win. They have a winnable game against the Broncos this week, but I expect Coach Sean Payton to come up with some schemes that keep Wilson and the Jets from beating the Broncos.
Strengths: This team is strong with a very good receiving and running back group and an exceptionally strong Defense. They added QB Aaron Rodgers and when healthy, he could be the missing piece to the team.
Weaknesses: The offensive line and the QB room now that Rodgers is out. The Jets are counting on former first round pick Zach Wilson to lead the team and he has not shown himself to be an NFL quality QB up to this point.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Denver Broncos at 4:25 PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
AFC North
Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
QB Lamar Jackson and the Ravens have raced out to a good start this season and with the slow start of fellow Division contender Cincinnati, Baltimore has taken a hold on the Division.
Coach John Harbaugh’s team is tough and hard nosed like always, but they even have a few more playmakers on offense than in the past.
We will see how they stack up after the next few weeks, but they face division foe Pittsburgh this week in a game they should be favored to win.
Strengths: The running game and the Defense are strong as always. Lamar Jackson is the best running QB the league has ever seen and the defense has star players littered across the roster.
Weaknesses: Passing. This was the reason the Ravens were reluctant to pay QB Jackson the amount of money that they did as good teams have learned how to beat the Ravens by taking away the run. Can Jackson take the next step in passing?
Week 5 Opponent: @ Pittsburgh Steelers at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
The Steelers may have avoided a catastrophe as it looks like the Injury that QB Kenny Pickett suffered in Week 4 is not season ending. More tests are to come, but hopefully he will not miss much time.
The Steelers blew a chance for a win against a young Houston Texas team in week 4 and they have a very tough opponent in Week 5 with the Ravens coming to town.
If Pickett is out or if he plays, the Steelers will need LB T.J. Watt and the rest of the Defense to make plays and hold the Ravens to a low score in order to win.
Strengths: All-Pro LB T.J. Watt leads a Defense that is loaded with playmakers at every level. Coach Tomlin knows how to push the right buttons and he has a good WR room to build around on offense.
Weaknesses: The offensive line is still not as strong as it needs to be, QB Kenny Pickett needs to take the next step in his career and offensive coordinator Matt Canada has failed to build a cohesive offense during his tenure.
Week 5 Opponent: Baltimore Ravens at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Cleveland Browns (2-2)
The Browns started off with 2 wins against 1 loss and looked to have a chance to compete with the Ravens, but QB Deshaun Watson was ruled out just before gametime with a shoulder injury.
Missing star RB Nick Chubb and then QB Watson, the Browns had trouble moving the ball against the Ravens and lost 28 -3.
The bye week comes at a perfect time as the Browns need Watson to heal up in order to have a chance in a tough division.
Strengths: The Browns have a solid offensive line along with a star RB, until Nick Chubb was hurt, and a good Defense led by DE Myles Garrett.
Weaknesses: It is hard to imagine that the passing game would be a weakness when QB Deshaun Watson was acquired, but he has failed to measure up to his previous self while with the Houston Texans. Can they turn the passing game around and can the running game succeed without the injured Nick Chubb.
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
This is the most shocking record in the league! Cincinnati was viewed as a contender for the Super Bowl by most so starting out with 1 win and 3 losses has been quite the shock.
The worst part is how they have earned this record. Superstar QB Joe Burrow looks nothing like himself and the powerful Bengals Offense has been a shell of itself.
Burrow’s calf injury seems to be bothering him more than he will let on, but if the Bengals aren’t able to turn things around quickly the season will be lost.
Luckily for Cincinnati, they play the rebuilding Arizona Cardinals this week. The Bengals should win, but a loss may put them too far back to catch up in their division even though the season is still young.
Strengths: QB Joe Burrow is a star and one of the best QBs in the league. He has great weapons in WRs Ja’marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd along with RB Joe Mixon. The Defense is solid, but will the loss of Pro Bowl Safety Jesse Bates come back to haunt them?
Weaknesses: The offensive line is much improved, but could still use reinforcements and the Bengals could use some more playmakers on defense, but overall this is a strong team.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Arizona Cardinals at 4:05PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
AFC South
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2)
The Jaguars have started out with middling results this season, but are primed to go on a run and accumulate some more wins.
Star QB Trevor Lawrence has played well, but not great and he seems ready to take his game to the next level. If the Jags can get some more pressure on the opposing QB from their high draft picks on Defense, then this team will become dangerous.
This is their second week in a row in London which allows them to adjust to the time difference, but also keeps them away from home for an extened period. This Sunday’s game against the Bills is no easy task.
Strengths: QB Trevor Lawrence, RB Travis Etienne, and WRs Calvin Ridley and Christian Kirk represent a strong and talented young offensive core. They have many high draft picks on Defense that they are counting on as well.
Weaknesses: The defense has not had the impact the Jaguars would like, especially with high draft picks Travon Walker and Josh Allen leading the way. The offensive line also needs to be upgraded for more consistency.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Buffalo Bills (London) at 9:30AM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
The Colts have had a good start to the season with a rookie QB at the helm. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson has shown his potential while helping the Colts to 2 wins in their first four games.
With a talented team around their rookie QB, the Colts are in a good position to stay competitive while they reload at the QB position.
This weeks game against the Titans is a winnable game that will show where the Colts stand in the Division.
Strengths: The Colts have a strong and steady Defense and a solid offensive line with a couple of talented WRs.
Weaknesses: Missing star RB Jonathon Taylor who is at a stalemate with the organization over his contract. They could also bolster their offensive line and add another offensive playmaker to make life easier for QB Anthony Richardson.
Week 5 Opponent: Tennessee Titans at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Houston Texans (2-2)
Rookie Head Coach DeMeco Ryans and Rookie QB C.J. Stroud have helped the Texans exceed expectations by winning w of their first four games.
Next comes a winnable game against a young Atanta team, but regardless, the Texans should be happy with the foundation they are building with Ryans, Stroud, and a young star studded Defense.
Strengths: With two cornerstone players in Stroud and Anderson joining talented LT Laremy Tunsil and talented WR Nico Collins and CB Derek Stingley Jr., this team is building a strong foundation.
Weaknesses: This year is about experience for their young stars, so while no unit may dominate, they have talented players in each unit that will only get better.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Atlanta Falcons at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Tennessee Titans (2-2)
The Titans veterans turned back the clock this past Sunday and crushed the struggling Cincinnati Bengals by a score of 27 – 3. The Titans are led by a great coach and some proud veterans, but in a division full of talented young QBs, it is just a matter of time before Tennessee decides they must rebuild.
This weeks game against Division foe Indianapolis will be a good measuring stick to see where the Titans currently rank in the Division.
Strengths: Mike Vrabel is an excellent coach that gets the most out of his roster. They are a tough team that don’t give up and play hard each week. D lineman Jeffrey Simmons is a star in the league.
Weaknesses: Age and offense. The offense has been hard to watch this year and with an aging core it doesn’t look like it will get much better.
Week 5 Opponent: @Indianapolis Colts at 1:00PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
AFC EAST
Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)
Although the Chiefs struggled to beat the Jets this past weekend, they did get the win.
In fact, the defending Champs are undefeated this year when Star TE Travis Kelce and STar Defensive Lineman Chris Jones play.
Superstar QB Patrick Mahomes will continue to lead the push toward another championship run this week against a struggling Minnesota Vikings team.
Strengths: QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Travis Kelce, and D lineman Chris Jones are all at the top of the league for their respective positions. Along with coach Andy Reid, this team is poised to compete.
Weaknesses: Cost. Anytime you have great players you have to pay them and the Chiefs found that out last year when they had to trade star WR Tyreek Hill before the season. The cost of their star players costs them depth, but as long as the stars are healthy they have been able to overcome it.
Week 5 Opponent: @ Minnesota Vikings at 4:25PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
The Chargers defeated Division foe Las Vegas this past week behind 6 sacks from Khalil Mack!
Luckily for the Chargers the Defense played great, because surprisingly their strong offense struggled in this game.
Look for QB Justin Herbert and the rest of the talented offense to get back on track after their Bye week.
Strengths: QB Justin Herbert is one of the best QBs in the league and he has a lot of weapons such as WR Keenan Allen and RB Austin Ekeler. The Defense is also loaded with stars such as Joey Bosa, Derwin James, and Khalil Mack.
Weaknesses: This team does not have many weaknesses in talent, but they need more from the defense and they need more consistent production from the offense.
Week 5 Opponent: Bye Week
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Bye Week
Denver Broncos (1-3)
Coach Sean Payton got his first win with the Broncos this past weekend when they defeated a struggling Chicago team 31 – 28.
Payton will look to build upon the win, even if it was against one of the weakest teams in the win, to get the Broncos ready for their game against the Jets this weekend.
Denver is is a good position to get their second win of the year this weekend and I expect them to deliver.
Strengths: QB Russell Wilson might not be the player he once was, but he is still a talented QB. The secondary is young and talented and Coach Sean Payton has won a Super Bowl and knows how to get the most out of his teams so the Broncos should see progress this year.
Weaknesses: The running game is lacking and the Broncos need more to get more pressure on the opposing QB in order to be a better defense.
Week 5 Opponent: New York Jets at 4:25PM EDT, Sunday 10/8/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Win
Las Vegas Raiders (1-3)
The Raiders strange personnel decisions have already impacted them with injury prone QB Jimmy Garoppolo missing this past week’s loss to the Chargers.
The Chargers were able to get after the Raider’s rookie QB Aidan O’Connell due to him taking longer to process the defensive alignments.
Hopefully for the Raiders, Talented QB Jimmy Garoppolo won’t miss too much time. The Raiders are in a tough division and look to be fighting to stay out of last place this year.
Strengths: The Raiders have star WR Davante Adams and RB Josh Jacobs on offense and then they have pro bowl DE Maxx Crosby on defense so they have pieces to put together a good team.
Weaknesses: The Raiders need a more talent along the offensive line and the back end of the defense. They also need to develop an identiy as a team.
Week 5 Opponent: Green Bay Packers at 8:15PM EDT, Monday 10/9/23
Rivalry Sports Prediction: Loss
Rivalry Sports Fantasy Players of the week (PPR Leagues)
QB – Tua Tagovailoa
RB – Alvin Kamara
WR – Tyreek Hill
WR – Justin Jefferson
TE – Travis Kelce
K – Justin Tucker
Defense – Baltimore Ravens
Game Picks of the Week for Week 5
| Game (Home Team listed 2nd) | Rivalry Sports Pick – Dustin Kirby | Guest Picker – Jarrod Kirby | Actual Game Winner |
| Philadelphia Eagles vs Los Angeles Rams | Eagles | Rams | |
| Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers | 49ers | 49ers | |
| Chicago Bears vs Washington Commanders | Commanders | Commanders | |
| New York Giants vs Miami Dolphins | Dolphins | Giants | |
| Carolina Panthers vs Detroit Lions | Lions | Lions | |
| Green Bay Packers vs Las Vegas Raiders | Packers | Packers | |
| Kansas City Chiefs vs Minnesota Vikings | Chiefs | Chiefs | |
| New Orleans Saints vs New England Patriots | Saints | Saints | |
| Houston Texans vs Atlanta Falcons | Falcons | Falcons | |
| Cincinnati Bengals vs Arizona Cardinals | Bengals | Bengals | |
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs Buffalo Bills | Bills | Bills | |
| New York Jets vs Denver Broncos | Broncos | Broncos | |
| Baltimore Ravens vs Pittsburgh Steelers | Ravens | Steelers | |
| Tennessee Titans vs Indianapolis Colts | Colts | Colts |
Week 4 Pick Results
| GAME | RIVALRY SPORTS PICK – DUSTIN KIRBY | GUEST PICKER – BRANDON KIRBY PICK | Winning Team |
| DETROIT VS GREEN BAY | GREEN BAY | DETROIT | Detroit |
| ATLANTA VS JACKSONVILLE | JACKSONVILLE | JACKSONVILLE | Jacksonville |
| MIAMI VS BUFFALO | BUFFALO | MIAMI | Buffalo |
| DENVER VS CHICAGO | DENVER | DENVER | Denver |
| BALTIMORE VS CLEVELAND | BALTIMORE | BROWNS | Baltimore |
| CINCINNATI VS TENNESSEE | CINCINNATI | TENNESSEE | Tennessee |
| LOS ANGELES RAMS VS INDIANAPOLIS | INDIANAPOLIS | RAMS | Rams |
| TAMPA BAY VS NEW ORLEANS | NEW ORLEANS | TAMPA BAY | Tampa Bay |
| WASHINGTON VS PHILADELPHIA | PHILADELPHIA | PHILADELPHIA | Philadephia |
| MINNESOTA VS CAROLINA | MINNESOTA | CAROLINA | Minnesota |
| PITTSBURGH VS HOUSTON | PITTSBURGH | PITTSBURGH | Houston |
| LAS VEGAS VS LOS ANGELES CHARGERS | CHARGERS | CHARGERS | Chargers |
| NEW ENGLAND VS DALLAS | DALLAS | DALLAS | Dallas |
| ARIZONA VS SAN FRANCISCO | SAN FRANCISCO | SAN FRANCISCO | San Francisco |
| KANSAS CITY VS NEW YORK JETS | KANSAS CITY | KANSAS CITY | Kansas City |
| SEATTLE VS NEW YORK GIANTS | SEATTLE | NEW YORK GIANTS | Seattle |
| Wins per Picker | 11 | 11 |
