We present the five best NFL games on the upcoming Week 5 slate. Catch all of the Week 5 NFL action on Fubo.
As the calendar turns to October, the NFL season ramps up. Through the first four weeks, no division has the top two teams separated by more than a game, and 28 of the league’s 32 teams (including every team in the AFC) has both won and lost at least one game.
Will the parity continue into Week 5? Let’s take a look at this week’s slate and the most interesting/exciting games of the week.
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5. New York Jets (1-3) at Denver Broncos (1-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
In the leadup to the season, this was one of the most anticipated games on the schedule of an incredibly hyped Jets team. Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett was a one-and-done coach of the Broncos last year, then joined the Jets after being fired – reuniting him with Aaron Rodgers from their time together in Green Bay.
In the aftermath of Hackett leaving, there was seemingly some bad blood based on words exchanged through the media and over social media during the preseason by many on both sides, including new Broncos head coach Sean Payton and star Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner.
With Rodgers now hurt and neither team off to a good start to the season, maybe some of that intensity has worn off. At the same time, maybe a game with a bit more meaning behind it could be what gives either side a spark. After Zach Wilson and the Jets offense made some progress last week against the Chiefs, don’t be surprised if they have another strong performance against a Denver defense that is allowing a league-worst 37.5 points per game.
4. Tennessee Titans (2-2) at Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Through one month of play, there’s been no separation in the AFC North. All four teams are 2-2, but at least one team will get some separation with the Titans and Colts playing each other on Sunday.
The Titans are coming off of an upset win over the Cincinnati Bengals – a 27-3 victory. Meanwhile, the Colts erased a 23-point deficit against the Rams last week, only to lose 29-23 in overtime. Still, there were encouraging signs for Indy in the play of rookie first-round pick quarterback Anthony Richardson, who returned from a concussion to throw for 200 yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions, while adding another touchdown on the ground. Still, expect Mike Vrabel’s defense to be a tougher test for the rookie.
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3. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) vs. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network (in London)
In their second London game in as many weeks, the Jaguars take on the Bills in a battle of should-be AFC contenders. After making the playoffs last year in the second season with first-overall pick quarterback Trevor Lawrence, many expected growth from the Jags this year. They’ve gotten out to a stagnant start but may have found a rhythm last week when they topped the Falcons 23-7.
This week is a much tougher test in a Bills team that has quickly turned things around after a disappointing performance in their season opener against the New York Jets. Last week the Bills blew by a Dolphins team many thought was the best in the AFC. Can the Jaguars do what their Florida counterpart couldn’t, and beat Buffalo? Don’t be surprised if the Jaguars’ extended stay across the pond helps, with the Bills having to make the trip out there this week.
2. Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) at St. Louis Rams (2-2)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET on FOX
A matchup of the last two teams to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl, this will also be the first game between the Eagles and Rams – regular season or playoffs – since Week 2 of the 2020 season. Of course, a lot has changed for both sides since then. The Rams went from being an NFC powerhouse to missing the playoffs, to a sudden resurgence this year. Meanwhile, Philly has changed quarterbacks and now is led by MVP candidate Jalen Hurts.
As mentioned above, the Rams have been a bit of a surprise team this year after overhauling much of their roster this offseason. However, this Eagles team will be as tough a test as they’ve faced all year. This game will be a good measuring stick for them, but there’s also a good chance it becomes a reality check.
Watch NFL Week 5 action on Fubo: Start your free trial today!
1. Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at San Francisco 49ers (4-0)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Simply put, everything about this game rules. Classic rivalry, in primetime, outstanding uniform matchup – oh, and both teams are pretty good too. Along with the Eagles, these two teams are the class of the NFC right now, so it’s not crazy to think that this game could come with some playoff implications, even though it’s just October.
So far, nobody has been able to slow down the 49ers dynamic offense, as running back Christian McCaffrey has placed himself squarely in the early MVP conversation (yes, a running back is an MVP candidate in 2023). However, McCaffrey and that offensive unit now face a Dallas defense that had the Patriots in a blender a week ago, forcing three turnovers that led to two defensive touchdowns.
It’s a true strength-on-strength, heavyweight bout. Given those strengths, this game could end up being decided on the other side of the ball. If that’s the case, the 49ers defense should have an advantage over the Cowboys’ offense.
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