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Cowboys, Jaguars, Texans

The Cowboys emerged victorious over the Texans and the Jaguars edged out the Bengals in closely contested games.

NFL Week 5 best bets: Backing the Bears, Texans and a touchdown prop for Davante Adams
Source: CBS Sports

A solid Week 4 came to an end with a respectable 3-2 record on best bets. Two bold calls paid off as the Cowboys emerged victorious over the Texans, and the Jaguars edged out the Bengals in closely contested games.

Both game picks were close calls, but fortunately, our predictions came through. The Cowboys' win was particularly notable given they were slight road underdogs, while the Jaguars' victory showcased their resilience in a tough matchup against the Bengals.

We also managed to cash in on Kirk Cousins throwing at least one interception, which added some excitement to an otherwise tense game. The Raiders' final play proved pivotal, and we were on the right side of it.

Josh Downs' disappointing performance was a major letdown for us, failing to meet expectations despite facing a struggling Commanders secondary. His lack of receptions and yards was particularly concerning given his previous form.

The Colts took control as Washington's offense struggled with turnovers, including a fumble and an interception from Daniel Jones. Meanwhile, Aaron Jones Sr. fell short in our anytime touchdown scorer pick, running for 94 yards but failing to reach the end zone.

The momentum from last week's best picks continues to build, as our analysis suggests a promising trajectory for future success.

In contrast to their 24-18 loss to the Ravens, which might have seemed competitive on paper, the Titans actually trailed by a significant margin at halftime - 24-7. This disparity highlights just how one-sided this game was, with only a late Lamar Jackson injury preventing a blowout victory for Baltimore.

The Texans, currently winless, are poised to capitalize on their opponent's vulnerabilities. They have taken steps to address defensive play-calling, with DeMeco Ryans assuming responsibility from Matt Burke, citing the need for better communication among players. This change may not yield immediate results, but it could pay dividends in the long run.

Meanwhile, C.J. Stroud has been quietly putting up impressive numbers despite his team's losing record. He ranks ninth in yards per attempt and 11th in success rate plus explosive play rate, a testament to his skill as a quarterback.

The Texans are poised for a significant win over their opponents, and several factors contribute to this expectation.

One key aspect is the Packers' inability to stop the run effectively. The Bears excel in rushing yards, currently leading the NFL, which could provide an advantageous starting point for why they might emerge victorious.

Chicago's defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen, has been extracting maximum performance from his team, as evidenced by their league-leading sack rate and second-lowest missed tackle rate. In contrast, the Packers struggle with run defense, a significant weakness that may be exploited.

The Bears' defense has a notable vulnerability in allowing big plays, which could potentially compromise this pick if Jordan Love can capitalize on it. However, Chicago's offense is also capable of controlling the game through their rushing attack and generating turnovers, similar to last season's performance.

This week presents an intriguing matchup for Drake Maye, with his rushing yards totaling 136 so far, surpassing 30+ yards in two out of four games this year, including a notable 54-yard day on the ground against the Bills.

The Raiders' defense has struggled to contain opposing quarterbacks on the ground this season, allowing 77 rushing yards so far, ranking ninth in the NFL. This is particularly concerning given that these yards have come at a rate of 6.4 per carry, which is the sixth-highest in the league.

Their previous performances against mobile quarterbacks are also noteworthy. In Week 1, they allowed Malik Willis to run for 39 yards, while in Week 3, Tyler Shough managed a 36-yard scramble. This suggests that the Raiders' defense may be vulnerable to quarterback runs.

Drake Maye's rushing performance this season has been impressive, with an average of nearly six carries per game. Given his team's offense and the potential for a high-scoring game, it is likely that Maye will have opportunities to run against the Patriots.

The Bills' secondary is also a concern, particularly with Christian Benford dealing with a toe injury. This could make it easier for wide receivers like Davante Adams to score touchdowns against them.

Jacob Brissett has a history of alternating between strong passing performances and turnovers in his games.

The quarterback's tendency to throw multiple touchdowns is well-documented, having achieved this feat in eight out of his last 10 starts.

However, he also frequently puts the ball at risk, exemplified by nine interceptions over his past 10 appearances.

Facts based on reporting originally published by CBS Sports.

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