Looking at the NFL Week 5 scheduled games, there are three really interesting games. Two of them are rivalry games. One inter-conference and one in the division. In words of my, brother from another mother, Louie Tee, “ain’t no business. like family business.” So here they are, the best three games of the week.

The Cleveland Browns, Los Angeles Chargers, Seattle Seahawks, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers have bye’s in Week 5.

Game One

Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at San Francisco 49ers (4-0) at 8:20 PM on NBC.

One of the biggest rivalries in the NFC in history. It’s also one of the chirpiest. The players are always throwing barbs back and forth. Featuring two of the most historical franchises in the NFL, with a lot of pride and early season positioning at stake in this one.

Another big question is will Cowboys LB Micah Parsons play?
49ers WR Deebo Samuel is listed as questionable was well. Will he play?

• Both San Francisco and Dallas have Top 5 ranked defenses.
  
• The 49ers have the #1 ranked offense in the NFL. The Cowboys have the #9 ranked offense in the NFL.
  
• Last season’s NFL Divisional Round Game came down to the final drive. SF won 19-12.

My Prediction

I’m expecting another close, put on your hard hat type of game on Sunday Night.

Give me the San Francisco 49ers to win their 3rd straight game against the Dallas Cowboys 28-24.

Game Two

Baltimore Ravens (3-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) at 1PM on CBS.

This is considered one of the most physical rivalries not just in the NFL, but in all of sports. These two teams simply do not, have not, and will never like each other. Period.

From Steelers S Ryan Clark’s hit on Willis McGahee in 2008, to Steelers HC Mike Tomlin intentionally interfering with Ravens WR Jacoby Jones kickoff return on Thanksgiving 2013, to Steelers WR Antonio Brown’s infamous “stretch play” on the goal line in 2016, and the list goes on and on.

• Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is only 1-2 in his career against the Steelers.
  
• Pittsburgh has the #17th ranked defense. Baltimore has the #7th ranked defense.
  
• The Ravens the #5th ranked offense. Pittsburgh has the #23rd ranked offense.

My Prediction

With an injured Kenny Pickett and banged up offensive line, I think the Baltimore Ravens are going to come into Pittsburgh and have their way all over the field.

I’m taking the Ravens to beat the Steelers 31-13.

Game Three

Houston Texans (2-2) at Atlanta Falcons (2-2) at 1PM on FOX.

No reason to clean your glasses. You’ve read that right. The Texans vs the Falcons is one of the best three games this week.

Why you ask?

Because it features 2 of the Top 3 players in the OROTY running, so far this season.

• Texans rookie QB C.J. Stroud is 94 of 151, for 1,212 yards, with 6 TDs and 0 INTs. That’s right NO interception so far. He’s managing the game.
  
• Falcons rookie HB Bijan Robinson has 53 carries for 318 yards and 0 TDs. He also has 19 catches for 134 yards and 1 TD.
  
• 3 of the Texans starting 5 offensive linemen are on injury report. Not a single current starter is listed for the Falcons (as of 10/5).

My Prediction

The injuries for the Texans are piling up for Houston and you can’t win games that way.

I think Bijan goes for 100+ yards and 2 TDs on the ground, and S Jessie Bates will get his 4th INT of the season late in the game to secure a Falcons 20-16 win over the Texans.

– Sean McKenzie

Photos courtesy of ESPN, NFL and sports-reporter

Stats courtesy of ESPN and NFL