There are so many different ways to get in on the action at DraftKings Sports this NFL season. One of the best ways is by joining a weekly NFL Pick ‘Em pool. These pools require you to pick every game on the NFL slate against the spread.
You can enter the DraftKings NFL Pick ‘Em Pools here.
NFL Week 5 Pick’Em Pool Picks, Predictions and Strategy
Here are my five favorite selections to use this week in NFL against-the-spread pools.
Week 5 Picks
Saints +1.5 vs. Vikings — The Saints have one glaring weakness in the early part of this season, and that is their run defense. New Orleans ranks dead last in defensive EPA/rush through four weeks. However, the Saints have faced Jahmyr Gibbs, Bijan Robinson and Derrick Henry in the early part of this season, arguably the three best running backs in the NFL. This week, they get a reprieve, facing the Aaron Jones-led Vikings backfield. Minnesota ranks dead last in offensive success rate, and the Saints should have a much more comfortable time on defense than they have had the past few weeks. Tyler Shough should be able to create enough offense to win this game at home.
Chargers +3.5 vs. Broncos — The Chargers are 0-4 and in desperation mode to get a win. If Los Angeles doesn’t get a win soon, their season is likely over. This is a massive chance to get a home divisional win and jumpstart their season. The Chargers rank ninth in the NFL in weighted defensive EPA/play. Meanwhile, the once vaunted Broncos defense ranks 28th in weighted defensive EPA/play. Both of these offenses have issues, ranking in the bottom eight in the NFL in weighted offensive EPA/play.
These are two struggling offenses, and it should be a lower-scoring, close game. The Chargers have the better defense so far this season and have the home-field advantage, so getting the field goal plus the hook is too tempting, despite Los Angeles’ struggles this season.
Rams -2.5 vs. Bills — This looked like a potential Super Bowl matchup heading into the season. However, the Rams sit at 2-2 after a shaky start to the season, and the Bills just suffered a home divisional loss last week. It will be a great matchup between the Bills, who rank second in offensive EPA/play, and the Rams, who rank third in defensive EPA/play. However, the Bills’ defense could be the unit that gets exposed here. They rank 29th in defensive EPA/play and 28th in defensive success rate. The now-healthy Rams offense should get theirs, and the Rams’ defense should be the side to get a couple of key stops and win the game.
Seahawks -2.5 vs. 49ers — This is a great NFC West battle between the defending Super Bowl champions and the league’s best offense this season. The 49ers’ offense leads the NFL in both EPA/play and success rate. However, last season, Mike Macdonald’s defense dominated Kyle Shanahan’s offense. The 49ers scored just 20 total points across the two games against the Seahawks last season. The Seahawks’ offense should still get theirs, especially at home. Seattle has scored 30+ points in three straight games coming into Week 5. Both offenses should have some success in this game, but this is a great chance for the Seattle defense to step up and have its best game of the season so far.
Falcons -2.5 vs. Ravens — The Falcons’ offense has been incredible since Michael Penix Jr. returned at quarterback. After some absolutely dismal quarterback play the first two weeks, Atlanta looks unstoppable on offense the past two weeks. Across those two games, the Falcons lead the NFL in offensive EPA/play and offensive success rate, and by a wide margin. Penix has unlocked Drake London and shown that he is a top-10 wide receiver in the league. The threat of a real passing game has also allowed Bijan Robinson to prove that he is the best running back in the NFL, with Brian Robinson Jr. also acting as an excellent RB2.
The Ravens will likely be without Lamar Jackson for this game. With Tyler Huntley at quarterback, this offense looks much less explosive and relies heavily on the running game. However, the Falcons’ defense leads the NFL in defensive EPA/rush. They should be able to keep Derrick Henry in check and force Huntley to be a passer to keep up in this game. The Falcons should get the win at home and keep the positive momentum rolling.
