The first four weeks of the 2026 NFL season concluded with a series of surprise outcomes that reshaped the standings heading into Week 5, according to Sportsnaut. While bye weeks arrived for the slate of games running from Thursday, Oct. 8 through Monday, Oct. 12, experts are projecting several key outcomes for the remaining matchups.
Predictions for Winless Teams and Divisional Rivalries
Two teams currently without a win will face off in Nashville, where the Houston Texans are projected to beat the Tennessee Titans. Azcentral predicts a 24-17 victory for Houston, while Sportsnaut forecasts a 24-14 result, noting that C.J. Stroud has performed better with Nico Collins. Houston is expected to secure its first win of the season against Cam Ward and Tennessee.
In another high-stakes matchup, the Chicago Bears are expected to defeat the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Sportsnaut predicts a 38-21 win for Chicago, suggesting the Bears could even reach 50 points due to a Packers defense missing Micah Parsons and Edgerrin Cooper.
Jaguars Projected to Defeat Injured Eagles in London
The Philadelphia Eagles will travel to London to face the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Predictions suggest the Eagles may be missing Lane Johnson, Saquon Barkley, and DeVonta Smith. Azcentral predicts the Jaguars will win 27-20, while Sportsnaut also anticipates a Jaguars victory, citing a disjointed Philadelphia offense. Sportsnaut notes that Trevor Lawrence’s tendency to throw into tight windows may provide Philadelphia’s defense with opportunities for interceptions.
On Thursday Night Football, the Dallas Cowboys are projected to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-17.
Other Week 5 Projections
- Cincinnati Bengals vs. Miami Dolphins: Sportsnaut predicts a 27-20 win for Cincinnati, while Azcentral projects a 24-21 victory. Both sources expect Joe Burrow to lead the Bengals despite uncertainty regarding the health of Ja’Marr Chase, who has a concussion, and Tee Higgins, who has an adductor injury.
- Los Angeles Rams vs. Buffalo Bills: Azcentral predicts the Rams will secure a close 30-27 win over Josh Allen and the Bills, led by Matthew Stafford.
- Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers: Azcentral projects the Chargers could potentially fall to 0-5 with a loss to Denver.
Additional Matchups
The New York Giants will face the Washington Commanders at 10 a.m. on FOX. Azcentral reports that while the status of Jayden Daniels is a major factor, Washington’s “leaky defense” could make the quarterback position irrelevant. The New England Patriots will host the Las Vegas Raiders at 10 a.m. on CBS; Azcentral notes that New England's Drake Maye is coming off a "bounce-back game" and a Week 4 victory over the Bills.
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