Popular Bob's Week 5 NFL Forecast: First-place teams finally collide

A battle for first place in the NFC West kicks off Week 5 of the NFL schedule when San Francisco faces the Rams in Los Angeles on Thursday.

Another key game will be Denver’s Sunday visit to face Philadelphia, one of two unbeaten teams remaining in league play.

Here’s a look at the games:

Thursday

San Francisco 49ers (3-1) at LA Rams (3-1), 6:15 p.m.

Rams -7 (45.5 O/U)

Forecast: Rams 30, 49ers 19

It’s hard to believe that San Francisco has a chance to pull an upset over Matthew Stafford and the Rams considering an injury report that includes QB Brock Purdy’s status being uncertain (toe). That’s on top of the fact the team’s top three receivers are ailing or out entirely. Plus, standout TE George Kittle is on IR (hamstring).

Sunday

Minnesota Vikings (2-2) vs. Cleveland Browns (1-3), 7:30 a.m., London

Vikings -3.5 (36.5 O/U)

Forecast: Browns 19, Vikings 13

This marks the 40th regular-season NFL game played in London, and only once did both combatants have a winning record. And for the first time in history a team will be playing a second straight game overseas but not in the same country. Last week the Vikings lost in Ireland to Pittsburgh. This game also will be the starting debut for Cleveland rookie QB Dillon Gabriel, who replaces benched Joe Flacco. Anyway, six underdogs won games last week, so why not one here?

Las Vegas Raiders (1-3) at Indianapolis Colts (3-1), 11 a.m.

Colts -7 (48 O/U)

Forecast: Colts 24, Raiders 10

The Raiders have received an atomic wedgie from the schedule maker, with this marking their third trip east already this season across three time zones.

NY Giants (1-3) at New Orleans Saints (0-4), 11 a.m.

Saints -1 (42 O/U)

Forecast: Saints 23, Giants 20

Giants rookie QB Jaxson Dart won his starting debut Sunday for the Giants in a 21-18 victory as a 6-point underdog over the LA Chargers. However, Dart was sacked on five of his 25 drop-backs and the team averaged only 3.3 yards per pass play. Saints QB Spencer Rattler looks to improve to 1-10 as a starter.

Dallas Cowboys (1-2-1) at NY Jets (0-4), 11 a.m.

Cowboys -1 (47 O/U)

Forecast: Jets 27, Cowboys 24

Dallas ranks 31st in points allowed this season at 33 a game. Thus, even the Jets should be able to get 27.

Denver Broncos (2-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (4-0), 11 a.m.

Eagles -3.5 (43.5 O/U)

Forecast: Eagles 28, Broncos 17

The Broncos are coming off arguably the most dominant victory of the season on Monday night, 28-3 over visiting Cincinnati. Denver outgained the Bengals by 353 yards, a league high, and ran 37 more plays than Cincinnati. However, teams coming off a MNF game this season are 2-6 (1-6-1 ATS).

Miami Dolphins (1-3) at Carolina Panthers (1-3), 11 a.m.

Dolphins -1 (44.5 O/U)

Forecast: Panthers 26, Dolphins 23

Houston Texans (1-3) at Baltimore Ravens (1-3), 11 a.m.

Texans -1 (40 O/U)

Forecast: Ravens 30, Texans 27

Baltimore might be without starting QB Lamar Jackson (hamstring) and have to start backup QB Cooper Rush, the longtime Cowboy. However, the guess here is Jackson will play, but will be limited outside the pocket.

Tennessee Titans (0-4) at Arizona Cardinals (2-2), 2:05 p.m.

Cardinals -7.5 (42.5 O/U)

Forecast: Cardinals 19, Titans 16

The past two weeks the Cardinals have lost their top two RBs to injury. But they still should have enough to barely stave off the winless Titans.

Tampa Bay Bucs (3-1) at Seattle Seahawks (3-1), 2:05 p.m.

Seahawks -3.5 (44.5 O/U)

Forecast: Seahawks 28, Bucs 21

Detroit Lions (3-1) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-2), 2:25 p.m.

Lions -10.5 (49.5 O/U)

Forecast: Lions 44, Bengals 13

In the preseason this game was listed as a pick-em at the Westgate SuperBook in Las Vegas. Of course, that was before Bengals QB Joe Burrow went on IR (toe).

Washington Commanders (2-2) at LA Chargers (3-1), 2: 25 p.m.

Chargers -2.5 (48 O/U)

Forecast: Commanders 27, Chargers 24

Washington QB Jayden Daniels has been cleared to play after a knee injury in Week 2.

New England Patriots (2-2) at Buffalo Bills (4-0), 6:20 p.m.

Bills -8 (49.5 O/U)

Forecast: Bills 27, Patriots 23

Monday

Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1), 6:15 p.m.

Chiefs -3.5 (46.5 O/U)

Forecast: Jaguars 31, Chiefs 27

Jacksonville has been doing a lot right, including having a league-best plus-9 turnover edge and allowing only three sacks all season, tied for best in the league.

Last week: 11-5 ATS/12-3-1 straight up

Season total: 29-31-2 ATS/40-20-1