How the Mighty have Fallen
For those predicting the winners in week five of the NFL season, some may have had the same problem this writer had. That’s getting the picks correct. This season has been like a yo-yo for my predictions. Up one week down the next. Week five was a big-time downer for yours truly picking only six of 14 games correctly. I’ve marked my wins and losses with each game summary.
In games from week five, there were some blowouts and then close games as well as some upsets not expected. Teams that have been perennial winners and Super Bowl contenders for several years took major steps backwards. The last two teams that were undefeated are undefeated no more. That and just one team has yet to win a game, and they are the hapless New York Jets. Same old Jets. Therefore, let’s get to my quick reactions.
Week 5 Knee Jerks
San Francisco 26 / Los Angeles Rams 23 in overtime: So many sportscasters were calling for a Rams blowout. I had them winning by 14. Injuries across the board for the 49ers had everyone thinking they were outmanned. NOT. The Rams’ pain of losing will carry over into Baltimore next weekend where they will get to take out their frustrations on the Ravens. Harv’s score: Rams 31 49ers 17.
Minnesota 21 / Cleveland 17: The Browns’ defense failed to hold a lead in Dillon Gabriel’s NFL debut. Not that he played very well but still he should have had a first game victory. Cleveland’s defense is keeping them in games, but their offense has a long way to go. The Vikings return home with a split in European games. Harv’s score: Vikings 41 Browns 12.
Houston 44 / Baltimore 10: I called for a Ravens victory here believing there is no way they will start the season 1-4. Not only was I wrong about the winner and a score thinking Houston would only put a 17 spot on the scoreboard, but this was also the most shocking result of the day. NO ONE could have predicted the Texans scoring 44 on Baltimore who has historically had great defenses. Not this season where they are getting thrashed almost every weekend. Harv’s score: Ravens 27 Texans 17.
Carolina 27 / Miami 24: It’s going to be a long season in Miami. At least they are not the Jets. Not yet anyway. Still, this season is not what Dolphins fans envisioned. For Carolina, this victory keeps them in the NFC South race. Harv’s score: Panthers 27 Dolphins 24.
Indianapolis 40 / Las Vegas 6: Ouch. Is Pete Carroll having fun yet? Daniel Jones is having a year! He’s bound to come back down to earth soon. Indy is at the top of the NFC South while the once proud Silver and Black sits in the basement of the AFC West. Harv’s score: Colts 34 Raiders 20.
New Orleans 26 / New York Giants 14: Jaxson Dart threw the ball 40 times in this game and completed only 26. That and 202 yards passing later the rookie also threw two interceptions and was sacked once. Add to that one lost fumble and it was not a good day at the office in only his second game as the starter. For New Orleans they now know they will not finish the season without a victory. Harv’s score: Giants 17 Saints 9.
Dallas 37 / New York Jets 22: Same old Jets? It sure seems that way. At halftime, the score was Dallas 23 and the Jets 3. Game over. If not for 16 points in the fourth quarter by New York this would have been a major blowout. No Jets coach has ever begun a season 0-5 so now head coach Aaron Glenn is the only one to do so. Harv’s score: Cowboys 30 Jets 14.
Denver 21 / Philadelphia 17: In a weekend that saw the only two remaining undefeated teams fall by the wayside, this was one of those two games. The buzz on sports networks now surrounds the topic of what is wrong with Philadelphia’s offense. Saquon Barkley’s rushing average from 2024 to the current season is nearly down three yards. He has essentially disappeared. The AFC West is becoming a dogfight between the Broncos, Chargers, and Chiefs. Harv’s score: Eagles 25 Broncos 23.
Tennessee 22 / Arizona 21: The Arizona Cardinals are kicking themselves this week for losing a game they in no way should have lost. Last week we saw a player drop a ball heading for a sure touchdown before the goal line was crossed. Déjà vu because Arizona’s Emari Demercado was running off a 72-yard reception for a sure touchdown but carelessly held the ball precariously just as he reached the goal line. The ball came out and resulted in no score. As former head coach Herm Edwards said on national television, a player should hold the ball until he is securely in the end zone then hand the ball to a ref. Demercado’s gaffe cost his team the game. The Titans get their first win which should be one of very few. Harv’s score: Cardinals 33 Titans 6.
Tampa Bay 38 / Seattle 35: The Bucs are a dangerous team and come playoff time will be a tough out. You have to wonder if the Cleveland Browns, despite having Dillon Gabriel now think they made a mistake by letting Baker Mayfield leave town. It looks like Sam Darnold’s season a year ago was no fluke. Harv’s score: Seahawks 38 Buccaneers 17.
Detroit 37 / Cincinnati 24: Jake Browning is obviously not the answer to the loss of Joe Burrow. The Lions continue to roll teams. Harv’s score: Lions 38 Bengals 10.
Washington 27 / Los Angeles Chargers 10: That’s two in a row for the Chargers. Things change quickly in the NFL. Thought of as a serious challenger in the AFC Los Angeles is now sliding downhill. With Jayden Daniels calling the signals, the Commanders will always be a threat. Harv’s score: Chargers 31 Commanders 28.
New England 23 / Buffalo 20: I didn’t give New England any chance here and BAM they shocked everyone with a win in Buffalo. The high riding Bills all of the sudden don’t seem as scary. Harv’s score: Bills 35 Patriots 13.
Jacksonville 31 / Kansas City 28: Almost as big an upset as the Ravens game but the Jags are for real. This makes you wonder if the Tennessee Titans made a mistake in not drafting Travis Hunter instead of Cam Ward? The Chiefs? Is this the beginning of the end of their dominance? Harv’s score: Chiefs 23 Jaguars 17.
The following teams had their bye week, and some were benefitted by the losses of other teams in their respective divisions: Atlanta, Chicago, Green Bay, and Pittsburgh. For this forthcoming week six, the Houston Texans and Minnesota Vikings get the weekend off. For Minnesota they will need the extra days after spending two weeks in Europe.
There are plenty of questions surrounding the slate of games upcoming and it remains to be seen if this yo-yo season continues with predictions.
