49ERS (-5.5) Dolphins (47.5)
Jared’s Pick: 49ers
Breakout Player: TE George Kittle
San Francisco’s offense is finally coming back together after a rough few weeks of injuries. QB Jimmy Garoppolo will be back under center, and the 49ers are hopeful RB Raheem Mostert and WR Deebo Samuel will be active. Even with just TE George Kittle back for the offense last week, there was a huge difference. If everyone's back the Niners should dominate Miami's defense, which has not been playing well.
Miami QB Ryan Fitzpatrick hasn’t looked bad, but he isn’t enough. The Dolphins are only averaging about 23 points per game and their running game is struggling. The 49ers defense is also banged up, but remain one of the league's best. The Fish may flounder in San Fran.
BROWNS (48) Colts (-2.5)
Jared’s Pick: Colts
Breakout Players: TE Mo Alie-Cox
The Colts and the Browns have both looked great and Philip Rivers has done a good job fitting into the Colts offense. Last week, Rivers didn’t have one turnover against Chicago’s elite D. I’d watch for a big game from TE Mo Alie-Cox, who currently leads the team with 194 yards and 2 touchdowns. Also, RB Jonathan Taylor could be in for a big day. The Colts have been giving Taylor a lot more touches and the Browns run defense has not been stellar. The Browns defense has also been giving up about 32 points per game.
Cleveland scored 49 points against Dallas last week but did let up 38. WR Odell Beckham had a huge day, with 81 receiving yards, 73 rushing yards, and 3 touchdowns. Once Odell gets going, he’s very hard to stop. I think this week is a great matchup between Cleveland’s offense and Indianapolis’ defense, which has been top 3 these first four weeks and ranks 1st in total yards, passing yards, and points allowed. Cleveland, however, will test it. With Browns RB Nick Chubb out, look for Kareem Hunt to get a bunch of carries.
COWBOYS (-9.5) Giants (52.5)
Jared’s Pick: Cowboys
Breakout Player: WR CeeDee Lamb
Dallas’ offense has put up an absurd amount of points, but their defense, or lack thereof, has been a problem. Last week, Dallas let up 49 to Cleveland and is allowing a league high of almost 37/game. But few things can make a bad defense look better than a game against the Giants, whose depleted O is dead last in points/game and has scored only 3 touchdowns. Maybe Giants RB Devonta Freeman can put up some numbers against Dallas's porous run defense (175 yards per game).
On offense, Dallas QB Dak Prescott is having a historic start to the season, throwing for almost 1700 yards. With all of the weapons Dak has, it’s hard not to put up these numbers. Surprisingly, the Giants defense has looked great. After an awful 2019 season, they've been stingy against both the passing and running games. It will be interesting to see if they can keep it up against an offense as potent as the Cowboys.
SEAHAWKS (-6.5) Vikings (56.5)
Jared’s Pick: Seahawks
Breakout Player: WR Tyler Lockett
Russell Wilson, as usual, has been tremendous, recording 1285 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions and Seattle’s offense is averaging almost 36 points per game (2nd in the NFL). WRs DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have gotten a majority of the receptions, combining for 701 yards, and 7 touchdowns. Seattle’s defense has a ton of talent, but they can’t seem to get things going. They are currently ranked dead last in total yards and passing yards per game. With star safety Jamal Adams out again this week, Seattle’s secondary will likely continue to struggle.
Minnesota finally got its first win of the 2020 season last week against Houston. QB Kirk Cousins has finally found a connection with first-round WR Justin Jefferson, who has 278 yards and 1 touchdown over the last two games. With this offense looking pretty healthy going into Week 5, they should score on Seattle but will their injured defense be able to stop the Seahawks? The Vikings have been having a very hard time against the run and the pass. I can definitely see Seattle RB Chris Carson having a big game against Minnesota's struggling defensive line.
Jared Hackmyer is the founder of GOATNYG on Instagram.