NFL Bold Predictions: NFC North Week 5

As we enter week five, Minnesota heads to Cleveland, and Detroit travels to Cincinnati. Chicago and Green Bay are on BYE, aiming to fix flaws before they return to action in week six. The Vikings have a big opportunity to get back on track, and the Lions look to improve to 4-1. Heading into Week 5, here are bold predictions for the NFC North.  

Carson Wentz Passes for 250 Yards

Cleveland’s defense is tough but has noticeable flaws. They are ranked 1^st versus the run and 4^th against the pass. Minnesota will have mixed results on the ground, but Wentz excels with a high number of attempts. He will end the game with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns.

Justin Jefferson & Jordan Addison Find the End Zone

Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison are coming off 10 targets and four targets, respectively. Wentz will rely on the team’s two best receivers, with both catching touchdown passes. Cleveland will do their best to contain Minnesota’s offense and keep the game close.

Jordan Mason Goes for 100 Total Yards

Jordan Mason is receiving more work in the passing game, and this won’t change in Week 5. Cleveland is the league’s best unit against the run, and Mason will find himself in many pass-catching situations. The Minnesota running back finishes the game with 100 yards total.

Will Reichard Kicks Game-Winning Field Goal

Cleveland will do their best to contain Minnesota and keep the game close. During the fourth quarter, Cleveland will tie the game late, with Minnesota seeing their last driver with 1:30 left. Will Reichard wins the game on a late-second field goal.

Jared Goff Has Second Game with 300+ Passing Yards & 4 Touchdowns

 Goff enters Week 5 three weeks removed from torching Chicago’s defense. He finished week two’s matchup with 334 passing yards and five touchdowns. Cincinnati is giving up the 3^rd most yards per game, and Jared Goff will feast on their weak defense. The Detroit quarterback will finish the game with 300 passing yards and four passing touchdowns.

Jahmyr Gibbs Scores a Rushing & Receiving Touchdown

Gibbs has a touchdown in three straight games and will have his way against Cincinnati’s porous defense. Gibbs will start the game with big runs during the team’s first series. He continues to be part of the passing game and finds the end zone on the ground and in the air.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Scores in Fourth Consecutive Game

Amon-Ra St. Brown is ranked 7^th in the NFL with 307 receiving yards and 1^st with six touchdown receptions. He’s averaged 7.5 targets the past two weeks, and quarterback Jared Goff will look his way this weekend in Cincinnati. St. Brown scores in his fourth consecutive game, while finishing a third straight week with 70+ reception yards.

Detroit Has a Shutout

Cincinnati is last in the NFL in yards per game and features the league’s 30th-ranked defense. The Bengals are tasked with facing the Lions, who are 4^th with a turnover ratio of +4. Detroit is tied in the NFL with 14 sacks, and the team’s pass rushers will overpower Cincinnati’s offensive line. Cincinnati’s Jake Browning has a rough gam,e and Detroit gets its first shutout of the season.