Here’s what we learned about each team in week 5:

• Chiefs: The Chiefs are finding ways to win despite offensive struggles.
• Vikings: The Vikings can’t afford to make mistakes with their slim margin for error.
• 49ers: Rookie Brock Purdy is leading the 49ers offense alongside the team’s stars.
• Cowboys: The Cowboys need more offensive production, starting with improved play from Dak Prescott.
• Eagles: If the Eagles’ passing game is fixed, nothing can hold them back from another dominant season.
• Rams: The Rams showed life with Cooper Kupp’s return, but must improve their middling run game.
• Jets: If Zach Wilson keeps playing solidly, the Jets have a chance to contend again with their stout defense.
• Broncos: The Broncos continue to play no defense, which doesn’t bode well against their upcoming schedule.
• Bengals: Getting a vintage Joe Burrow performance could keep the Bengals in the playoff race.
• Cardinals: The Cardinals need Josh Dobbs to be efficient like earlier weeks to pull off upsets.
• Saints: The Saints’ dominant defense carried them past the Patriots despite a new QB finding his way.
• Patriots: It may be time for Bill Belichick to turn to rookie Bailey Zappe at QB after more Mac Jones struggles.
• Dolphins: The Dolphins showed fortitude by rebounding from a bad loss to smash the Giants.
• Giants: The Giants’ offense remains lifeless even with the potential return of Saquon Barkley.
• Colts: Coach Shane Steichen has the limited-talent Colts offense overachieving at 3-2.
• Titans: The Titans’ offense is showing progress, especially if it improves red zone execution.
• Steelers: The Steelers need their stellar defense to carry their popgun offense.
• Ravens: Lamar Jackson was excellent but received no help from his stone-handed receivers.
• Lions: Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn deserves coaching buzz for the much-improved Lions D.
• Panthers: The 0-5 Panthers should use Bryce Young to test his abilities, record be damned.
• Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence made big-time throws under pressure to help clinch the win over Buffalo.
• Bills: The Bills’ struggling run defense is now potentially without LB Matt Milano.
• Falcons: Desmond Ridder rebounded well from criticism with his best game yet.
• Texans: Houston suffered a tough loss but rookie C.J. Stroud continues to impress.
• Bears: The Bears’ offense finally has momentum behind receiver D.J. Moore’s outburst.
• Commanders: The Commanders must address their absurd quarterback sack rate to save their season.

Grading Our Week 5 Survivor Pick: Miami

Our strategy of selecting home favorites continues to pay dividends. This week, we chose the Miami Dolphins, and they did not disappoint, cruising to a 31-16 victory over the New York Giants.

Miami’s performance was a testament to their resilience. Coming off a tough loss to the Bills, the Dolphins could have easily been demoralized. However, they showed mental fortitude and dominated the Giants. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa had an overall solid game, despite throwing two interceptions. The defense also stepped up, holding a struggling Giants offense to just 16 points.

Picks So Far:

Our track record remains strong. We’ve successfully picked the Ravens, Cowboys, Chiefs, 49ers, and now the Dolphins. All of these have been comfortable wins, reinforcing our strategy of going with home favorites.

• Week 1: Baltimore
• Week 2: Dallas
• Week 3: Kansas City
• Week 4: San Francisco
• Week 5: Miami
• Week 6: Buffalo Bills

Week 6 Spreads

1. New York Giants vs Buffalo Bills (-14)
2. Carolina Panthers vs Miami Dolphins (-13.5)
3. Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) vs New York Jets
5. San Francisco 49ers (-4.5) vs Cleveland Browns
6. Baltimore Ravens (-3.5) vs Tennessee Titans
7. Arizona Cardinals vs Los Angeles Rams (-6.5)
8. Detroit Lions (-3) vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
9. Green Bay Packers (-2.5) vs Las Vegas Raiders
10. Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) vs Chicago Bears
11. Dallas Cowboys (-2) vs Los Angeles Chargers
12. New Orleans Saints (-1.5) vs Houston Texans
13. Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars (-4)
14. Washington Commanders vs Atlanta Falcons (-2.5)
15. Seattle Seahawks vs Cincinnati Bengals (-2.5)

Survivor Pool Picks for NFL Week 6

1. New York Giants vs Buffalo Bills (-14)

Picking the Buffalo Bills in a survivor pool this week seems like a no-brainer. The Bills have a high-powered offense led by Josh Allen and a defense that has shown it can be dominant. On the other side, the Giants have struggled mightily on offense and have given up a league-high number of sacks. The 14-point spread in favor of Buffalo underscores the mismatch in this game, making the Bills a very safe pick for survivor pools.

2. Carolina Panthers vs Miami Dolphins (-13.5)

The Miami Dolphins are coming off a strong win against the Giants and have shown resilience this season. Carolina, on the other hand, is winless and in disarray. The 13.5-point spread indicates a significant advantage for Miami, especially when playing at home. Given Carolina’s struggles and Miami’s recent form, choosing the Dolphins is a sound strategy.

3. Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs (-10.5)

The Chiefs have been finding ways to win even when their offense hasn’t been at its best. They are 4-1 and their defense is playing at a top-10 level. Denver has shown defensive vulnerabilities, especially in their recent game against the Jets. The 10.5-point spread in favor of Kansas City makes them a strong pick, especially when considering Denver’s recent struggles.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5) vs New York Jets

The Eagles are on a roll with a 5-0 record and a quarterback in Jalen Hurts who is coming off back-to-back 300-yard games. The Jets have shown some life but are still inconsistent. The 6.5-point spread may seem closer than the others, but given the Eagles’ current form and the Jets’ unpredictability, Philadelphia is a solid pick.

5. San Francisco 49ers (-4.5) vs Cleveland Browns

The 49ers have been impressive, especially with quarterback Brock Purdy showing he’s more than capable of leading the team. The Browns have talent but have been inconsistent. The 4.5-point spread in favor of San Francisco, combined with their home-field advantage, makes them a good pick for those looking for a slightly riskier but still strong option.