We’ve arrived at Week Five of the NFL season and it promises to be another wide-open and fascinating campaign, with just one team still currently holding a perfect record.
The Arizona Cardinals are 4-0 going into the weekend, but that record will be under serious threat as they face NFC West rivals San Francisco 49ers.
One of the other major talking points is Kansas City Chiefs bringing up the rear in the AFC West – can Patrick Mahomes turn their season around?
Garoppolo Out to Prove a Point
After winning their first two games of the season, San Francisco have followed that up with back-to-back defeats and are sitting third in the NFC West.
There were mitigating circumstances for their loss at home to Seattle last week and they are on the road again on Sunday – both their victories this season have come away from the Levi’s Stadium.
Quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo was forced off with a calf injury against the Seahawks, but should be available to face Arizona – who are now into 16/1 to win the Superbowl.
His replacement, Trey Lance, performed well with two touchdown passes and averaging 5.9 yards on his seven carries. That display from the back-up is likely to see ‘Jimmy G’ up his game further on Sunday.
Can the 49ers win in Arizona? A look back reveals the future – The San Francisco Examiner https://t.co/YCc7dDJpB2
— The News Yard (@thenewsyard) October 8, 2021
There have also been good signs from the Niners defence, who kept Seattle QB Russell Wilson to under 150 passing yards last week.
As good as Kyler Murray has been for the Cardinals, he was sacked three times in the win over the Rams and has been taken down two or more times in three of his four games this season.
The 49ers are a tempting 17/10 in the Match Result market, while the visitors can be backed at 10/17 with +7 on the Handicap.
Chiefs Back on Track
After a disappointing start to the season, which included defeats to the Ravens and Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs are ready to start firing again.
Last week they scored 42 points against the Philadelphia Eagles with Patrick Mahomes looking back to his best, throwing for 278 yards and five touchdowns.
Wide receiver Tyreek Hill was the go-to guy against the Eagles, with the five-time Pro-Bowler making 11 catches and scoring three touchdowns. Hill can be backed at 4/7 to have over 6.5 receptions in Sunday night’s game.
The Chiefs, who are 3/1 to win the AFC Championship, will need to use their offensive firepower to beat the Bills – who have twice enjoyed shut outs this season. They were though against teams with losing records – the Dolphins and Texans – and this will be a much tougher proposition.
Raiders Too Strong for the Bears
Over the years, these two franchises have been known for their fierce defence but it’s the offensive ammunition that could prove the difference on Sunday.
Derek Carr had an off day in the defeat to the Chargers last week, but the Raiders QB has thrown eight touchdown passes so far this season and has the ability to run the Bears ragged.
Las Vegas have twice scored over 30 points in the opening four weeks, while Chicago have only managed 64 points across their first four games, leaving them with a 2-2 record.
The Raiders are strong 5/12 favourites, but it’s worth considering the Winning Margin market where Jon Gruden’s men can be backed at 15/4 to win by 7-12 points.
*All odds correct at time of writing.
