Free NFL Best Bets For Week 5 from Handicapping Experts

By: Dean Whitaker Published 10/05/2025, 08:18 AM ET
Geno Smith looks to lead the Raiders over the Colts
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Football rolls into Week 5, and we’re riding momentum with a perfect 6-0 Run. Confidence is high, and we’ve targeted three more matchups that bring strong betting value. Backed by sharp analysis, key trends, and matchup breakdowns, these plays are built to keep the streak alive and deliver more winners.

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2 Weeks Ago Results

  • Minnesota -3 (Won)
  • Pittsburgh -1.5 (Won)
  • Denver/LA Chargers Under 46 (Won)

Below, let's take a look at some of my favorite NFL picks for today, in best bets form.

Best Bet#1: Chargers To Take Down the Commanders

Chargers -3 over Washington sets up as a strong home-side play, with Los Angeles bringing a clear quarterback edge and schematic advantage into this non-conference matchup. Justin Herbert has thrived at SoFi, where the Chargers have covered in five of their last six games as home favorites. With a healthy receiving corps and Austin Ekeler rounding into form, the offense is built to stress Washington’s secondary with layered route concepts and tempo. Kellen Moore’s play-calling has leaned aggressive in early downs, and against a Commanders defense that’s struggled to contain explosive plays, the setup favors a fast start. The -3 line reflects respect for Washington’s defensive front, but Herbert’s poise and protection give L.A. the edge in execution.

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Washington enters the game with offensive inconsistency and a troubling road profile. They’re just 2-6 ATS in their last eight games away from home, and Sam Howell faces a Chargers defense that’s improved in red zone containment and third-down stops. Los Angeles has tightened up its run defense, forcing opponents into predictable passing situations—exactly where Washington has faltered. If the Chargers build an early lead, their pass rush can pin its ears back and pressure Howell into mistakes. With the quarterback advantage, home-field comfort, and sharper late-game execution, the Chargers are well-positioned to cover the short number and control the game script from start to finish..

Best Bet#1

  • Chargers -3

Best Bet #2: A Shootout In Vegas

The total for today’s Raiders-Colts game is set at 48, and the Over is well-supported by both team profiles and recent trends. Indianapolis has hit the Over in five of its last eight home games and enters Week 5 with a 3-1 record, averaging 30.3 points per game in wins this season. Daniel Jones has been a revelation for the Colts, ranking third in the NFL with 1,078 passing yards and adding three rushing touchdowns. With Jonathan Taylor leading the league in rushing yards and Michael Pittman Jr. and Tyler Warren producing in the passing game, Indy has multiple scoring threats across the field. Against a Raiders defense ranked 25th in passing efficiency and 27th in pressure rate, the Colts should find plenty of opportunities to move the chains and light up the scoreboard.

Las Vegas, despite its 1-3 record, has shown flashes of offensive upside. Geno Smith has thrown for 948 yards and six touchdowns, and rookie Ashton Jeanty has emerged as a dual-threat back with 282 rushing yards and two receiving scores. The Raiders have hit the Over in two of four games this season and are allowing 25.5 points per game, which ranks 25th in the league. With both defenses sitting in the bottom third in points allowed and neither team showing consistent red zone resistance, this matchup sets up for a back-and-forth scoring pace. If the Colts jump out early, the Raiders have the weapons to respond, making the Over 48.5 a strong play based on current form and matchup dynamics.

Best Bet #2

  • Raiders/Colts Over 48

Best Bet #3: Tennessee/Arizona In For A High-Scoring Affair

The Over 41 in Titans-Cardinals offers sneaky value in a matchup where both defenses have shown cracks and both offenses are capable of generating scoring bursts. Arizona enters Sunday averaging 20.5 points per game and has hit the Over in two of its last three contests, including a 23-point effort against Seattle last week. Kyler Murray continues to be a dual-threat catalyst, and with Marvin Harrison Jr. emerging as a reliable playmaker, the Cardinals have the vertical tools to stretch Tennessee’s secondary. Trey McBride has also become a volume target over the middle, giving Arizona multiple ways to attack. Against a Titans defense that ranks 28th in passing yards allowed and has struggled to get off the field on third down, Arizona should find enough rhythm to push their side of the total.

Tennessee, despite its 0-4 record, has quietly trended toward Overs in road games—hitting the Over in seven of its last nine away from home dating back to last season. Rookie quarterback Cam Ward has had growing pains, but with Tony Pollard and Elic Ayomanor providing support, the Titans have enough speed and versatility to break a few drives open. Arizona’s defense ranks 28th against the pass and has allowed fourth-quarter leads to slip away in back-to-back weeks, suggesting late-game scoring is very much in play. If the Cardinals build a lead, Tennessee will be forced to open up the playbook, and that’s where volatility favors the Over. With the total sitting at a modest 41, and both teams capable of exploiting defensive lapses, this matchup sets up well for a scoreline that creeps into the mid-40s.

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Best Bet#3

  • Tennessee/ Arizona Over 41

Recapping today's NFL Best Bets

  • LA Chargers -3
  • Colts/Raiders Over 48
  • Tennessee/Arizona Over 41
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