After a wild September, the 2018 NFL season moves into the month of October. As hard as it is to believe, teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers — three teams that made the playoffs last year — just might not be very good this year. Each are stuck on one win so far and will need to make a move quickly if they’re to turn things around.
As we get set for Week 5, let’s take a look at the early look-ahead lines for Week 6.
Philadelphia Eagles at New York Giants
Opening Odds: Eagles -2.5
The perception is that these two teams are miles apart in terms of where they are in the NFL power rankings but they are currently separated by just one win in the standings. This is a big opportunity for the Giants to prove they’re heading in the right direction.
Arizona Cardinals at Minnesota Vikings
Opening Odds: Vikings -11.5
The Vikings are in an odd spot as they are a road dog at Philadelphia this week. That could set up a situation where they still have just one win heading into their Week 6 matchup with the Cardinals.
Chicago Bears at Miami Dolphins
Opening Odds: Dolphins -1
Related: NFL Betting Guide
What’s most surprising about this contest is it will be a matchup of two teams with winning records. Few people thought that would be the case at this point with these two sides.
Carolina Panthers at Washington Redskins
Opening Odds: Redskins -1.5
Although the Panthers host the Giants this week and the Redskins visit the Saints, this is a matchup of two teams currently at or near the top of their division.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cincinnati Bengals
Opening Odds: Bengals -3
If the Steelers are serious about turning their season around, they’ll have to find a way to beat the Bengals in this spot. The Bengals have two more wins than the Steelers as we enter Week 5.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons
Opening Odds: Falcons -6.5
Two teams whose seasons are on the brink very early on will meet in this one. The Falcons, who play in Pittsburgh this week, could still be a one-win team in Week 6. Meanwhile, the Bucs have looked like one of the league’s worst teams since starting 2-0.
Kansas City Chiefs at New England Patriots
Opening Odds: Patriots -3
Two weeks ago, the Patriots were left for dead. After two impressive wins, they’ll now have a chance to put themselves atop the AFC pecking order once again if they can beat the Chiefs, who have yet to lose this season.
Buffalo Bills at Houston Texans
Opening Odds: Texans -8
The Texans have an opportunity to turn their season around. They beat Indianapolis last week and if they can beat the Cowboys this week, they’ll have a very good chance at a three-game winning streak when the Bills visit in Week 6.
Los Angeles Rams at Denver Broncos
Opening Odds: Rams -6
The Rams bring their high-flying offense to Denver in a reunion of sorts. Although Aqib Talib — who was traded from Denver to Los Angeles in the offseason — is out, the Rams will face former quarterback Case Keenum in this one.
Baltimore Ravens at Tennessee Titans
Opening Odds: Ravens -1
Two of the best defenses in the NFL will get together in this one. Both teams have been surprises in the AFC, each winning three of their first four games. Even though it’s still early, the winner of this contest will have a leg up for a playoff spot.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Dallas Cowboys
Opening Odds: Jaguars -2.5
We’ll see what Allen Hurns has in store for his former team in this one. So far, he and the Cowboys passing game have struggled and now they’ll go up against All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey and one of the best defenses in the league.
Other Look-ahead Lines:
San Francisco 49ers at Green Bay Packers
Opening Odds: Packers -8.5
Los Angeles Chargers at Cleveland Browns
Opening Odds: Chargers -1.5
Indianapolis Colts at New York Jets
Opening Odds: Jets -1
Seattle Seahawks at Oakland Raiders
Opening Odds: PICK
