NFL Week 5 Odds: 5 best bets against the spread

Happy Sunday! After two consecutive losing weeks (woof), there is a bit of extra motivation in this space, as we look to bring the season-long record back over the .500 mark. In a vacuum, there is nothing wrong with .500, but when dealing with “the juice”, that is a losing proposition and we definitely don’t want that.

If you’re new to the program, our motto is always to “fade the public” whenever possible, and this week’s slate provides many opportunities to do so. You may have to hold your nose, but when you remember that the public almost always loses in the long run, success comes into view. Before the picks are unveiled, let’s take a brief look at where we stand at this juncture.

• Last week: 2-3
• Season: 10-10

Ready, set, go.

Washington Professional Football Team (+7.5) over Atlanta Falcons

I’ve picked against the Falcons in each of the last two weeks, and things haven’t gone according to plan. That won’t stop me, though, as Atlanta is almost certainly overvalued at this moment.

This line opened at 9 points in some places, but it has quickly fallen to 7.5 despite more than 80% of the action (via Vegas Insider) coming in on the highly-favored Falcons. That indicates that the smart money is likely on Washington, even as it pains me to back Kirk Cousins (who I have little faith in) on the road against what looks like a quality opponent. Atlanta should win this game because they are simply better, but laying more than a touchdown seems unwise. Give me Washington.

Next: Jaguars-Bucs and Saints-Eagles