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NFL Week 5 lines and odds: 5 best bets to make

By Mike Phillips

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 04: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - OCTOBER 04: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass against the Carolina Panthers during the first quarter of their game at Bank of America Stadium on October 04, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 04: Justin Herbert #10 of the Los Angeles Chargers looks to pass against Shaquil Barrett #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of a game at Raymond James Stadium on October 04, 2020, in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by James Gilbert/Getty Images) /

3. NFL Week 5 best bets: Los Angeles Chargers +7.5

It was a bit of a good news, bad news day for the Chargers on Sunday. The positive was that quarterback Justin Herbert played an incredible game, completing 20 of 25 passes for 290 yards with three touchdowns against one interception.

The problem for Los Angeles was that their defense collapsed, blowing a big early lead against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and running back Austin Ekeler is out for several weeks after suffering a hamstring injury while also hyperextending his knee. Those issues undercut a great performance on the road against a quality defense that Los Angeles can build on going forward.

This week sees the Chargers hit the road again for a Monday night trip to the Superdome where the New Orleans Saints are laying 7.5 points. The Saints got back on track with a win over the Lions on Sunday and could have Michael Thomas back this week but their defense isn’t nearly as good as Tampa Bay’s, allowing the Detroit Lions to nearly pick up a backdoor cover with a comeback on Sunday.

The hook here is valuable for the Chargers since a touchdown win by the Saints won’t cover the number. This game could be closer than you think so taking the points with Los Angeles is a savvy move.