NFL 2023 Week 5 lookahead lines, picks: Three games to bet a week early from proven NFL expert

Placing bets based on lookahead lines is a risk-reward proposition. If a spread moves in your favor come the week of the games, it's gratifying. When it shifts in the opposite direction, it stinks.

A week ago, we jumped on Baltimore -1.5 against Cleveland. The thinking was, the Ravens would easily dispose of Indianapolis and its backup quarterback while the Browns, minus running back Nick Chubb, would sputter against Indianapolis. Instead, Baltimore emerged with an overtime loss and injuries galore. Cleveland hammered Tennessee, holding the losers to a field goal.

As a result, the Ravens are getting 2.5 points — a four-point swing that turned into to a swing and a miss with our pick.

We partly salvaged the week with a narrow but potentially significant change. New England was available at +7.5 against Dallas when we grabbed the points. The hook has disappeared, and the Patriots now get an even seven.

Our final selection bore no change. Arizona was and remains a 14-point underdog to San Francisco. (By the way, consider taking this ton of points now if you bypassed it last week.)

Let's hope for a reversal of fortunes — more reward, less risk — with these three lookahead suggestions for Week 5.

Week 5 lookahead lines

(Odds via Caesars Sportsbook)

Bears at Commanders (-5), O/U 42.5
Jaguars at Bills (-4.5), O/U 47.5
Giants at Dolphins (-10), O/U 49.5
Ravens (-2.5) at Steelers, O/U 41.5
Panthers at Lions (-7), O/U 43.5
Texans at Falcons (-3.5), O/U 41.5
Saints at Patriots (-2.5), O/U 40.5
Bengals (-8) at Cardinals, O/U 42.5
Eagles (-6) at Rams, O/U 46.5
Jets at Broncos (-3), O/U 40.0
Chiefs (-6) at Vikings, O/U 52.0
Cowboys at 49ers (-3), O/U 45.5
Packers (-1) at Raiders, O/U 43.5

Which Week 5 sides make for great plays before Week 4 kicks off? And which underdog offers a great betting opportunity? ... Join SportsLine right now to see Week 5 lookahead picks from NFL expert Mike Tierney!