Our picks for NFL Week 5
It’s now or never for the 2023 New York Giants.
After a brutal performance against the Seattle Seahawks in Week 4, the Giants (1-3) travel south as they take on the Miami Dolphins (3-1), who have scored the most points in the NFL this season (150).
The Dolphins, who had suffered a 48-20 loss to the Buffalo Bills last weekend, put up a 70 spot, the most points in a game since 1966, in their Week 3 victory over the Denver Broncos, 70-20.
Our prognosticators for Week 5 are: Art Stapleton (Giants/NFL writer, NorthJersey.com), Bert Bainbridge (sports betting analyst/columnist, NorthJersey.com), Steve Edelson (columnist, APP.com), Vince Mercogliano (Rangers/NHL columnist, lohud.com), Brian Marron (digital producer, NorthJersey.com), Chris Iseman (Rutgers writer, NorthJersey.com), Dave Rivera (sports editor, USA Today Northeast/NorthJersey.com) and Bob Jordan (sports editor, Asbury Park Press/APP.com).
Here are our staff predictions for Sunday afternoon’s matchup between the Giants and Dolphins:
Art Stapleton
The team looks broken physically and emotionally, and now an offense that has scored 15 points in the last two games must find a way to keep up with the Dolphins. That’s not going to be easy. It’s hard not to expect a better performance from the Giants, but until they show it, the concern is warranted. Saquon Barkley’s uncertain return would provide a boost, for sure.
The pick: Dolphins 31, Giants 17
Bert Bainbridge
This is a matchup between two teams going in opposite directions. The Dolphins lead the NFL with 150 points scored and the Giants have a league-low 46 points. There is holes to attack against this Miami defense especially if RB Saquon Barkley and LT Andrew Thomas are able to give it a go. While I expect a much better effort from the Giants, I don’t see them being able to slow down this explosive Dolphins’ offense.
The pick: Dolphins 38, Giants 21
More: How to bet on NY Giants vs. Dolphins with injury status of Saquon Barkley, Andrew Thomas
Vince Mercogliano
An upset here would completely change the narrative surrounding the Giants, but the sad reality appears to be that they’re just not very good. They have issues at too many positions, and given their offensive struggles, it’s difficult to envision a scenario where they can keep pace with the high-powered Dolphins.
The pick: Dolphins 38, Giants 17
Dave Rivera
It can’t get any worse for the Giants, can it? Not an ideal time to hit the road to face the Dolphins and Bills and there are just too many issues to be corrected in this short week.
The pick: Dolphins 27, Giants 16
Steve Edelson
A short week, playing in the South Florida heat, against an offensive juggernaut looking to rebound from a tough loss. That’s a tough spot for the Giants as they try to save their season after a lopsided loss to Seattle. The Giants have played better on the road than they have at home this season, so look for this game to be closer than the near double-digit point spread.
The pick: Dolphins 28, Giants 24
Brian Marron
The tough times for the Giants will likely only get tougher.
The Giants are last in the NFL with 46 total points through four games, and the high-flying Dolphins lead the league with 150. New York is also third-worst with 122 points allowed. Add in that this game will take place in the Miami heat, and this is likely a major mismatch.
The Giants simply cannot keep up with the Dolphins. This one will be over early.
The pick: Dolphins 34, Giants 16
Chris Iseman
The Giants looks broken and this isn’t going to be a good bounce-back game from the deflating loss to the Seahawks.
The pick: Dolphins 31, Giants 14
Bob Jordan
The compassionate Dolphins after hitting 70 points against the Broncos got the ball back knowing that if they scored a touchdown, they would break the NFL record for most points ever scored in a game, but coach Mike McDaniel decided to take the high road. Another show of mercy would be appreciated.
The pick: Dolphins 35, Giants 14
