Week 5 NFC East predictions: Expect another dreadful game from Giants

The cream is rising to the top of the NFC East, but only one division team will win its Week 5 matchup. 

Chicago Bears (0-4) at Washington Commanders (2-2): Washington has won four of its past five games against Chicago and should get another "W" against the lowly Bears on “Thursday Night Football.”

Although neither won, both teams had a rebound of sorts in Week 4. After a nine-sack, four-interception day against the Bills in Week 3, Washington quarterback Sam Howell was an uncalled two-point conversion away from beating favored Philadelphia. 

Meanwhile, Chicago's Justin Fields had a career-high 335 yards passing and four touchdowns against Denver after throwing for just 99 yards against the Chiefs. In Week 5, both quarterbacks get a defense in the bottom half of the league for yards allowed.

While not necessarily a stat, Chicago leads the league in off-the-field issues. This week’s drama surrounds disgruntled wide receiver Chase Claypool being asked to stay home for the Broncos game and whether head coach Matt Eberflus was aware.

Commanders coach Ron Rivera knows he dropped the ball in Philly and will look to make a point against a floundering Bears team.  

PREDICTION: Commanders, 24-17

New York Giants (1-3) at Miami Dolphins (3-1): After a 50-point win in Week 3, Miami allowed five TDs to the Bills’ Josh Allen in a Week 4 loss.

Luckily for the 'Fins, New York’s Daniel Jones is no Allen. Then again, Allen never took 11 sacks in a game as Jones did against Seattle on Monday night. No wonder New York is averaging 252 yards per game, the second fewest in the league.

Miami’s offense, meanwhile, leads the league in numerous categories. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa trails only Minnesota’s Kirk Cousins in touchdown passes (11 to nine) but leads the league in passing yards (1,306) and yards per attempt (9.6).

Without running back Saquon Barkley, New York has no chance against an angry Dolphins team still smarting over the Buffalo loss. New York's best running back has missed the past two games with a high ankle sprain, but he could be back versus Miami.

Even with Barkley, the Giants don’t have the firepower to keep up with receivers Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle or even rookie running back De’Von Achane. New York will melt in the Florida heat and remain at the bottom of the NFC East.

PREDICTION: Dolphins, 34-13

Philadelphia Eagles  (4-0) at L.A. Rams (2-2): The Eagles were fortunate to win against Washington, but got unfortunate news about their new right tackle Monday. Cam Jurgens is considered day-to-day with a foot injury he suffered against the Commanders. That’s bad news for a team about to face a Rams defense that features Aaron Donald.

Offensively, the Rams expect wide receiver Cooper Kupp to make his first start of the season alongside Puka Nacua. The rookie phenom leads the NFL with 39 catches and is second to Minnesota’s Justin Jefferson with 501 yards receiving.

Only five teams have allowed more passing yards than Philadelphia, and only the Dolphins have thrown for more yards than the Rams. The Eagles’ passing game remains a work in progress under new offensive coordinator Brian Johnson and his team should have trouble against L.A.'s seventh-ranked pass defense.

Philadelphia will get its first loss on its first West Coast trip of the season.

PREDICTION: Rams 31-28

Dallas Cowboys (3-1) at San Francisco 49ers (4-0): Great offense, great defense and probable playoff implications make Sunday night’s contest the best of the week.

No team has given up fewer points (41) than the Cowboys and only Miami has scored more than the 49ers (125). San Francisco’s Brock Purdy is the league’s highest-rated quarterback (115.1 passer rating) and Christian McCaffrey leads all running backs in rushing (114.8 YPG).

Look for the Niners to get wide receiver Deebo Samuel more involved this week. Samuel had three carries and no targets in Week 4 while nursing sore ribs, but the team will need his versatility against a defense allowing a league-low 10.3 points per game.

Expect a close game, with San Francisco pulling away in the fourth quarter.

PREDICTION: 49ers 28-21