NFL picks Week 5: Falcons-Redskins and every other game

Oct 4, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) calls signals against the Houston Texans during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Texans 48-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL season is starting to get interesting, with some team’s playoff ambitions fading and others becoming a strong possibility. I went 11-3 with my picks last week, making mistakes with the Raiders, Cardinals and Bills.

Here’s my picks for Week 5. There are some tough choices to make this week, especially with the dumpster fire that is the Saints and Eagles. All lines are provided by OddsShark.com.

Washington Redskins at Atlanta Falcons (-8)

The Falcons are rolling, and this is the most favorable matchup they have seen all season. The Redskins run defense is strong, but the Falcons have too many weapons on offense to put up points. Kirk Cousins is turnover prone, and I expect more of the same this week. Atlanta improves to 5-0.

Pick: Atlanta 27, Washington 17

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (NO LINE)

Andrew Luck is expected to play, and he will put in his best performance of the season. Outside of a dominant pass rush, there isn’t much to fear about Houston right now. Luck needs to be protected much better than he has been so far this year. It won’t be a blowout, but the Colts take it.

Pick: Indianapolis 28, Houston 14

Next: The early games