The first four weeks of the NFL season are in the books. While there is no denying the relatively unpredictable nature of the game, there are some impressive statistics that sports bettors should keep in mind before putting their money down on games this Sunday. Here is a look at the top five betting trends for Week 5 of the NFL season.
New England Has Won Each Of Its Last Five Meetings With Indianapolis
There was plenty of talk about the Patriots being in trouble following back-to-back losses to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Detroit Lions. Then they delivered a 38-7 win over the Miami Dolphins in a key AFC East showdown and the outlook for New England was turned upside down. Now Tom Brady gets one of his favorite weapons back with wide receiver Julian Edelman set to make his season debut following a four-game suspension. The Patriots should be able to build on last week’s win against an opponent they have dominated over the years. New England has won each of its last five meetings versus Indianapolis. The Colts are coming off back-to-back losses to fall to 1-3 this season. Don’t expect Indianapolis to break this trend on the road this week on Thursday Night Football.
Related: NFL Betting Guide
The Total Has Gone over In Each Of The Last Five Meetings Between Green Bay And Detroit
The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions have struggled to get things going on offense this season but for different reasons. For the Packers, injuries have taken their toll, including a knee injury to star quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Meanwhile, the Lions have struggled with consistency on the offensive side of the football with turnovers playing a big part. Both offenses will try to get on track in Week 5. There are plenty of reasons to believe both groups can do exactly that when they clash this Sunday. First of all, the Total has gone OVER in each of the last five meetings between these teams. Second, both offenses are loaded with talent. Third, neither defense is particularly dominant, even if the Packers rank 11th in scoring defense so far this season. Expect another high scoring game with these teams combining to go over the Total, which is currently set at 50.5 points.
Baltimore Has Won Each Of Its Last Five Meetings With Cleveland
The Baltimore Ravens have won three of their first four games of the 2018 season. There is a good chance they get to 4-1 this Sunday when they host an opponent they have dominated in recent years. Baltimore has won each of its last five meetings with the Cleveland Browns dating back to 2016. Cleveland has been better than expected with each of its first four games decided by four points or fewer. It’s only a matter of time before the Browns suffer a letdown. Don’t be surprised if it happens as a three-point underdog versus the Ravens. Baltimore will win and cover on the road.
Pittsburgh is 9-1-1 straight up in its last 11 games against Atlanta
The Pittsburgh Steelers have one of the toughest schedules in the NFL the rest of the season. There will be a strong sense of urgency to get their season on track following last week’s loss to the Baltimore Ravens, which left them sitting in the AFC North basement at 1-2-1. Antonio Brown is still looking for his first game of the year with 100 yards receiving. It could happen this week against an Atlanta Falcons side that has been torched through the air by Drew Brees and Andy Dalton in back-to-back weeks. The Steelers are 9-1-1 straight up in their last 11 games versus Atlanta. Pittsburgh desperately needs to put together a full four-quarter effort this week. Expect the Steelers to play their best game of the season and add to their impressive record against the Falcons.
Cincinnati Is 5-1 Against The Spread In Its Last Six Games Dating Back To Last Season
When are the Cincinnati Bengals going to get the respect they deserve? Cincinnati has recorded wins over the Colts, Ravens and Falcons this season, including last week’s incredible 37-36 comeback win in the final seconds against Atlanta. The Bengals are now 5-1 against the spread in their last six games, dating back to last season. Cincinnati could build on that strong record as a six-point favorite against the Miami Dolphins this week. Miami was completely exposed in a blowout loss to the Patriots in Week 4. Expect the Bengals to send them to their second consecutive loss with a win and cover.
