NFL Week 5 picks: 49ers host Cowboys in what could be (another) playoff preview

Week 5 of the NFL schedule comes in a touch light, the arrival of byes taking four teams with postseason aspirations (Browns, Chargers, Seahawks, Buccaneers) out of play. But a banger of a Sunday night matchup should help offset their absences.

The Dallas Cowboys (3-1) will visit the San Francisco 49ers (4-0), the No. 1 team in USA TODAY Sports' power rankings all season, in what could be a playoff preview – perhaps an especially probable likelihood given the Niners have eliminated America's Team each of the past two seasons, to say nothing of the fact these NFL flagships have met nine times through the years while trying to advance toward Super Bowl glory. (Yet given this longstanding rivalry and guaranteed ratings bonanza, kinda crazy this is the first time since 1990 the 49ers and Cowboys have faced off in prime time.)

But if you're looking to slake your appetite ahead of the main course, check out Sunday afternoon's showdown of 1-3 teams as the Denver Broncos host the New York Jets. If you need a reminder, Broncos coach Sean Payton made some not-so-flattering remarks to USA TODAY Sports about predecessor (and current NYJ offensive coordinator) Nathaniel Hackett before training camp.

Here's how we see those contests, and the other 12, unfolding:

(Odds provided by BetMGM)

NFL STATS CENTRAL: The latest NFL scores, schedules, odds, stats and more.

• Chicago Bears at Washington Commanders
• Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills
• Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions
• Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts
• New York Giants at Miami Dolphins
• New Orleans Saints at New England Patriots
• Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers
• Cincinnati Bengals at Arizona Cardinals
• Philadelphia Eagles at Los Angeles Rams
• New York Jets at Denver Broncos
• Kansas City Chiefs at Minnesota Vikings
• Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers
• Green Bay Packers at Las Vegas Raiders

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