NFL Week 5 picks: 49ers defeat Seahawks; Rams prevail over Bills

 (Tate Rudisill / Los Angeles Times)

Los Angeles Times NFL writer Sam Farmer examines the matchups and makes his predictions for Week 5 of the NFL season.

All lines and over/under numbers are according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Last week, Farmer posted an 11-5 (.688) record. Through the first three weeks of the season, he is 37-27 (.578).

Using point spreads with the scores Farmer predicted, his record against the spread in Week 4 would have been 9-7 (.563). For the season, his record against the spread is 25-39 (.391).

All times are Pacific and TV reflects broadcasts in the Los Angeles area. The Chiefs and Panthers do not play this week.

Buccaneers (0-4) at Cowboys (2-2)

Tonight, 5:15 p.m. TV: Prime Video.

Line: Cowboys by 8½. O/U: 47½.

Baker Mayfield is hurt and unlikely to play, leaving undrafted rookie Jalon Daniels at quarterback. Dallas’ offense is rolling after a big win, two weeks after nearly beating Baltimore. The Cowboys have scored 31 or more in three straight games.

Pick: Cowboys 28, Buccaneers 13

Eagles (2-2) vs. Jaguars (3-1)

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence runs with the ball against the Cincinnati Bengals on Oct. 4. (Joshua A. Bickel / Associated Press)

Sunday, 6:30 a.m. TV: NFL Network.

Line: Jaguars by 7. O/U: 41½.

Jacksonville has been rolling and has outscored opponents, 104-53. Philadelphia’s two wins have been by a combined six points over teams that are a combined 1-7. London is a second home for Jaguars.


Pick: Jaguars 27, Eagles 23

Bears (3-1) at Packers (2-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Bears by 2½. O/U: 45½.

Green Bay barely beat a Tampa Bay team playing its backup quarterback, 17-14. No matter who’s at quarterback, Chicago is running the ball and forcing turnovers the way it did last season when it led the league in that category.

Pick: Bears 30, Packers 20

Read more:'Excessive' suspensions of two NFL officials to be challenged by referees union

Texans (0-4) at Titans (0-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Texans by 7. O/U: 37½.

If Houston is ever going to get off the schneid, it’s now. C.J. Stroud threw for more than 300 yards and Nico Collins caught two touchdown passes in a close loss last week. The Texans have lost three games by five points or fewer. Tennessee has scored 55 points all season.

Pick: Texans 27, Titans 17

Bengals (2-2) at Dolphins (0-4)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Bengals by 7½. O/U: 42½.

Cincinnati bounces back after losing consecutive games by a combined eight points. Its offense is too much for a bad Miami team, even without Ja’Marr Chase. The Dolphins have yet to score more than 13 points in a game.

Pick: Bengals 31, Dolphins 20

Raiders (3-1) at Patriots (2-2)

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye warms up before facing the Buffalo Bills on Oct. 4. (Carolyn Kaster / Associated Press)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Patriots by 3½. O/U: 45½.

Las Vegas is for real and it has scored at least 26 in every game and took Kansas City to the wire. But New England showed something last week in knocking off Buffalo, and it makes a big difference when Drake Maye doesn’t turn it over. Field-goal-fest.

Pick: Patriots 26, Raiders 20

Vikings (4-0) at Saints (1-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Vikings by 1½. O/U: 42½.

Unbeaten Minnesota keeps finding ways to win. New Orleans can throw it, but gave up 45 to Atlanta on Monday night and now gets Brian Flores’ defense on a short week. Expect turnovers in this one.

Pick: Vikings 24, Saints 20

Browns (3-1) at Jets (1-3)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Jets by 1½. O/U: 40½.

Cleveland is gaining confidence after winning three consecutive close games with strong fourth quarters. The defense is good again, and the offense isn’t turning it over. New York is playing better but isn’t there yet.


Pick: Browns 27, Jets 21

Colts (2-2) at Steelers (2-2)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Steelers by 2½. O/U: 44½.

It’s hard to know which version of either team shows up. Pittsburgh has alternated wins and losses. Indianapolis is coming off its strongest performance of the season, but it’s a challenge to go from a London game to Pittsburgh with no bye.

Pick: Steelers 23, Colts 20

Giants (3-1) at Commanders (1-3)

New York Giants quarterback Jameis Winston passes against the Arizona Cardinals on Oct. 4. (Rusty Jones / Associated Press)

Sunday, 10 a.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Commanders by 3½. O/U: 43½.

New York is 2-0 with Jameis Winston starting. The Giants are running the ball, playing good defense and just hung 36 on Arizona. Jayden Daniels might be back for Washington, but how will he be with that elbow injury?

Pick: Giants 28, Commanders 23

Broncos (2-2) at Chargers (0-4)

Sunday, 1:05 p.m. TV: CBS.

Line: Broncos by 3½. O/U: 42½.

This is a bad time for the Chargers to see Denver. Their offense is still struggling, Justin Herbert took a beating at Seattle, and here comes that Broncos pass rush. With the exception of last week, Denver’s offense has scored on good defenses.

Pick: Broncos 24, Chargers 17

Lions (2-2) at Cardinals (1-3)

Sunday, 1:25 p.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Lions by 5½. O/U: 53½.

Detroit’s defense is a problem, especially the secondary, and the Lions are surrendering almost 32 points per game. Arizona will score and hang around. The Cardinals just can’t match the Lions’ offense.

Pick: Lions 31, Cardinals 27

Read more:Sean McVay says he addressed Rams assistant coaches' behavior toward Eagles fans. 'We’ll be better'

49ers (4-0) at Seahawks (3-1)

Sunday, 1:25 p.m. TV: NFL Ticket.

Line: Seahawks by 3. O/U: 47½.

Brock Purdy is on fire and Kyle Shanahan is dialing it up. Seattle is throwing it all over the field but is one-dimensional. The Seahawks are missing Zach Charbonnet. Division game, so this figures to be close.

Pick: 49ers 27, Seahawks 23

Ravens (3-1) at Falcons (2-2)

Sunday, 5:20 p.m. TV: NBC.

Line: Falcons by 3. O/U: 43½.

Atlanta’s offense opened up when Michael Penix Jr. returned, and Bijan Robinson is hard to stop. Atlanta has scored a combined 80 in past two games. The Falcons are rushing the passer. Lamar Jackson left last week in a walking boot.

Pick: Falcons 30, Ravens 24

Bills (3-1) at Rams (2-2)

Monday, 5:15 p.m. TV: ABC/ESPN.

Line: Rams by 3. O/U: 54½.

Getting Puka Nacua back was huge, and Kyren Williams and the defense played phenomenal in the comeback win at Philadelphia. Josh Allen is elite, but the Bills aren’t impervious to problems — check out the Chargers game.

Pick: Rams 27, Bills 23

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Warriors leave most of team at home, lose to Blazers in Portland, 123-118

PORTLAND, OR - OCTOBER 7: Sidy Cissoko #91, Charles Bassey #28 of the Golden State Warriors, and Jeremy Sochan #4 of the Portland Trail Blazers look on after the game on October 7, 2026 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

The Golden State Warriors’ 123-118 loss to the Portland Trail Blazers told us very little about what this year’s team will be like, but it did indicate that the Santa Cruz Warriors could have a very exciting season.

In a game where nine of the Warriors’ top players didn’t even travel to Portland — Draymond Green was watching the Valkyries beat the Las Vegas Aces — the backups scrambling for roster spots, two-way deals, and some sweet Exhibit 10 bonuses in the G League kept it close against a Blazers team that played their starters about 20 minutes.

Dalen Terry showed he’s in excellent cardiovascular shape by playing 43 minutes and flirting with a triple-double. He finished with 23 points, nine rebounds, and eight assists, turning the ball over four times but nullifying those errors by getting four steals. Not known for his outside shot, Terry connected on four of his five threes Wednesday night and made a strong case for getting the Warriors’ 15th roster spot.

Second-year guard Miles Kelly, a former Auburn star and Dallas Mavericks two-way player, scored 24 points and shot 6-for-11 from three-point range, adding seven rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block. On one of those shots, Kelly got his path cleared by Portland’s Yang Hansen, who appears to still be adjusting to playing defense in the NBA.

Yang Hansen unintentionally screens his own teammate, and it leads to a 3-pointer by Miles Kelly pic.twitter.com/MFEUOLrr26

— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) October 8, 2026

Kelly is still eligible for a two-way contract, something that seemed more relevant after a night where current two-way player Malevy Leons had the same number of turnovers as made field goals (two). Fellow two-way players Graham Ike and LJ Cryer came off the bench and showed good pick-and-roll chemistry, and Ike showed off an outside shooting stroke, going 2-for-3 from deep. Still, it felt like an offensive approach more akin to winning games in Santa Cruz than San Francisco. Ike also showed he was a true Warriors center by getting whistled for a blatant moving screen.

Will Richard played like a man secure in his place on the team. Like his time with the Summer League champions in Las Vegas in July, Richard didn’t force up shots, focusing on defense, team basketball, and shooting. He went 6-for-6 from the foul line and 3-for-3 behind the arc.

Will Richard with a bullseye 🎯 pic.twitter.com/5TzOH1GtMF

— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) October 8, 2026

Starting center Charles Bassey was -2 in 24 minutes, not bad while primarily matched up with Portland’s starters. He had 13 points and six rebounds, shooting 6-for-7 and enjoying a very active defensive night, with three blocks and three steals. Did you know Bassey had an elegant-looking floater? We see you, Bassey Hive!

Charles Bassey floaters are automatic 🔒 pic.twitter.com/f6nHYl9rIw

— Golden State Warriors (@warriors) October 8, 2026

Alex Toohey got some extended run, finishing with five points, two assists, and two blocks, and making his only three-point attempt. The Warriors went 19-for-34 from deep, the main reason they were able to hang with a full-strength NBA team for three quarters — the game was tied at 86 after 36 minutes.

But ultimately the lack of size on the floor with most of the team’s big men sitting was too much for the scrappy Sea Dubs Warriors to overcome. Portland had 50 rebounds to Golden State’s 40 and dominated points in the paint, 54-36.

All in all, it was a perfectly unmemorable preseason game that I’ll admit I watched on a split-screen with the Valkyries’ win over the Las Vegas Aces. Now there’s a team that knows how to rebound!

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Wednesday’s Saints vs. Vikings Injury Report: Alvin Kamara did not practice

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - OCTOBER 05: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints runs the ball against the Atlanta Falcons during the first quarter of the game at Caesars Superdome on October 05, 2026 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The New Orleans Saints have just wrapped up their 1st practice ahead of their Week 5 matchup at home against the Minnesota Vikings on Sunday, October 11th in Caesars Superdome.

So, where do things stand following Wednesday’s workout? Let’s take a look at which Saints players were limited and did not participate in today’s session.

New Orleans Saints:

S Julian Blackmon, Shoulder – Limited

WR/RS Barion Brown, Thigh – DNP

LB Kaden Elliss, Calf – DNP

TE Noah Fant, Abdomen – Limited

LB Jaylan Ford, Ankle – FULL

DL Davon Godchaux, Groin – FULL

EDGE Carl Granderson, Ankle – Limited

EDGE Anfernee Jennings, Knee – DNP

RB Alvin Kamara, Back – DNP

WR Chris Olave, NIR-Rest – DNP

S Mike Reid, Ankle – Limited

QB Tyler Shough, Left Hand – Limited

S Lorenzo Styles Jr., Calf – FULL

Minnesota Vikings:

WR Jordan Addison, Hamstring – DNP

Tackle Christian Darrisaw, Concussion – DNP

CB Chuck Demmings, Hamstring – DNP

WR Justin Jefferson, Ankle – Limited

Tackle Brian O’Neill, Knee – Limited

RB Aaron Jones, Sr., Rest Day – Limited

Punter Brett Thorson, Hamstring – FULL

Center Michael Jurgens, Elbow – FULL

TE Ben Yurosek, Ankle – FULL

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NFL hot seat coaches include Jim Harbaugh – but still not Matt LaFluer

One quarter of the way into any NFL regular season – 23.5% if we’re being precise in the era of the 17-game docket – and the temperatures begin to cool. The same is unexpectedly true for quite a few teams in 2026, with five failing clubs still winless through four weeks.

Yet frigid football squads tend to turn up the heat on their head coaches – especially those who are not managing especially adverse circumstances and/or haven’t been recently shown the most important vote of confidence, i.e. a new contract or an extension. (Sorry, Green Bay Packers fans, but whatever frustrations you might harbor regarding Matt LaFleur, he’s been hamstrung by personnel issues beyond his control … and was also signed to a multi-year extension in January by Ed Policy, who became the organization's CEO and president just 15 months ago. Don't expect a quick pivot in Titletown.)

But HC job security seems as tenuous as ever in the league, the ten who were replaced in this year’s hiring cycle tying the record for a single offseason. Owners seem to be offering ever-shorter runways to pave the way to success at a time when it’s as difficult as ever to prepare teams constantly in roster flux and seemingly less willing than ever to use the preseason as a forum to integrate new systems and philosophies or even dress starting players.

So though LaFleur almost certainly isn’t on a hot (or even especially warm) seat going into Week 5 – and temperature control can certainly be quite variable in October – nine of his peers (listed alphabetically) are doubtless already craving ventilation:

Todd Bowles, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)

He had to inform The Tampa Bay Times of his return in January, which tells you Bowles was already on relatively shaky ground. And while the currently winless Bucs won the NFC South in Bowles’ first three seasons, they’ve also benefited from their residence in the league’s least competitive division – one Bowles failed to capture amid a 2-7 collapse to end the 2025 campaign. Now 36-40 in Tampa, Bowles could be doomed given QB Baker Mayfield is out indefinitely with a dislocated thumb on his passing hand – but it’s important to note the team wasn’t playing well even before he went down late in a Week 3 loss to Minnesota. It's conceivable Bowles' team won't be favored to win another game this season.

Aaron Glenn, New York Jets (1-3)

Despite its record, Gang Green has been more competitive this season. That’s also a pretty low bar given they ended 2025, Glenn’s first year on the job, on a five-game slide that was the first in league history during which all of the defeats were by at least a 23-point margin. And while the Jets only lost by 11 in Chicago on Sunday – albeit to a Bears team without QB Caleb Williams – they became the first one this century to surrender more first downs (34) than plays run by their offense (32). Glenn, a Pro Bowl corner with the Jets once upon a time, unsurprisingly made his coaching bones on the defensive side of the ball. But the Jets have hardly excelled there, picking off their first pass of the Glenn tenure 21 games in. Worse for him, this is a team expected to push heavily to obtain its next presumed franchise quarterback in the 2027 draft – meaning, barring a decisive turnaround, it's hard to envision a scenario where Glenn is retained given the likelihood the organization would covet an established offensive mind to groom and develop a young QB.

Jim Harbaugh, Los Angeles Chargers (0-4)

It’s worth wondering at what point a guy who tends to get a four-year itch applies the heating pad himself. Harbaugh, who had never started a season – in the NFL or college – 0-2 as a head coach keeps taking Ls. He’s in Year 3 of what’s been reported as a five-year, $80 million contract, so it doesn’t seem especially likely the Chargers are in a hurry to make a change. But the Bolts have yet to win a playoff game under his stewardship, getting blown out in the wild-card round in both 2024 and ’25, and are displaying staggering regression this season. Harbaugh has been regularly asked if first-year OC Mike McDaniel will get the ax. Even normally emotionless QB Justin Herbert has shown signs of agitation. From a historical perspective, Harbaugh hasn’t lasted more than four seasons at any of his previous HC stops, his nine-year run at the University of Michigan notwithstanding – and though he left the Wolverines with a national championship, he also left a mess behind. Currently ineligible to coach at the college level until 2038 in the aftermath of the investigation in Ann Arbor, Harbaugh also probably won’t have the full menu of options he’s been used to perusing when change has been imminent in the past.

Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders (1-3)

It feels longer than two years since he and then-rookie Jayden Daniels fueled a stunning run to the NFC title game. It’s also unfair to skewer Quinn, who’s only had his star quarterback in the lineup for nine of the 21 games since. But as relatable as Quinn, who’s beloved by his coaches and players, is, at some point injuries will only provide so much cover – and Washington, forced to play third-string rookie QB Athan Kaliakmanis in Sunday’s loss in London, has shown it can beat a team as good as the reigning champion Seahawks without Daniels. Also, elsewhere in the NFC East, the New York Giants currently sit in first place despite having QB1 Jaxson Dart for basically just one game. New Commanders owner Josh Harris has shown a lot more patience in general than his reviled predecessor, but it’s a situation worth monitoring if Washington goes down the drain again after finishing 5-12 in 2025.

DeMeco Ryans, Houston Texans (0-4)

He’s guided this team to postseason in each of his first three seasons, overcoming an 0-2 start (one an 0-3 start) in two of those. But 0-4 may be too deep a hole for even Ryans to climb out of. A star linebacker here during his playing days, Ryans is known for his defensive chops, level-headed approach and ability to communicate. But EVP/GM Nick Caserio – and his bosses – could wind up having to ask some tough questions in a few months. Why did a team built to win now lose so much? Why has a seemingly elite defense been so bad, surrendering an average of 30 points so far at home? And why did QB C.J. Stroud, the 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year, seemingly peak that year and how complicit is Ryans in his stunted development? A loss to the Titans on Sunday will set off any remaining alarm bells that aren’t already blaring.

Robert Saleh, Tennessee Titans (0-4)

Hopefully he gets a legitimate chance to turn this franchise around. But Saleh, who spent three-plus years coaching the dysfunctional Jets, doesn’t have a successful track record as a HC to fall back on, even if the deck was stacked against him in New York. Through four winless games, the Titans aren’t building momentum toward a 2027 season when they’ll move into a new a stadium. Perhaps more worrisome, QB Cam Ward, the top pick of the 2025 NFL Draft, has yet to show significant growth under Saleh and first-year OC Brian Daboll. Fight should count for something, and Tennessee’s last three losses have all been by one score. But results count for more, and Saleh’s predecessor, Brian Callahan, didn’t get them … and didn’t last to the end of his second season.

Nick Sirianni, Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

His name seems to surface every year … that the Eagles don’t end as champions. By that metric, Sirianni’s reign has been disastrous, Philly capturing just one Lombardi Trophy in his first five seasons. Just about any other fan base would love to have a guy who’s never failed to reach the playoffs, has led the Eagles to two Super Bowls and currently sports a 67-32 record (including postseason). Still, the ’26 Eagles have been a tough watch so far and are probably fortunate to be at .500. The marriage between QB Jalen Hurts and new OC Sean Mannion has seemed pretty rocky, based on the on-field results, and even Vic Fangio’s defense has been a relative disappointment. And with a growing list of injuries, the abrupt retirement of Pro Bowl RT Lane Johnson, a team captain, and an upcoming trip to London to face the formidable Jaguars, things could get a lot worse before they get better. Time will tell where that ultimately leaves Sirianni, who’s generally enjoyed the support of a locker room that tends to embrace his occasional, if authentic, on-field histrionics. However his relationship with Hurts has often been a matter of speculation, and perhaps one that could determine how long one (or both) of them remain employed here.

Shane Steichen, Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

They’re also back at .500 following wins over Houston and the undermanned Commanders. That’s not likely to give Steichen and GM Chris Ballard much relief, especially given all the win-now moves they’ve made over the past 11 months … a stretch when the Colts have prevailed in three games. After an impressive start to the 2025 season, Daniel Jones, now in possession of a two-year, $88 million extension, has reverted into the turnover-prone quarterback the Giants disposed of two years ago. And whatever offense Steichen is extracting from his troops – mostly RB Jonathan Taylor – it hardly seems like enough to compensate for one of the league’s worst defenses. And remember the mandate owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon delivered at the end of last season, saying: "We have been very clear with Chris and Shane that giving them another opportunity means that the sense of urgency for them to deliver and perform has never been higher.”

Steichen could certainly wind up as collateral damage for some of Ballard’s short-sighted decisions, though he’d likely be snapped up quickly in an OC role – and a reunion with Sirianni and Hurts sure seems sensible if he becomes available.

Zac Taylor, Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

Whether this organization values stability or whether it values not paying people to whom it owes money, Taylor’s standing is also worth keeping a close eye on. While the Bengals are again dealing with key injuries, particularly within their high-priced receiving corps, QB Joe Burrow is fully functional. And blame can no longer be laid at the feet of an under-resourced and/or unhappy defense. Taylor, now in his eighth season, was hired after Marvin Lewis lasted for 16 years here – and Taylor came much closer than Lewis to leading the Bengals to their first championship, coming up just short in Super Bowl 56. But Cincinnati hasn’t reached the playoffs since 2022 and continuity – Taylor was the only returning head coach in the AFC North this season – hasn’t seemed to give them much of a bump yet, the Bengals currently a game back of the Browns and Ravens in the divisional standings. The biggest issue could be the ever-swirling speculation around Burrow, who’s only amplified the expectations around this team while also having to address his own occasionally cryptic remarks regarding his future in Cincinnati. But Burrow seems to hold more sway than anyone in this operation, and there’s little doubt who would stick around if it became a choice between the Ohio-bred franchise QB and his coach.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL hot seat coaches include Jim Harbaugh – but still not Matt LaFluer

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Boozer’s NBA Debut A Success

ATLANTA, GA - OCTOBER 5: Cameron Boozer #27 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks during the NBA preseason on October 5, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2026 NBAE (Photo by Joseph Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images

We missed this on Tuesday, but Cameron Boozer had a successful debut in NBA pre-season play, helping the Memphis Grizzlies to defeat the Atlanta Hawks, 132-123.

Boozer scored 11 points, pulled down five rebounds and passed out four assists in 18 minutes. He also shot 5-9, though he missed his three three-point attempts.

Take the threes out though, and Boozer hit 5-6 from the floor, which is impressive for a rookie in his first game. It’s not that hitting threes is easy, but scoring inside against NBA veterans is no day at the beach either.

Memphis plays Orlando Wednesday night, which could be interesting. Aside from Wendell Carter and Paolo Banchero, the Magic features Franz Wagner and some other bigs who will probably give Boozer a bigger challenge than the Hawks did.

• Breaking Down Cam Boozer’s NBA Preseason Debut
• Duke’s Cameron Boozer stuffs stat sheet during NBA preseason debut
• Boozer shows ‘poise,’ Grizzlies impress in preseason opener at Atlanta
• Cameron Boozer Grizzlies Debut: No. 3 Pick Flashes All-Around Game
• Cameron Boozer throws down the big one-hand jam
• 3 Takeaways From Grizzlies’ Preseason Win Over Hawks

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Inside the Tape: Breaking Down Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s Impact in Week 4

Inside the Tape: Breaking Down Jeremiah Trotter Jr.'s Impact in Week 4 originally appeared on NBC Sports Philadelphia

Box scores give you the what. Film gives you the why.

Welcome back to a new weekly film series, where we bypass surface-level stats to isolate the schematic tweaks, matchups, and micro-details that define the Eagles from week to week.

After diving into Drew Kendall’s tape against the Bears last week, the focus shifts today to LB Jeremiah Trotter Jr who made his first start of the year against the Rams. With Zack Baun on the shelf, an opportunity for Trotter against a high-powered Rams attack set the stage for the young ‘backer to open some eyes. 

Away from the final few drives, the defensive product was lightyears ahead of where it was the first three weeks, and much of the credit is deserved for Trotter’s aggressive and physical presence in the heart of Philadelphia’s defense. If the film from Week 4 is any sign, Trotter deserves more snaps.

Let’s dive into the tape:

Living in the middle of an NFL defense isn’t easy, especially when you have to take on a left guard working free up to the second level. But Trotter plays this perfectly. This is just good ‘ol duo (double team) here from the Rams where they look to initially push back the defensive tackles and work up the LB in a short-yardage situation. For Trotter, watch how his head peeks around the opposite gap from where his momentum is taking him, making sure Rams RB Kyren Williams is accounted for whatever way he decides to go. But he quickly realizes Jalyx Hunt (58) is looping over the top into the B-gap allowing him to shuffle, avoid the block, and meet Williams in the hole for a tackle. Trotter makes it look easy with a free blocker in his face.

This is excellent football from Trotter, and really, the type of rep if you’re Vic Fangio that forces Trotter into more snaps. It’s physical, downhill, violent football. From the snap, he hops over a gap to account for the motion from Puka Nacua (12) – the same look the Rams later scored on via an end around – presses the A-gap, then bench presses the TE away from his body, sheds the block, and wraps up Williams. It’s textbook linebacker play that you see a lot of the time from Zack Baun, and if Trotter can consistently execute at this level as well, Jihaad Campbell’s snaps will decrease.

Rarely do you ever want a LB on a future first-ballot Hall-of-Fame wideout in man, but you have to be intrigued by this rep from Trotter, especially the nature of the route and location of the target. First, it’s a two-way option from Adams that occurs off-screen. He can work outside or in, depending on the leverage from Trotter. Usually, if the defender is stacked directly on top as Trotter was here, the WR/TE/RB, whoever is the pass-catcher, will go inside as it’s an easier throw for the QB. With Adams taking the inside track, it then becomes a foot race across the middle of the field as Adams crosses Matthew Stafford.

For Trotter to have the athleticism to not only re-direct from the route, keep up with Adams across the field, but to finish the play for just a five-yard gain is outstanding. It’s a matchup I’m sure Stafford saw pre-snap as his second read in the progression, and for the young Eagles LB to limit Adams here is very, very good football from the linebacker spot.

Similar look here against Nacua, but with the TE buzzing out to threaten the flats, the Rams’ All-Pro wideout doesn’t have a two-way go like Adams did in the prior clip. For Trotter, this is called a ‘spot drop’ where a LB works to about seven yards of depth in zone coverage and has to keep everything in front. But what stands out here is Trotter’s elite understanding of angles and open-field tackling – two traits that the best linebackers in football have. Nacua is one of the best in football with the ball in his hands, but he has absolutely nowhere to go after the catch as Trotter sinks and drives through his upfield shoulder just a few ticks after the catch. Also, look how low Trotter sinks to stop Nacua’s momentum, allowing other Eagles to rally to the football after being stonewalled.

It’s a small play in the large scheme of things, but it showcases his awareness, 1-on-1 tackling ability, and toughness to limit one of the games best.

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NFL power rankings Week 5: No. 1 spot changes hands for third consecutive week

NFL power rankings entering Week 5 of the 2026 season (previous rank in parentheses):

1. San Francisco 49ers (4): Would have put them in the top spot sooner if not for concern regarding their latest rash of injuries, FB Kyle Juszczyk the latest star to go down. However, the Niners are certainly safeguarding QB Brock Purdy, becoming the first team since Peyton Manning's 2005 Colts to permit zero sacks through four games. Beat Seattle on Sunday, and San Francisco will have already taken down three of last season's final four teams. Unbeaten through four games for the third time under Kyle Shanahan,now the longest-tenured coach in franchise history, the 49ers leveraged those other two hot starts into Super Bowl berths.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (2): Will the AFC's final undefeated team have anyone left to play wide receiver on the other side of their Week 5 bye after losing Rashee Rice and Tyquan Thornton in Vegas on Sunday? Maybe an old friend?

3. Seattle Seahawks (3): Even with RB Jadarian Price joining Zach Charbonnet on the shelf, they're doing a nice job with a patchwork running game that's incorporating KR/WR Rashid Shaheed and, perhaps, veteran Joe Mixon eventually.

4. Denver Broncos (5): It hasn't been pretty through four weeks, especially offensively. But their only losses are to the undefeated Chiefs and Niners, and the schedule eases a bit for the rest of October. Even better, All-Pro CB Patrick Surtain II (ankle) isn't expected to miss much time.

5. Los Angeles Rams (6): They're still out of sorts offensively, QB Matthew Stafford launching a league-high 162 passes for an offense that's only running 38% of the time. But facing Buffalo's air defense − not exactly the Iron Dome − in Week 5 won't provide much reason to balance things out.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars (8): Bend but don't break? They rank 26th overall in total defense, yet the Jags haven't allowed more than 20 points in their past 10 regular-season games.

7. New England Patriots (15): Will their biggest offensive outburst of the season steady QB Drake Maye and this team at large? The Pats' 29 offensive points Sunday matched their aggregate total entering Week 4.

8. Buffalo Bills (1): They're still scoring at the highest clip in the league. But the early season success is now contextualized by beating two winless teams, including a Week 3 struggle against the Chargers, prior to Sunday's wake-up loss to the Patriots − winners of two in a row at Buffalo. Now it's up to the Bills to stabilize away from Western New York, given they'll only play at home once over the next six weeks.

9. Minnesota Vikings (7): As great as their swarming defense has been, let's not lose sight of All-Pro K Will Reichard. His league-high 42 points scored are nearly half of the Vikes' total (86). Reichard has provided all of the scoring in two of Minnesota's four wins.

10. Chicago Bears (9): After giving up 37 points in the opener, the defense has surrendered 28 − total − over the past three weeks. Doesn't much matter who the QB1 is with that kind of margin for error.

11. Las Vegas Raiders (11): Where has this franchise been? Andy Reid has the most wins (7) of any coach − including the Raiders' − at Allegiant Stadium. And while Klint Kubiak's troops arguably legitimized themselves by nearly knocking off Reid's Chiefs on Sunday, they'll be challenged to keep it up − the Patriots, Bills, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks and Broncos are among the Silver and Black's next seven opponents.

12. Cleveland Browns (18): Kardiac Kids Part Deux? Deshaun Watson is the first Browns quarterback since Brian Sipe, the league MVP in 1980, to engineer a game-winning drive in the fourth quarter of three consecutive games.

13. Carolina Panthers (21): By the conclusion of Sunday night's win over Detroit, they owned the league's No. 1 passing attack. Props to QB Bryce Young for rendering the bust label some had affixed to him premature.

14. Atlanta Falcons (22): It's been an entirely new team since QB Michael Penix Jr.'s Week 3 return … and maybe one capable of winning its first NFC South crown in a decade.

15. Detroit Lions (10): They're certainly leaning on their stars, RB Jahmyr Gibbs with the most touches (102) in the league and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown (46) with the most targets. Gonna be hard to deviate from that formula given how bad the league's most permissive defense has been … a state of affairs that seems unlikely to change any time soon.

16. New Orleans Saints (12): They're in the same boat as the Lions, likely needing to win a shootout every week. But the Saints will need to get RB Travis Etienne and WR Jordyn Tyson back soon if they're going to recover sufficiently to make their first post-Brees playoff appearance.

17. Baltimore Ravens (13): It's no secret that they can't afford to be without injured QB Lamar Jackson for long. But he's doing more damage with his arm right now than his legs, Jackson's 14.2 yards per completion pacing the league and representing the best figure of his nine-year career.

18. Dallas Cowboys (14): After a strong debut Sunday, CB Joey Porter Jr. might be making the case he's the ex-Steeler this team should re-sign given the significant drop in WR George Pickens' production.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers (16): Time will tell if their hardline negotiating policies cost them too much following the departure of Porter … but sure could have used him in Cleveland.

20. Cincinnati Bengals (17): Depending on how long injuries to WRs Ja'Marr Chase (concussion) and Tee Higgins (groin) linger, QB Joe Burrow could be throwing to Dohnte Meyers and Mitch Tinsley on Sunday at Miami Gardens.

21. New York Giants (23): If the season ended today − it doesn't − they'd be the NFC East champions and a No. 3 playoff seed. Worthing noting QBs Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy have the same number of career postseason starts: Zero.

22. Philadelphia Eagles (19): The last time they were this helpless on offense (172 yards on Sunday) was 2014 … when Chip Kelly was the coach and Mark Sanchez the quarterback.

23. Indianapolis Colts (24): Maybe they should pack the Mayflower trucks (ships?) for Europe given they've won three in a row in the Old World, which the NFL seems ready to make its new frontier.

24. Washington Commanders (20): Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis became the first NFL quarterback to throw his first career TD pass in an international game. Cool. But this team can't get Jayden Daniels back fast enought.

25. Arizona Cardinals (28): S Budda Baker leads the team with 1½ sacks … which is fairly indicative of how things are going for one of the league's worst defenses.

26. Green Bay Packers (26): Still no Josh Jacobs. Still no Micah Parsons. And now standout LB Edgerrin Cooper is out for the season with an Achilles tear. Getting increasingly difficult to view this squad as a playoff entry, especially given the narrow win at Tampa.

27. Houston Texans (25): Even if an 0-4 outfit wanted to wave the white flag, the contracts of players like DE Danielle Hunter and WR Nico Collins are basically untradeable due to their salary cap ramifications.

28. New York Jets (27): After losing three in a row to NFC North teams, the Browns should be a welcome sight for a Jets team that became the first this century to run fewer plays (32) in a game than the number of first downs it surrendered (34).

29. Los Angeles Chargers (29): They don't face a team that currently has a losing record until Houston visits in Week 9 … by which time the Bolts could be 0-7.

30. Tennessee Titans (30): Little has gone right so far, but it's been nice to see rookie WR Carnell Tate pick up the pace. He has 15 catches for 203 yards over the past two weeks.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (31): Their point total has decreased with each successive week, proportionate with the optimism that once surrounded these dead-in-the-water Bucs.

32. Miami Dolphins (32): They haven't led for a single minute of any game so far.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NFL power rankings Week 5: No. 1 spot changes hands for third consecutive week

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