Defenses to start in Week 5
By: Jake Rajala
Let’s not overlook the critical defense spot. There are a handful of really good defenses to start in Week 5. Well, I’m going to unfold which defenses to start.
Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions get to play against the Bengals backup QB Jake Browning in Week 5. Browning has merely thrown for 3 TDs to 5 ints thus far. Ja’Marr Chase has 10 grabs for 73 yds in his past two games combined. The Browns are 30th in PPG scored. The Lions defense has also been on fire. They went from 10 pts in Week 3 to 20 pts in Week 4. Aidan Hutchinson is still heating up, too.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings get to tee off on the young, third round pick in 2025, Dillon Gabriel. Not only is he a rookie QB, but he’s in a less than favorable situation. The Vikings had 35 pts in Week 3 against a desperate Bengals offense, which is impossible to fathom. The Vikings aren’t the Purple People Eaters, but they can play like a Top-10 defense in the right moments.
New York Giants
I love the Giants pass rush with Kavyon Thibodeaux, Brian Burns (who has five sacks), and Abdul Carter. They also have sexy Dexy, who is quite stout against the run. They get to face a Saints OL that is missing Cesar Ruiz at RG and have a rookie LT in Kelvin Banks. The Saints ascending TE Juwan Johnson also has an ankle injury and may miss the contest. Plus, Spencer Rattler hasn’t really pushed the ball down the field.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philly has talent across the board. Jalen Carter has been limited in practice. They also have Zack Baun, who was arguably the best ILB last season. Let’s not forget about Cooper Dejean. Philly’s defense had 12 pts in Week 3 and 16 pts in Week 4. They get to face Bo Nix, who had a modest outcome last week, but has struggled in the other games of the season.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs have had one of the most underrated defenses over the past two weeks. They had 12 pts in Week 3 and eight points last week. The best part is that the group led by Chris Jones gets to feast on an average Jaguars offense.
Honorable Mention:
New Orleans Saints
The Saints had 8pts in Week 1, and then they went south. They have a prime opportunity to shine against the GMEN, as the rookie Jaxson Dart has the nod. The veteran Brandon Staley will know which schemes should upset the rookie QB. The Giants are 26th in sacks allowed. I smell a Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson play lights out.
There are a lot of defenses that have been slightly modest, but should excel due to poor competition in Week 5. I’m thrilled to see the defenses listed above play with their hearts out and hopefully help a lot of teams win.
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