Prisco’s Week 5 NFL picks: Bengals upset Ravens in key AFC North battle, Bills win shootout vs. Texans |Max Sporty|

Let’s flush September down the toilet.

After all, my choices stank worse than a trash can. I know I’m not alone as this has been a tough year for everyone who chooses NFL games — brutally bad.

I went 7-9 against the spread last week, which isn’t good, but I’m still leading ours NFL an expert chooses at CBSSports.com with a 30-31-3 record. That’s how bad September was for all of us.

As for my straight picks, I was 8-8 last week to even my record at 32-32. That doesn’t lead, but it’s close.

Phew, we stink.

But now is the time when things start to crystallize a little in the NFL. So let’s see if my record can improve.

I have to look on the bright side: I didn’t go 3-13 ATS last week like someone I know. Is it, Jamey Eisenberg?

Thursday, 8:15 pm ET (Main Video)

This is a huge game within the division for both teams. Tampa Bay impressed last week by blowing out the Eagles, while the Falcons got a tough win over the Saints. The Atlanta offense hasn’t looked that good and the Falcons have offensive line injuries that Todd Bowles will exploit. Baker Mayfield and the Bucs will win another road game.

Choose: Bucs 24, Falcons 20

Bonus: Larry Hartstein, who is on a 49-25-2 ATS roll in Falcons games, has released his best bets for the Week 5 NFC South game against the Buccaneers. Hartstein tilts the Supreme total but who does he support covering? find out right here at SportsLine.

Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFLN, fubo)

The Vikings are undefeated and Sam Darnold is playing at an MVP level. But facing this Jets defense will be a real challenge. The Jets offense was lifeless last week in the loss to Denver, and Aaron Rodgers will face a tough test from Minnesota’s offensive defense. His line was in trouble last week and will be here again. It’s close but low scoring as the Jets take it behind their defense.

Choose: Jets 19, Vikings 16

Sunday, 1 pm ET (Fox, fubo)

The Bruins are coming off a win, while Andy Dalton lost for the first time as a starter this year last week against the Bengals. The Chicago defense is playing well. I think Dalton and his offense will struggle, while Caleb Williams will continue to improve with help from the rejuvenated running game. The Bruins take it as the Panthers struggle to carry it on offense.

Choose: Bears 24, Panthers 13

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Most important+)

This is a huge game for the Bengals. They can get right back into the division race with a win here. Their offense came alive with Tee Higgins back. The Ravens are giving up a lot of big pass plays, so that will be a factor here. The Bengals defense is in trouble, so look for a lot of points. In the end, I think Joe Burrow wins it.

Choose: Bengals 34, Ravens 31

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Most important+)

This is one of the best games of the week. The Bills are out on the road for the second straight week and didn’t look good in a loss to the Ravens. The Texans weren’t dynamic offensively, which many expected before the season. Look for Josh Allen to come in here and win a shootout with CJ Stroud.

Choose: Bills 30, Texans 28

Sunday, 1 p.m. ET (CBS, Most important+)

The Colts haven’t won in Jacksonville since 2014, but this Jaguars team is reeling. At 0-4, this is a must win or they are really done. The Colts don’t know who will start at quarterback with Anthony Richardson out. It could be Joe Flacco. It doesn’t matter. The story remains the same. The Jaguars will get their first win.

Choose: Jaguars 24, Colts 17

Sunday, 1 pm ET (Fox, fubo)

This game has two bad teams, but the Dolphins are the surprise there. Without Tua Tagovailoa, they are anemic on offense. The defense is not good right now either. The Pats have struggled the past few games, but at home they will play better. They earn it.

Choose: Patriots 21, Dolphins 16

Sunday, 1 pm ET (Fox, fubo)

The Chiefs are riding high behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, while the Browns are struggling with Deshaun Watson. This is the second straight road game for the Browns and they are really beat up. The offensive line is a mess. Daniels will stay hot. The Commanders keep rolling.

Choose: Commanders 28, Browns 17

Sunday, 4:05 pm ET (Fox, fubo)

Both teams are 2-2 and the Broncos are at home for the first time in three weeks. The Denver defense has really impressed over the last two games and will play well here. Both teams are limited on offense, but I think the Broncos will get the best of the Las Vegas offense. The Broncos win it.

Choose: Broncos 20, Raiders 14

Sunday, 4:05 pm ET (Fox, fubo)

The Cardinals were blown out last week and the defense was bad. That’s never a good thing when the 49ers are playing at their place. Brock Purdy and Co. should have a great day. The defense will do its part as well. Look for a 49ers blowout because the Cards just don’t have the players on defense.

Choose: 49ers 30, Cardinals 17

Bonus: The SportsLine Projection Model, which exceeds $7,000 for $100 players on top rated. NFL picks since its inception, likes the 49ers to cover against the Cardinals in Week 5. See the other picks the model supports at SportsLine.

Sunday, 4:25 pm ET (CBS, Most important+)

The Packers are coming off a tough loss to the Vikings with Jordan Love back in action, but he played well after a slow start. The Rams are giving up a ton of big plays on defense, which is good news for Love. The Rams are limited on offense with so many injuries. They will not be able to continue.

Choose: Packers 31, Rams 19

Bonus: The SportsLine Projection Model, which exceeds $7,000 for $100 players on top rated. NFL picks since its inception, likes the Packers to cover on the road against the Rams in Week 5. See the other picks the model supports at SportsLine.

Sunday, 4:25 pm ET (CBS, Most important+)

This is a long trip for the Giants, but they will rest by playing last Thursday, while the Seahawks played Monday night. Seattle is really beat up on defense, so this could be a game for the Giants offense to show something. The Seattle offense showed Monday night that it can score. Look for points as the Giants roll, but Seattle wins it.

Choose: Seahawks 30, Giants 26

Sunday, 8:20 pm ET (NBC, fubo)

The Cowboys are battered on defense and the status of star pass rusher Micah Parsons is the big injury to watch. The Steelers lost for the first time last week with the defense struggling. I think the Cowboys will go into Pittsburgh and score enough to beat the Steelers because Dak Prescott is playing big.

Choose: Cowboys 23, Steelers 20

Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN, fubo)

The Saints are playing back-to-back road games and they’re doing so in prime time. That’s pretty tough, but they also play the top team in the league. Patrick Mahomes started showing flashes of his old ways last week. I think he plays well here — throwing for over 270 and two scores — because the Chiefs win when they turn Derek Carr picks into points.

Choose: Chiefs 31, Saints 20

Bonus: Before you pick your Week 5 NFL survivors, you need to see which team the SportsLine Projection Model is backing. We can tell you the model runs the undefeated Chiefs against the Saints. Look at the surprise team to back in Week 5 right here.