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Adam Thielen's bad news, the J-word and the upcoming reinforcements The Yankees look for a win in Game 1 and show why they are real contenders

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As the NFL season heads into October, it's time to add a little spice – pumpkin spice? – about our forecasts.

Even with only two undefeated teams remaining and the middle of the pack in disarray, there is still some separation emerging between the league's top contenders and their minor contenders. Still, little pecking order remains from week to week, with the Denver Broncos' loss to the New York Jets last Sunday being one of the most recent reminders that surprises are bound to crop up somewhere on the schedule.

With that in mind, here are USA TODAY Sports' NFL writers and columnists' bold predictions for Week 5:

Stefon Diggs will have his first 100-yard game as a Texan

The Buffalo Bills are coming to Houston. And it would be a real Texas welcome if Stefon Diggs could highlight his role as host with his first 100-yard game in a Houston jersey… and remind his former team that he is one of the NFL's best receivers is.

No, the Bills' passing game hasn't evaporated without Diggs, who was traded for a second-round pick in the offseason. Until last weekend's loss in Baltimore, Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen was off to the best start of his career in three games, spreading out a number of passes. Still, Diggs was the focal point in Buffalo for many years, so it will be interesting to see how the trade plays out for both teams as they envision a path to a championship.

As it stands now, Diggs is such an enticing subplot to this 3-1 clash of AFC rivals. Finally, he hasn't had a triple-digit receiving game since Week 6 of 2023 (10 catches, 100 yards vs. the New York Giants). Maybe it's overdue. After recording five 100-yard games in the first six games last season, Diggs has gone 17 straight games (including playoffs) without a 100-yard score. This stretch includes his last 13 games in a Buffalo uniform – which coincided with the change in offense after Joe Brady took over as coordinator and marked the rushing attack ushered in by James Cook. Diggs, by the way, had his most productive game as a Texan when he faced him other However, with 94 yards on 10 receptions, he barely managed to break 100 yards. It should also be noted that Buffalo, which ranks sixth in passing offense, has yet to allow a 100-yard receiver this season. Maybe now is the time for Diggs to make his mark in more ways than one.

–Jarrett Bell

0-4 Jaguars earn first win

The only winless team in the NFL will finally get into the win column.

Three of the Jaguars' losses came by margin of difference. Jacksonville actually played its best game of the season last week, albeit in a loss. Brian Thomas Jr. set a career-high in receptions (6) and Travis Etienne and Tank Bigsby combined for 140 rushing yards in Week 4.

If the Jaguars can build on these three performances, Trevor Lawrence plays consistently and the defense gives up 24 points or fewer – which has happened three times – the Jaguars should be able to get their first win of the season against the Colts team, the Jacksonville won last year.

The Jaguars have lost nine of their last 10 games since last season. For a talented Jags squad, defeats happened far too often. Every loss in Jacksonville raises the temperature on head coach Doug Pederson's court, but Lawrence also deserves some of the blame for his inconsistent performances from week to week.

—Tyler Dragon

Rookies Rally

As Week 5 comes to a close, I'm betting – or choosing, anyway – that all of the rookie quarterbacks starting (Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Bo Nix) will have their teams over .500 and (very prematurely) in the playoffs will move in field. In other words, they will take a combined 3-0 lead for the second time in a row. Williams, the Chicago Bears' No. 1 overall pick, is off to the most efficient start of his young career and is next setting his sights on the team he might play for – Carolina – if circumstances were slightly different. Nix's Denver Broncos have won two straight, in part because he takes better care of the ball, and they now host the Las Vegas Raiders (and their various problems) in a big way. And there's not much to say about Offensive Rookie of the Month Jayden Daniels, but even if he hasn't quite maintained his historical accuracy over the last four games, the multi-talented 2023 Heisman Trophy winner can still have a very realistic chance of being defeated the struggling Browns.

– Nate Davis

Travis Kelce is finally going

Jason Kelce — Travis' big brother — had a funny mini-rant on their “New Heights” podcast this week that echoed what the Chiefs have been saying since the start of the season: The stats don't tell the whole story of Kelce's story in 2024 .

The Chiefs tight end played an increasing role in last week's win over the Los Angeles Chargers, as he recorded 89 receiving yards on seven catches (nine targets). Those numbers can almost double against the New Orleans Saints, even though the Saints have one of the better defenses in the NFL. Kansas City will be without Rashee Rice and Isiah Pacheco; Rookie wideout Xavier Worthy is currently just a speed threat. Patrick Mahomes needs his old pal Kelce more than ever.

Kelce loves – loves! – in the spotlight. “Monday Night Football” takes center stage. Don't be surprised if Kelce not only has his best game of the young season, but also one of his best performances of the year. He may find the end zone more than once, approaching the 150-yard mark.

—Chris Bumbaca

Patrick Mahomes takes over the NFL lead for interceptions, but the Chiefs still win

While Mahomes' streak of five interceptions in his first four games – including at least one in every game – involved some bad luck, there's no doubt that the two-time MVP is pushing. This problem could only get worse with top target Rashee Rice out and Travis Kelce likely continuing to be obscured by the defense.

Monday's game against the Saints could be a clear indication of how far Mahomes is willing to stray from his more demanding style at a time when defenses are asking him to be more patient and trying to deny him anything deep. Despite not being under pressure, New Orleans' defense managed to allow the sixth-fewest points thanks to its stingiest performance in the red zone, where the unit allowed a touchdown on just 22.2% of its drives.

If the Chiefs end up in an early hole or fall off schedule, they could be in trouble against a unit that has already thrown six interceptions this season. That could prompt Mahomes to force the issue in certain spots, which could at least put him in a tie with Will Levis – who is out this week – and Anthony Richardson for the NFL lead in interceptions.

Still, it's too hard to beat the undefeated two-time champions, especially given the defensive support they enjoy. The Chiefs could escape unscathed, but it could be close again.

—Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

On By John Fenwick

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