Cardinals vs Lions Week 5 Expert Picks, Prediction Roundup

Sep 27, 2026; Santa Clara, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Cardinals vs Lions Week 5 Expert Picks, Prediction Roundup

Originally posted on Arizona Cardinals on SI
By Donnie Druin | Last updated Oct 9, 2026 12:57 PM ET

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The Arizona Cardinals and Detroit Lions are set for a Week 5 clash at State Farm Stadium that carries plenty of stakes despite its early-season placement.

Defensive coordinators on both sides of the ball are looking to keep themselves off the hot seat while Arizona and Detroit's offense holds potential to each score 30 points when all cylinders are firing.

A loss would sink the Cardinals to 1-4 on the year while the Lions enter Week 5 with an even 2-2 record.

Week 5 roundup for Cardinals-Lions predictions:

Sports Illustrated

Albert Breer: Lions
Eva Geitheim: Cardinals
Mitch Goldich: Cardinals
Mike Kadlick: Cardinals
Gilberto Manzano: Lions
Conor Orr: Lions
John Pluym: Lions
Matt Verderame: Lions
Iain MacMillan: Lions
Peter Dewey: Lions

ESPN

Matt Bowen: Lions
Mike Clay: Lions
Jeremy Fowler: Lions
Dan Graziano: Lions
Kalyn Kahler: Lions
Pamela Maldonado: Lions
Eric Moody: Lions
Jason Reid: Lions
Ben Solak: Lions
Lindsey Thiry: Lions
Seth Wickersham: Lions

CBS Sports

Pete Prisco: "The Lions are playing on the road off a Sunday night loss. They can't stop anybody on defense. But the Cardinals have some defensive issues as well. Look for the Lions to outscore Arizona in a shootout as Jared Goff puts up big numbers.

"Pick: Lions 40, Cardinals 31"

NFL.com

Bucky Brooks: "After a hot start in Week 1, the Cardinals certainly have cooled off. They have allowed at least 30 points in each of their last three games. Fortunately, one of the three teams allowing more points per game this season is this week's opponent, the Lions, who have scored and allowed 24-plus points in all four games.

"Simply put, expect plenty of offense (and fantasy points) in this one. The Lions' pick-your-poison unit -- with Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta in tow -- should have no problem rebounding from last week's roller-coaster loss in Carolina. Jacoby Brissett has done some good things, too, notably when targeting Trey McBride and Michael Wilson. The Cardinals must find the end zone to stay with the ever-explosive Lions, but a few too many field goals by the home team will likely put them on the losing end."