Scully's NFL Week 5 picks: Browns will spring upset over Chargers

After they scored 77 points the last two weeks, the Dallas Cowboys have emerged as legitimate contender in the NFC.

The Dallas defense has exceeded expectations under new coordinator Dan Quinn, and the Cowboys are among my NFL picks in Week 5.

Let's get into the games.

Cleveland Browns vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Behind a monstrous defensive effort, Cleveland edged Minnesota last week, and the Browns defense will give Los Angeles fits.

The Chargers have a short week, following an important divisional win in prime time, as they rolled past Las Vegas on Monday night. They’ve put up big numbers in back-to-back games, but Los Angeles is still prone to inconsistent performances. In Week 2, Dallas kept the Chargers off balance and limited them to 17 points.

No defensive line is playing at a higher level than Cleveland, which has wreaked havoc upon opposing quarterbacks with its front four, and the Browns remain the top-ranked rushing offense, with an average of 177 yards per game.

The Browns will control clock, and head coach Kevin Stefanski is still one of the better offensive minds in football. He will craft a better game plan for quarterback Baker Mayfield, who didn’t play well last week.

NFL pick: Cleveland +1.5

Chicago Bears vs. Las Vegas Raiders

Chicago will be without its best offensive player, running back David Montgomery, and the Raiders effective pass rush can make the afternoon miserable for rookie quarterback Justin Fields, who has a 48% completion rate.

Las Vegas could not sustain its high-scoring ways and took a step back last week against the Chargers, but the Raiders will be motivated in this spot. Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa said the Raiders “quit,” and that did not sit well with Derek Carr.

Chicago has given up 804 yards and 60 points in its first two road games, and the Raiders will get their offense humming in a comfortable win.

NFL pick: Las Vegas -5

New York Giants vs. Dallas Cowboys

I loved the intensity the Giants brought last week, following the loss of their defensive captain and leading tackler, Blake Martinez, in Week 3. They rose to the occasion to earn their first win of the season over New Orleans in overtime, but it’s not realistic to expect them to have much left in the second of back-to-back road games.

Dallas plays aggressive and fast, with 77 points and four forced turnovers over the last two weeks, and the Giants won’t be able to match the Cowboys' tempo.

This game also has value from a payback perspective. New York broke Dak Prescott’s ankle at AT&T Stadium last year. The Cowboys will make the Giants pay for that bad memory Sunday.

NFL pick: Dallas -7