Week 5 betting: Chargers cover; big games coming from Taylor, Judkins? - ESPN

Value is value, no matter where — or how — you find it. And that's what we'll aim to do each week in this space — find value.

Ben Solak is out this week, so Matt Bowen is filling in with his own unique style.

Bowen and Seth Walder bring different perspectives to how they approach sports betting. Bowen, a former NFL safety, predicts positive matchups and game winners from tape study and his understanding of the league. Walder relies on statistical models to pick out plus-expected value bets.

These weekly picks will not be limited to a certain bet type. From spreads and money lines to totals or even defensive player props, a good price might be found anywhere.

Results will be tracked throughout the season, with flat one-unit wagers for each listed bet. We'll try to keep the momentum going coming off a big week (Walder: 17-4, +13.1 units; Bowen: 6-1, +5.2 units).

With that, let's dive into Week 5. As always, odds are from ESPN BET Sportsbook.

Note: Defensive prop bets will be added as they become available.

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Game bets | Offensive props

Washington Commanders at Los Angeles Chargers -2.5 (-125)

Jayden Daniels is expected to play this week for Washington, but I'm still sticking with L.A. at home, given the matchups Jim Harbaugh's team can create in the pass game. With Quentin Johnston, Ladd McConkey and Keenan Allen, quarterback Justin Herbert can target all three levels of the field against a Commanders defense that has looked shaky on tape, giving up an average of 8.1 yards per pass attempt. — Bowen

Dallas Cowboys team total OVER 24.5 points (-115)

Dak Prescott is playing really good football. The pocket movement. Seeing it fast. Throwing with location. Aggressive down the field. Prescott is completing 72.9% of