NFL Week 4 Picks

Photo credit: barstoolsports.com

No, you didn’t leave your stove on.

That heat you feel is from me picking all of these games right(fair warning, I might’ve just jinxed myself).

I went 13–3 last week, upping my overall record to 37–10–1.

Let’s get straight to the action, shall we?

Sunday early-afternoon games

Cleveland(1–2) at Baltimore(2–1) (-6.5): I expect the Ravens to win this game in a close, physical contest thanks to their team chemistry.

Prediction: Ravens 20, Browns 17

LA Chargers(1–2) (-15.5) at Miami(0–3): Melvin Gordon ended his holdout with the Chargers, but he won’t play on Sunday. The team will be just fine without him.

Prediction: Chargers 34, Dolphins 13

Kansas City(3–0) (-6.5) at Detroit (2–0–1): While I definitely expect the Lions to be physical with the Chiefs’ offense, I don’t expect it to work all game long.

Prediction: Chiefs 24, Lions 16

Carolina(1–2) at Houston(2–1) (-4.5): Kyle Allen lit up the Cardinals this week, but how will he perform under pressure in a hostile environment? Just fine if you ask me.

Prediction: Panthers 24, Texans 23

New England(3–0) (-7) at Buffalo(3–0): This is the Bills chance to show the world that they’re legit. While I do think their defense is for real, I don’t like the offense’s chances of having success against the Pats’ defense.

Prediction: Patriots 20, Bills 13

Oakland(1–2) at Indianapolis(2–1) (-6.5): I like the Colts to continue their groove and play a good, all-around game.

Prediction: Colts 27, Raiders 17

Washington(0–3) at NY Giants(1–2) (-2.5): The Redskins defense doesn’t stand a chance against Danny Dimes.

Prediction: Giants 30, Redskins 24

Tennessee(1–2) at Atlanta (1–2) (-4): The Falcons are a dangerous team at home. Expect Matt Ryan and company to flex their muscles a bit.

Prediction: Falcons 26, Titans 17

Sunday late-afternoon games

Tampa Bay(1–2) at LA Rams(3–0) (-9.5): I’m expecting the Rams to win big on Sunday, not because the Bucs are a bad team but because LA is being slept on.

Prediction: Rams 35, Buccaneers 13

Seattle(2–1) (-5) at Arizona(0–2–1): In a surprising pick, I’m actually siding with Arizona. I feel like Kyler Murray will make some big plays down the field.

Prediction: Cardinals 27, Seahawks 24

Jacksonville(1–2) at Denver(0–3) (-3): Do you like ugly football? If so, pull up a chair and get your Cheetos ready. I’ll be asleep by the coin toss.

Prediction: Broncos 16, Jaguars 10

Minnesota(2–1) at Chicago(2–1) (-2): If you’re a fan of below average quarterbacks who have great supporting casts, please tune in! I actually like Kirk Cousins to handle the ball better than Trubisky in this one.

Prediction: Vikings 20, Bears 13

Sunday Night Football

Dallas(3–0) (-2.5) at New Orleans(2–1): It’s no secret that the Cowboys are good. Some people believe that Dak Prescott being good is a myth while others believe that the Saints are bound to collapse eventually without Drew Brees. Something has to give. While I do believe in the Saints, I believe the Cowboys will make a statement on the road.

Prediction: Cowboys 30, Saints 23

Monday Night Football

Cincinnati(0–3) at Pittsburgh(0–3) (-4): Okay, seriously. If the Bengals don’t beat the Steelers now, they never will. I don’t expect them to but have you seen the Steelers lately?

Prediction: Bengals 27, Steelers 23

Game of the Week: Cowboys at Saints

This is just a “show me” game. You have Dak Prescott looking to prove he’s worth a big contract while the team as a whole looks to prove they belong among the NFL’s elite. The Saints on the other hand are still looking to prove the doubters wrong about them being an ordinary team without Drew Brees.

Upset of the Week: Cardinals over Seahawks

Why not? Seattle can’t defend the big play, and Arizona’s offense is predicated on making big plays through their air-raid system.

Offense of the Week: Los Angeles Rams

The Rams haven’t exploded on offense, yet. That will come to an end pretty soon.

Defense of the Week: Minnesota Vikings

I completely expect Minnesota to fluster Trubisky and force him to make critical mistakes.

Dud of the Week(player): Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky(CHI)

Prove me wrong Mitch. I dare you.

Dud of the Week(team): Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks could easily be 0–3 right now, so this game will be closer than people think.

Breakout player: Quarterback Kyler Murray(ARI)

As long as he gets protection(which is a big if), Murray should find holes in the Seahawks secondary.

Player of the Week: Quarterback Jared Goff(LAR)

Danny Dimes just lit up Tampa Bay’s defense last week. Jared Goff should be able to do the same.

Team of the Week: Philadelphia Eagles

I picked the Eagles to win Thursday Night in Lambeau, and I was right. This was a must-win for Philly, and they played the game like it was a playoff game.