Heading into week four of the NFL season, I should probably be planning a trip to Las Vegas. After correctly picking 13 of 16 winners last week, my season record now stands at 35 correct, 13 wrong. Here are my week four picks:
Buffalo at Cincinnati – the Bills gave their fans a sneak peek at how they were going to play this season in last year’s game against the Bengals, when they wiped out a big deficit and won. This year’s Bengals are a much different team – no Carson Palmer, Terrell Owens or Chad Ochocinco, but they do have a pretty strong defense. Still, I think Buffalo pulls out a close win.
Carolina at Chicago – big test for Panther rookie QB Cam Newton on the road against the Bears, and I don’t think he’ll pass it. The Bears get a much-needed win at home.
Tennessee at Cleveland – both of these teams appear to be clubs that will be inconsistent all year. Although I think the Titans get better quarterback play, I’ll go with the Browns at home.
Detroit at Dallas – the Cowboys have played some gutsy football this year and pulled out close wins, but Detroit is believing in itself and has a solid roster. The Lions stay unbeaten with a win at Jerry’s Palace.
Pittsburgh at Houston – the Steelers have looked a little vulnerable this year, and Houston will knock them off at home in a shootout.
New Orleans at Jacksonville – the Saints score at will but need to shore up their defense. However, Jacksonville doesn’t have the offensive punch to take advantage of the Saints’ defensive shortcomings, and New Orleans wins here.
Minnesota at Kansas City – both of these teams are winless and reeling, but the Chiefs have been plagued by injuries and may be losing faith in their coach. The Vikings get their first win.
San Francisco at Philadelphia – the 49ers don’t have the horses to compete with Philly, and the Eagles need the win badly, and will get it in a lop-sided contest.
Washington at St. Louis – the Redskins are playing hard and getting respect but I still feel like they are a house of cards waiting to crumble. Coach Mike Shanahan is doing it with smoke and mirrors, and the Rams crack the mirror this week and get their first win at home.
New York Giants at Arizona – the Giants were impressive in beating the Eagles last week, avenging a crushing loss from 2010. But they’re a Jeckyl and Hyde club and this is just the type of game they’ll slip up in. The Cardinals get a win at home.
Atlanta at Seattle – another 2010 playoff team off to a slow start, the Falcons need to string together some wins to stay close in the NFC South. They’ll get one here against a club going nowhere this year.
Denver at Green Bay – no contest in this game, especially at Lambeau Field. Green Bay wins in a rout.
New England at Oakland – this should be an interesting contest. Oakland is the real deal, and proved it with a big win over the Jets last week. However, there’s no way Tom Brady and the Pats lose again. They’ll outscore the Raiders and win a close one.
Miami at San Diego – in my division predictions for the year I had the Dolphins finishing in the AFC East basement and they are well on their way. The Chargers send them to the 4th loss of the year here.
New York Jets at Baltimore – the Jets, one of the AFC’s strongest teams, start off with a brutal schedule. I think they’ll regroup and beat Rex Ryan’s old team. Then they get to play New England next week.
Indianapolis at Tampa Bay – it’s amazing how mediocre the Colts are without Peyton Manning. Tampa Bay plays well in the Monday Night spotlight and gets the win at home.