WEEK 4: ELITE TEAM PICKS OF THE WEEK

We have now reached week 4 in NFL season and the games have been exciting so far. This week, two teams have bye weeks, as Green Bay and Philadelphia get a rest this week. That means fans of those squads, including myself, miss out on another week of amazing pro football action!

Bye: Green Bay Packers (2-1) and Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)

Miami Dolphins (1-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)

The Dolphins won in overtime after a missed last second field goal for the Browns last week. Simply put, the Dolphins got very lucky against what is a very lackluster Browns squad. The Fins are going to need for pressure on defense and have a more disciplined and consistent rushing attack if they are going to compete against the likes of teams such as the Bengals. I think Cincy takes this one at home.

Cincinnati Bengals 24 Miami Dolphins 12

Indianapolis Colts (1-2) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)

The Jaguars are all over the place so far this season. They stuck around with Green Bay week one but has shown little offensive firepower since then. The Colts won a close battle with the Bolts last week behind a breakout performance from T.Y. Hilton. I expect a similar result on the road here.

Indianapolis Colts 30 Jacksonville Jaguars 20

Tennessee Titans (1-2) at Houston Texans (2-1)

This game won’t draw too many headlines but I think this has UPSET written all over it. Tennessee has quietly put up solid showings in the first few weeks. Especially defensively, this team has produced some solid results, slowing down up tempo offenses such as Detroit and Oakland. Titans shock Houston at NRG Stadium.

Tennessee Titans 13 Houston Texans 10

Cleveland Browns (0-3) at Washington Redskins (1-2)

Washington had a great game last week, stealing one away from New York in the Big Apple. The Browns haven’t been able to receive any breaks, and this game won’t be any different. Washington takes it behind an explosive rushing performance by Matt Jones and Co.

Washington Redskins 21 Cleveland Browns 16

Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2)

Seattle finally showed a little offensive juice last week against San Fran and their above average defense. I don’t, however, see them taking this one on the road. As long as Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t toss multiple interceptions again, I see the Jets taking this one by three.

New York Jets 20 Seattle Seahawks 17

Buffalo Bills (1-2) at New England Patriots (3-0)

The Patriots expect to have either Jacoby Brissett or Jimmy Garoppolo available for their week 4 game, and they get the Bills, who just beat Arizona by double digits. This should be an interesting game. If Buffalo can get another rushing performance from Lesean McCoy like last week, a win is possible. However, I predict New England rolls at home.

New England Patriots 27 Buffalo Bills 20

Carolina Panthers (1-2) at Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

What is going on with the Carolina Panthers? Can anyone answer me? They put up offensive duds in weeks 1 and 3 and fireworks in week 2. Who knows what will happen in the Georgia Dome this week. I do know, however, that Atlanta looked incredible last week in the Superdome. Their offense looks like one of the best in the NFL, and they take care once again this week.

Atlanta Falcons 34 Carolina Falcons 24

Oakland Raiders (2-1) at Baltimore Ravens (3-0)

Oakland took care of business against Tennessee regardless of how slow their offense looked. Baltimore keeps putting up wins even if they aren’t necessarily impressive in any way. This one should be close, but I foresee Oakland putting an end to Baltimore’s run on the road.

Oakland Raiders 23 Baltimore Ravens 21

Detroit Lions (1-2) at Chicago Bears (0-3)

The Bears look flat out bad. That felt so good to type, trust me. The Lions were probably one more drive away from stealing that game from the Pack. The Lions are a much better team than Chicago, and will take care of business in convincing fashion on the road.

Detroit Lions 34 Chicago Bears 17

Denver Broncos (3-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-2)

Denver is taking care of business, and with every passing week I feel more and more confident in the abilities of Trevor Siemian. Tampa Bay’s offense has been lights out this season, and the headline here will be their dominant passing attack against the best secondary in football. What gives? Tampa shocks Denver and the NFL.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 27 Denver Broncos 24

Los Angeles Rams (2-1) at Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

The Cards offense is in a slump. Sure Carson Palmer is still putting up major passing numbers but they can’t seem to score once they reach the opponent’s end of the field. The Rams have, but their defense has been quite bad so far this season. The Cards offense gets back on track in the desert.

Arizona Cardinals 32 Los Angeles Rams 23

New Orleans Saints (0-3) at San Diego Chargers (1-2)

The Saints were not able to keep up with the Falcons offense last week, while the Chargers held tight with the Colts but lost late. The Chargers offense has been great this season. This game will likely be decided by what defense can hold up best. I say Chargers force a couple turnovers and take this one at home.

San Diego Chargers 20 New Orleans Saints 19

Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

This contest will be between two ancient rivals, and will be decided by which offense can get going early and set the tempo of the game. I say Dak Prescott and Co. get going early and Elliot scores twice in the first half.

Dallas Cowboys 28 San Francisco 49ers 23

Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

Ooh this one is going to be good. Sunday night football between two smash mouth football teams at Heinz Field. The Chiefs defense obliterated the Jets while Roethlisberger’s offense couldn’t put up more than 3 points against Philly. I say Chiefs take it once again.

Kansas City Chiefs 23 Pittsburgh Steelers 14

New York Giants (2-1) at Minnesota Vikings (3-0)

Monday Night football won’t contain the same amount of fireworks as it did a week ago, but I think the Giants crack Minnesota’s defensive spell and put up three touchdowns on them. Bradford puts up his first dud in the Purple and Yellow.

New York Giants 20 Minnesota Vikings 9