NFL Week 4 Picks

This is the point in the NFL season where the contender and the "pretenders" start to distinguish themselves. An 0-3 team has never gone on to make the playoffs. This is the part of the season where playoff and divisional races start (relax, they just start) to take shape.

Last Week: 7-9
Season: 24-22

(Home Team Listed Last)

Thursday
Dolphins 13, Bengals 28 (8:25 PM, NFL)
The Dolphins went to overtime against a Browns team that was using Cody Kessler and Terrelle Pryor at quarterback. Now they face a Bengals team with Andy Dalton at quarterback (as well as A.J. Green and a much stronger defense than Cleveland).
Sunday
Colts 35, Jaguars 38 (London, England, 9:30 AM, CBS)
The Colts avoided 0-3 with a last-minute game-winning drive from Andrew Luck. They may need that again this week in London against a Jacksonville team hungry for their first win of the season. However, Blake Bortles needs to play a lot better for them to get that win.
Browns 24, Redskins 21 (1:00 PM, CBS)
I love Hue Jackson. Hue Jackson is wonderful. He maintained his endearing positivity even as the walls were crashing down around him last week, and he almost beat Miami with a creative combination of Cody Kessler and Swiss utility knife Terrelle Pryor at quarterback.
Titans 17, Texans 28 (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Texans layed an egg against the short-handed Patriots last Thursday, then lost all-world defensive end J.J. Watt this week, likely for the rest of the season. However, the Titans still have basically no offense (they've scored 16, 15, and 10, respectively, through their first three games).
Seahawks 21, Jets 17 (1:00 PM, FOX)
Oy, Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitz threw six interceptions last week in a 24-3 loss to the Chiefs. The Seahawks defense doesn't look to provide a reprieve for Fitzpatrick, and while Russell Wilson is hobbled, he is expected to play Sunday.
Bills 30, Patriots 28 (1:00 PM, CBS)
The way they've played (considering injuries and everything), the Patriots could go 16-0. However, odds say that doesn't happen, and I still think they will have one loss when Tom Brady comes back. The Bills defense could provide fits for whoever is quarterback.
Panthers 35, Falcons 28 (1:00 PM, FOX)
The Falcons have looked really good so far (especially offensively) and go into a competitive matchup with the Panthers (whose perfect season they ended last season), who are 1-2, but still have Cam Newton and company.
Raiders 38, Ravens 24 (1:00 PM, CBS)
The Raiders have also looked good offensively thus far (aside from a 17-10 win over Tennessee last week. The Ravens are 3-0, but all three wins were close ones over struggling teams. Oakland (in my opinion) has more talent, and (in my opinion) will take this game.
Lions 42, Bears 21 (1:00 PM, FOX)
The Bears are awful. Like, really awful. Like, worse than the Cleveland Browns. Yeah, that bad. The Lions offense hasn't missed a best without Calvin Johnson, as offseason acquisition Marvin Jones has been Matthew Stafford's favorite target so far this season.
Broncos 34, Buccaneers 30 (4:05 PM, CBS)
After the first week, when Jameis Winston looked like a quarterback on the verge of stardom, the Bucs have struggled. The unbeaten Broncos continue to show defense does win championships, and having a quarterback who looks as good as Trevor Siemian looked last week helps too.
Rams 17, Cardinals 27 (4:25 PM, FOX)
The Rams have rebounded from a poor first week performance, winning a defensive battle against Seattle and an offensive battle in Tampa. The Cards have gotten off to a rocky start, but still have the talent to contend in the playoffs.
Saints 38, Chargers 32 (4:25 PM, FOX)
The Chargers have suffered some key injuries so far (namely Keenan Allen, Danny Woodhead, and Manti Te'o), but they have one more win then the winless Saints, who fell to Atlanta Monday night. I think they get their first win this weekend.
Cowboys 30, 49ers 24 (4:25 PM, FOX)
The Niners are not good, and Blaine Gabbert is not a good quarterback. Colin Kaepernick has more talent, but either way, San Francisco probably won't win against the Cowboys (even without Dez Bryant).
Chiefs 24, Steelers 32 (8:00 PM, NBC)
The Steelers were embarassed by Philadelphia last week, while the Chiefs embarassed Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Jets. Pittsburgh should get back on track Sunday night, even against a dangerous defense like Kansas City.
Monday
Giants 34, Vikings 28 (8:30 PM, ESPN)
The Vikings can't keep this up forever, can they?! Even with the loss of their starting quarterback and starting running back, their 3-0 behind their disruptive defense. But Eli in primetime isn't the easiest matchup.