College Football 2019: Week 5

Week 4 of college football was the wildest week yet. The week featured a fake kneel, a 32-point comeback, jean shorts, and much more. Let's go over the most noteworthy moments of Week 4:

via fox8live.com

• Green Wave Win - The madness started early last week, when Tulane hosted Houston Thursday night. On a night when most people were focused on the NFL game, there was a much more interesting college game going on. I turned to the game in time to see the final minute, and boy, was it some finish. Houston kicked a game-tying field goal with 21 seconds remaining, seemingly sending it into overtime. It looked as if Tulane was content with extra football, as the Green Wave lined up in victory formation to start their ensuing drive. But instead of taking a knee, quarterback Justin McMillan acted like he took a knee, then started walking to the sideline. As he was doing so, he snuck the ball into the hands of running back Amare Jones, who ran the other direction for a gain of 18 yards. The very next play, wide receiver Jalen McClesky scored on a 53-yard pass play from McMillan to put Tulane up with just three seconds to play. It was an insane ending to the beginning of Week 4.

via wolverineswire.usatoday.com

• Harbaugh Hammered - At some point, people are going to have to come to the realization that Jim Harbaugh may not be the elite coach everybody thought he was. Yes, he succeeded at Stanford, and his San Francisco 49ers team made it to a Super Bowl. But he has done nothing exceptional since returning to his alma mater. It might have hit a new low point last Saturday, when the Wolverines traveled to Wisconsin and got absolutely grated by Jonathan Taylor and company, 35-14. Michigan can still get it together and make a run at the Big Ten title, but it seems like time is running out on Jim Harbaugh.

via post-gazette.com

• Pitt Now Has the Championship Belt - After 27 straight regular season wins, perpetual College Football Playoff snub UCF was upset by Pittsburgh last Saturday, 35-34. The 15th-ranked Knights had eyes on finally reaching the CFP, but those hopes are now dashed. A week after failing to pull off the upset of rival Penn State, the Panthers were able to shock Central Florida on the road. They did so with their version of the "Philly Special", a three-yard touchdown pass from wide receiver Aaron Matthews to quarterback Kenny Pickett on fourth down with under a minute left in the game.

via ncaa.com

• The Irish Fight Valiantly - Going into the big Saturday Night Football matchup, many people (including those in Vegas) expected Georgia to dominate Notre Dame in Athens. The Bulldogs did win (23-17), but not without a fight from the Irish. The strong losing performance keeps Notre Dame in the Playoff hunt, as it will be tough for a team to have a "better" loss.. As for Georgia, this game just reinforced the fact that the Bulldogs are in the top tier of the SEC, along with Alabama and LSU.

via playbookbets.com

• #Pac12AfterDark - For all the craziness and excitement that happened last Saturday, the wildest events of the weekend (and probably the whole year) occurred early Sunday morning. 19th-ranked Washington State hosted UCLA late Saturday night, and the biggest story of the first half was probably Gardner Minshew, who, after getting his first career NFL win Thursday night, went to the WSU-UCLA game dressed in jorts (not just jorts, but homemade jort-jorts), which is something only Gardner Minshew would do. Midway through the third quarter, the Cougars were up 49-17 on the Bruins, and Wazzu quarterback Anthony Gordon was on his way to breaking Minshew's school record for touchdown passes in a game. But one should never underestimate the powers of #Pac12AfterDark. Aided partially by Mike Leach's insistence on continuing to pass the ball no matter what, UCLA mounted a furious comeback.

via bruinsnation.com

• #Pac12AfterDark (Cont.) - By the start of the fourth quarter, the score was 49-38, and I was fully invested. UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson would get the Bruins within three early in the fourth, but Washington State scored four minutes later. With just over eight minuted remaining, DTR ran in a touchdown to get UCLA back to within three, and less than a minute later, Kyle Phillips returned a punt 69 yards (nice) to put the Bruins on top. The Cougars answered with a long passing touchdown from Gordon (his ninth of the game, which broke Minshew's school record), going back up three. But DTR threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Demetric Felton to put UCLA back on top with 1:07 to play, and then the Bruin defense strip-sacked Gordon and put the game on ice. Amazingly, this was only the second-biggest comeback UCLA has had in the last three years. Josh Rosen and the Bruins came back from down 34 to beat Texas A&M in 2017. There is nothing like #Pac12AfterDark.

Week 4 Superlatives

Best Performance: Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB, UCLA 

(25-38, 507 yards passing, 5 TD, 1 INT; 11 carries, 57 yards, 2 TD)

On a night when the opposing quarterback threw nine touchdown passes to break a school record, DTR came out with the victory after leading UCLA back from down 32. The sophomore used both his arms and legs to help the Bruins shock the Cougars in Pullman.

Best Play: Tulane's Fake Kneel

Of course the play that got a detailed description in the first paragraph is the play of the week. I saw it live, and I was awestruck by it. I did not expect that at all. I expected Tulane to take the 31-31 game to overtime, but instead, they went ahead and won it.

Best Quote: "My email address is hashtag I don't care."  - Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Coach

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald is the epitome of an old-timey football coach. Monday, he was asked about people being critical of his playcalling, and he expressed his apathy for the "40,000 experts on Twitter that can call plays" for him.

Game of the Week

#18 Virginia @ #10 Notre Dame

(Saturday, 3:30 PM, NBC)

via ndins

The picking are definitely slimmer this week for this title. If it tells you anything, College Gameday decided to go to Lincoln this week because fifth-ranked Ohio State is coming to town to face the mediocre Cornhuskers. There are, however, two matchups between ranked teams, with one of them being Virginia and Notre Dame. The Irish are fresh off a close loss to Georgia, and they can't afford another loss. The 4-0 Cavaliers are currently one of two ACC team ranked in the AP Top 25 (you can probably guess the other one), but their four wins have come against Pitt, William & Mary, Florida State, and Old Dominion. Not exactly a Murderer's Row. I wasn't so sure about this Notre Dame team, but they showed they could stick with an elite team last week in Athens.

This is a Virginia defense that ranks 14th in the nation in yards allowed per game, but it faces its first true test of the season Saturday afternoon in South Bend. It will also be interesting to see how the UVA offense, which ranks 95th in the country, fares against an Irish defense that held Jake Fromm and company to 23 points last week. Personally, I don't believe Virginia is a top 20 team, and I don't think Chase Claypool and the Fighting Irish will have too much trouble at home against the Cavs.

Spread: ND -12.5  Over/Under: 48.5

Prediction: Notre Dame 34, Virginia 17

Unranked Game of the Week

Hawai'i @ Nevada

(Saturday, 10:30 PM, ESPN2)

via nevadawolfpack.com

I actually think that the very first game of the week, 2-0 Navy vs. 3-0 Memphis, deserves this spot, but that game is tonight, so you wouldn't have much time to read about it before it happens. You'll have plenty of time to read about this, as it's one of the final games of the week. The Rainbow Warriors are 3-1 after barely edging Arizona, losing by 32 to Washington, and crushing the ferocious Central Arkansas Bears. Nevada is 3-1 following a 71-point loss to Oregon, a seven-point win over Weber State, and 16-point win over UTEP. Neither of these teams are going to a major bowl game, but that doesn't mean this won't be a fun game.

Hawaii quarterback Cole McDonald ranks fourth in the FBS in passing yards so far this season (1317), and is tied for sixth in touchdown passes (13). But he also ranks first in interceptions (nine). Meanwhile, Nevada QB Carson Strong has just over half the passing yards (683), less than a quarter of the touchdown passes (three), and five less interceptions (you can do the math). While Hawaii's offense (which is averaging 473 yards per game) is a lot better than Nevada's (363 yards per game), but Hawaii's defense (which is yielding 439 yards per game) is worse than Nevada's (389 yards per game). Neither defense is especially good, so this will likely be a slugfest. I'll go with the Wolf Pack to pull out the win at home.

Spread: NEV -2.5  Over/Under: 64.5

Prediction: Nevada 42, Hawai'i 38

Upset Alert

Washington State @ #19 Utah

(Saturday, 10:00 PM, FS1)

via saturdayblitz.com

Both of these teams are coming off of disappointing first losses. Utah lost to USC in Pasadena, while Washington State... well, you know what happened there. These teams are polar opposites in some major categories. Washington State leads the nation in total offense (605 yards per game) and passing offense (499.5 yards per game). Defensively, the Cougars rank 91st nationally (424 yards allowed per game). Meanwhile, Utah ranks 16th in total defense (275 yards allowed per game) and second in run defense (52 yards allowed per game). Offensively, the Utes rank 28th in rushing offense (231.3 yards per game). Simply put, one team likes to air it out and just try to outscore opponents, while the other likes to run the ball and play low-scoring games.

The bad news for Utah is that its second-ranked run defense won't have a lot of impact on a Mike Leach team that doesn't run the ball much. The other bad news for Utah is that the Utes' starting quarterback (Tyler Huntley) and starting running back (Zack Moss) are both dealing with injuries and may not play Saturday night. If they don't play, I'll feel much more confident in this upset pick. Regardless, I think the Cougars will outpace the Utes in a shootout late Saturday night.

Spread: UTAH -6  Over/Under: 56.5

Prediction: Washington State 35, Utah 31

Other Top 25 Games

Friday

#12 Penn State @ Maryland

(8:00 PM, FS1)

via footballscoop.com

Both of these teams had byes last week after playing Pennsylvania schools the week before. Penn State showed some concerns but ultimately got past Pitt, while Maryland, a week after upsetting Syracuse by 43 points, got shocked by Temple. I could envision Maryland pulling the upset here, but I'll play it safe and pick James Franklin's squad.

Spread: PSU -6.5  Over/Under: 62

Prediction: Penn State 32, Maryland 24

Arizona State @ #15 California

(10:30 PM, ESPN)

via si.com

BEHOLD, THE PAC-12'S ONLY REMAINING HOPE TO MAKE THE COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF. I don't think California will make the CFP (the Bears will lose at some point during conference play), but I do think Cal will pull this one out against ASU.

Spread: CAL -4.5  Over/Under: 42

Prediction: California 24, Arizona State 20 

Saturday

Texas Tech @ #6 Oklahoma

(Noon, FOX)

via cbssports.com

If this Texas Tech team had Kliff Kingsbury and Patrick Mahomes, this game would be a lot more interesting. Instead, this Texas Tech team just lost by two touchdowns to Arizona, and travels to play an Oklahoma team led by a Heisman candidate this weekend. Per usual, this will be a shootout, but this year, Oklahoma has a lot more bullets.

Spread: OKLA -27  Over/Under: 70.5

Prediction: Oklahoma 52, Texas Tech 28

Northwestern @ #8 Wisconsin

(Noon, ABC)

via sconniesportstalk.com

No Big Ten team, aside from maybe Ohio State, has looked as good as Wisconsin so far this season. After their drubbing of Michigan last week, the Badgers host 1-2 Northwestern, which will have trouble against a team that's ranks first in the FBS in total defense (171 yards allowed per game).

Spread: WIS -24.5  Over/Under: 46.5

Prediction: Wisconsin 40, Northwestern 14

Middle Tennessee @ #14 Iowa

(Noon, ESPN2)

via goiowaawesome.com

Iowa has a bye last week after escaping Iowa State with a victory the week before. The Hawkeyes host Middle Tennessee this week. The Blue Raiders, who also had a bye last week, lost by 21 points to Duke two weeks ago and lost by 19 to Michigan in Week 1. They'll suffer their second rout by way of a Big Ten team on Saturday.

Spread: IOWA -23.5  Over/Under: 52

Prediction: Iowa 35, Middle Tennessee 10

Rutgers @ #20 Michigan

(Noon, BTN)

via wolverineswire.usatoday.com

After a disappointing loss to Wisconsin last week, Michigan can bounce back with a cupcake game against an FCS team conference game against Rutgers. If any team is going to get the Wolverines on track, it's Rutgers. Michigan should bounce back, but I don't trust the Wolverines to cover the spread. 

Spread: MICH -28  Over/Under: 49

Prediction: Michigan 35, Rutgers 10

#23 Texas A&M @ Arkansas

(Noon, ESPN)

via gettyimages.com

It's never good when a team's Twitter account doesn't tweet out a score at halftime, which is what happened last week during Arkansas' 31-24 loss to San Jose State. Maybe whoever runs the Arkansas football Twitter account should just take this week off. 

Spread: TAMU -23.5  Over/Under: 59.5

Prediction: Texas A&M 42, Arkansas 17

#1 Clemson @ North Carolina

(3:30 PM, ABC)

via newsobserver.com

After starting off the Mack Brown Era with two straight wins, North Carolina lost a heart-breaker to Wake Forest and got stunned by App State on a blocked field goal (sound familiar?). I GUARANTEE North Carolina won't lose on a blocked field goal this week.

Spread: CLEM -27  Over/Under: 60

Prediction: Clemson 42, North Carolina 14

Ole Miss @ #2 Alabama

(3:30 PM, CBS)

via rolltide.com

I promise that the Crimson Tide will play a team that actually has a real chance against them soon. Alabama will win this one easily, but the spread is a little high for my taste.

Spread: ALA -37.5  Over/Under: 61

Prediction: Alabama 52, Ole Miss 17

#21 USC @ #17 Washington

(3:30 PM, FOX)

via thenewstribune.com

I said earlier that Cal is the Pac-12's last hope to get into the College Football Playoff this season, but let's be honest; the Pac-12's Playoff hopes are dead. For the fifth straight season, a Pac-12 team will not make the CFP. USC upset Utah last week, but I don't think the Trojans will beat Jacob Eason and the Huskies in Washington.

Spread: WASH -10.5  Over/Under: 61

Prediction: Washington 35, USC 24

Indiana @ #25 Michigan State

(3:30 PM, BTN)

via detroitnews.com

I don't truly know how good either of these teams are. IU has beaten three lesser teams and gotten destroyed by Ohio State. MSU has beaten three lesser teams and lost to Arizona State on a controversial missed field goal. I do know that Michigan State is probably better.

Spread: MSU -14  Over/Under: 44

Prediction: Michigan State 32, Indiana 17

Towson @ #9 Florida

(4:00 PM, SECN)

via gatorcountry.com

The Towson Tigers lost in overtime to Villanova last week, 52-45. I don't think they'll take the Florida Gators to overtime on Saturday.

Spread: FLA -36.5  Over/Under: 62

Prediction: Florida 48, Towson 3

Mississippi State @ #7 Auburn

(7:00 PM, ESPN)

via montgomeryadvertiser.com

This could be a potential upset, based on recent history. Auburn has been a rollercoaster of a team the last few years, and the Tigers lost to Mississippi State in the two teams' last meeting. But I think this Auburn team will get past the Bulldogs this time.

Spread: AUB -10.5  Over/Under: 46.5

Prediction: Auburn 28, Mississippi State 21

UConn @ #22 UCF

(7:00 PM, ESPN2)

via orlandosentinel.com

There are parallels between UCF and Michigan right now. Both teams suffered devastating losses last week, and both teams have wonderful opportunities to bounce back this week. The Knights face FCS cupcake conference foe UConn Saturday, so they'll be back in the win column.

Spread: UCF -44  Over/Under: 64.5

Prediction: UCF 55, UConn 7

#24 Kansas State @ Oklahoma State

(7:00 PM, ESPN+)

via collegefootballnews.com

This Big 12 showdown might be entertaining, which is unfortunate, considering it's on ESPN+. Kansas State is unbeaten, but Oklahoma State's lone loss was a six-point one to Texas last week. The Wildcats are ranked, but I think the Cowboys are the better team.

Spread: OSU -4  Over/Under: 60

Prediction: Oklahoma State 38, Kansas State 31

#5 Ohio State @ Nebraska

(7:30 PM, ABC)

via heavy.net

Ohio State has looked dominant thus far under Ryan Day. This will be definitely be the toughest test thus far for the Buckeyes, but this Nebraska team, despite having some very talented players, has not looked great (the Cornhuskers lost to Colorado three weeks ago and only beat Illinois by four last week). I could see this being a close game, but I could also see Ohio State dominating.

Spread: OSU -17  Over/Under: 66.5

Prediction: Ohio State 42, Nebraska 24

Last Week: 13-7  vs. Spread: 13-7  Over/Under: 13-6-1

Season: 74-19  vs. Spread: 42-49-2  Over/Under: 53-39-1

Stats and info via ESPN.com, OddsShark.com, SI.com, SportingNews.com, Youtube.com, and Twitter.com

Lines via OddsShark.com

Lines as of Thursday afternoon

NFL 2019: Week 4

A lot of wild stuff happened in Week 3. Backup quarterbacks lit it up, the best of the best continued to be the best, and somebody called a draw play on fourth-and-nine (sigh). Let's run through last weekend's happenings:

• Gardner Minshew is the GOAT - Just kidding. Unless... Maybe it's an overreaction, but the Gardner Flint Minshew II bandwagon is filling up quickly. While he may never be an elite quarterback, Minshew looks like he could at least be a starting QB in the NFL, and he has the appearance and eccentricness to be a fan favorite (which he already seems to be). After leading the Jags to a Thursday night victory over Tennessee, Minshew further tightened his hold of the starting job in Jacksonville for the foreseeable future. Long live Gardner Flint Minshew II.

via cougcenter.com

• Daniel Jones is the GOAT - Remember when everybody was making fun of the Giants for drafting the former Duke quarterback sixth overall? Well, guess who's laughing now? In his first career start, Jones captained New York to a 32-31 victory over Tampa Bay. He finished 23 for 36 for 336 yards and two passing touchdowns, along with two rushing touchdowns. I'll let New York enjoy this, because it won't be like this every week. Yes, Jones looked good, but he was also playing the Buccaneers, and the Giants would've lost if rookie kicker Matt Gay wouldn't have missed a last-second field goal (after Bruce Arians took a delay of game to make it easier for him). I wish the best for Daniel Jones, but let's pump the breaks just a little bit.

via insidehook.com

• Kyle Allen is the GOAT - With Cam Newton out due to a foot injury (among other ailments), backup Kyle Allen made the start on Sunday. He led Carolina to a 38-20 win, throwing for 261 yards and four touchdowns (albeit against the Cardinals). In two career starts, he has looked impressive. It's a small sample size, but if Allen continues playing like this (or at least close to it), the Panthers can afford to take their time with Cam.

via yahoo.com

• Teddy Bridgewater is the GOAT - It looks like the Saints will be just fine without Drew Brees. Teddy and company took care of the Seahawks in Seattle, winning 33-27 (the game was not as close as the score suggests). New Orleans has built an elite team, and while Teddy Bridgewater is no Drew Brees, he's a decent quarterback who can keep the team afloat with the help of the talent around him. Conversely, there are questions in Seattle. The Seahawks are 2-1, but they barely beat the bad Bengals and Mason Rudolph-led Steelers, and lost at home to the Drew Brees-less Saints. They have the talent, but they haven't looked great thus far.

via canalstreetchronicles.com

• Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes are the GOATs - Okay, this one might be true. Brady and the Pats dispatched of the Jets to move to 3-0, while Mahomes and the Chiefs beat Lamar Jackson and the Ravens to improve to 3-0. If I were to make a ranking of every team in the AFC right now, it would be the Chiefs and Patriots, then everyone else. A lot can change between now and January, but it will probably be one of these two teams representing the AFC in the Super Bowl.

arrowheadpride.com

• Freddie Kitchens... - In most cases, a seven-point loss to the defending NFC champs in primetime wouldn't be a cause for panic. However, it's the way the Browns lost Sunday night that's upsetting. The offense still looks out-of-sync, and the playcalling has been suspect at best. Freddie Kitchens called a draw on fourth-and-nine late in the second half, then had first and goal on the Rams' four yard line with under two minutes left and couldn't punch it in. Some of the blame also goes to Baker Mayfield, who has had issues reading coverages and getting rid of the ball quickly. I still believe in Freddie and Baker, but they need to go back to what they were doing late last season. That's what got Freddie Kitchens the job.

via theathletic.com

Week 3 Superlatives

Best Performance: Daniel Jones, QB, Giants (23-36, 336 yards passing, 4 total touchdowns)

I had to give this to the rookie, who, in a 32-31 win over Tampa Bay, announced he was here to rescue New York from Eli and laughed in the face of his many doubters.

via NFL

Best Play: Lions KR Jamal Agnew returns a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown

Kick return touchdowns are so rare these days that we must recognize them when they happen. Also, this is the first kick return TD of the 2019 NFL season. Plus, the Lions won.

via NFL

Best Quote: "We was catching 'em, unlike Agholor"  - Hakim Laws, Eagles Fan

Philadelphia resident Hakim Laws helped rescue babies from a burning building Monday morning by catching them as they were being thrown down. His interview with the local news, where he managed get in a shot at Eagles WR Nelson Agholor, went viral, even getting to Agholor himself.

via 6abc Philadelphia

Week 4 Games

Thursday

Eagles @ Packers

(8:20 PM, FOX/NFL)

via forbes.com

The training room is the most hopping place in Philadelphia right now, as it seems to be every year around this time. The short-handed Eagles will have a tough time beating the unbeaten Packers at Lambeau. The Green Bay defense has given up a total of 35 points through three weeks.

Spread: GB -4.5  Over/Under: 46

Prediction: Packers 24, Eagles 17

Sunday

Panthers @ Texans

(1:00 PM, FOX)

via latimes.com

Kyle Allen and company will have a much tougher test against the Houston defense than they did against the Arizona defense. Deshaun Watson and the leaky Texan offensive line could have trouble against Carolina's front, too, but I think they'll pull out the home victory.

Spread: HOU -4  Over/Under: 46.5

Prediction: Texans 24, Panthers 17

Browns @ Ravens

(1:00 PM, CBS)

via pressboxonline.com

Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore offense has looked exciting thus far, even in a loss to Kansas City last week. The Browns offense... not so much. The incredible Cleveland defense should keep the Browns in this, but the offense will need to look much better for them to win in Baltimore.

Spread: BAL -7  Over/Under: 45.5

Prediction: Ravens 24, Browns 20

Chiefs @ Lions

(1:00 PM, FOX)

via chicagotribune.com

The Lions may actually be good(?) this season. Unfortunately for Detroit, Kansas City is better than good. To anyone who thought Patrick Mahomes' MVP season was a fluke, he's showing that it most definitely wasn't. I could see Detroit staying in it at home, but I'll go with the Chiefs to cover.

Spread: KC -6.5  Over/Under: 54

Prediction: Chiefs 35, Lions 24

Chargers @ Dolphins

(1:00 PM, CBS)

via usatoday.com

The Dolphins actually played competitively for a half last week against Dallas, and now host a Charger team that has lost two in a row. I'm not saying the Dolphins could win (though they technically could), but they could conceivably beat the spread. I don't think they will.

Spread: LAC -16  Over/Under: 44

Prediction: Chargers 32, Dolphins 14

Patriots @ Bills

(1:00 PM, CBS)

via abcnews.go.com

The top two contenders in the AFC East come into this matchup unbeaten following three games against weak/banged-up teams. I almost talked myself into a Bills upset here. I even had a projected score (Bills 23, Patriots 20). Then I remembered that it's not smart to pick against New England.

Spread: NE -7  Over/Under: 42.5

Prediction: Patriots 27, Bills 23 

Raiders @ Colts

(1:00 PM, CBS)

via colts.com

I owe an apology to Colts fans (of whom I know several). Despite understanding that this is a very good team with a good quarterback in Jacoby Brissett, I have picked against them in each of their first three games. I'm not making that mistake this week. Don't let me down, Indianapolis.

Spread: IND -7  Over/Under: 45

Prediction: Colts 30, Raiders 21

Titans @ Falcons

(1:00 PM, CBS)

via atlantafalcons.com

I can't trust either of these teams. The Titans looked like a well-oiled machine (like they did when they crushed the Browns), then lost to Jacksonville. The Falcons have a lot of good players, including arguably the best receiver in the league, but are 1-2. I have to pick someone, so I'll go with Atlanta.

Spread: ATL -4  Over/Under: 45

Prediction: Falcons 27, Titans 16 

Redskins @ Giants

(1:00 PM, FOX)

via reddit.com

Unfotunately, this will not be a battle between the QB the Giants drafted (Daniel Jones) and the QB the Giants passed on (Dwayne Haskins). Instead, it will be Jones vs. Case Keenum (boooooriiing). Even without Saquon Barkley, I'll take the Giants to move to 2-2.

Spread: NYG -3  Over/Under: 49

Prediction: Giants 34, Redskins 30

Seahawks @ Cardinals

(4:05 PM, FOX)

via espn.com

You would think that a team with one of the better quarterbacks in the league would utilize him more. Not the Seahawks, who are still very run-heavy. That worked when they had a ferocious defense, but it isn't what it once was. Despite all the negative stuff I just said, Seattle should win.

Spread: SEA -5  Over/Under: 48

Prediction: Seahawks 32, Cardinals 20

Buccaneers @ Rams

(4:05 PM, FOX)

via profootballtalk.nbcsports.com

The Rams offense struggled Sunday night in Cleveland, but the defense was dominant. Aaron Donald and company return home to face Tampa. The offense should look much better (as it usually does at home), and the Bucs are worse than the Browns, so L.A. should have no trouble in paradise.

Spread: LAR -10  Over/Under: 49.5

Prediction: Rams 35, Buccaneers 17 

Jaguars @ Broncos

(4:25 PM, CBS)

via ftw.usatoday.com

This will be a defensive struggle, even if the Jags don't have star corner Jalen Ramsey (who may or may not be sick and/or injured). This might come down to which quarterback makes enough big plays (if any), and it's pretty clear which team has the more explosive quarterback.

Spread: DEN -3  Over/Under: 39

Prediction: Jaguars 19, Broncos 16

Vikings @ Bears

(4:25 PM, CBS)

via bearswire.usatoday.com

Who do you trust more (or distrust less)? Kirk Cousins or Mitch Trubisky? I trust neither (despite Mitch's solid performance on Monday Night Football). But I do trust the Chicago defense, and I think they'll contain the league's leading rusher (Dalvin Cook) Sunday afternoon.

Spread: CHI -2  Over/Under: 38.5

Prediction: Bears 17, Vikings 14

Cowboys @ Saints

(8:20 PM, NBC)

via thebiglead.com

This should be a good one. Despite being without Drew Brees, the host Saints will keep it close against a Dallas team that started slow versus Miami last week. But in the end, I think Zeke and the Cowboys will pull out the Sunday night victory.

Spread: NO -2.5  Over/Under: 47

Prediction: Cowboys 31, Saints 24

Monday

Bengals @ Steelers

(8:15 PM, ESPN)

via bengalswire.usatoday.com

Monday Night Football features a scintillating battle between winless AFC North teams this week. I can't trust Andy Dalton and the Bengals in prime time, but I also can't trust Mason Rudolph and the Steelers right now. I'll go with Zac Taylor getting his first win as head coach of the Bengals.

Spread: PIT -4  Over/Under: 43.5

Prediction: Bengals 24, Steelers 21

Last Week: 9-7  vs. Spread: 4-12  Over/Under: 9-6-1

Season: 29-18-1  vs. Spread: 17-31  Over/Under: 22-25-1

Week 4 Picks to Click

Best Game: Browns @ Ravens

If Freddie Kitchens and the Cleveland offense doesn't fix some things, this won't be the best game on the slate. But I think Kitchens will have his team ready for this battle atop the AFC North, and I know John Harbaugh will have his team ready.

Best Bet: JAX +3 @ DEN

Maybe the fever dream that is Gardner Minshew is clouding my judgement, but I feel very confident in this pick. The Denver defense is legit, but I have no faith in Joe Flacco and the offense. As Emmanuel Sanders said Sunday, the Broncos are in a "world of suck" right now, and I agree.

Top Fantasy Matchups:

Chargers vs. Miami - The Chargers play the Dolphins this week, so start Phillip Rivers, Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen, and the LA defense. I especially like Ekeler.

Dak Prescott vs. New Orleans - Dak Prescott is playing well and has a favorable matchup with a Saints defense giving up over 300 passing yards per game.

Russell Wilson/Tyler Lockett vs. Arizona - Seattle's offensive stars have a great matchup against the bad Cardinal defense.

Every Defense in the 4:25 PM Games - The late afternoon games (Jaguars @ Broncos and Vikings @ Bears) are likely to be defensive battles.

Fantasy Sleepers: 

Case Keenum, QB, Redskins - Although I'd rather see Dwayne Haskins playing QB for Washington, Keenum has thrown at least two touchdown passes in each of the first three weeks and draws a favorable matchup against the Giants.

Josh Jacobs, RB, Raiders: Jacobs has performed pretty well through three games, and this week he goes up against a Colts defense that has allowed 150 rushing yards per game.

Marques Valdez-Scantling, WR, Packers - MVS has become Aaron Rodgers' second-favorite target (behind Devante Adams). He had 99 yards receiving and a TD last week.

Will Dissly, TE, Seahawks - Dissly has three touchdowns so far this season, and now former teammate Nick Vannett is in Pittsburgh.

Stats and info via ESPN.com, OddsShark.com, CBSSports.com, SportingNews.com, YouTube.com, USAToday.com, and Twitter.com

Lines via OddsShark.com

Lines as of Wednesday afternoon