Welcome to Week 4 of the NFL season everyone! Last weekend was filled with some amazing finishes, including several field goal game winners. The Rams and Eagles played an instant classic, with the Eagles blocking a field goal to cap off a heroic second-half comeback to stay undefeated. Many believe these teams could meet again for a playoff rematch, and we can only hope this will come to fruition as NFL fans want the absolute best matchups. Week 4 brings a number of exciting games (and a few duds), many of which have extremely tight point spreads. Let’s get right into it!
PICKS (37-11 Overall)
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-1)
- A classic NFC West matchup to kick off Week 4. Arizona just lost their star RB James Conner for the rest of the season, causing them to turn to Trey Benson going forward. Arizona is a home underdog, which I LOVE picking (and betting on) in close games. Seattle’s defense has been stellar this season, but I will still take the Cardinals.
Minnesota Vikings (2-1) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)
- Both of these teams have had a rollercoaster start in their first 3 games, and the identities of these teams are becoming more and more noticeable: the Vikings have a LEGIT defense, and the Steelers do NOT. This game is in Ireland to begin the slate of games being played overseas for the season. I’ll take the Steelers, in a super low scoring contest.
Tennessee Titans (0-3) @ Houston Texans (0-3)
- Can’t wait for this AFC South winless team affair (yes I can). The Texans have been incredibly underwhelming, with the only bright spot being their defense. I think they give Titans rookie QB Cam Ward fits on Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0)
- One of the better games this weekend! Both teams are fresh off of last second victories, but unfortunately the Bucs are going to be without future Hall of Famer WR Mike Evans for a few weeks. The Bucs have historically played the Eagles very tight, but I think the Eagles remain unbeaten.
Carolina Panthers (1-2) @ New England Patriots (1-2)
- This is one of those games I will not be watching, to be quite blunt. The struggles have been real for each team, including 5 (!!) turnovers for the Patriots last week. I think they clean it up at home and get back to .500.
Los Angeles Chargers (3-0) @ New York Giants (0-3)
- The Chargers have shot up the power rankings after 3 games, looking very impressive in each of their 3 wins against the rest of the AFC West. The Giants however…. are finally benching QB Russell Wilson for rookie Jaxson Dart. Dart gets his first NFL start against a stout Chargers defense, and unfortunately for him, I think he struggles a bit.
New Orleans Saints (0-3) @ Buffalo Bills (3-0)
- Potentially the most lopsided game of the entire season. Yes, any team can beat any other team on any given Sunday…. but not this week. I think Josh Allen gets to rest the entire 4th quarter due to the Bills being up 100-0. (Of course, me saying this means the Saints will win.)
Washington Commanders (2-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
- It’s still unclear whether QB Jayden Daniels will play for the Commanders, after dealing with a sprained knee. His backup, Marcus Mariota, is possibly the best backup QB in the league, and either way I see the Commanders taking care of a struggling Falcons franchise.
Cleveland Browns (1-2) @ Detroit Lions (2-1)
- Somehow, the Cleveland Browns won a thriller against the Packers last week! Their defensive line is absolutely a top tier unit, but I don’t think they have much hope against an ELITE Lions offense. I think the Lions win big.
Indianapolis Colts (3-0) @ Los Angeles Rams (2-1)
- Another exciting matchup that was unexpected going into the season! The undefeated Colts travel to L.A. to battle the Rams, hoping to contain the star power on the offensive side of the ball. Rams HC Sean McVay always seems to have a trick up his sleeve, and I think this will be an instant classic ballgame. Rams win, but it’ll be very close.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-0)
- Niners QB Brock Purdy is expected to return for this contest against the Jags, but a large number of his teammates are sidelined due to injury. I could see this one going either way, with the point spread being 3.5 in the Niners favor. I think Jags cover, but Niners win outright.
Chicago Bears (1-2) @ Los Vegas Raiders (1-2)
- Caleb Williams and the Bears picked up their first win last week against an absolutely horrible Cowboys defense. The Raiders have had their own struggles to start the year, especially on the offensive line. Chicago does not have a strong defense, but if they can pressure Geno Smith even a handful of times, I think they pull off their second straight victory.
Baltimore Ravens (1-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
- Nobody expected these two teams to both be under .500 heading into this matchup. Both teams have had disappointing losses to start the season, but I think the Ravens are in a much better position to rebound and get back on track. Plus, Baltimore is clearly more talented across the board. Give me the Ravens by a touchdown.
Green Bay Packers (2-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
- The Micah Parsons Revenge Game. Sunday Night Football. I wish I could predict this to be a close game, but I think the Cowboys get totally demolished by the Packers offense, winning in a blowout.
New York Jets (0-3) @ Miami Dolphins (0-3)
- The first of two disgusting Monday Night Football games. Justin Fields is questionable to return for the Jets, but honestly who knows what to make of that. This game could definitely go either way, but I think the talented Dolphins offense gets it done.
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-2)
- A Monday night game at Mile High will be quite the test for backup QB Jake Browning, especially having to face the stellar Broncos defense. I think the crowd noise plays a factor in this one, and the Broncos get back on track a bit.
BETS (5-4 Overall)
Amon-Ra St. Brown Anytime TD (+100)
Baker Mayfield Over 15+ Rushing Yards (-160)
Bears/Raiders Over 47.5 Points (-115)
FANTASY
Minnesota Vikings RB Jordan Mason is a MUST start against the Steelers defense. The Steelers have been awful against the run this season, with a defense ranking in the bottom half of the league.
Thanks for reading, have a great rest of the week!