NFL picks Week 4: Packers-Bears and every other game
The Green Bay Packers will win on Thursday Night Football, and the Detroit Lions will take down the Minnesota Vikings.
Predicting games in the NFL isn’t easy. Who would have picked the Jets or Bears last week? I sure didn’t, and paid the price.
Week 4 is set to be an interesting one. The Packers and Bears kickoff the week Thursday night, and there’s another early Sunday game in London between New Orleans and Miami. Will Atlanta and Kansas City stay unbeaten?
Chicago (1-2) at Green Bay (2-1)
Don’t sleep on the Bears. They are strong enough defensively to give the Packers problems, and the 1-2 punch of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen in the backfield should be taken very seriously. That said, the Packers should be strong enough to put up points and force Chicago to lean on Mike Glennon. That’s where it gets difficult for the Bears.
Pick: Green Bay
New Orleans (1-2) at Miami (1-1) – London
It’s tough to get a true gage on this Miami team. We’ve seen the good and the bad from them. They won’t have home-field advantage in this one, however, with the game being played across the pond in my home country. The “road” team gets an important victory.
Pick: New Orleans
Tennessee (2-1) at Houston (1-2)
Houston almost pulled off a huge upset in New England last week. Deshaun Watson put in a fine performance, but I’m picking Tennessee. The Titans look like the real deal, and they will back up last week’s fine win over Seattle with a statement divisional victory.
Pick: Tennessee
Jacksonville (2-1) at NY Jets (1-2)
Believe it or not, the Jaguars are going 3-1. Leonard Fournette is a star, and I don’t see how the Jets will be able to stop him. Jacksonville’s defense will also make life difficult on the Jets No. 26-ranked offense.
Pick: Jacksonville
Carolina (2-1) at New England (2-1)
The Patriots left it late in the day to defeat the Texans, but it will be much simpler this time. Tom Brady does what he does best and guides his team to victory.
Pick: New England
Detroit (2-1) at Minnesota (2-1)
It remains up in the air whether Sam Bradford returns in time for this game. Even if he suits up, the 29-year-old likely won’t be at 100 percent. The Lions have been impressive this year, and they edge a close one on the road.
Pick: Detroit
Buffalo (2-1) at Atlanta (3-0)
Atlanta is still the class of the NFC. Maybe they were fortunate to see off the Lions last week, but a win is a win. The Bills might be the worst 2-1 team in the league, and the Falcons remain unbeaten.
Pick: Atlanta
Pittsburgh (2-1) at Baltimore (2-1)
Big Ben on the road, you say? Throw that out the window when these AFC North rivals collide. Baltimore is playing just seven days after taking a beating in London, and the travel may have an effect. The Steelers win a low-scoring game.
Pick: Pittsburgh
Cincinnati (0-3) at Cleveland (0-3)
Both teams have to win this game to keep their seasons alive. The Bengals looked much improved at Lambeau last week despite losing in overtime. Cincinnati finally puts a W on the board.
Pick: Cincinnati
LA Rams (2-1) at Dallas (2-1)
Behind Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys offense is tough to stop at home. The Rams won’t be bullied up front by Dallas’ O-line, but it’s tough to pick against the home team here.
Pick: Dallas
Philadelphia (2-1) at LA Chargers (0-3)
The 0-3 Chargers are better than some 2-1 teams. They’re too talented to go 0-4, right?
Pick: LA Chargers
NY Giants (0-3) at Tampa Bay (1-1)
This is a must-win for the Giants. Tampa Bay has been hit by injuries, but defensively they have enough to cause New York real problems up front. The Giants are in deep, deep trouble.
Pick: Tampa Bay
San Francisco (0-3) at Arizona (1-2)
The David Johnson-less Cardinals hardly look like a playoff team, but they have a great opportunity to reach .500 and stay afloat in the NFC West race.
Pick: Arizona
Oakland (2-1) at Denver (2-1)
The Raiders were bad. Like, bad on Sunday night. It doesn’t get much easier with a road trip to Denver. While Oakland won’t be as bad as last week, the Broncos defense could make it a long day for Derek Carr.
Pick: Denver
Indianapolis (1-2) at Seattle (1-2)
No Andrew Luck, no chance in Seattle for the Colts.
Pick: Seattle
Washington (2-1) at Kansas City (3-0)
The Chiefs have made an excellent start to the season, and look like the best team the AFC has to offer. Their perfect start continues this week.
Pick: Kansas City
Last week: 8-8
Season: 27-20