NFL Week 4 Quick Picks

It’s week four in the National Football League and in forecasting this weekend’s slate of games I’ll try to improve on the losing record I posted last week. The action begins on Thursday with what most regard as a real snoozer of a game as the winless Denver Broncos take on the equally 0-3 New York Jets.

Denver Broncos at New York Jets

In an empty stadium, the worst team in the NFL will host a team who lost their starting quarterback to injury and have yet to win a game. I heard a snippet on the radio the other day as one sports show host said something to the effect that John Elway being one of the greatest quarterbacks ever has yet to find a franchise quarterback for the team he spent his career with. The Jets can say the same as Sam Darnold seems to be just holding down the spot at QB until the Jets can find a permanent replacement. With a loss, New York Head Coach Adam Gase probably loses his job. 

Prediction: Broncos 27 / Jets 21

The rest of the slate…

Baltimore Ravens at The Washington Football Team

The Ravens will take to the road to try to bounce back from their first loss of the season, a stinger against the defending champion Chiefs. At 1-2 Washington is in first place in their division. But they are outmatched in this one. 

Prediction: Ravens 31 / Washington 10

Pittsburgh Steelers at Tennessee Titans

As of this writing, this game could be in jeopardy with several players and Titans personnel reportedly being diagnosed positive for COVID-19. I don’t buy that but that’s a political discussion not appropriate for this conversation. Regardless, if the game comes off as scheduled, it should be a classic battle. Both teams are similarly matched in style and game planning. This game should be a battle of attrition. The last team to score could be the winner. That will belong to Chris Boswell and the Black and Gold. 

Prediction: Steelers 27 / Titans 24

Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When will Tom Brady and his Bucs lose their second game? Not on this day. 

Prediction: Buccaneers 37 / Chargers 17

Seattle Seahawks at Miami Dolphins

The question is south Florida is when and if rookie Tua Tagovailoa will start. For now, Ryan Fitzpatrick remains behind center and he will be completely outmatched by the red hot Russell Wilson. 

Prediction: Seahawks 41 / Dolphins 14

Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans

Houston looks for their first win of the season as do the Vikings. Someone is going to remain to have a goose egg after Sunday. 

Prediction: Texans 33 / Vikings 21

New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions

The Lions will try to hand Drew Brees and the Saints a third straight loss while Detroit won their first in week three. Some believe Brees’s play is declining. 

Prediction: Lions 24 / Saints 17

Cleveland Browns at Dallas Cowboys

Dallas is trying to find an identity while Cleveland’s weapons are beginning to click. This will be a hiccup on the Browns’ road map. 

Prediction: Cowboys 29 / Browns 24

Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have been a mild surprise after three weeks of the 2020 season while the Jags have been a disappointment to some. The Eagles were nearly embarrassed by Cincinnati last weekend so this Sunday, the Bengals will complete the embarrassment attempt on Jacksonville.

Prediction: Bengals 23 / Jaguars 20

Indianapolis Colts at Chicago Bears

It’s the Nick Foles show now in Chicago and despite being 3-0 it appears that Mitchell Trubisky’s days as a Bear are done barring an injury to Foles. This could also be Phillip Rivers’ last stand in the NFL as his career is winding down with his new team in Indianapolis. 

Prediction: Bears 31 / Colts 27

Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers

While Kyle Murray is quickly improving in his second season, the Panthers are rebuilding. This game could go either way, but I believe the edge in talent goes to the road team. 

Prediction: Cardinals 23 / Panthers 17

New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams

Like the Jets, the Giants are in a heap of trouble. They too have yet to win in 2020 while the Rams are far more talented. 

Prediction: Rams 48 / Giants 9

Buffalo Bills at Las Vegas Raiders

Now in a new city, the Raiders host their second home game of the season which again will be in front of zero fans with none to show up in 2020 In Vegas thanks to owner Mark Madden. This game should be intriguing as the Bills seem to be for real and the Raiders vastly improved. 

Prediction: Raiders 24 / Bills 21

New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs

This is New England’s biggest test of the season and I don’t believe with or without Cam Newton they are ready for this upgrade in competition. 

Prediction: Chiefs 35 / Patriots 17

Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers

If not for a comeback tie against Cincinnati, the Eagles would have an 0-3 record. That might be the biggest surprise of the NFL season as Carson Wentz is on a hot seat. If he performs poorly on this day then he might be pulling a Mitch Trubisky and seeing rookie Jalen Hurts take over. 

Prediction: 49ers 17 / Eagles 14

Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers

We finish week four with the Pack at home hosting the winless Falcons. It will be interesting to see if Atlanta can build a lead and then blow it, something they have done for two straight weeks. Something tells me they will never see a lead in this one. 

Prediction: Packers 33 / Falcons 23