Sports - NFL Picks 2014, Week 4

Here are my NFL Week 4 Picks

(9-7 last week, 28-20 for the season)

Bye teams: Ari, Cin, Cle, Den, Sea, StL

NYG @ Was - A very important Thursday Night matchup.  These division opponents are both 1-2 and neither want to drop another game right now.  The Redskins, now under Kirk Cousins, score more than the G-men, allow less, and are at home; a recipe for a win.

Car @ Bal - I said last week that if the Ravens won in Cleveland I'd start giving them some respect.  Well they did, barely, and now they get to head home to face the Panthers.  I can't figure out Carolina, when they're gonna click or falter, so I'm staying away for the time being.

GB @ Chi - Another division matchup in which the home team scores more & allows less.  Cutler has been slinging the ball well, Rodgers has not, and this Packers defense isn't very good.  In such an old rivalry I doubt anyone gets blown out, so look for a close one.

Buf @ Hou - The Texans looked to be back in the saddle until the Giants beat 'em up last week.  I expect them to rebound after a return home.  I've been on the Bills' bandwagon since  before the preseason, but they had a tough game last week and this one isn't much easier.

Ten @ Ind - The Colts got their first win of the season last week, but actually lead the AFC in points scored.  They just had an unLUCKy draw (Den, Phi), but now get it a bit easier (Jax, Ten).  The Titans only score 14 points per game; not enough to keep up at all this week.

Det @ NYJ - Here's a stat for you; the Jets have scored more points this season than the Lions.  Say what?!  That's right, the mighty Stafford-led Detroiters have actually relied more on their defense this year to get wins.  But they don't play well on the road, and could lose in Jersey.

Mia @ Oak - Three of the four worst points-allowing defenses in the NFL play in Florida.  The Dolphins are not having the kind of season they were hoping for, obviously.  But the Raiders are winless, can't score points, and look pathetic.  So it's a toss up; maybe it'll be a tie?

TB @ Pit - Speaking of bad Florida teams, the Bucs are awful.  They're 0-3, can't score, can't stop anyone, and have very little hope of salvaging their season.  The Steelers aren't incredible, but they should be able to win at home vs a very inferior team.  Sorry, Lovie.

Jax @ SD - Yes trap games are real, yes any team can win "any given Sunday", but this week?  I don't think so.  This is, by far, the biggest mismatch, as the Jaguars are reeling and the Chargers are on fire.  Look for Rivers & Brown to score points in bunches without mercy.

Atl @ Min - My first road team pick of the week.  The Falcons are the best offense in football, thanks to Matty Ice.  They usually play very poorly on the road, but hey it's Minnesota.  The Vikings lost Adrian Peterson, now Matt Cassel, and should lose this game pretty pathetically.

Phi @ SF - Speaking of road teams that score points, say hello to the Eagles.  Their vaunted high-flying offense is working just as well as people expected, and so far they're undefeated.  The Niners aren't living up to expectations, but that can't go on forever.  I predict a change this week.

NO @ Dal - The Saints are just a whole other team on the road.  And you know, they're not scoring like they normally do.  Also surprising is the Dallas D, which isn't as bad as it was supposed to be.  I gotta go with the home Cowboys, especially with the way Murray is running.

NE @ KC - Color me not surprised that the Chiefs aren't that great.  They were exposed at the end of last year and apparently it carried over.  But Kansas City is a tough place to play, especially on the big stage of MNF, and I think the Patriots falter, losing a close one here.