Week 4 NFL Picks

Cleveland (0-3) at Cincinnati (0-3)- Talk about a judgement game. Both teams had relatively high expectations going into the season this year and they have not met them. Derek Anderson is showing he is a one-year wonder and Ocho Cinco is nowhere to be found. Defenses tend to go out the window in these games and I will take the Bengals by a FG but Anderson keeps his job... for now. CIN 38-35

Minnesota (1-2) at Tennessee (3-0)- The battle of the journeyman quarterback or really good defenses going up against each other. This game could easily be 6-3. The difference is I think the Titans can actually pass the ball for reasonable yards to allow the run offense to open and I still think the Vikings cannot. TEN 13-3

Denver (3-0) at Kansas City (0-3)- The state of Missouri looks like it has two teams battling for the number one pick in the draft already and this week wont be any different as Selvin Young will have a big game as KC cannot stop the run and Jay Culter even with Cheifs decent pass defense will light them up as well. DEN 35-14

San Fransico (2-1) at New Orelans (1-2)- This game is one that I think is a true toss-up. The 49ers seem to have a true QB in J.T. O'Sullivan and all of the young players they got in the draft in the last couple years are starting to look strong- Manny Lawson, Patrick Willis, and so on. New Orelans offense has been great so far but their defense has been less than stellar which will lead to their demise once again. SF 42-35

Arizona (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2)- The battle of the ageless wonders in Kurt Warner and Brett Favre. Arizona is make their second straight trip out east and this could be a statement game for them with a win. The Jets need this to get back to .500 and I think they will be able to get done as Favre leads a 2 minute drive for the win. NYJ 24-20

Green Bay (2-1) at Tampa Bay (2-1)- The bay showdown and what was one of the best rivalries in the early 2000 when the Packers could not win in Tampa to save their soul and where Warren Sapp told Mike Sherman to put a jersey on! And of course, the Favre-Sapp rivalry but thats all gone now. I think you will see Brian Griese passing the ball a ton early without Al Harris in there and if Atari Bigby doesnt play it will be a long day in the secondary. Although I see Aaron Rodgers will bounce back nicely and Ryan Grant gets it going on the ground. GB 24-17

Atlanta (2-1) at Carolina (2-1)- Another statement game in the NFL, both teams were not expected to be much this year and I think if the Panthers dont give up that fumble against the Vikings, they might have won that game too. The big question will Michael Turner be able to get it going against a solid defense, something tells me he will and I will take the Falcons in a minor upset. ATL 17-14

Houston (0-2) at Jacksonville (1-2)- The Jags save themselves from an 0-3 start with a great drive to get Josh Scobee a chance at a field goal and I would stick to the same plan as last week. The Texans are not a bad team by any means so it would not shock me to see them win but I think the Jags are better. JAX 31-17

San Diego (1-2) at Oakland (1-2)- Could this be Lane Kiffen's last game? Who knows with Al Davis but I dont see this one turning out good for the Raiders as they face a San Diego offense that has found their stride who will not care how good Rob Ryan's defense is as LT will stroll to victory. SD 34-16

Buffalo (3-0) at St. Louis (0-3)- Life is good if you are a Bills fan, finally a new breed of players that are starting to remind some of Jim Kelly, Andre Reed, Thurman Thomas, and Bruce Smith. They will not falter against a Ram team whose more divided than Americans on a picking the next president. No way can Trent Green save this sinking ship. BUF 38-0

Washington (2-1) at Dallas (3-0)- The Redskins is starting to look like a better team than expected and this is always a dogfight no matter what the records are. The Skins seem to have a natch for coming into Irving and stealing a victory although I think Dallas is too tough and playing too well for that to happen. DAL 20-10

Philadelphia (2-1) at Chicago (1-2)- The homecoming game for Donovon McNabb so expect to see him inspired although the Bears were very close to victory against the Bucs last week and they seem to get up for the big teams. This one will be a defensive struggle but I think the Eagles passing game will be the difference. PHI 21-13

Pittsburgh (2-1) at Baltimore (2-0)- This is probably one of the weakest primetime games I have seen in awhile although the Ravens could show that last year was a complete fluke if they can find a way to win this one. I think both teams are going to see blitzes the entire game and because of the experience at quarterback for the Steelers, they find a way to win it. PIT 21-9

Have a good one.

-Charlie.