The Picks - Week 4
Broncos (-10) at Chiefs: Broncos -10
The Chiefs are bad. Like really, really bad. They're playing musical chairs at quarterback and none of their options are what you'd consider to be "good." The Broncos, on the other hand, are perhaps the hottest team in the NFL. Easy call.
Browns at Bengals (-3.5): Browns +3.5
This one could go either way. You have two terribly underachieving teams that both desperately need a win. Ultimately, I believe Derek Anderson has a big game to prove he still deserves to be the starter in Cleveland.
Texans at Jaguars (-7): Texans +7
Houston's air attack hasn't been what it was last year, but the road gets a bit easier this week as the Jaguars have the 17th ranked pass defense in the league. The Texans' 27th-ranked run defense will likely give up big plays to Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, but Houston's Steve Slaton will be the most exciting.
Cardinals at Jets (-1): Cardinals +1
In the battle of the ageless quarterbacks, Kurt Warner will emerge on top due to the simple fact that he has better weapons (Fitzgerald and Boldin versus Cotchery and Coles).
49ers at Saints (-5): Saints -5
The 49ers have become a lot of people's sexy pick to be this year's breakout team, but come on, we're talking about J.T. O'Sullivan here. Between him and Drew Brees, I go Brees 100% of the time. Oh, and Reggie Bush finally looks every bit the player he was heralded to be when he was drafted second overall in 2006.
Falcons at Panthers (-6.5): Falcons +6.5
Seven words: Michael Turner is a legit feature back.
Vikings at Titans (-3): Titans -3
Chris Johnson is the truth, and AP and the Viks sure look like shit. They've got a bit more of an aerial attack with Gus Frerotte under center, but the Titans third-ranked defense will bring him back down to earth.
Packers at Buccaneers (-1): Packers +1
They win in an overtime shootout against the Bears last week and now Vegas thinks the Bucs should be favorites?! Gimme a break. Strong bounce-back game for Ryan Grant here.
Bills (-8) at Rams: Bills -8
As much as I hate to pick the Bills, who have been seriously overachieving in the first few weeks, I just don't think the Rams can challenge them, or anyone else in the NFL (or maybe even college football), for that matter. Especially not with the forever-concussed Trent Green at quarterback as opposed to Marc Bulger.
Chargers (-7.5) at Raiders: Chargers -7.5
Just like the Chiefs, the Raiders are really bad. Their top offensive weapon, Darren McFadden, is a game-time decision. Antonio Cromartie will probably have a pair of picks, that is if JaMarcus Russell tries to throw the ball at all. And Chris freaking Chambers actually looks like a true number one receiver for once in his life.
Redskins at Cowboys (-11): Cowboys -11
Clinton Portis can't do it all in Washington. Marion Barber III doesn't have to in Dallas as he has Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and Felix Jones to help him on offense. Realistically, they should win this one by about three touchdowns.
Eagles (-3) at Bears: Bears +3
Call this my reach pick; I don't think the Bears are particularly good, but I know the Eagles aren't without Brian Westbrook. The Eagles have the best run defense in the league (they're giving up just 45 yards per game!), but I like Matt Forte and could see him breaking the century mark.
Ravens at Steelers (-5): Ravens +5
Big Ben's throwing with an injured wing, Fast Willie Parker is out for the week, and the Ravens defense has been nothing short of spectacular (first overall in total defense). That offense still leaves a lot to be desired, but I think they'll keep it within a field goal.
The Chiefs are bad. Like really, really bad. They're playing musical chairs at quarterback and none of their options are what you'd consider to be "good." The Broncos, on the other hand, are perhaps the hottest team in the NFL. Easy call.
Browns at Bengals (-3.5): Browns +3.5
This one could go either way. You have two terribly underachieving teams that both desperately need a win. Ultimately, I believe Derek Anderson has a big game to prove he still deserves to be the starter in Cleveland.
Texans at Jaguars (-7): Texans +7
Houston's air attack hasn't been what it was last year, but the road gets a bit easier this week as the Jaguars have the 17th ranked pass defense in the league. The Texans' 27th-ranked run defense will likely give up big plays to Maurice Jones-Drew and Fred Taylor, but Houston's Steve Slaton will be the most exciting.
Cardinals at Jets (-1): Cardinals +1
In the battle of the ageless quarterbacks, Kurt Warner will emerge on top due to the simple fact that he has better weapons (Fitzgerald and Boldin versus Cotchery and Coles).
49ers at Saints (-5): Saints -5
The 49ers have become a lot of people's sexy pick to be this year's breakout team, but come on, we're talking about J.T. O'Sullivan here. Between him and Drew Brees, I go Brees 100% of the time. Oh, and Reggie Bush finally looks every bit the player he was heralded to be when he was drafted second overall in 2006.
Falcons at Panthers (-6.5): Falcons +6.5
Seven words: Michael Turner is a legit feature back.
Vikings at Titans (-3): Titans -3
Chris Johnson is the truth, and AP and the Viks sure look like shit. They've got a bit more of an aerial attack with Gus Frerotte under center, but the Titans third-ranked defense will bring him back down to earth.
Packers at Buccaneers (-1): Packers +1
They win in an overtime shootout against the Bears last week and now Vegas thinks the Bucs should be favorites?! Gimme a break. Strong bounce-back game for Ryan Grant here.
Bills (-8) at Rams: Bills -8
As much as I hate to pick the Bills, who have been seriously overachieving in the first few weeks, I just don't think the Rams can challenge them, or anyone else in the NFL (or maybe even college football), for that matter. Especially not with the forever-concussed Trent Green at quarterback as opposed to Marc Bulger.
Chargers (-7.5) at Raiders: Chargers -7.5
Just like the Chiefs, the Raiders are really bad. Their top offensive weapon, Darren McFadden, is a game-time decision. Antonio Cromartie will probably have a pair of picks, that is if JaMarcus Russell tries to throw the ball at all. And Chris freaking Chambers actually looks like a true number one receiver for once in his life.
Redskins at Cowboys (-11): Cowboys -11
Clinton Portis can't do it all in Washington. Marion Barber III doesn't have to in Dallas as he has Tony Romo, Terrell Owens, Jason Witten and Felix Jones to help him on offense. Realistically, they should win this one by about three touchdowns.
Eagles (-3) at Bears: Bears +3
Call this my reach pick; I don't think the Bears are particularly good, but I know the Eagles aren't without Brian Westbrook. The Eagles have the best run defense in the league (they're giving up just 45 yards per game!), but I like Matt Forte and could see him breaking the century mark.
Ravens at Steelers (-5): Ravens +5
Big Ben's throwing with an injured wing, Fast Willie Parker is out for the week, and the Ravens defense has been nothing short of spectacular (first overall in total defense). That offense still leaves a lot to be desired, but I think they'll keep it within a field goal.
Comments