NFL Week Four Predictions

Week four of the NFL season kicks off as the Giants head to the nation’s capital to play Washington.

New York Giants (1-2) at Washington (1-2)
For as much blame as Eli Manning receives for his team’s struggles, he actually has made some key throws and hasn’t looked entirely useless on the field. If he reduces his turnovers, the Giants could creep up in the standings.

I really like how well Washington’s offense has played with Kirk Cousins at the helm. There has been a marked difference between him running the offense and Robert Griffin III doing the same.

Prediction: Washington 30, New York 24

Carolina Panthers (2-1) at Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
Steve Smith Sr. is going to score a touchdown in this game, right? After this game, I think that the Panthers will regret letting him leave via free agency.

I really liked how well the Panthers played through the first two weeks, but they lost to a sub-par Pittsburgh team last week and they’ve fallen back down to Earth.

Prediction: Baltimore 27, Carolina 24

Green Bay Packers (1-2) at Chicago Bears (2-1)
Since their terrible Week one loss to Buffalo, the Bears have looked as good as anyone in the league. After a dominant performance Monday night, they look poised to keep their division lead.

If I’m a Green Bay fan, I’m not panicking quite yet. Has their offense looked poor? Yes, but Chicago’s average defense provides them with an opportunity to right the ship.

Prediction: Green Bay 30, Chicago 24

Buffalo Bills (2-1) at Houston Texans (2-1)
Last week, I saw a lot of “EJ Manuel is going to get his receivers killed” on Twitter. I don’t think that Manuel provides the skills you need to beat the vaunted Houston pass rush. After four weeks, the Texans will have already surpassed their win total from 2013.

Prediction: Houston 20, Buffalo 13

Tennessee Titans (1-2) at Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
Need a remedy after an 0-2 start, especially when both losses were crushing defeats? Here are the Jaguars and Titans in consecutive weeks. Indy is receiving a gift from the schedule makers.

Prediction: Indianapolis 31, Tennessee 17

Detroit Lions (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2)
I’m so confused about both of these teams. The Lions looked great in Week one, terrible in Week two, and then excellent again in Week three.

The Jets need a win in this game, and I think that they can relatively keep Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson in check.

Prediction: New York 24, Detroit 13

Miami Dolphins (1-2) at Oakland Raiders (0-3)
Is it time for Derek Carr’s first win? It could happen against the hapless Miami offense…

Prediction: Oakland 17, Miami 13

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) at Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)
Interestingly enough, I thought that Mike Glennon did as much as he could with a terrible team around him last year. He’ll get the chance to start this week.

However, I really liked how well Pittsburgh played last week, and this Bucs team isn’t going to the Steel City and beating them.

Prediction: Pittsburgh 27, Tampa Bay 10

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) at San Diego Chargers (2-1)
Who’s getting their first win first between Oakland and Jacksonville?

Prediction: San Diego 31, Jacksonville 10

Atlanta Falcons (2-1) at Minnesota Vikings (1-2)
At the moment, the Falcons are the best team in the NFC South. Matt Ryan looks like the old Matty Ice, and Julio Jones looks like a top flight pass-catcher.

The Vikings played much better than anyone gives credit for last week in the Superdome, but it looks like they’ll be overpowered by a superstar offense once again.

Prediction: Atlanta 27, Minnesota 17

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) at San Francisco 49ers (1-2)
The Eagles survived their first test of the season against the Colts, and they’ll take on the Niners as the only active undefeated team on Sunday (Arizona and Cincinnati both have a bye).

The Niners have sputtered offensively and defensively, but a win here against a fellow NFC contender should set them straight.

Prediction: San Francisco 31, Philadelphia 27

New Orleans Saints (1-2) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
If my predictions until this game hold up to be correct, the Cowboys would be playing this game with a chance to tie the Eagles for the top spot in the NFC East.

Even though New Orleans won last weekend at home, they didn’t look as dominant as we’re used to seeing them.

This game is intriguing because both teams offer strong offenses and weak defenses. I’ll take the Cowboys at home, but I’m not entirely confident in this one.

Prediction: Dallas 34, New Orleans 31

New England Patriots (2-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
Here are two 2013 AFC playoff teams who haven’t looked the same. New England’s offense is sputtering, and I’m not confident that they can get back on track.

The Chiefs pulled out a win last week, and I think they can make it two in a row if they can put pressure on Brady and the New England offensive line.

Prediction: Kansas City 24, New England 17

Last Week: (8-8)
Season: (26-22)
Best: (10-6)