Week 4 NFL Picks

4 weeks down in the NFL season and still, not real sure what to make of all the teams. But yet, the games must be picked. I've done a decent job this season picking games, including correctly picking the Lions ending their 19-game losing streak. But it will only get tougher, as injuries pile up, as teams get more desperate, and factors like the weather play a role in just about every game.

It was a good Week 3 of picking games for me, finishing with a 12-4 record. That moves the season record to a very respectable 33-15. With the bye weeks starting this week, there are less games to choose. But also some very tough games to choose this week, with some 0-3 teams hoping to turn it around and some 3-0 teams who I'm not so sure can stay undefeated.

Sunday, October 4
Tampa Bay @ Washington: WASHINGTON - The Redskins are out to prove a lot of people that they aren't an absolute joke after losing to the Lions. Not to mention it's at home and if the Redskins lose to the hapless Bucs after losing to the Lions, the home fans may not come back for the next game.
Baltimore @ New England: NEW ENGLAND - Last week, the Falcons came into Foxborough perfect but fell apart. Look for the same from the Ravens, who have so far feasted on inferior opponents. Should be a fun game to watch though, if you're not stuck with CIN-CLE.
Tennessee @ Jacksonville: TENNESSEE - The Titans have to win a game at some point and this gives them a good chance. The Jags defense isn't as good as I thought it would be before the season began and Kerry Collins has has success against them in the past.
Oakland @ Houston: HOUSTON - This game shouldn't even be close. Houston's offense should romp the Raiders defense. Expect Schaub to throw for 300+ yards, Andre Johnson to catch a couple TD and for the Raiders to start reconsidering drafting JaMarcus Russell.
Cincinnati @ Cleveland: CINCINNATI - This is as good a chance for the Browns to get a victory. But the Bengals are playing with tons of confidence. Meanwhile, the Browns still don't have a QB. I'm no Man-genius but I don't think Derek Anderson is much of an upgrade, if at all.
Seattle @ Indianapolis: INDIANAPOLIS - The Seahawks are still a bit banged up but should be able to score on an equally banged up Colts team. But Indy still will win, thanks to a fluid offense and a defense that will bend but not break.
NY Giants @ Kansas City: NY GIANTS - The Giants have looked great through 3 games. Look for them to look great through 4 games after this one. The Chiefs may not even score against the Giants defense. They're just that bad.
Detroit @ Chicago: CHICAGO - Getting the first win in 19 games is a big deal and should help motivate this team for this one. But beating the Bears at home is gonna be tough. Jay Cutler is playing smart and Matt Forte is due to have a breakout game.
Buffalo @ Miami: BUFFALO - I have this feeling that Miami is gonna win their first game this week. But I'm not a big believer in picking a team that is starting a new QB. Chad Henne gets a tough assignment too, playing a pretty good Bills defense.
NY Jets @ New Orleans: NEW ORLEANS - By far, this is the game of the week, pitting a couple of unbeatens. The Jets have only scored 2 TD on offense, which isn't good considering they will probably at least need to score 3. Meanwhile, the Saints are facing one of the better defenses in the league.
St. Louis @ San Francisco: SAN FRANCISCO - The Rams are starting Kyle Boller in place of Marc Bulger, which is an upgrade even though it was due to injury. Boller has no weapons though except Steven Jackson, who will find it tough to run against a San Fran defense that is 4th against the run.
Dallas @ Denver: DALLAS - Denver's 3-0 record may look good but it's been against CIN, CLE and OAK. Now, they get a team that is looking for a good road win and coming off a good offensive performance at home. Kyle Orton must play smart to give his team a chance.
San Diego @ Pittsburgh: PITTSBURGH - I don't think the Steelers are suffering from a Super Bowl hangover but they aren't clicking on offense. This is a team that needs to run the ball to move the ball. Look for them to establish that run game against a San Diego defense that gives up a lot of yards on the ground.

Monday, October 5th
Green Bay @ Minnesota: MINNESOTA - I really don't think Brett Favre will care too much about playing his former team. It's just another game in the Dome. When the Vikes travel to Lambeau, it'll be emotional. This one will be a good game but I'll take the Vikings in a tight one.

WHERE'S GUS JOHNSON? - The great GuJo will be calling the action from Texas where the Oakland Raiders face the Houston Texans. That means he'll be able to call Andre Johnson's amazing catches and every Mario Williams sack of JaMarcus Russell. Shouldn't be a close game though which isn't cool.

That's all for this week. Don't forget, you can help me help Habitat for Humanity. I'm running the Augusta Half Marathon on November 1st and am raising money for the organization. Just visit www.firstgiving.com/mattbarnes and sponsor me!