NFL Week 4

It's time to bring out the NFL crystal ball once again and make my picks for week for of the NFL season.  The crystal ball was pretty good last week, and seems to be improving with the season.  So lets get started with my picks.

San Francisco at Atlanta

The Falcons have been looking good since their loss to Pittsburgh, getting by the Saints last week.  San Francisco for trounced by the Chiefs, and I'm thinking that this week will be more of the same.  ATL - 31  SFO - 7.

New York Jets at Buffalo

The Jets had impressive wins the past 2 weeks against the Patriots, and the Dolphins.  The Bills (0-3) rank last in the NFL offensively, and their defense is unremarkable.  I'm calling this an easy win for the Jets.  NYJ - 28   BUF - 10.


Baltimore at Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh continues to surprise me, considering that they will still be without their starting QB this Sunday.  The Steelers have one of the best defenses in the NFL, and the Ravens have been unimpressive, even in their wins.  The Ravens only had 144 yards rushing against the Browns last week.  I'm going with the Steelers in a tight game.  PIT - 17  BAL - 14.

Carolina at New Orleans

The Saints had a tough loss to the Falcons last week, and the Panthers have yet to show up for a game.  NO - 34  CAR - 14

Denver at Tennessee

The Titan's superb defense has allowed only 2 offensive touchdowns in 3 games.  The Broncos went 5 of 15 on third down and 1 of 4 on fourth down against the Colts, but a dismal running game may be the bigger problem. Denver ranks 30th in the league with 67.0 rushing yards a contest and last with 2.5 yards per carry.  I'm going against the bookies and calling it for the Titans.  TEN - 21  DEN - 10

Cincinnati at Cleveland

Even though the Bengals have been winning, their wins are sloppy.  They never found the end zone in their win over the Ravens last week.  Nevertheless Cleveland (0-3) will be 0-4 after Sunday.  CIN - 27  CLE - 14

Detroit at Green Bay

The Packers had a disappointing loss to the Bears last week, but this week will be much different as the hapless Lions crawl into Lambeau Field.  GB - 40  DET - 7

Seattle at St. Louis

The Seahawks only two wins in their last 13 road games both came in St. Louis.  They have been playing well in Qwest Stadium, but on the road they have been dismal.  The Rams have been less than impressive so far this year.They had lost 14 games in a row until they finally beat the Redskins last week.  This game could go either way, but I'm calling it for Seattle.  SEA - 24  STL - 17

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

The Colts' offense has been spot on under Peyton Manning's leadership, but the defense struggles at times, allowing a lot of rushing yards.  I don't think they have much to worry about against the Jaguars though.  They have the 4th worst defense in the league, and the superior offense of the Colts should make mince meat out of them.  IND -34  JAX - 14

Houston at Oakland

After a very strong opening 2 games of the season, the Texans got a thorough trouncing by the Cowboys last week, and had their strong offense all but shut down by a very good Cowboys' defense.  I don't see that happening against the very mediocre Raiders.  I'm looking for the Texans to come back this week strong and ready for a win.  HOU - 32  OAK - 14.

Arizona at San Diego

The Chargers are off to a very sluggish season, with only one unimpressive win.  Their offense in particular is very weak.  The Cardinals are not the best team in the league, but should readily handle the disheveled Chargers.  ARIZ - 20  SD - 7

Washington at Philadelphia

Michael Vick has been playing superbly since the Eagles gave him a shot in game 1.  He has 750 yards passing, six touchdowns and no interceptions, and also has run for 170 yards and one score in 10 quarters. For his efforts, Vick also earned NFC offensive player of the month honors.  Both teams have uninspiring defenses, but the strong Eagles offense is going to prevail on Sunday.  PHL - 28  WASH - 10

Chicago at New York Giants

After a strong opening week, the Giants haven't been able to get it together.  They forgot to show in week 2 against the Colts, and last week they forgot that there is a 4th quarter and lost to the Titans in a rout.  The Bears had a hard played win against the Packers, and are playing very well.  If the Giants show up and play 4 quarters of football, give Eli Manning the protection he needs, and stops allowing turn overs, this could be a good game.  I'm not so optimistic.  CHI - 27  NYG - 21

And finally the Monday night game:

New England at Miami

Miami had a tough loss at against the surprisingly good Jets last week, while the Patriots have had a rough start, losing to the Jets in week 2, and not playing all that well against the hapless Bills.  I'm picking the Dolphins, if for no other reason than that I do not like anything about the Pats organization.  MIA - 32  BOS - 27

Well there you have it.  Those are my picks for the week, what are yours?


UPDATE:  Boy did I get it wrong this week.  There were a lot of good games and a lot of upsets.  I'm not even going to do a post-mortem.  The crystal ball is broke.  We'll see If my prediction machine is better this coming weekend.