Quick Picks; Week Four
Every week throughout the season, we make our Quick Picks (in bold) on the upcoming slate of games, focusing on the key points for each match-up. After a crazy Week 3, teams are still tough to figure out. Here are Week 4’s picks.
Chicago Bears @ Green Bay Packers (TNF)
After an overtime win at home thanks to some classic Aaron Rodgers magic, the Packers must turn round on a short week to face the Bears. With Chicago’s wideouts struggling, Green Bay will need to key on the run game, so need Mike Daniels and Nick Perry back desperately. Chicago’s fortunes rely on their “Thunder and Lightning” combo of Jordan Howard and Tarik Cohen.
New Orleans Saints @ Miami Dolphins (Wembley)
In a game that we will be going to see, expect a big bounce back for Jay Ajayi on home turf against a still-middling Saints defense. Ajayi could be Miami’s best defense against Drew Brees, and it could be a shootout if Jay Cutler can get something going again with Jarvis Landry and Devante Parker.
Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans
Both teams look good coming in. The Titans out-Seahawked Seattle, but must now face a Texans team that almost beat Tom Brady. Deshaun Watson seems to have found something on offense but Tennessee need another big division win on the road if they are serious about winning the AFC South.
Jacksonville Jaguars @ New York Jets
The Jaguars dominated Baltimore at Wembley, but still need to beat the Jets to prove they have made some progress. New York shut down Jay Ajayi last week and will now face Leonard Fournette. Can Blake Bortles keep his London form going back home?
Carolina Panthers @ New England Patriots
Carolina’s new-look offense is still nowhere to be found and Cam Newton continues to struggle, and with both Kelvin Benjamin and Greg Olsen injured New England could have a bounce back game on defense, despite giving up 417 yards to Houston last week.
Detroit Lions @ Minnesota Vikings
Coming off a disappointing loss the Lions must now prove that going toe-to-toe with Atlanta wasn’t a fluke. Detroit’s opportunistic defense could struggle if Sam Bradford plays, and Dalvin Cook could be Minnesota’s biggest weapon after the Lions gave up 151 rushing yards to the Falcons.
Buffalo Bills @ Atlanta Falcons
After a surprise home win against Denver, the Bills must now travel to Atlanta. The defense is playing well, but they will likely be overpowered by the Falcons and their huge arsenal of playmakers. It could be a big game for Julio Jones.
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens will be seething after their embarrassing London loss. Pittsburgh usually struggles on the road, especially in Baltimore, and could struggle to stop the run against a stable of Baltimore backs.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns
Bill Lazor’s altered offense almost beat Green Bay, but the Bengals faded towards the end on both sides of the ball. Joe Mixon has emerged as the future of Cincinnati’s running game and could have a big day after the Browns gave up 31 points to the Jacoby Brissett-led Colts.
Los Angeles Rams @ Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys looked slow out of the gate against Arizona, and cannot afford a repeat performance against a loaded Rams offense. If Wade Phillips’ unit can shut down Ezekiel Elliott, the Rams could leave Dallas with a huge statement win in the NFC.
Philadelphia Eagles @ Los Angeles Chargers
Despite another loss, the Chargers hung with the Chiefs for much of last week’s game. Darren Sproles is out for the Eagles, which could be a huge loss. If Melvin Gordon can find a way through Jim Schwartz’s front seven, the Chargers should get their first win since returning to LA.
New York Giants @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Just when New York’s offense finally woke up, their defense let them down. With both Ben McAdoo and Eli Manning under pressure, the Buccaneers should have enough to bounce back and overpower the Giants.
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals still struggle to consistently move the ball without David Johnson. Kyle Shanahan’s offense woke up against the Rams, and the 49ers could control the Cardinals with their front seven and then grind away with the running game for a big divisional win.
Oakland Raiders @ Denver Broncos
Both team need to bounce back after being stunned in two ugly losses last week. Denver’s defense will give Derek Carr and Co. plenty of problems, especially if Marshawn Lynch suffers the same fate as Ezekiel Elliott. The Broncos should have a better chance of scoring against Oakland’s defense.
Indianapolis Colts @ Seattle Seahawks (SNF)
As serviceable as Jacoby Brissett has been, Indy will have a hard time in Seattle as the Seahawks look set to bounce back for a week on offense.
Washington Redskins @ Kansas City Chiefs (MNF)
After dominating Oakland, the Redskins must now face a stronger Chiefs team. With a powerful home-field advantage, Kareem Hunt and Alex Smith should have more success than Marshawn Lynch and Derek Carr as Washington’s defense is set to come back to Earth.
