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2013 NFL Pick ‘Em: Week 4
Picking the NFL's Week 4 Games
It’s now Week 4 of the 2013 NFL season and the action is just starting to heat up. While some teams continue to pull away from the pack, others are spending their time making us all wonder why they’re allowed to don the league’s logo on a weekly basis.
Still, the NFL has been as unpredictable as ever. And yet, the picks and predictions must continue.
Week 3 was a bad one for me, as I walked away from Monday night with a 7-9 record on the week’s 16 games. That takes my season record to 27-21 after going 7-9 in Week 1 and 13-3 in Week 2. Hopefully it goes a little better in Week 4, but I’m not promising anything after how unpredictable the previous slate of games was.
This week of gridiron action offers us a battle of undefeateds as well as a battle of winless teams looking for their first taste of victory. It will give us our first look at Mike Glennon, the third quarterback to come off the board back in April. We’ll also have the privilege of seeing if Peyton Manning can keep his dominant 2013 campaign rolling after breaking an NFL record for the most touchdowns through the first three games.
No matter what happens, it’s going to be another glorious week in the NFL. We’re sure to see plenty of gritty battles and electrifying touchdowns before it’s all said and done. Before we get there, though, here’s a look at my picks for Week 3.
San Francisco 49ers (1-2) at St. Louis Rams (1-2)
While the Rams have been playing well for a 1-2 team this season, the 49ers simply can’t keep floundering the way they have over the last two weekends. Colin Kaepernick is suffering through a bit of a sophomore slump, but the suspect St. Louis defense should offer him the perfect opportunity to get back on track.
Winner: 49ers
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Buffalo Bills (1-2)
Right now, the Bills are in bad shape. The defense is in shambles and their ability to stop the run is among the worst in the NFL. The Ravens are coming off a big win in Week 3 against the Texans and are finally getting into gear. Whether it’s Ray Rice or Bernard Pierce starting at running back, look for the Ravens to rack up huge rushing yards before all is said and done.
Winner: Ravens
Arizona Cardinals (1-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3)
Despite their early-season struggles, the Cardinals have shown some spark through three games. Meanwhile, the Buccaneers have been a mess and are now in the midst of a quarterback switch. While Mike Glennon should help Tampa Bay stay competitive, Carson Palmer and the Arizona offense will do enough to keep the Buccaneers out of the win column.
Winner: Cardinals
Pittsburgh Steelers (0-3) at Minnesota Vikings (0-3)
Heading into Week 4, both of these teams are desperate for their first win of the season. Unfortunately one will still be winless after Sunday. Fortunately for the Vikings, it won’t be them. While this will likely be a close, hard-fought battle, Adrian Peterson will take advantage of the Steelers’ poor run defense and give Minnesota their first W of the year.
Winner: Vikings
New York Giants (0-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
Who could have imagined that the Giants would be 0-3 and Eli Manning would have a horrendous start to his 2013 campaign? Who could have imagined that the Chiefs would be 3-0 and the Alex Smith/Andy Reid combo would be doing wonderfully in Kansas City. Well that’s what has happened so far, and we’ll see more of the same in this Week 4 matchup.
Winner: Chiefs
Indianapolis Colts (2-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)
It’s hard to argue against the statement that the Jaguars are the worst team in the NFL. They got destroyed by the Seahawks last week and can’t seem to muster a semi-capable offensive attack. The Colts, however, are coming off a huge win in San Francisco last week and are looking to keep their momentum going. Expect Andrew Luck to carry the Colts to another dominant victory in Week 4.
Winner: Colts
Seattle Seahawks (3-0) at Houston Texans (2-1)
After cruising through the first three weeks of the season, the Seahawks and their elite defense are just having fun at 3-0. On the other hand, the Texans are coming off a painful loss and will be looking to get back on track. Unfortunately for Houston, their offense has been inconsistent this season, which will keep them from keeping up with a dominant Seattle team.
Winner: Seahawks
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (1-2)
The Browns shocked the football world last week when they upset the Vikings after trading away arguably their best player and starting their third-string quarterback. If they think that same magic is going to get them past the Bengals, think again. The Bengals’ offense is more efficient than the Vikings’. Michael Johnson and their pass rush are going to wreak havoc on one of the worst lines in the league.
Winner: Bengals
Chicago Bears (3-0) at Detroit Lions (2-1)
Upset alert! Three weeks in a row, the Bears have barely walked away with a win. Despite claims of them being the most balanced team in the NFL, there are several gaps in their roster that are just waiting to be exploited. The Lions are riding the momentum of a Week 3 win and now have Reggie Bush back in the mix. Watch for Calvin Johnson to expose the defense and give Detroit a big divisional win.
Winner: Lions
New York Jets (2-1) at Tennessee Titans (2-1)
It’s been three weeks full of luck for the Titans, who have stumbled their way into two wins to start the season. The Jets, however, are quickly catching fire under rookie quarterback Geno Smith and appear primed to make a serious playoff push. Tennessee’s overrated defense is going to cost them if Bilal Powell can get going after racking up 149 yards last weekend.
Winner: Jets
Washington Redskins (0-3) at Oakland Raiders (1-2)
Until Robert Griffin III proves that he can be the quarterback he was last year, the Redskins aren’t going to get many confidence votes. Washington has floundered through the first three weeks and appears on the verge of a major collapse. The Raiders, however, have played better than expected and should come away with a victory if the electrifying Terrelle Pryor can recover from his Week 3 concussion.
Winner: Raiders
**Following the announcement that Pryor will not play, I am changing my pick to the Redskins.**
Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) at Denver Broncos (3-0)
The Broncos are currently fielding one of the most dynamic passing attacks in NFL history while the Eagles boast one of the worst defenses in the league. Even with a short week to prepare, Peyton Manning and Co. shouldn’t have any trouble shredding the Philly D while Denver’s stifling run defense keeps Michael Vick and LeSean McCoy in check.
Winner: Broncos
Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at San Diego Chargers (1-2)
Despite Philip Rivers’ best efforts, the Chargers have fallen just short in both of their losses this year and continue to disappoint. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are coming off a big way in Week 3 and are looking to open up their lead in the NFC East. When it all comes down to it, the San Diego pass defense won’t be able to keep Tony Romo under wraps.
Winner: Cowboys
New England Patriots (3-0) at Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
It’s become more and more clear that these Falcons are not the Falcons that had the best record in the league in 2012. Their defense has been subpar, and the lack of a rushing attack has allowed opponents to key in on Matt Ryan and the passing game. Tom Brady, however, has been using his limited weapons to win games. With another week under their belt, look for the Patriots offense to roll in Atlanta.
Winner: Patriots
Miami Dolphins (3-0) at New Orleans Saints (3-0)
This week’s battle of the unbeaten will expose one team and solidify another as a contender. Many are surprised that the Dolphins have started the season at 3-0, but their offseason spending spree appears to be paying off. Meanwhile, the return of Sean Payton is working wonders on an explosive Saints team. Miami is going to put up a good fight, but Jimmy Graham is going to victimize the Dolphins defense.
Winner: Saints
Gil Alcaraz IV is the Content Planner for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @GilAlcarazIV, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
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