2011 NFL Picks Week 4: Could the Rams Upset the Redskins?
Once again, last weekend’s games provided football fans with plenty to talk about considering all of the upsets from Week 3 of the 2011 NFL season–especially with the Buffalo Bills ending their 15-game losing streak against the New England Patriots. So what’s in store for Week 4?
For starters, it should be interesting to see which of the three remaining teams (Bills, Packers, and Lions) can remain undefeated and if any of the remaining winless teams (Vikings, Rams, Colts, Dolphins, and Chiefs) can finally pick up that first victory of the season. Here’s a look at football picks for Week 4 of the 2011 season.
Last Week: 12-4
Overall: 32-16
San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles
Will the 49ers be able to take advantage of a beat-up Michael Vick? Either way, I expect Philadelphia to bounce back with a big game against San Francisco after two-straight disappointing losses to get back to .500–especially since this can’t afford to drop to 1-3 on the season.
Pick: Eagles
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals
Not only are the Bills coming off a huge win against the Patriots, but they’re averaging 37.7 points per game in the process. On paper, this game should be a blowout–but don’t be surprised if the Bengals put up a good fight.
Pick: Bills
Carolina Panthers vs. Chicago Bears
All eyes will be on Cam Newton to see if he can have another big performance against a Bears’ secondary that has struggled over the last two games–but it won’t be easy playing on a tough Soldier Field. With home-field advantage, there’s no reason why Chicago shouldn’t come up on the winning end in this one.
Pick: Bears
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns
Who will step it up for the Titans in the passing game now that Kenny Britt is out for the season? Better yet, will this finally be the game Chris Johnson finally breaks out? Tennessee has plenty of questions that need to be answered as they head to Cleveland for a key game against a Browns’ squad looking for their third-straight win. Hopefully, Peyton Hillis–who missed last weekend’s game with strep throat–will be healthy enough to go.
Pick: Browns
Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys
All of a sudden, everybody seems to be on the Tony Romo bandwagon after back-to-back impressive wins–but this may be their biggest challenge of the year so far against one of the hottest teams in football. With the way they won last weekend against the Vikings, there’s no reason why the Lions can’t do the same thing against the Cowboys on Sunday and look for another big game from Matthew Stafford.
Pick: Lions
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans
What happened to the Steelers last weekend against the Colts was inexcusable and this close game is the perfect example of how this isn’t the same Pittsburgh team we’re used to seeing. They face a tough road task against a Texans’ team that arguably could have been 3-0 heading into Week 4 if it wasn’t for a blown 26-17 lead in the fourth quarter against the Saints. The main factor in this matchup will be whether or not the aging Steelers’ defense can handle the high-powered offense of the Texans and to be honest–I think Houston has the advantage in this one.
Pick: Texans
New Orleans Saints vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars have put up just 29 total points–which is funny since the Saints are averaging more points than that per game (34.7). On paper, this pick should be a no brainer–but you never what may happen considering this game is in Jacksonville and the Jaguars’ defense has played decent so far this season. Still, that doesn’t mean you should expect them to win this game.
Pick: Saints
Minnesota Vikings vs. Kansas City Chiefs
What an exciting battle between two teams that have yet to a win game heading into the fourth week of the regular season. Both teams have been nothing but a disappointment so far this season but on the bright side–at least one team has to leave Week 4 with a win. Unfortunately for the Chiefs, the Vikings may have the edge in this one and will be anxious for a win after blowing a 20-0 lead against the Lions in Week 3.
Pick: Vikings
Washington Redskins vs. St. Louis Rams
It’s hard to believe the Redskins managed to keep the Cowboys out of the end zone last Monday night and still went on to lose the game. While they face a Rams’ squad this week that has yet to win a game, this matchup has upset alert written all over it and it wouldn’t be a surprise if St. Louis finally picked up that long-awaited first win of the 2011 season.
Pick: Rams
New York Giants vs. Arizona Cardinals
The Giants are coming off an impressive win on the road against their NFC East rivals in the Eagles–so another road contest against the Cardinals should be no problem. New York should benefit from a few of their star players returning from injuries and considering Arizona’s defense ranks 25th when it comes to passing yards allowed per game–don’t be surprised if Eli Manning has another big game.
Pick: Giants
Atlanta Falcons vs. Seattle Seahawks
Who would have thought the Falcons–a team that finished 13-3 in 2010–would be sitting at 1-2 this early in the season? Considering the 2-1 start by both the Saints and Buccaneers, the Falcons realize they cant’ afford to lose in Week 4 and have a much a better offense than the Seahawks–so there’s no reason why they can’t win this one.
Pick: Falcons
Denver Broncos vs. Green Bay Packers
The Packers continue to look like they’re ready for another run at the Super Bowl–but that doesn’t mean they don’t have areas in need of work. Green Bay’s secondary has looked anything but impressive this first month of the season and it should be interesting to see if Kyle Orton can take advantage of the defending Super Bowl champions’ weakness.
Pick: Packers
New England Patriots vs. Oakland Raiders
Nobody expected this to be a meaningful game in Week 4 but all of a sudden–this is a crucial game between the Patriots and Raiders. Tom Brady has a history of bouncing back after a disappointing performance and he’ll be going against an Oakland defense that ranks 28th when it comes to yards allowed through the air. Whether or not the Raiders can keep up with the Pats will depend on how well Darren McFadden–who leads the league with 393 rushing yards–performs.
Pick: Patriots
Miami Dolphins vs. San Diego Chargers
Don’t let their record fool you–the Chargers have not played as well as their record indicates and will need to be at full force against a Dolphins’ squad anxious for their first win of the season. Tony Sparano’s seat continues to heat up after each loss and after this difficult matchup–there’s a good chance that seat will become hotter after Sunday.
Pick: Chargers
New York Jets vs. Baltimore Ravens
After opening night of last season, Rex Ryan will be anxious for a win against his former squad–but it won’t be easy. The only question is–which Ravens team will show up? The one from Week 1 and 3 with the unstoppable offense and defense–or the one from Week 2 where Baltimore struggled to get anything going on both sides of the ball.
Pick: Ravens
Indianapolis Colts vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Good for the Buccaneers–finally earning a spot in the national spotlight after last year’s surprise 10-6 finish. Unfortunately, this matchup would have been even more exciting with Peyton Manning in the lineup–but this should still be fun to watch. After dropping their first game at home to the Lions, the Bucs have bounced back with two impressive wins over the Vikings and Falcons the last two weeks to stay in the hunt within the division. Tampa Bay fans will be fired up to be part of a Monday night game and they should have plenty of reasons to cheer during this game.
Pick: Buccaneers
