Week 4 NFL Picks

By Denny Basens, Sports Talk Philly staff writer 

Three weeks into the season and already, for Eagles fans, we get the week that everyone dreads during the season: the bye week.

That means having to watch the rest of the teams in action all day on Sunday. But there are a lot of interesting matchups going on still in the NFL. Here are this week's picks.

Indianapolis at Jacksonville

The Jaguars have been one of the most disappointing teams so far this season. A loss on Opening Day to Green Bay was expected, but their efforts over the last two weeks have been woeful. Until they prove they can beat anyone, they can't be counted on to win anything.

Pick: Indianapolis 27, Jacksonville 16

Carolina at Atlanta

The Falcons are sitting pretty at 3-0, but the Panthers are going to be frustrated and motivated at 1-2. Expect a much better week from Cam Newton and the Carolina offense than their miserable outing against the Vikings.

Pick: Carolina 24, Atlanta 20

Oakland at Baltimore

The Ravens are a hollow 3-0, scratching and clawing their way to unimpressive wins against unimpressive teams. Oakland is the best they've faced, and I think the Raider offense gets back on track this week for a road win.

Pick: Oakland 23, Baltimore 20

Detroit at Chicago

The Lions are on the road, but Chicago has been depleted by the injury bug. Detroit rolls to a division win.

Pick: Detroit 23, Chicago 16

Tennessee at Houston

The Texans lose J.J. Watt for the season, but they have extended rest from last week's Thursday night game. Facing a terrible Titans team at home could be just what Houston needs to get back on track.

Pick: Houston 24, Tennessee 13

Buffalo at New England

New England just keeps finding ways to win, regardless of who the quarterback is. They'll go to 4-0 because that's just the kind of luck and fortune this organization has.

Pick: New England 27, Buffalo 13

Seattle at New York

Ryan Fitzpatrick couldn't possibly be worse than he was a week ago, after a wretched six-interception performance. However, a matchup with Seattle's defense isn't exactly what the doctor ordered.

Pick: Seattle 23, New York 17

Cleveland at Washington

Remember when this game had a little bit of intrigue to it with Robert Griffin III returning to Washington? Nevermind. Following a much-needed win over the Giants a week ago, the Redskins now have a good chance to get to 2-2 and get themselves right.

Pick: Washington 26, Cleveland 13

Denver at Tampa Bay

Denver's defense just might be good enough to carry them to the Super Bowl again. Jameis Winston probably has a game similar to his Week 2 effort against the Cardinals, Denver remains undefeated.

Pick: Denver 29, Tampa Bay 13

Los Angeles at Arizona

How could the Rams lose to Chip Kelly's pathetic 49ers, and then come out to win their next two? Arizona should be primed for a bounce-back game at home.

Pick: Arizona 31, Los Angeles 10

New Orleans at San Diego

Sooner or later, future Hall-of-Famer Drew Brees is going to win a game. The Saints are on the road, but the Chargers are a prime candidate to snap a losing streak.

Pick: New Orleans 33, San Diego 24

Dallas at San Francisco

The 49ers are in for a long, painful season under Chip. Dallas may be without Dez Bryant, but Ezekiel Elliott and Dak Prescott should be able to make enough plays to win on the road.

Pick: Dallas 30, San Francisco 17

Kansas City at Pittsburgh

After last week's embarrassment at the hands of the Eagles, there's no way the Steelers come out and drop two in a row at home.

Pick: Pittsburgh 34, Kansas City 20

New York Giants at Minnesota

The Vikings defense is for real, unlike their quarterback. Their defense will carry them to yet another win on Monday night, forcing Eli Manning into several turnovers.

Pick: Minnesota 24, New York 13