NFL Week 4 Picks: Underdogs Who Will Come Away with Surprising Victories

In the NFL, virtually any team is capable of coming away with a win on any given Sunday. A few teams will prove this concept with big victories in Week 4.

While there is still a lot of football to be played this season, it is starting to get easier to separate which teams are top contenders and which should be planning for next year. Still, that does not mean that some of the better squads are immune to losing.

Various factors should put a few teams on upset alert, as these underdogs are looking to earn some quality wins on Sunday. 

Houston Texans vs. Seattle Seahawks

The Seahawks have staked a claim toward being the best team in the NFL this season. However, there is no denying that this squad is much better at home than on the road.

Two blowout victories to start the year gave Seattle 10 wins in a row at CenturyLink Field. Still, the team only went 3-5 last season on the road and struggled in a Week 1 win against the Carolina Panthers.

Meanwhile, the Texans still have not reached their potential this year despite a 2-1 record. They have talent at nearly every position and would be in much better shape each game if Matt Schaub was not giving away points.

If the veteran quarterback can avoid turnovers in this matchup, Houston will come away with a key victory.

San Diego Chargers vs. Dallas Cowboys

While Dallas looked impressive in its Week 3 win over the St. Louis Rams, it helped that Sam Bradford could not throw the ball down the field. However, Eli Manning proved in the opener that the Cowboys defense is far from perfect.

As much as San Diego has struggled, Philip Rivers is playing some of his best football in years. He has completed 70 percent of his passes and has eight touchdowns to only one interception.

He has the ability to take advantage of a weak secondary for the Cowboys and have a huge offensive game at home.

All it will take is some pressure by the Chargers defensive line, and San Diego will be able to earn its second win of the year.

Cleveland Browns vs. Cincinnati Bengals

As good as the Bengals are this season, they are still a young team prone to making mistakes. This could lead to a huge upset on Sunday.

Cincinnati is coming off one of its biggest wins in years over the Green Bay Packers in come-from-behind fashion. Instead of providing confidence, it might lead the players to get cocky and look past their upcoming battle.

Of course, the Browns proved last week that they are better than people expected. Brian Hoyer had some turnovers, but he still threw the ball well and showed that this team has plenty of fight in them.

In a heated matchup between in-state rivals, Cleveland will do whatever it takes to stick around in this game until the end. The home crowd will then help the Browns get over the edge and win a close game.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.