NFL Predictions Week 4: Picks Guide, Odds Advice and Schedule Info
It's been a wild NFL season through three weeks, with many early-season surprises.
We've seen the Minnesota Vikings lose starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and jump out to an undefeated start. The Philadelphia Eagles traded former starting quarterback Sam Bradford, inserted rookie Carson Wentz and cruised to a 3-0 record. Meanwhile, the 1-2 Carolina Panthers have already lost more games than they did in the entire 2015 season.
So what crazy surprises does Week 4 have in store for us?
There aren't a lot of high-profile matchups this week, but a few teams should be on upset alert.
Here's a look at the Week 4 schedule, followed by a breakdown of a few interesting matchups:
| Sun., 9:30 a.m. | Colts (-2.5) vs. Jaguars | IND, 24-21 |
| Sun., 1 p.m. | Lions (-3) at Bears | DET, 20-14 |
| Sun., 1 p.m. | Titans at Texans (-4.5) | HOU, 24-20 |
| Sun., 1 p.m. | Bills at Patriots (-7.5) | NE, 21-13 |
| Sun., 1 p.m. | Panthers (-3) at Falcons | CAR, 27-21 |
| Sun., 1 p.m. | Raiders at Ravens (-3.5) | BAL, 30-21 |
| Sun., 1 p.m. | Seahawks (-1.5) at Jets | SEA, 17-14 |
| Sun., 1 p.m. | Browns at Redskins (-7.5) | CLE, 24-21 |
| Sun., 4 p.m. | Broncos (-3) at Buccaneers | DEN, 28-21 |
| Sun., 4:25 p.m. | Cowboys (-2.5) at 49ers | DAL, 31-21 |
| Sun., 4:25 p.m. | Rams at Cardinals (-3.5) | ARI, 24-13 |
| Sun., 4:25 p.m. | Saints at Chargers (-3.5) | SD, 31-24 |
| Sun., 8:30 p.m. | Chiefs at Steelers (-4.5) | PIT, 24-21 |
| Mon., 8:30 p.m. | Giants at Vikings (-4) | MIN, 24-17 |
Cleveland Browns at Washington Redskins (-7.5)
The Cleveland Browns are generating so little respect right now that the 1-2 Washington Redskins are more than a touchdown favorite in this matchup. In the NFL, spreads rarely rise above seven points, especially for teams with losing records.
However, the Browns probably deserve more respect than they're getting in Las Vegas. Cleveland has played two tough games against the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens over the past two weeks.
The Browns offense was surprisingly effective in Week 3, led by rookie quarterback Cody Kessler and the versatile Terrelle Pryor. The Browns racked up 430 yards of total offense against Miami and have increased their yardage output in each game this season.
The Redskins have already allowed 92 points this season, and the Browns offense should have no issues moving the ball on Washington's porous defense.
If Kessler can avoid costly turnovers, the Browns have what it takes to pull off the upset.
Prediction: Browns 24, Redskins 21
Carolina Panthers (-3) at Atlanta Falcons
A few weeks ago, this looked like an easy win for the Panthers, who expected to cruise to another division title. But now the Panthers are sitting at 1-2 and face a crucial game against the division-leading Atlanta Falcons on Sunday.
With a win, Atlanta can gain a two-game edge on Carolina in the division.
The Falcons' fast start has been the result of a dominant offense, which is averaging 7.0 yards per play—the best rate in the NFL.
However, those numbers may be inflated because of the defenses Atlanta has faced. Over the past two weeks, the Falcons have played the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders, the 31st- and 32nd-ranked defenses in the league in terms of yards allowed.
The Panthers will be the toughest unit Atlanta has faced this season and could bring quarterback Matt Ryan back down to earth. In two meetings last year, Carolina held Atlanta to 20 combined points.
Prediction: Panthers 27, Falcons 21
New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings (-4)
Many assumed the Vikings' season was effectively over before it started when Bridgewater went down with a season-ending knee injury. But this team, in the same mold as the defending Super Bowl champion Denver Broncos, is capable of winning with defense.
Through Week 3, the Vikings defense has allowed an NFL-low 4.4 yards per play.
The New York Giants have a capable passing attack, but the offense has yet to live up to expectations. Entering Monday's matchup, the Giants have scored just 63 points, ranking 22nd in the league, despite playing struggling defensive units such as the Saints and Redskins.
The Giants will be playing their first game of the season without versatile running back Shane Vereen, who suffered a triceps injury last week. Vereen had been the Giants' most effective weapon in the running game with a team-high 147 yards through three games.
According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, running back Rashad Jennings is also expected to miss Monday's game. Without Vereen and Jennings, third-year running back Orleans Darkwa will likely make his first career start against the dominant Vikings defense.
Even if healthy, this was going to be a tough matchup for the Giants offense. Without a viable rushing attack, the Giants could struggle to move the ball Monday night.
Prediction: Vikings 24, Giants 17
Betting information courtesy of Odds Shark.
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