NFL Picks Week 4: Detroit Lions & Other Questionable Lines You Should Avoid

It's never a bad idea to skip over a few plays because you're thinking too much about a particular line. 

Every week there's a few that stick out, and Week 4 is no different. 

The locks of the week continue to be those elite teams, as well as the clear lopsided matchups.

The Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints are easy picks for Sunday, but these next five teams aren't. 

Buffalo Bills -3

The Bills may be 3-0 on the season, but after two home games against some less than stellar defenses, they could struggle on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals. 

Right now, the Bengals are only allowing 276 yards per game, and even though they haven't faced an attacking offense like the Bills, they can still put up a good fight. 

Don't let the record fool you, the Bills aren't an elite team, and this is no guarantee win. Andy Dalton has been better than expected in his first few games, and rookie wideout A.J. Green has been a huge reason why. 

Pittsburgh Steelers +4

The Steelers have proved twice this year that they struggle on the road, and on Sunday they happen to be traveling to a very talented offensive team in the Houston Texans. 

Pittsburgh's stats against the pass steadily improved after Joe Flacco threw three touchdowns on them, and if he can do that then Matt Schaub should also be able to find the end zone a lot, especially since he has an elite receiver in Andre Johnson. 

They're known for their tough defense, but right now the Steelers aren't the same team from years past. Since they're back on the road, it's tough to see them holding strong against a very talented offense, which is something they haven't faced in two weeks. 

New England Patriots -4

The Patriots don't have a very good defense, and even though the best way to beat them is through the air, the Oakland Raiders have an all around running back named Darren McFadden, who is averaging six yard per carry and seven yards per catch. 

This Week 4 showdown also happens to be in Oakland, which means the Patriots are traveling across the country. The New York Jets lost in Oakland last week, and the Patriots are also coming off a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills. 

Sunday will be a shootout, and while you may think it's an easy pick, think again because the Raiders are a team you can no longer underestimate. 

Philadelphia Eagles +9

The Eagles have lost two games in a row, and the only dream that's happening in Philadelphia right now is the reoccurring one where Michael Vick keeps getting hurt. 

The San Francisco 49ers are coming into town, and just like every team who plays the Eagles this year, they're going to bring the pressure. 

It looks enticing because it's a home game and the 49ers offense is subpar at best, but the Eagles offense could easily turn into that too if Vick goes down. A defense can easily win a game for you, and the 49ers' defense will keep them in this game. 

The Eagles should win, but it there's too much at risk to play this game. 

Detroit Lions +1

The Detroit Lions are known for struggling on the road, and on Sunday they have to play against the Dallas Cowboys. 

A lot of people are saying the Lions are going to win this game because the Cowboys are banged up and on a short week, but don't let the Lions' 3-0 record fool you. DeMarcus Ware will be after Matthew Stafford all night, and this Dallas defense will keep this game close. 

That means this game is up to Tony Romo to win, and with all of his top receivers expected to be back on Sunday, the quarterback has proven he can win when the team needs him most.