NFL Picks Week 4: Teams That Will Continue Their Early Slide

The Cleveland Browns are one of two winless teams left in the NFL. Unfortunately for them they head into Landover, Md. to face the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday night. You can expect that 0-3 record to run to 0-4.

The Browns have had issues on both sides of the ball this season. They aren't ranked higher than 23rd in rushing or passing, on either side of the ball. Quarterback Brandon Weeden is still suffering through some inconsistencies.

Judging by what we've seen from the Ravens in three games, Baltimore is not the place to work out the kinks. 

The Ravens have given up far more yards through the air than we're used to seeing from their defense, but they have still forced six turnovers. Ed Reed will be waiting for Weeden to make a mistake, and it's a good bet the rookie will throw the veteran one before the night is done.

The Ravens offense showed some balance against the New England Patriots, and that could spell trouble for the entire league. The Ravens will take this one at home, 28-14.

Here are two other struggling teams whose trend of futility will continue.

New Orleans Saints

What a year for these guys. The whole bounty scandal ripped this team apart more than anyone could have guessed. It's clear the issue isn't on the offensive side of the ball. Hate him or just dislike him a great deal, the Saints miss Gregg Williams.

His Saints' teams were never the best defensive teams in the league, but they were at least respectable. That is genuinely all an offense led by Drew Brees will need. Brees and the offense are doing their part, averaging 27.6 points per game.

Ordinarily, that should be enough for one win.

It would be if the defense wasn't being lit up for 34 a game. Last season, Williams' defense allowed just 21 points per contest.

This week they take on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. The Packers will be seething after being robbed of a win on Monday Night Football against the Seattle Seahawks. Watch Aaron Rodgers and the Packers' receivers shred that Saints defense. 

The Packers will win this one, 41-28.

Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton's reputation has taken a few lumps this season. He has had his leadership qualities questioned by a teammate, per Steve Reed of the Huffington Post, and the team is 1-2. The 2012 season is going to get worse Sunday.

The Panthers are going to Atlanta to face the undefeated Falcons. When this game is over the Falcons will still be undefeated. Matt Ryan has been the NFL's best quarterback through three games, and the defense has shown the ability to tighten at crucial times.

Ryan has a quarterback rating of 114, he's thrown eight touchdown passes and only one interception. He has a solid balance of run and pass options to go to in Roddy White, Julio Jones and Michael Turner. The trio has combined for six touchdowns this season.

Aside from 14 fourth quarter points surrendered to the Denver Broncos in Week 2, the Falcons' defense has been stingy in the second half. They allowed only 10 points to their other two opponents in the final two quarters.

The Panthers have struggled mightily to score against everyone—except the Saints. Their Week 2 win over New Orleans is the only game they scored at least 20 points, and turned the ball over less than two times. 

The Falcons will remain unbeaten, and the Panthers will continue to struggle. Atlanta will win 24-10.

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