NFL Week 4 Picks Against the Spread: Which Underdogs Will Cover?

The young NFL season has taught us that anything goes, as the parity across the league is evident. 

Thanks to Vegas, underdogs are defined each week for our enjoyment. While some early spreads are a bit hard to believe, that's what makes it fun. 

Somehow, the house always wins, but in this case, it can be your house if you take these underdogs to cover the spread in NFL Week 4. 

Don't be afraid to lay down bets on these teams. 

All point spreads via Bovada.net and espn.go.com/nfl/lines

Whatever You Do, Take the Minnesota Vikings (+5) Against the Lions

The Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions are headed in different directions.

A week after pulling the biggest upset of the season against the San Francisco 49ers, the Vikings head to Detroit to face the Lions, which is a team searching for a true identity right now.

After losing a barn burner in Week 3 to the Tennessee Titans and watching star quarterback Matthew Stafford pull up lame with a leg injury,  a Week 4 win against the Vikes won't come easily. 

If Minnesota can do the unthinkable to a stout 49ers defense, imagine what they can do to a pitiful Lions secondary. 

The upstart Vikings are full of confidence and look to pull the upset in Detroit. While there might not be a definitive opening Vegas line on this matchup yet, take the Vikings to cover.

Bold Score Prediction: Vikings 24, Lions 21

Take the Bipolar Carolina Panthers (+7.5) to Cover Against Atlanta

Which Carolina Panthers team will show up against the Atlanta Falcons on the road in Week 4?

The team that beat the New Orleans Saints in Week 2 or the team that looked like an inferior NFL team in a Week 3 defeat against the New York Giants?

Something tells me that the good Carolina Panthers will show up in Week 4. If they don't, there will be serious doubt cast upon quarterback Cam Newton's leadership qualities, if there wasn't enough already.

If he can't rally the troops this week, Newton will be guilty of being soft and may officially cause a mutiny. 

The Atlanta Falcons look like the league's best team right now, but will have their hands full against the Panthers.

In what is a must-win for the Panthers, the Falcons will win, but the Panthers will cover. Newton will come out poised from the get-go and will keep his team in the game until the end. 

Bold Score Prediction: Falcons 24, Panthers 20

This May Seem Crazy, but Take the Cleveland Browns (+13) at Baltimore Ravens

This isn't to say that the Cleveland Browns will beat the Baltimore Ravens, but they'll cover the 13-point spread. 

Look, the Browns are still learning, but the Ravens played an emotionally draining game against the New England Patriots late on Sunday in Week 3.

The quick turnaround is something that NFL teams given the luxury of being showcased on Thursday night will have to get used to, and although they look stellar, the Ravens defense is aging. This will allow the Browns' offense just enough momentum to cover the spread.

Browns rookies Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson have both shown flashes of their talents and will be amped up to be under the lights.  A slow first quarter by the Ravens will also help your odds of covering the spread. 

If you want to start your Week 4 off right, put your money on the Browns. 

Bold Score Prediction: Ravens 23, Browns 13

Take the Giants (+1) to Solidify Themselves in Philadelphia

The Philadelphia Eagles will continue to spiral into oblivion when the New York Giants embarrass them at home in Week 4.

After a laying an egg in Week 3 against the Arizona Cardinals, Eagles head coach Andy Reid will officially be on the hot seat after Week 4. 

The Giants' defensive line is too much for the Eagles to handle. Not to mention, quarterback Eli Manning has his offense rolling as they look like they are once again for real in 2012. 

Without a doubt, the Giants will cover. We may even get to see Eagles backup quarterback Nick Foles by the second half after starter Michael Vick gets bombarded in the first half. 

Bold Score Prediction: Giants 27, Eagles 17

Take the New Orleans Saints (+8) to Wake Up Against the Green Bay Packers

It's time for the 0-3 New Orleans Saints to come to life. Against the Green Bay Packers in Week 4, the once prolific Saints offense will show signs of life. 

This game will be the most exciting of the week as two of the NFL's top gunslingers prepare to show off their skills. Both Aaron Rodgers and Drew Brees will throw for over 375 yards as plenty of points will be scored. 

Yes, the Saints will cover the spread—they'll even win. Without a W, the Saints may as well start planning for the 2013 draft. 

After this game there will be questions surrounding Green Bay in regards to their offense under new coordinator Tom Clements. Of course, they'll be fine, but they'll have to be nearly flawless the rest of the season if they're to reach the playoffs. 

Bold Score Prediction: Saints 38, Packers 34

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