NFL Picks Week 4: Teams on Upset Alert This Weekend

There were plenty of upsets in Week 3 in the National Football League.

But there's always room for one (or a few) more.

One week after the Indianapolis Colts shocked the San Francisco 49ers, there are several intriguing matchups that point to the favored falling short.

Whether it's an NFC North clash, a battle between two winless teams or a high-octane showdown featuring two dangerous quarterbacks, Week 4 offers enough drama and excitement for just about anyone.

Let's take a look at the teams on upset alert this week (code red!).  

Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears

Betting Line (via Covers.com): Detroit -3

The Bears have struggled against the pass this season, which would seem to hand the game over to the pass-happy Lions.

But, don't forget, the Bears have had the Lions' number throughout the years, winning nine of the last 10 matchups, including the last three clashes. Chicago defeated Detroit twice last year.

Also, the Lions will be without No. 2 receiver Nate Burleson, who broke his arm in two places after a car accident. Burleson has been big for Detroit this season. He hauled in six catches for 116 yards in the Lions' 27-20 victory over the Washington Redskins last week.

Add the fact that the Lions have had trouble stopping the run this season and the Bears' balanced offense should be able to do damage on Sunday.

Prediction: Bears 27, Lions 24

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Minnesota Vikings

Betting Line (via Covers.com): Pittsburgh -3

This really comes down to Pittsburgh's offense, or lack thereof. 

The Steelers rank an astonishing 30th in the NFL in points per game (14.0). Last week against the Bears at Heinz Field, Ben Roethlisberger was sacked three times, and starting running back Jonathan Dwyer managed a measly 39 yards on 12 carries.

Yes, Minnesota's defense is equally as shaky, ranked 30th in points allowed per game, but the Steelers unit isn't much better (ranked 21st in the category).

I believe the Vikings offense will do just enough to edge the Steelers in London.

Prediction: Vikings 27, Steelers 24 

Atlanta Falcons vs. New England Patriots

Betting Line (via Covers.com): Atlanta -1.5

It's only a matter of time before Tom Brady busts out as he develops chemistry with his current receiving corps.

In Week 3, we saw Brady include rookie Kenbrell Thompkins, connecting with the youngster on two touchdown passes against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

That, combined with the fact that the Falcons have had trouble defending the pass, spells trouble for Mike Smith and Co. 

The Falcons rank 20th in the NFL in yards allowed per pass attempt and 23rd in passing touchdowns ceded. That doesn't bode well for a team that is 0-3 against Bill Belichick's squad since 2001.

Prediction: Patriots 27, Falcons 23

Week 4 Picks

Winner	Loser	Score
Baltimore Ravens	Buffalo Bills	21-17
Cincinnati Bengals	Cleveland Browns	24-23
Chicago Bears	Detroit Lions	27-24
Kansas City Chiefs	New York Giants	30-17
Minnesota Vikings	Pittsburgh Steelers	27-24
Arizona Cardinals	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	24-21
Indianapolis Colts	Jacksonville Jaguars	27-17
Seattle Seahawks	Houston Texans	27-21
New York Jets	Tennessee Titans	21-20
Denver Broncos	Philadelphia Eagles	37-24
Washington Redskins	Oakland Raiders	24-21
Dallas Cowboys	San Diego Chargers	27-24
New England Patriots	Atlanta Falcons	27-23
New Orleans Saints	Miami Dolphins	33-21