NFL Week 4 Picks: Final Predictions and Over-Under Odds Before Thursday Night

The Week 4 schedule gets underway Thursday night with an NFC East clash between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins. Given the fact that it's usually one of the most hotly contested division races and both teams are 1-2, it's a key game.

Thursday's encounter is also one of the toughest over-under picks due to the question marks for both sides. The Giants looked out of sync for much of the first two weeks before stepping up last week, while uncertainty remains about Kirk Cousins, who's played well, once defenses have more tape on him.

In other words, there are better options on the board. Let's check out the complete slate of games along with predictions. The table is followed by a closer look at some of the best options available for Week 4.

Week 4 Over-Under Lines and Picks

Date	Road	Home	Line	Pick
Sept. 25	Giants	Redskins	46	Under
Sept. 28	Packers	Bears	49.5	Under
Sept. 28	Bills	Texans	40.5	Over
Sept. 28	Titans	Colts	45.5	Under
Sept. 28	Panthers	Ravens	40.5	Over
Sept. 28	Lions	Jets	44.5	Under
Sept. 28	Buccaneers	Steelers	44.5	Over
Sept. 28	Dolphins	Raiders	41	Under
Sept. 28	Jaguars	Chargers	44.5	Over
Sept. 28	Eagles	49ers	50.5	Under
Sept. 28	Falcons	Vikings	46.5	Under
Sept. 28	Saints	Cowboys	53	Over
Sept. 29	Patriots	Chiefs	45	Over

Top Choices

Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Diego Chargers (Over)

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The Chargers should score a majority of the necessary points. Over the past two weeks, they have tallied 52 points against the Seattle Seahawks and the Buffalo Bills, two teams that feature defensive units that ranked inside the top 10 last season. Now, they face a Jags team giving up nearly 40 points per game this season.

Jacksonville will need to at least provide a couple of scores to push it over, though. It has a better chance to do that following the insertion of rookie quarterback Blake Bortles. He provided a spark in his first action last week, but he knows there's work to do, as noted by Alfie Crow of Yahoo Sports.

"It was average. I mean I thought there was some good stuff and there was some bad stuff we need to correct," Bortles said. "There are definitely some things we’ll see on film I need to work on. You can’t throw two picks."

The switch from Chad Henne can't hurt. Along with their defensive woes, the Jaguars rank 31st in total offense. Bortles should be able to push the ball downfield with more regularity. There's talent on the outside in Allen Hurns, Allen Robinson and Cecil Shorts III; now, they have a QB who can utilize it.

Quite simply, the Jags have looked overmatched so far this season, and that's unlikely to change in the course of one week. San Diego should win comfortably, but Jacksonville should score enough points to push the total over.

Miami Dolphins vs. Oakland Raiders (Under)

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If there's one game on the schedule with the potential to finish with a scoreline along the lines of 9-7, this is it. Ryan Tannehill has struggled for the Dolphins, and the entire Raiders offense has looked out of sync in the early going.

On the flip side, both defenses rank inside the top 12 in yards allowed. It's a recipe for a low-scoring, offensively sloppy game with plenty of punts. That's why under is still the pick despite a line that's barely over the 40 mark.

One player in particular to watch is Oakland rookie Khalil Mack. The fifth overall pick is not a situational edge-rusher. He's a do-it-all linebacker who can rush, clog running lanes and drop into coverage. NFL Access notes it's made him the top-rated Pro Football Focus linebacker through three weeks:

Ultimately, it's hard to imagine a scenario in which this game goes over, unless there is sudden, unexpected improvement from both offensive units. It should be a close game that's perhaps entertaining in the second half, but they won't light up the scoreboard.

New England Patriots vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Over)

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Both of these offenses rank in the bottom third of the league in yardage so far. So the initial reaction would be to pick the under. But there are enough positive signs on both sides to believe they should be able to cover the very reachable line.

For the Patriots, Rob Gronkowski is becoming more involved. Rotoworld notes he played 58 percent of the snaps in Week 3 after playing just 43 percent in the first two games. He's a game-changing player who, when at full strength, alters defensive game plans and makes Tom Brady's job a lot easier.

On the opposite side, John Halpin of Fox Sports reports there's a "pretty good" chance the Chiefs get Jamaal Charles back for the Monday night clash. Knile Davis has been a serviceable replacement, but the Kansas City offense will be far more effective with its most dangerous weapon available.

All told, these are two teams that should start trending upward offensively this week. Remember, these teams both ranked inside the top six in points scored last season. Take the over and expect to see bounce-back performances from both sides.