NFL Picks: Week 4 Against the Spread

The theme for Week 4 is the number "three:"

Three key divisional-rivalry matchups (Giants-Redskins, Packers-Bears, Titans-Colts).

Three remaining winless teams looking to get off the schnide (Buccaneers, Jaguars, Raiders).

And three 2013 playoff teams in the NFC off to slow starts looking to rebound (Packers, 49ers, Saints).

Yes, there are two others playing—Chiefs and Colts—who fit the bill in the AFC, but that naturally breaks the theme.

Here are six top picks (which is merely two sets of three), with lines provided by CoopersPick.com:

New York Giants (1-2) vs. Washington Redskins (1-2)

Odds: Redskins -3 

The 'Skins and the Giants are both at 1-2, and the loser of this Thursday night game will be in the basement of the NFC East. Kirk Cousins has played well since taking over for the injured Robert Griffin III and passed for over 425 yards in a loss to the Eagles.

The Giants got their first win of the season last week when the struggling Eli Manning bounced back, and Rashad Jennings rushed for a career-high 176 yards.

The underdog has covered the spread in six of the last seven games between these divisional foes.

Pick Against the Spread: Taking the 'Skins at home in this one, as they have a better all-around offensive attack.

Green Bay Packers (1-2) vs. Chicago Bears (2-1)

Odds: Bears -1 

The Packers lost badly to the Detroit Lions last week when they only mustered seven points. Aaron Rodgers has the weapons, but the Green Bay passing attack only ranks 21st in the league, and Eddie Lacy is averaging just 3.1 yards per carry. After a bad season opener, Jay Cutler has six touchdowns and zero picks since. 

The Packers are 0-2 on the road this season but 6-1 ATS in their last seven games against the Bears.

Pick Against the Spread: It'll be close, but the Pack will not go 1-3, as Rodgers will air it out in the Windy City.

Carolina Panthers (2-1) vs. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

Odds: Ravens -3 

The Ravens have won two straight, and their offense has been solid. Carolina lost its first game of the season last week when its defense gave up 37 points to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The X-factor could be the rejuvenated Steve Smith, who always seems to have a chip on his shoulder but perhaps never more so than when he faces his former employer for the first time on Sunday.

The Ravens are 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

Pick Against the Spread: Consider the blowout to Pittsburgh a blip on the radar screen. The Panthers will bounce back in this one and play a much better game on D. They may not win, but they will cover.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) vs. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

Odds: 49ers -3.5 

The 49ers are surprisingly 1-2 and have had leads in their last two games, but their D has let them down in the second half. The Eagles, meanwhile, are surprisingly undefeated, as they've trailed every game by double digits only to wake up after halftime and win.

However, their injury-ravaged offensive line has led to a very poor start to the season for LeSean McCoy, and their pass defense remains suspect.

The Birds are 4-0 ATS in their last four against the 49ers in San Francisco, and the 49ers have only covered the spread in one of their last five home games.

Pick Against the Spread: Going with my head over my heart. Buck those betting trends, as the Eagles' good fortunes will come to a halt for at least a week while the real Niners will show up and cover. 

New Orleans Saints (1-2) vs. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

Odds: Saints -3 

The Cowboys have won two straight, including an impressive comeback from 21 points down to beat the St. Louis Rams in their last contest. Tony Romo has played well, but DeMarco Murray has been the key guy on offense, leading the NFL in rushing.

The Saints got their first win of the season last week, but the New Orleans defense has been torched—not good facing a guy who lives for the regular season in Romo and his star wide receiver, Dez Bryant.

The Saints are only 2-8 ATS in their last 10 road games, but the Cowboys are only 1-4 ATS in their last five home games.

Pick Against the Spread: Expect the 'Boys to light up the scoreboard and at least cover the three-point spread in their house.

New England Patriots (2-1) vs. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

Odds: Patriots -3.5 

The Pats have won two straight but did not look impressive in beating the Oakland Raiders by only a touchdown in their last one. But so far this year, they're doing it with defense, tied for second in the AFC in points allowed. That might be tested, as Jamaal Charles could return to action.

While the Chiefs have failed to cover the spread in their last six home games the Pats have only covered in just two of their last seven road matchups. In other words, something's gotta give.

Pick Against the Spread: Even though KC was impressive in winning its first game of the season last week, go with New England to win and cover in this one.