Just Win One, Baby!: NFL Week 4 Preview

After three weeks, no team has emerged as a clear-cut favorite to win it all.Some have a few victories, while others are having a problem getting out of first gear. So which games are even worth tuning into after a wild weekend in college football? Here are my picks.

TIVO Over and Over

Denver (2-1) vs. Indianapolis (3-0) The last time the Colts and Broncos locked up, Peyton Manning escaped Invesco Field with a win. It seems that every time the Broncos go to Indy, they can't even buy a victory. Those were the post-Elway days, when no one in Denver had anything to smile about. Cutler has been decent in his second year as a Denver quarterback (first as a starter). The Broncos offense needs to wake up quickly. Jason Elam won't be able to save them this time. Colts win this one big. At least there is one SEC alumnus smiling. Problem is, it won't be Cutler; it will be Manning. Final Score: Colts 37, Broncos 24

Baltimore (2-1) vs. Cleveland (1-2)

It's old school versus new school. There are several loyal Browns fans who still aren't happy with the Ravens moving to Maryland and taking their beloved Browns with them. This game may not mean much in the records, but it's always good and always personal. The Browns are coming off a heartbreaker in Oakland (nice one, Shanahan) while the Ravens are coming off a nail biter against the revived Arizona team. It's not a big deal to some, but to the Cleveland Browns, this is the only game that matters.

Final Score: Browns 24, Ravens 20

Seattle (2-1) vs. San Francisco (2-1)

A few years ago, this game wouldn't be broadcast on local TV, let alone national television. Luckily for anyone on the Pacific Northwest, that was the past. The Seahawks aren't as tough and dangerous as they used to be, and the Niners are getting better every week. A meltdown cost them a victory in Pittsburgh, while the Hawks pulled out all the stops to get the win against Cincy. This is the game that will give someone the NFC West. I don't call many upsets in the NFL because it’s pointless, however....

Final Score: 49ers 31, Seahawks 20

Popcorn, Anyone?

Tampa Bay (2-1) vs. Carolina (2-1)

The Buccaneers dominated a dismal Rams team last week, while the Panthers bounced back from the "Chocker in Charlotte" with a win over the grounded Falcons. The NFC South is wide open thanks to the fall of the Falcons and Saints. This is another game that has division lead implications, so expect fireworks throughout. Jake Delhomme is doubtful, so David Carr most likely faces Jeff Garcia and his band of stingy defense. Expect the unexpected as the Bucs raid the Panther Nation and sail away with a victory.

Final Score: Bucs 27, Panthers 10

Green Bay (3-0) vs. Minnesota (1-2)

There are only two reasons this game is so high on this list: youth and history. Unlike Barry Bonds’ tainting Hank Aaron's record, Brett Favre is on the verge of making history today. With one more touchdown pass, Favre will beat Dan Marino for the all-time touchdown passes title. Youth-wise, this will possibly be the first time that Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) and DeShawn Wynn (Florida) get a chance to play against each other. But in the end, it's all about Favre. Even in Minneapolis, a city that is dealing with the Twins getting eliminated from playoff contention and the Golden Gophers losing to the Buckeyes, there will be some Vikings fans cheering for number four today.

Final Score: Packers 35, Vikings 14 

What? You got nothing better to do? 

New England (3-0) vs. Cincinnati (1-2)

The Patriots have been basking in the glow of their new target, while the Bengals are just trying to find something to bask about. The Pats have gotten past the controversy known as SpyGate, and are sitting atop of the AFC East all alone. As for the Bengals, they're at the bottom with the Browns, leaving Ohio with only one thing to cheer about right now. Duh! Ohio State. This would have been good if Carson Palmer could have found his offense. Even with Chad Johnson and Randy Moss in the spotlight on Monday night, this game won't be as good as everyone thinks. First LT. Now CJ. Who's next?

Final Score: Patriots 41, Bengals 17 

Pittsburgh (3-0) vs. Arizona (1-2)

“Close, but no cigar” not only works in the college ranks but also in the pros. The Cardinals have had two close calls, and with the Rams coming up next week, they need a win now. The Steelers are getting back to their old form. Despite Hines Ward being banged up, Mike Tomlin has the Steelers looking more dangerous than the team that won the Super Bowl two years ago. The Steelers wanted Cards’ coach Ken Whisenhunt to lead them, but they aren't complaining about Tomlin. Tomlin's undefeated, and Whisenhunt's trying to get back to .500. That won't happen today, Kenny. Sorry. 

Final Score: Steelers 30, Cardinals 10

Chicago (1-2) vs. Detroit (2-1)

At the beginning of the season, this would have been a cakewalk for the Bears. At the beginning of the season, everyone still hated Rex Grossman. Tony Romo seemed to move on from his mistake in the playoffs, but Rex can't seem to get off his hump. Grossman's out, and Brian Griese is in as starter. Too little, too late. Detroit is riding high and could be the favorite behind Green Bay for the division. Calvin Johnson is a game time decision, but the way the Bears are playing, expect one huge upset on Sunday.

Final Score: Lions 27, Bears 17

Take A Nap, Moron!

Kansas City (1-2) vs. San Diego (1-2)

The Chargers aren't as good as they used to be. Norv Turner could possibly have the shortest tenure as a Chargers’ coach if the Bolts don't find a way to win. The Chiefs got a lucky call against the Vikings last week, which will not be the case in this battle that is as entertaining as watching paint dry. The Chargers are dismal, plain and simple. As for the Chiefs, they're playing for a high draft pick next year.

Final Score: Chargers 20, Chiefs 3

St. Louis (0-3) vs. Dallas (3-0)

The Rams are terrible. In all honesty, they suck! And it isn't going to get easier. Their first two games, they came out swinging in the first half, only to lose momentum in the second half. Last week, they not only lost the game, they also lost Steven Jackson and Marc Bulger. So what do you do when your team can't get out of the starting gate? Hope that the Cowboys are feeling generous and not wanting to knock you out right off the bat. In St. Louis's defense, at least Torry Holt gets to crack jokes with T.O.

Final Score: Cowboys 44, Rams 13

Oakland (1-2) vs. Miami (0-3)

The Raiders finally won a game, with the same dirty tactics they lost to the week before. But a win is a win in the Black Hole. Unfortunately, they have to play a Miami team that can't find a way to get better. Even with Trent Green, the Dolphins are terrible. Guess you can't win them all, but I think they will be happy with winning just one. I'll take a gamble on the Fins, but don't be surprised if it comes back to bite me in the fishtail.

Final Score: Dolphins 20, Raiders 17

New York Jets (1-2) vs. Buffalo (0-3)

The Jets finally got a win...at the expense of Miami. Buffalo lost a heartbreaker to Denver to start the season, and with the injury to Everett, the Bills can't find much to smile about. Maybe they should turn tragedy to triumph, and try to win this one for him. Pennington's still hurting, and Losman is out. By the way, who the $@&% is JP Losman?

Final Score: Jets 17, Bills 3

Philadelphia (1-2) vs. New York Giants (1-2)

Donovan McNabb has finally done something right this season; Eli Manning has something to smile about. They both got a win last week. However, they are still in the basement, and have to play catch up with the Skins and Cowboys. This game will most likely put anyone who isn't a Giants’ or Eagles’ fan into a long NFL coma. The only good news of this game: At least Philly won't wear those awful uniforms from last week. Ugh!

Final Score: Eagles 37, Giants 27

Houston (2-1) vs. Atlanta (0-3)

The Texans are good. Really good. The Falcons are bad. Really bad. Houston will win this one because they are coming together as a team. The Falcons will lose this one because karma is beating the dirty off of these birds. Joey Harrington was never that good of a quarterback. Seriously. Detroit kicked him out. Miami was happy to send him away. That has to tell you something. This is a rebuilding year for Atlanta. Their egos are jacked, and their pride is hurt. Maybe they should have gone to bat for their quarterback.

Final Score: Texans 37, Falcons 14

Enjoy your Sunday.