NFL Picks Week 4: Who Wins the Michael Vick-Donovan McNabb Showdown?

Now we have some semblance of which teams are beatable, which are underachieving, and which will be monsters for the entire year.  Week 4 brings us yet another great couple days of match-ups, as well as some potential laughers.  Kick off your shoes, crack a beer, and let me tell you what will go down.

14: New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills

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MIAMI - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Shonn Greene #23 of the New York Jets runs against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Why the Jets could Win -

Mark Sanchez has grown into a leader on the field.  While at times he seems indecisive the Bills pose no real threat on pressure.  Sanchez could fire at will down-field making it hard for the Bills to keep up.

Why the Bills could Win -

For the second week Revis will be gone.  As we have seen Cromartie has been flagged early and often.  If the Jets get flustered on the defensive end, the Bills could have a shot.

My Prediction -

While Revis will be out the Bills quarterback situation is a humorous one.  Even if the Jets falter with penalties and broken offensive assignments, Ryan Fitzpatrick may still have trouble finding anyone open.  Jets win this in a handy fashion. 17-6

13: Cinncinati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns

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CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 26: Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Why the Bengals could Win -

Um, because they are a better team, at least from the offensive side of the ball.  They pose too many options for Carson Palmer to throw at.  The QB vet is like a kid in a candy store every week.  Further that with the Browns giving up too many yards this season by air.

Why the Browns could Win -

The Browns have kept it close.  Early in the season the Browns find themselves in yet another hole.  They are not far off though.  The Browns have only lost their first three games by an average of three points.  If they can keep it close, I could maybe see a late field goal winner at home.

My Prediction -

Bengals in a rout.  This will unfortunately be the game that the Browns let go of early.  Their passing defense is just too suspect for me.  Cincinnati 24-10

12: Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: Chris Johnson #28 of the Tennessee Titans breaks for a long run during a game against the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium on September 26, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty I

Why the Broncos could Win -

Kyle Orton seems to be comfortable this year.  He has come out of the gate quickly and should put up over 200 yards this week as well.  

Why the Titans could Win -

Chris Johnson.  The Broncos may be looking to change their schemes to stop Chris Johnson but they won’t, especially when they have to also stop a hot Vince Young.  

My Prediction -

The Titans offense is clicking and the Broncos will be without Knowshon Moreno.  I like the Titans.  I like the Titans a lot this week.  21-6

11: Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints

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SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20: Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints in action during their game against the San Francisco 49ers at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)

Why the Panthers could Win -

Their defensive line has stopped the run game of most teams this year.  Their pass rush is one of the bright spots on an also ran team.  If Brees is truly hobbled this may make a difference.  

Why the Saints could Win -

But in reality, the Panthers will have no shot at stopping the Saints.  They could throw back-up Chase Daniel out there with similar results.

My Prediction -

Missing Reggie Bush will hurt the versatility of New Orleans, just not this week.  Saints win at home. 28-9

10: Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers

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DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 19: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions scores on a 75 yard pass from Shaun Hill #14 during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 19, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Hali

Why the Lions could Win -

Jahvid Best.  The dude is a monster.  The Packers defense will throw all they can at the speedy running back and he will still get lofty numbers.  You can’t tackle what you can’t catch.

Why the Packers could Win -

Aaron Rodgers.  Green Bay is coming off a heart-wrenching Monday Night that had Rodgers pick apart the Bears defense.  Rodgers collects first downs like baseball cards and this week will be no different.

My Prediction -

The Packers are a much more balanced team.  While i think Best will have another fantastic week, the Packers will eventually get the best of Detroit. Packers win 17-10

9: Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 26: Kick returner Leon Washington #33 of the Seattle Seahawks celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown on a 101 yard kickoff return in the third quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qwest Field on September 26, 2010 in

Why the Seahawks could Win -

It seems there may be something left in Matt Hasselbeck after all.  The QB has been a consistent key to Seattle's early success.  Couple this with the heroic efforts of Leon Washington and his amazing run backs and you could take Sunday’s game.

Why the Rams could Win -

The Rams are not as bad as they seem, especially at home.  The Redskins found this out last week.  Save a couple of turnovers to Arizona, the Rams could be easily 2-1.

My Prediction -

Sam Bradford is looking more like a vet every game.  I would pick St. Louis in an upset if it weren't for the fact they may be missing their featured back Steven Jackson.  Even if he plays, he will be hobbled and susceptible to Seattle’s pressure. Seahawks win a squeaker. 21-17

8: San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons

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SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 12: Head coach Mike Singletary of the San Francisco 49ers looks on during warm ups prior to the NFL season opener against the Seattle Seahawks at Qwest Field on September 12, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty

Why the 49ers could Win -

The only bright spot on this 0-3 team is Frank Gore.  He is a consistent go-to guy and will get a lot of touches this week.  Mike Singletary will open the book and throw anything he can at the Falcons.  This game will be coached as if his job depends on it, maybe because his job depends on it.  

Why the Falcons could Win -

The Falcons are playing like early favorites to make some noise in the playoffs.  More that that, they are playing a team that is in complete disarray.  They have a new changed offensive coordinators, which hardly ever works, and their coach is about to melt down.

My Prediction -

You have a hot team matching up against a teetering one.  This could be a volatile game.  It will be fun to watch, until the 49ers give the game up late. Falcons win 21-13

7: Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to throws a pass against the New York Jets during the home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Andrew Burto

Why the Ravens could Win -

If Joe Flacco is throwing like he did last week and Ray Rice is healthy, the Ravens will have enough fire power to tip the scales in their favor.  Their defense should be able to contain the Steelers offense that has been out performing.    

Why the Steelers could Win -

Pittsburgh is one of the more surprising teams this year.  We all knew they would be good.  I just thought it would be with Big Ben came back.  If they can manage to put together another consistent effort, they might be able to take this one at home.

My Prediction -

The Steelers are due for a let down.  What better week than against a tough defense.  This game will be close, posing two tough defenses against each other.  The Ravens give the Steelers their first loss as Flacco continues his resurgence. Ravens win 13-10

6: Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders

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HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 26: The Houston Texans cheerleaders perform in the second half during a football game between the Dallas Cowboys and Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Why the Texans could Win -

It is always fun to see what team will show up each week.  The Texans were the new up and comers until they were tripped up by the Cowboys.  If they regain their composure and shore up their defense they will go 3-1.

Why the Raiders could Win -

The Texans have one of the worst pass defenses in the NFL right now.  If Gradkowski’s favorite receiver Louis Murphy is healthy, they could pick apart the Texans.

My Prediction -

The Texans may be loose on D but they have too many weapons on the other side of the ball.  Arian Foster and Andre Johnson will put together enough production to get the away victory.  Texans win 28-17

5: Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars

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DENVER - SEPTEMBER 26: Quarterback Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts takes the field to run the offense against the Denver Broncos at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 26, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Colts defeated the Broncos 27-13.

Why the Colts could Win -

David Garrard will not only feel pressure on his job status this week, but he will feel it from the Colt’s defensive line.  Bad choices will lead to turnovers.  

Peyton will be Peyton and the Colts will have enough of a cushion to close this out.

Why the Jaguars could Win -

Much like the Detroit Lions, the feeble Jaguars boast their lone weapon at running back.  The crafty veteran will need to put forth his best effort to give his team a shot.  

My Prediction -

With the Colts boasting superiority all over the field, it is hard to not like their chances.  Colts win handily. 21-10

4: Arizona Cardinals @ San Diego Chargers

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SAN DIEGO - JANUARY 06: Quarterback Philip Rivers #17 of the San Diego Chargers fumbles the ball in the first quarter during their AFC Wild Card Playoff Game against the Tennessee Titans at Qualcomm Stadium on January 6, 2008 in San Diego, California. (

Why the Cardinals could Win -

Save the Falcons game, the Cardinals have stuck with the lesser teams of the league in the games they have played.  The question is are the Chargers all that bad.  If Derek Anderson can limit the turnovers and Beanie Wells can continue to get healthy.  There is a shot.  

Why the Chargers could Win -

Desperation.  The Chargers find themselves in a hole early this season.  Norv Turner has to see the writing on the wall.  A loss to a team with lesser personnel and questions at quarterback will be tremendous to upsetting the Chargers still young season.  This is a bigger game for the Chargers than it is for the Cardinals.

My Prediction -

Give me and upset! The only question mark Arizona has is their quarterback.  I believe he will do alright against a defense missing their leader Shawn Merriman.  Turnovers will be a problem for the Bolts yet again.  Cardinals win. 17-14

3: Chicago Bears @ New York Giants

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Brian Urlacher #54 of the Chicago Bears gestures signals at the line of scrimmage against the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Why the Bears could Win -

Why ya’ll hatin on the Bears?  2010 looks a lot like 2006 for Chicago.  Back then, pundits argued the Bears were barely winning games.  Well they won enough squeakers to make it all the way to the Super Bowl.  Jay Cutler will go off.  Monday showed us he is finally comfortable at the helm in Chi-town.

Why the Giants could Win -

A second consecutive week at home may be what it takes to calm this offense down.  Manning is looking a lot less like a Manning these days and the Giants are looking a lot less like a Tom Coughlin coached team.  

My Prediction -

The Bears will take yet another.  This time against a team on the verge of a breakdown.  Bears win. 21-14

2: New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins

Marc Serota/Getty Images

MIAMI - SEPTEMBER 26: Receiver Brandon Marshall #19 of the Miami Dolphins celebrates a touchdown against the New York Jets at Sun Life Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Marc Serota/Getty Images)

Why the Patriots could Win -

Last I checked the Patriots still have Tom Brady at quarterback.  If the Pats can shore up defensive deficiencies they may be alright.

Why the Dolphins could Win -

Miami is fast.  We knew that coming in.  What we were unaware of is their defense.  It has been an added plus to a team that touts a great offense lead by Brandon Marshall.  

My Prediction -

The Patriots are looking more has been than ever.  Miami is a team on the rise.  The Dolphins will take this one. 14-10

1: Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles

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PHILADELPHIA - AUGUST 27: Donovan McNabb #5, Michael Vick #7, and Kevin Kolb #4 of the Philadelphia Eagles look on from the sidelines against the Jacksonville Jaguars on August 27, 2009 at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by

Why the Redskins could Win -

Donovan McNabb is just what he has always been, a consistent leader that drives a team to win.  He has given the Redskins the steadiness they were missing the past few years.

Why the Eagles could Win -

Michael Vick has been playing like part Superman part Flash.  He has always been a threat.  But now he has the where-with-all to trust himself in the pocket.  He can beat you with a 40 yard throw or a 40 yard run.  Simply, he is amazing.

My Prediction -

Ah, the game of the week. Sadly, I don’t see the Redskins finding an answer for Vick.  On the upside it will not be boring to watch Vick pass and run all over the field.  Side note for McNabb, you will be booed early and often.  Eagles fans would boo Jesus Christ if he played for the opposition.  Eagles win 21-17