NFL Picks Week 4: Can Donovan McNabb Win In His Return to Philly?
Week 4 of the NFL season is chock full of juicy matchups from start to finish.
We've got rivalries, we've got games between good teams, and we have a former Pro Bowl quarterback returning to the city where he made his name, wearing a different uniform.
When the Eagles traded Donovan McNabb to the Redskins in the offseason, it was one of the more surprising moves in NFL history.
Not because McNabb was traded; the quarterback was on his way out of Philly one way or another.
Instead, it was the fact that McNabb was traded to a division rival that shook conventional wisdom to it's core.
But McNabb's return isn't the only game worth seeing on the slate; in fact, every game on this week's schedule could be promising.
We're giving you the full rundown of every game in Week 4, telling you not just who will win, but why. Let's get started.
Detroit Lions @ Green Bay Packers, 1:00 PM EST, FOX
1 of 14
Why Green Bay Will Win: The Packers are clearly the best team in this matchup, and might be the best team in the NFC North.
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, and he's got good wideouts in Greg Jennings and Donald Driver, and an excellent tight end in Jermichael Finley.
Detroit's defense is rather porous, and their offense lost a lot of it's punch when starting quarterback Matt Stafford went down in Week 1. The Packers' defense is balanced, and can shut down anyone.
Why Detroit Will Win: Green Bay lacks a running game that the Lions need to be concerned about, and the Packers' passing attack can be stopped.
Shaun Hill has filled in admirably for Stafford, and Calvin Johnson and Jahvid Best are two of the NFL's most exciting young players.
What Will Happen: Don't expect to see Detroit hang around like they did in Weeks 1 and 2; instead, look for Green Bay to jump out early and not let up.
Final Score: Green Bay 35, Detroit 14.
Carolina Panthers @ New Orleans Saints, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
2 of 14
Why Carolina Will Win: The Panthers can do one thing offensively, but they do it well. Running backs DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart love facing the Saints, and New Orleans' defense struggles against the run.
Sure, Carolina can't throw the ball to save their lives, but the Saints haven't been able to stop them yet.
Why New Orleans Will Win: The Saints offense is dangerous and multifaceted, and the Panthers' defense is the worst it's been in quite a while.
With no passing game to worry about, New Orleans head coach Sean Payton can focus all his energy on stopping the run. Plus, the Superdome is one of the few NFL stadiums where home field advantage still applies.
What Will Happen: Look for Carolina to try and establish the run early, but they'll get stuffed. New Orleans will jump out early and force the Panthers to beat them through the air. Once that happens, the Panthers will go marching out of New Orleans with an 0-4 record.
Final Score: New Orleans 28, Carolina 10
San Francisco 49ers @ Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
3 of 14
Why San Francisco Will Win: The 49ers think they've fixed their offensive woes by replacing their offensive coordinator. If that's the case, this team has the weapons to shine.
Quarterback Alex Smith is better than you think, wideout Michael Crabtree is a star in the making, tight end Vernon Davis is one of the NFL's best, and Frank Gore is still one of the top 5 runners in the NFL.
If they've worked the kinks out, expect San Fran to leave the Georgia Dome victorious.
Why Atlanta Will Win: The Falcons have looked excellent through three games of the 2010 season.
Quarterback Matt Ryan seems to have matured into an excellent passer, and running back Michael Turner is recovered from his ankle injury suffered in Week 2.
The defense has improved, and is no longer the weak point of this team. Given how San Fran has played through three weeks, expect Atlanta to win.
What Will Happen: The 49ers offense will be much improved, and will keep this one close. Atlanta's offense is better than San Fran's defense, but it won't be enough.
Final Score: San Fran 24, Atlanta 21.
.jpg?w=256 "Colts Jaguars Football")
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
4 of 14
Why New York Will Win: The Jets' offense seems to have clicked into gear in their last two games, and Buffalo's defense isn't as good as Miami's or New England's.
Mark Sanchez has actually looked like an NFL quarterback, and LaDanian Tomlinson looks revived. The defense is still tough.
Why Buffalo Will Win: The Bills' offense finally awoke from it's season-long slumber in Week 3, dropping 30 points in their loss to the Patriots.
Newly minted starter Ryan Fitzpatrick loves to throw the deep ball, and without Darelle Revis, the Jets are without a lockdown corner to prevent them from completing deep passes.
The Jets' offense can be neutralized, if you shut down their run game, and the Bills are a decent defensive team.
What Will Happen: Expect the Jets to try and jump out early, but the Bills will hang around behind Fitzpatrick and running back C.J. Spiller.
Final Score: New York Jets 21, Buffalo 17.
Seattle Seahawks @ St. Louis Rams, 1:00 P.M. EST, FOX
5 of 14
Why Seattle Will Win: The Seahawks have looked like the best team in the NFC West through three weeks, behind suddenly un-zombied quarterback Matt Hasselbeck and a rejuvenated defense.
They've knocked off the preseason NFC West favorite (San Francisco), and the AFC West favorite (San Diego), and they should be amped up for this one.
Why St. Louis Will Win: The Rams have played each of their first opponents extremely close this year, finally breaking through with a win over Washington in Week 3.
Sam Bradford's getting better every week, and if Steven Jackson's healthy, this offense has some pop. The Seahawks folded in their lone road clash, and St. Louis plays well at home.
What Will Happen: Expect St. Louis to have success in this one against a Seattle defense that struggles outside of Qwest Field. Neither team is good enough to pull away, so expect it to be close.
Final Score: St. Louis 21, Seattle 14.
Denver Broncos @ Tennessee Titans, 1:00 P.M. EST, CBS
6 of 14
Why Tennessee Will Win: Defensively, it's incredibly difficult to throw on the Titans, who have the fifth-best pass defense in the NFL.
Their running game is superb behind Chris Johnson, and when the urge strikes him, quarterback Vince Young can be effective.
Denver's rush defense may rank in the top 3, but they haven't faced a back like Johnson.
Why Denver Will Win: The Broncos' offense has been on the the NFL's best at throwing the ball.
Quarterback Kyle Orton has turned into a solid passer, and he spreads the ball around, making it tough for defenses to key on one receiver.
While the Broncos' defense hasn't faced a back like Johnson, they can focus on containing him, since Vince Young can't throw the ball with any accuracy.
What Will Happen: Denver will try to go over the top to Brandon Lloyd early, but the Titans' secondary is pretty solid on deep balls.
Tennessee will have success running the ball with Johnson, but things will be close the whole way. Expect Denver to find success speading the ball around.
Final Score: Denver 21, Tennessee 14.
Cincinnati Bengals @ Cleveland Browns, 1:00 P.M. EST, CBS
7 of 14
Why Cleveland Will Win: The Browns' chances rest squarely on head coach Eric Mangini's choice of starting quarterback.
Jake Delhomme struggled mightily in his first two starts, but looks to be the starter of choice this week, coming off an injury.
Seneca Wallace looked solid last week against Baltimore, running the offense well. Either way, expect to see a steady dose of power back Peyton Hillis, who could easily gash Cincinnati's defense and keep the Browns in it.
Cleveland's defense has been solid, and with Carson Palmer's early season woes, they could lock down this offense. Plus, screwy things tend to happen on the banks of Lake Erie.
Why Cincinnati Will Win: Better offense, better defense. Even with Carson Palmer's struggles in 2010, the Bengals' offense has been decent through three weeks.
The defense has locked down far better offenses than the Browns' in the last year and a half. The Bengals hold an 8-game winning streak against AFC North foes, and Cleveland lacks the talent to end it.
What Will Happen: If Seneca Wallace plays, Cleveland will hang tough in this one. If Jake Delhomme plays, that won't happen.
Final Score: Cincinnati 24, Cleveland 14.
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 P.M. EST, CBS
8 of 14
Why Pittsburgh Will Win: The Steelers' defense is rejuvenated with a healthy Troy Polamalu at safety. They've been harassing every opponent they've played in 2010, and are undefeated even without Ben Roethlisberger.
Running back Rashard Mendenhall is a big-time performer, capable of ripping off big runs. If the Steelers win, it'll be because of Mendenhall and the defense. Given the Ravens' struggles early in the year on offense, the Steelers have to be licking their chops.
Why Baltimore Will Win: The Ravens have quite a defense of their own, and have been waiting for this game all season long.
Quarterback Joe Flacco has the arm to pick apart the Steelers' secondary, which lacks big-time cover corners.
Running back Ray Rice is as dynamic a talent as there is in the NFL. The offense has faced elite defenses already, meaning they know what to do to have success.
What Will Happen: Don't expect many points this week from either team, as the defenses will control the day.
Final Score: Baltimore 14, Pittsburgh 10.
Indianapolis Colts @ Jacksonville Jaguars, 4:15 P.M EST, CBS
9 of 14
Why Jacksonville Will Win: The Jaguars might not be able to throw the ball, but with Maurice Jones-Drew's track record against the Colts, they might not have to.
In 8 games against Indianapolis, Jones-Drew has racked up 778 yards and 7 touchdowns. This year, Indy's run defense isn't al that tough against the run, so MJD could have an excellent game.
Why Indianapolis Will Win: Despite Jones-Drew's success against the Colts, Jacksonville is just 2-6 in those 8 games.
Indy's defense will harass quarterback David Garrard all game long, and their offense will eviscerate the Jags' awful defense. Jones-Drew can't do it by himself.
What Will Happen: Look for Jacksonville's run game to get shut down, as the Colts stack the box and dare them to throw. When Indy jumps out early, Jacksonville won't have a choice.
Final Score: Indianapolis 35, Jacksonville 17.
Arizona Cardinals @ San Diego Chargers, 4:15 P.M. EST, FOX
10 of 14
Why San Diego Will Win: The Chargers offense is still putting up big yards, even without LaDainian Tomlinson and Vincent Jackson. Quarterback Philip Rivers is one of the NFL's best, and the running game will be better with the return of rookie Ryan Mathews.
The Cardinals' defense can't stop anything or anyone, and they'll struggle to contain even one of the Chargers' weapons. And if you don't think San Diego's defense won't relish the chance to torment Arizona quarterback Derek Anderson, think again.
Why Arizona Will Win: With running back Beanie Wells and wideout Larry Fitzgerald, the Cards always have a puncher's chance. Anderson isn't an accurate quarterback, but he can throw the ball a mile, and San Diego's vulnerable over the top.
What Will Happen: Even if Wells has a great game, expect multiple interceptions from Anderson, before he's replaced by rookie Max Hall. Even with the change, this one won't be close.
Final Score: San Diego 35, Arizona 21.
Houston Texans @ Oakland Raiders, 4:15 P.M. EST, CBS
11 of 14
Why Oakland Will Win: The Texans' defense has looked awful through three weeks, while Oakland's passing game looked much improved with Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback.
Houston is vulnerable over the top, and the Raiders' wideouts have speed coming from their ears.
Running back Darren McFadden has been excellent through three games in 2010, living up to the hype he generated in 2008.
The Oakland secondary is strong, and can lock down a gimpy Andre Johnson with Nnamdi Asomugha.
Why Houston Will Win: This Texans offense is more balanced than ever before, thanks to second-year running back Arian Foster.
Oakland struggles against the run defensively, and Foster has had success against poor run defenses this season.
That said, the passing game is as dangerous as ever, with quarterback Matt Schaub, wideouts Andre Johnson, Jacoby Jones and Kevin Walter, and tight end Owen Daniels. The Raiders don't have the ability to stop all of them all of the time.
What Will Happen: This one's going to be a barn-burner, as neither defense will be able to stop the opposing offense. The difference will be Oakland's shaky offensive line, which should fold under Houston's strong pass rush.
Final Score: Houston 35, Oakland 28.
Washington Redskins@ Philadelphia Eagles, 4:15 P.M. EST, FOX
12 of 14
Why Philadelphia Will Win: Washington's defense hasn't been able to stop anyone throwing over the top, and quarterback Michael Vick has a cannon capable of hitting speedy wideouts DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin deep downfield.
Running back LeSean McCoy is one of the best young back in football, with a good combination of speed and power. Donovan McNabb had a nasty habit of folding under pressure in Philly, and you can expect the Eagles' fans to give him a warm welcome.
Why Washington Will Win: There isn't a player in the NFL who knows the Eagles' offense better than McNabb.
The Redskins' pass rush is excellent, and should be able to pressure Vick into mistakes.
Philly's defense isn't exactly impenetrable either, and McNabb should be able to hit wideout Santana Moss and tight ends Chris Cooley and Fred Davis.
Expect McNabb to be motivated to prove to the Eagles that they shouldn't have traded him. Running back Clinton Portis has been strong this year, and the Eagles struggle against the run.
What Will Happen: Look for Donovan and the Redskins to try to climb up early, but Vick will keep the Eagles in the game. This will be a shootout, but neither team will lead by more than 10 points in this one.
Final Score: Washington 38, Philadelphia 35.
Chicago Bears @ New York Giants, 8:20 P.M. EST, NBC
13 of 14
Why Chicago Will Win: The Bears are rolling through three games in 2010. The offense has been clicking behind quarterback Jay Cutler, who's thriving in offensive coordinator Mike Martz's high octane system.
With middle linebacker Brian Urlacher and a slew of secondary players back, Chicago's defense looks as good as ever.
The Giants' offensive line has been a disaster through three weeks, meaning the Bears' blitz will hit Eli Manning early and often.
Defensively, the Giants have struggled, and will have difficulty containing running back Matt Forte's rushing and receiving skills.
Why New York Will Win: On paper, the Giants have one of the most talented offenses in football.
Quarterback Eli Manning is a strong passer, wideouts Steve Smith, Hakeem Nicks and Mario Manningham are supremely talented, and running back Ahmad Bradshaw is one of the NFL's most explosive backs.
Defensively, their front four are among the most talented in all of football. If this team can put it all together, they could be playoff bound.
What Will Happen: Expect Chicago's offense to pick apart the Giants' defense early, jumping out to a 10-0 lead. But the Giants will ride Manning's arm to a rally late. Will it be enough?
Final Score: Chicago 28, New York 21. No; it won't.
New England Patriots @ Miami Dolphins, Monday 8:30 P.M. EST, ESPN
14 of 14
Why Miami Will Win: The Dolphins' passing game snapped into shape against the Jets last Sunday night, as quarterback Chad Henne and wideout Brandon Marshall established a fantastic connection.
The Patriots' secondary has been an absolute disaster area through three weeks, and they certainly can't handle the likes of Marshall.
Defensively, Miami is solid, but benefits from not having to worry about the run game.
Why New England Will Win: The Patriots run defense has been excellent, and the Dolphins make their living pounding the ball with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams.
If it's a gunfight Miami wants, the Pats are more than happy to oblige, possessing one of the NFL's best quarterbacks in Tom Brady, one of the best wideout tandems in Randy Moss and Wes Welker, and a pair of phenomenal rookie tight ends in Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski.
If BenJarvus Green-Ellis can stick as the primary ball carrier, this team is nearly impossible to beat.
What Will Happen: Lots of passing yards, and not many rushing yards on either side in this one. New England's offense has more pop, and should be the impetus for the Pats' win, although it won't be without a fight.
Final Score: New England 28, Miami 24.
.jpg?w=480 "Colts Jaguars Football")
.png?w=480)
.jpg?w=600 "Post-June 1 Trade Candidates ☎️")
.JPG?w=600 "TO Talks Cowboys Relationship")
.jpg?w=600 "Taylor Heinicke Retiring")
.jpg?w=600 "49ers OC Hypes Mike Evans 🤩")