NFL Picks Week 4: Forecasting All 16 Games

Predicting NFL games is never easy, but with the parity we've seen so far in the 2011 NFL season, it's been harder than ever before. 

Here's my stab at Week 4's matchups.

Detroit at Dallas

The Lions have displayed to the NFL that they are one of the most complete teams in football. Playing inside JerryLand won't be an easy task, but I think Matthew Stafford and the Lions defense line is up for the challenge. 

The Cowboys have issues on the offensive line and their secondary won't be able to stop Calvin Johnson. 

Lions 28 - Cowboys 20

Carolina at Chicago 

Cam Newton faces another stout defense on the road and will be really tested once again. Jay Cutler has been up and down so far this season, but I think the home field advantage proves to be too much against the Panthers in this game that will be more closely contested than people think. 

Bears 17 - Panthers 14

Buffalo at Cincinnati 

After their exhilarating win over the Patriots in Week 3, many have labeled this a trap game for the 3-0 Bills. I really don't think this is the type of team to overlook an opponent, especially because most of the starters were overlooked themselves. 

The Bills offense is just too much, and I don't know if Andy Dalton is ready to win a shootout just yet. 

Bills 27 - Bengals 17

Tennessee at Cleveland 

The absence of Kenny Britt totally changes this game. Tennessee needs way more out of Chris Johnson, but this isn't the game he breaks out.

Colt McCoy manages the game well and does enough to escape with another victory.

Browns 20 - Tennessee 17

Minnesota at Kansas City

In this battle of the beatens, I think Adrian Peterson proves to be too much and Matt Cassel isn't consistent enough to give the fans at Arrowhead their team's first win. 

Vikings 31 - Chiefs 14

Washington at St. Louis 

We were waiting for Sam Bradford to burst onto the scene this year, but that has yet to happen. 

He gets a great chance on Sunday against the Redskins, and I think he finally has a solid game that translates to victory. 

Rams 21 - Redskins 20

New Orleans at Jacksonville 

The easiest game to pick this week. Drew Brees and Co. will thrash the Jacksonville defense and make like miserable for rookie signal-caller Blaine Gabbert. 

Saints 34 - Jaguars 17

Pittsburgh at Houston 

Another game for the Texans that's surrounded by a lot of hype. Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson will turn in typical, big games and Houston will be able to get to Ben Roethlisberger frequently. 

Texans 27 - Steelers 20

San Francisco at Philadelphia

If Michael Vick plays, I think the Eagles pull this one out. I can't see them losing their first two games at home to start the year. The 49ers have been efficient on offense but aren't explosive. Philadelphia is. 

Eagles 28 - 49ers 13

New York Giants at Arizona 

The Cardinals secondary has missed Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and their offense, with Kevin Kolb and Larry Fitzgerald, hasn't really clicked yet. 

Carrying momentum in from the Eagles victory, New York wins a close one on the road. 

Giants 27 - Cardinals 24

Miami at San Diego

Miami is far and away a better team on the road (for some reason) and have played some tough competition to start the year (Patriots, Texans, Browns).

The Chargers could be without Antonio Gates and I see the possibility of a hiccup in Week 4. 

Dolphins 23 - Chargers 17

New England at Oakland

For me, the game to watch in Week 4. Darren McFadden should run wild again like he did against the Jets and Tom Brady will throw for 300-plus. 

In the end, the Patriots defense lets them down for the second week in a row. 

Oakland 35 - Patriots 34

Denver at Green Bay

Aaron Rogers and Co. provide too tough a test for the Broncos and Denver's offense simply isn't making enough big plays to keep them in games. 

Packers 31 - Broncos 20

New York Jets at Baltimore

Similar, hard-nose football teams, but right now I think the Ravens are a more complete club that's oozing with confidence. 

If the Steelers had trouble in Baltimore, why wouldn't the Jets?

Ravens 27 - Jets 21 

Indianapolis at Tampa Bay

The Colts have a shot if Dwight Freeney and Robert Mathis force turnovers on strip sacks in this one. 

Tampa Bay doesn't wow you with huge plays and isn't extremely flashy, but they get the job done in all phases of the game. 

Buccaneers 23 - Colts 14