NFL Picks Week 4: Which Teams Will Surprise Fans Most?

Nothing is ever certain in the NFL and the 2011 season is setting a new standard of uncertainty. 

We've got the 3-0 Detroit Lions and the Buffalo Bills and have witnessed a record number of close games in Week 3. 

With parity at an all-time high, these are the team's that will add to the many surprises we've already seen this year. 

Miami Dolphins 

On paper, the Dolphins should lose to the Chargers on Sunday. 

San Diego's at home, and the Chargers defense is consistently one of the best in the AFC. Don't prematurely write Miami off, however. 

The Dolphins are much better on the road and I think they've found the balance on offense to compete in this one. 

Their defense has let them down in the first few games, but they've faced tough tests against New England and Houston that'll help them in this one. 

If Antonio Gates doesn't go or isn't 100 percent, the Chargers aerial attack isn't as diverse. Daniel Thomas has demonstrated a multi-faceted skill set for Miami in his first two games as a professional. 

My upset of the week is the Dolphins over the Chargers in a thrilling, down-to-the-wire game.

Carolina Panthers

The Bears are a formidable opponent for a team like the Panthers, but I think Cam Newton is up for the challenge. 

Aaron Rodgers was able to exploit the Bears secondary with a lot of down-field throws last week and I expect Carolina to do the same in Week 4. 

The Panthers don't have the same talent at wide receiver as the Packers do, but they are a better unit than people realize.

Along with their surprising passing game, I think Carolina focuses more on establishing the run with Jonathan Stewart and DeAngelo Williams. 

They have to keep defenses honest to set up the play-action pass in the late stages of games.

Carolina ultimately loses this one, but shows the NFL they are a team no one wants to have on their schedule.