NFL Picks Week 4: 5 Games to Bet The House on

As we head into Week 4 of the 2011 National Football League, some teams have separated themselves from the rest of the league, while other teams have established themselves as teams already playing for a draft pick.

Sometimes, these two types of teams play each other. Those games are given betting lines of eight or more points and are easy to bet on.

Today, we take a look at games that are coming up this week that you, the gambler, should "bet the house" on. If you happen to make some money from these picks, well, then you're welcome. If you happen to lose a lot of money because we were wrong, well, sorry.

All lines are from Bodog.eu.  

Detroit Lions (+1) at Dallas Cowboys, 1PM

Are the people responsible for making the gambling lines still not on the Detroit Lions bandwagon? Or is this a case of a Monday Night Football victory, playing at home and it's the Dallas Cowboys, the reason why the Cowboys are favored in this game? 

The 'Boys are still very banged up at their skill positions on offense. Dez Bryant cannot carry this offense by himself. Tony Romo is one hit away from a Detroit Lions defensive line from being out for the game. And, Felix Jones' shoulder is still dislocated. 

Take the Lions BIG in this game. They're the healthier team, they're the more dominant team and they're winning games now that they normally they would lose (i.e. road games). 

Pittsburgh Steelers (+4) at Houston Texans, 1PM

It seems as if the Houston Texans are the best team in the AFC South Division. It's a division that these Pittsburgh Steelers played last week against the Indianapolis Colts, a game where the Steelers were 10-point favorites, but failed to cover. 

But, these are still the Pittsburgh Steelers, a preseason Super Bowl pick, playing a Houston Texans team that gave up a double-digit lead against New Orleans last week. 

Take a look at Houston's victories this year: Indianapolis and at Miami. Both of those teams this year have a record of 0-3. 

The last two times the Steelers have played the Texans, the Steelers have won by double-digit victories (2005: 27-7, and '08: 38-17).

New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders (+4.5), 4:15PM

The Oakland Raiders are another team that Vegas and gambling websites don't seem to believe in. They have scored 30 or more points in their three games this year. They're 2-1 on the season, and if not for a second half collapse against Buffalo, could be 3-0. 

The Patriots have a defense that has not played well this year. They gave up 400 passing yards to a Miami Dolphins team that hasn't gone over 250 yards since that game. They are giving up, on average, 25 points per game, while ranking last in pass defense. 

The Raiders should cover this game, with RB Darren McFadden having another big day. 

Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers (-13), 4:15PM

Here is a scary thought: The Green Bay Packers still haven't played their best game of the season, but are still 3-0 on the year. 

They didn't cover against New Orleans in Week 1 and came close to losing in Week 2 against a Carolina team that won two games last year. But they did cover against a division rival in Chicago last week. 

This week, they're double-digit favorites against a Denver team that ranks 22nd and 28th, respectively ,in rushing and passing this year. 

The Packers just have to score 21 to 28 points in this game to cover. The only thing that will ruin this cover is a late fourth quarter touchdown, while the Packers are playing in a prevent defense while already up 28-14. 

New York Jets (+4) at Baltimore Ravens, 8:20PM EST

Closing out the Sunday NFL schedule are two of the hardest hitting teams in the NFL today. The Jets, coached by Rex Ryan, head to Baltimore, where Ryan was an assistant coach from 1999-2008 (and defensive coordinator 2005-08). 

Both of the teams play an exceptional defense, which will make this game low scoring. This game will come down to which quarterback can manage the game the best. 

On the season, both the Jets quarterback, Mark Sanchez, and the Ravens quarterback, Joe Flacco, have been very proficient passers. They have had games of over 300 yards passing with multiple touchdowns in each of the three games. 

The Jets have the better options at the wide receiver position, which will lead them to a cover and a victory in Baltimore. 

Twitter: @tjmcaloon