NFL Week 4 Picks: Can the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions Stay Undefeated?

We've been through two weeks of the 2011 NFL season, and story of the year thus far has been the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions being 3-0. Raise your hand if you predicted this to start the season.

Both of these teams have failed to make the playoffs since 1999, and maybe, just maybe, this could be the year it happens. This week they both have road tests, with Detroit going to Dallas, and Buffalo traveling to Cincinnati. How will they respond after such big wins last week? 

We will find out in due time. 

Top Quarterback: Aaron Rodgers, 27-34, 406 yards, 3 TDs

Top Running Back: Adrian Peterson, 26 carries, 180 yards, TD

Top Wide Receiver: Wes Welker, 10 catches, 156 yards, TD

Top Kicker: John Kasay

Top Defense: Green Bay Packers

Carolina Panthers at Chicago Bears

This week, Cam Newton has yet another test to go through in his rookie season, and that is to win in Soldier Field. That's a tall order, and the Bears are coming off of two straight losses. 

Following their week one victory over the Falcons, the Bears have gone backward, losing to the Saints, and the Packers. OK, yes, the Saints and Packers may just be the two best teams in football, but it's not just that the Bears lost, it's how they lost. Jay Cutler has no time in the pocket, and is getting sacked constantly. In addition to this, which player on the Bears offense is going to step up besides Matt Forte? Jay Cutler needs some help if the Bears want to take a step to the next level.

As for the Panthers, following back-to-back 400-yard performances for Cam Newton, the rookie sensation showed he was human last week, throwing for 158 yards in his first win of his career. Newton will be the first guy to tell you that while those 400-yard games were nice, he wasn't happy with them, simply because they didn't result in wins. That changed last week as Newton picked up the first win of his career in an ugly game.

We saw in Week 2 that the Panthers can keep up with elite teams, when they lost a close one against the Packers. Expect them to keep it close at Soldier Field here also, and for Newton to play with no fear, just as he's been doing throughout his rookie season. I'm going with the Panthers in the upset here because, well, quite simply, I don't think the Bears are that good.

Newton wins his first road game of his career here.

Fearless Forecast: Panthers 23, Bears 20.  

Buffalo Bills at Cincinnati Bengals

Let me begin things by saying this: How can you not be rooting for the Buffalo Bills? This is a team that hasn't made the playoffs since the infamous "Music City Miracle," and most commonly known to Bills fans as "The Forward Lateral" game. That was in 1999, 12 years ago. No fan base has had to go through more torture than Bills fans, and could this finally be the year they return to the playoffs?

To start, let us not forget about what happened in 2008 with the Bills. The Bills started that season 4-0, only to fall apart, and finish 7-9. Since then, it's been a downhill struggle for the Bills. Before you go assuming this is their year to return to the playoffs, I just advise you not to forget about what happened back in 2008. 

This Bills team seems different though. Ryan Fitzpatrick plays fearless and gives the Bills a chance to win every game. This team is resilient, evident by their two comeback wins the last two weeks. Can they keep it rolling in Cincinnati. 

As to no surprise, the Bengals have struggled to move the ball offensively this season. With a young offense that includes Andy Dalton and A.J Green, this is a rebuilding year for the Bengals. Not to mention, as usual, this team can't stay out of trouble with the law. You already knew that was coming though. 

The Bills keep the momentum going here and get to 4-0, just like 2008. Please let it be for real this time.

Fearless Forecast: Bills 27, Bengals 14. 

Tennessee Titans at Cleveland Browns

After a disappointing loss in week one for both the Titans and the Browns, they have rebounded and won two straight games. The first game of the season was not an indication of things to come. These two teams will not be an easy out all season long. 

In a very weak AFC South, the Titans look like they are the only team who can challenge the Texans for the division crown. Not without Chris Johnson they won't be able to, though. After holding out for the entire off-season, Johnson got his contract and has failed to show up for the season. In three games this season, Johnson is averaging just 2.1 yards per carry. That doesn't sound like a $56 million man. Will he get out of his slump in Cleveland?

Last week, with the Browns trailing by six with under three minutes left, Colt McCoy facilitated an 80 yard touchdown drive, finding Mohamed Massaquoi with 43 seconds left to steal a 17-16 win over the Dolphins. Now, at 2-1, the Browns are at home again, with their sights set on going 3-1 heading into their bye week. 

I expect the Browns to take this one at home in a game that will be decided in the fourth quarter. 

Fearless Forecast: Browns 20, Titans 17. 

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys

It's about time we gave some credit to Tony Romo. After a fourth quarter collapse in week one, all eyes were on the Dallas quarterback and he was being labeled a choker. However, in his last two games, Romo has showed guts, playing injured and making big plays when the Cowboys have needed him. What am I talking about exactly?

Last week, with Romo hurting all night with his broken rib, he dug deep, refusing to get out of the game. He saved his best for last too when he hit Dez Bryant for a 30 yard strike on 3rd and 21 with 3:44 left that changed the game. This week the Cowboys have their hands full with an undefeated Lions team.

The Lions come into this game having snapped a 13 game losing streak in Minnesota. What was so impressive about the win was the fact the Lions came back from 20 points down in the second have to win it in overtime, 26-23. Matthew Stafford is finally healthy, and has the Lions thinking playoffs for the first time since 1999. They have another big road test this week in Dallas.

With the Cowboys banged up, this is a game the Lions could easily win. I'm sold on the Lions and they have made me believers, but I'm going with the Cowboys in this game at home. Tony Romo continues his great play with another win here.

Fearless Forecast: Cowboys 26, Lions 21.  

Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans

It's been said every week, but this year is truly now or never for the Texans to win the AFC South. With Peyton Manning out, and no other team simply good, this is the year for Houston to get over the hump. We've seen in the past that this is a team who struggles late in the season, but I think that this is the year it all changes. All eyes are on Gary Kubiak and the Texans. 

In their game last week in New Orleans, the Texans missed out on a golden opportunity, losing a shootout 40-33. Although they lost, they proved that they are for real. Don't think that the Texans want any moral victories though. That was a game they should have won in The Big Easy, getting outscored 23-14 in the fourth quarter. You cannot trade field goals for touchdowns against the Saints, and that's exactly what the Texans did. Next, they return home and turn their attention to the Steelers, who escaped over the Colts last week.

Following their 35-7 disaster to open the season in Baltimore, the Steelers have won two straight, but stil have not looked that good. I mean, let's be serious, those to two wins were against the Seahawks and the Peyton Manning-less Colts. They got lucky to escape with the win last week in Indianapolis. A late field goal fueled them to a 23-20 win. 

The Steeler defense is going to have to be ready on Sunday, because the Texans can put up points. I wouldn't be surprised if we saw yet another shootout this week, but this time, the Texans will be on the winning end of it.

Fearless Forecast: Texans 34, Steelers 30. 

New Orleans Saints at Jacksonville Jaguars

I've been saying it for weeks now, but this Saints team may just be better than that '09 Super Bowl team, and I'll tell you why. For awhile now, the Saints have lacked a consistent run game, and this off-season that all changed when they signed Darren Sproles and drafted Mark Ingram. Sproles has been huge this season, while it's only a matter of time before Ingram breaks out. The former Heisman Trophy winner scored his first career touchdown last week and it sealed the deal for the Saints against the Texans.

Reggie Bush who?

For the Jaguar, it took just two weeks for them o give up on Luke McCown and start the rookie Blaine Gabbert. In his first career start, Gabbert struggled in a 16-10 loss in Carolina. He's got his hands full with the Saints this weekend. In order for the Jaguars to have any shot in winning this game, they are going to have to put up points. Gabbert will need to go back and forth with Drew Brees, and you can't honestly tell me you like his chances. 

The Saints win this one in a blow out.

Fearless Forecast: Saints 31, Jaguars 7. 

Minnesota Vikings at Kansas City Chiefs

Week 1: Vikings lead 17-7 at halftime, lose 24-17.

Week 2: Vikings lead 17-0 at halftime, lose 24-20.

Week 3: Vikings lead 20-0 at halftime, lose 26-23.

Notice a trend here? In three games this season, the Vikings have managed to blow double digit leads in each game, and if they do not win here in Kansas City, you can kiss their season good bye. So far, the Donovan McNabb experiment has been a bust, as he has struggled to move the offense. It just doesn't look like he has much left in the tank. If the Vikings keep losing, Leslie Frazier will have no choice but to turn to rookie Christian Ponder. 

Don't even get me started on the Chiefs this season. The only positive thing I can say of them is that at least they kept it close last week in San Diego before Matt Cassel threw the game away---literally. With the Chiefs trailing 20-17 with under a minute left, Cassel threw it right to Eric Weddle, costing Kansas City their fifth straight loss dating back to last year. Nobody remembers the Chiefs as the 2010 AFC West champions, that is simply in the past. Now, the Chiefs are considered as one of the biggest jokes in the NFL. Getting outscored 109-27 through three games will do that to you. 

I'm taking the Vikings in this one, and expect Donovan McNabb to have his best game as a member of the Vikings. This may be his last shot. 

Fearless Forecast: Vikings 23, Chiefs 16. 

San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles

Is it possible that the Philadelphia Eagles were extremely overrated heading into the 2011 season? Through three games this season, it surely looks like it. Michael Vick has struggled to stay healthy, and is getting no help whatsoever from his offensive line. It also doesn't help when you have a rushing defense that is giving up 131 yards per game, ranking 30th in the NFL. The Eagles were supposed to be a "Dream Team" as Vince Young stupidly proclaimed during the off-season, and so far, they are not looking so dreamy. The Eagles have the biggest targets on their back this season because of all the noise they made during the off-season. A loss at home against San Francisco and the pressure would be on even more. 

At 2-1, the 49ers come into this game off of an ugly 13-8 win in Cincinnati. Ugly or not, that's a good road win for this 49er team. As I've been saying all year, this is Alex's Smith last stand to show he can be the quarterback of the future for San Francisco. If you ask me, the 49ers should have given up on him long ago, but he's been given one more shot. For the 49ers to win this game, expect a dose of both Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter. The Eagles have been exposed on the ground all year, and don't think that Jim Harbaugh isn't going to run it a lot on Sunday. 

A loss here at the city of Philadelphia is going to go bizerk. After their loss against the Giants last week, Andy Reid has been a hot topic of discussion, and Eagles fans are growing more and more tired of him. I know this because I'm an Eagles fan myself. 

Michael Vick is nursing a bruised right hand this week but will play on Sunday. This is a tough man. Unfortunately though, every week you just get the sense that he's going to get hurt again. Eagles win it.  

Fearless Forecast: Eagles 26, 49ers 17. 

Washington Redskins at St. Louis Rams

After the Rams finished last season one game away from winning the NFC West, 2011 was supposed to be the year the Rams took off. So far, things have not gone according to the plan. At 0-3, the Rams are struggling to move the ball offensively, and Sam Bradford needs help. They desperately need a win this week to try and turn their season around? Want to know their next three games after this? The Rams get the pleasure of traveling to Green Bay, then Dallas, and then host the Saints. This team is in big trouble. Can they pick up their first win against the Redskins?

Following a 2-0 start, the Redskins had a chance to go 3-0 with their final drive last week in Dallas. The bad news is their quarterback is Rex Grossman. There isn't a soul who was watching that game who did not think that Grossman wasn't going to make a mistake. The football was just waiting for him to make a mistake, and a mistake was what he made when he fumbled, costing the 'Skins the game. Now the Redskins try to rebound against a Rams team hungry for their first victory.

In this game, I fully expect the Rams to pick up their first win of the season. They need it bad, and I still do not trust any team whose quarterback is Rex Grossman.

Fearless Forecast: Rams 20, Redskins 13.  

New York Giants at Arizona Cardinals

In week three, the Giants have returned to a familiar territory when they travel to Arizona. Giants fans will never forget Glendale, Arizona, where the Giants shocked the Patriots 17-14 in Super Bowl XLII. Yes, the stages are just a little different this time around, but this is a nice place to be for the Giants. 

After dropping their opener in Washington, the Giants have won two straight games, including last weeks 29-16 win over in Philadelphia. They are rallying around their injuries, and other guys are stepping up, such as Victor Cruz, who caught thee passes for 110 yards and two touchdowns in last weeks win. The Giants turn their attention to the Cardinals next, who are coming off of two straight road losses. This game will not be as easy as people think. 

As it is with any team in the NFC West, it's hard to trust the Cardinals. In reality, they should very well be 3-0 right now, but couldn't capitalize on opportunities in Washington, and Seattle. For two straight weeks now Kevin Kolb has failed to lead a game winning drive for the Cardinals. Expect him to play well here, but will it be enough?

The Giants win their third straight here. 

Fearless Forecast: Giants 27, Cardinals 24. 

Atlanta Falcons at Seattle Seahawks

What's wrong with the Atlanta Falcons this year? After finishing last season 13-3, and first place in the NFC, the Falcons came into this season with Super Bowl aspirations. Three games into the season though, something isn't right with this team. Aside from week two against the Eagles, the Falcons offense hasn't been able to do much. The offense will get it together in Seattle, at least I would hope so. 

Luckily for the Seahawks, they are at home in this one, and as you know, there might be no better home field advantage than Qwest Field. Last week, hosting the Cardinals, the Seahawks picked up their fist win of the season in a 13-10 win. In Sidney Rice's first game as a member of Seattle, he shined, catching eight passes for 109 yards. Don't forget that Tavaris Jackson and Rice have chemistry from playing together in Minnesota.

Not to offend any Seahawks fans, but it's just hard to get excited in any game that features them. Okay, that sounded harsh, but this year especially it will be tough. The funny thing is though that last season, the Seahawks played the most exciting game of the year, when they shocked the Saints in the playoffs. I don't see a similar result happening this season.

The Falcons will try to get back on track and win this one in Seattle.

Fearless Forecast: Falcons 21, Seahawks 13.  

Denver Broncos at Green Bay Packers

Last season, on the way to their Super Bowl run, the Packers got hot right at the end of the season and carried that momentum all the way throughout the playoffs. This season, they are different. How so? They look like they are in the form they were in the playoffs just three games into the season. That's how. No team in the NFL is playing better than the Packers, and they have the makings of a dynasty. Is it too soon to talk about that?  Not with Aaron Rodgers it isn't. 

Until the Broncos decide to give Tim Tebow a shot, they are going to be irrelevant all year. In their loss against Tennessee last week, a late Kyle Orton interception costed them the game, making Bronco fans despise him even more. There is no way around it, really. The Broncos are not going anywhere this year with Orton. I don't see the down side in starting Tebow. 

On Sunday, expect a blood bath in Lambeau Field. Aaron Rodgers will shred apart that Broncos secondary, and the Packers will run all over the Broncos. The defending champs remain undefeated.

Fearless Forecast: Packers 31, Broncos 13. 

New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders

Is there another upset brewing in Oakland on Sunday? Last week, hosting the Jets, the Raiders turned heads, winning 34-24. Darren McFadden, the leagues leading rusher ran for 171 yards on the day and continues to be a monster each and every week. Hue Jackson has the Raiders playing football early on, and the Chargers better beware because this team is making a push for the AFC West.

As for the Patriots, last week, we witnessed the unthinkable: Tom Brady is human. In their loss to the Bills, Brady threw four interceptions, after throwing four total in 2010. Watching that game, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. The real problem with the Patriots though is that defense, which ranks last in the entire league, giving up 468.7 yards per game. For the Patriots to have any shot at another Super Bowl this year, that defense needs to improve. There is no way around it. 

In this game, expect another shootout. It seems to be the theme with the Patriots in 2011. Remember back in 2002 when these two teams met in the playoffs in the infamous "Tuck Rule" game that launched Tom Brady's career? Fans of both teams remember it ever so clearly.

The Patriots bounce back with a win here.

Fearless Forecast: Patriots 34, Raiders 31. 

Miami Dolphins at San Diego Chargers

If there is one thing we have learned from the Chargers over the years, it's that they just love to make games interesting. That was evident in their 20-17 win over the Chiefs a week ago. People who picked the Chargers in their suicide pools were freaking out at the end. I know this because I picked them myself. This week, once again the Chargers have a favorable match-up, and should take care of business against the 0-3 Dolphins.

For me, the most impressive thing about the Chargers this year has been the emergence of rookie Ryan Matthews. After taking him in the first round in 2010, Matthews was a disappointment in his rookie season. Now, three games into his Sophomore season, Matthews is showing why the Chargers took him 12th overall. He's been more active in the receiving game this season, and already has 14 catches after having just 22 a season ago. He's stealing the show from Mike Tolbert, and Tolbert was the man in San Diego last year. And yes, Matthews is on my fantasy team, so that may be a deciding factor as to why I'm writing about him.

So far for the Dolphins, this season has been a disaster. At 0-3, Chad Henne is struggling yet again, and the Reggie Bush experiment has failed. The clock is ticking for Tony Sparano in South Beach. Next week the Dolphins have their bye week, before traveling to New York to play the Jets. An 0-5 start definitely looks like it's on the radar for this team.

Fearless Forecast: Chargers 27, Dolphins 20.  

New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens

On Sunday Night Football this week, Rex Ryan goes head to head with his former team. The last time these teams met was last season, on the first Monday Night Football game of the year, when the Ravens won an ugly 10-9 game. A year later, the stakes are just the same. Expect a battle in Baltimore on Sunday Night. 

What happened to the Jets rushing attack, and their dominant run stop defense? So far, through three games in 2011, the Jets rank 31st in the NFL in stopping the run, giving up 136.7 yards per game. That rushing attack? It's not much better, as they rank 25th in the NFL, averaging just 82 yards a game. They still have room to grow and get better, but this week they may be in trouble. Ray Rice is off to a red hot start thus far. 

I can't get a firm grasp on the Ravens. After rocking the Steelers, 35-7 in their opener, they followed it up with a 26-13 loss to the Titans, before dominating the Rams 37-7 last week. In their win last week, rookie Torrey Smith shined, catching five passes for 152 yards and three touchdowns. Fun fact about those touchdowns: The first three catches of his NFL career went for six. That's not a bad start if you ask me. 

In this game, I expect the Ravens to wear down the Jets defense with the run, and Joe Flacco to outplay Mark Sanchez. Rex's Jets will fall to 2-2 here.

Fearless Forecast: Ravens 24, Jets 20. 

Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

If only Peyton Manning was playing in this game than we would have been in for a treat on Monday Night Football in week four. Unfortunately though, that seems like it's going to be the case with the Colts each and every week. With Kerry Collins out due to a concussion, the Colts have been forced to Curtis Painter. His start of his NFL career? Under the bright lights, on ESPN. No pressure, Curtis.

The Buccaneers come into this game at 2-1, and have won their last two games. Josh Freeman has transformed himself into one of the most clutch quarterbacks in the NFL. That guy is tough. Expect him to have a good game against a Colts team who is reeling.

The Colts were competitive last week in their 23-20 loss against the Steelers, but I think this week it will be ugly. The Bucs win it.

Fearless Forecast: Buccaneers 26, Colts 10.