NFL Predictions Week 4: Dolphins and 3 Bottom-Feeders That Will Put Up a Fight

It's not easy being a bottom-feeder.

Fans yell at you. The media bashes you. Opponents heckle you. You disgust yourself.

But even if you're bound to lose, you can at least put up a good fight and make strides toward becoming a better team.

The Miami Dolphins are a team that appear better than their record. They were close with the New England Patriots in Week 1 until the fourth quarter, they lost to the Houston Texans by 10 points and they lost to the Cleveland Browns by one measly point.

Quarterback Chad Henne has been much improved, and while new running back Reggie Bush hasn't exactly worked out, they have a promising youngster in Daniel Thomas.

Here are three bottom-feeders that will put up a fight in Week 4 (ranked by the amount of fight in the dog).

3. Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals may be a young team with a young quarterback and a young receiver, but this team was pegged by many to be the worst team in the league this season and they've actually been much better.

They're 1-2, but quarterback Andy Dalton and receiver A.J. Green are already building a rapport and they actually have a pretty good defense for losing top cornerback Johnathan Joseph in the offseason.

The Bengals face the Buffalo Bills in Week 4, a much improved team from 2010. But the Bills do give up a lot of points and the Bengals' defense may surprise the Bills. I'm not saying the Bengals will win; just that they will make it closer than you would think.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Quarterback Matt Cassel has reverted back to Mr. Hyde and star running back Jamaal Charles is out for the season, but it's still hard for me to believe that a 10-win team from a season ago will tank in 2011. There's a lot of talent and a lot of new talent on this team.

I think their demise is being exaggerated by most of America.

The Chiefs play at the notorious Arrowhead Stadium in Week 4 and have a chance of actually defeating the 0-3 Minnesota Vikings. The only problem is, they're facing Adrian Peterson and are ranked 28th in rushing yards allowed per game this season. Not good.

But their home-field advantage may spur them back to life. At least, head coach Todd Haley better hope so. His job security isn't looking so hot right now.

1. Miami Dolphins

The strangest thing about the Dolphins' 0-3 start is that they're actually better than they were last season. I like rookie tailback Daniel Thomas and Chad Henne hasn't looked like Chad Henne at all (that's a good thing). And, really, the fact that they came within range of the Patriots and Texans is an accomplishment in itself.

The Dolphins do face a tough Chargers defense in San Diego this week, but they've shown they can put some points on the board. They won't win, but they'll continue to show they're a better team than last season.