NFL Picks Week 4: Projecting Scores for Week's Biggest Games

If you're a fan of a team not listed below, you're probably going to disagree with me that there is only five "big" games in the NFL this week. Sure, every game of every week is big, in a sense, but not all matchups are created equal.

And really, the term "big" is mostly up for debate. Big can mean a game for a team that is struggling and needs a win to right the ship. However, I'm taking the teams who are playing each other with the best records. 

Here are Thursday predictions for the five big games in Week 4:

Detroit Lions (3-0) at Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

Last Sunday was a big test for the Lions, as they hadn't beat the Vikings in the Metrodome since 1997, and winning the game meant being 3-0 for the first time since 1980. But this weekend might be the first real test for Detroit. The combined records of the teams they've beaten is just 2-6, and the Cowboys are likely the most complete team on the schedule to date.

Playing them in Dallas won't be easy, especially with the expected media hype that will surround the game. However, this game comes down to how well the Lions can keep Anthony Spencer and DeMarcus Ware out of the backfield. Detroit's offense sputtered when the Vikings created pressure in the first half Sunday. They'll lose if that happens against the Cowboys this weekend. 

Prediction: Cowboys 24, Lions 21 

Tennessee Titans (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (2-1)

Surprised that this game makes the list? That might be understandable, as both teams weren't expected to do much before this season. However, the fact remains that one team will get out of Week 4 with a 3-1 record. The Titans have won despite Chris Johnson's no-show so far, and the Browns, realistically, should be 3-0 after letting a Week 1 game against the Bengals slip away.

The big question on Sunday will be how the Titans' passing offense is affected without Kenny Britt, who tore his knee up in Week 3 and will miss the season. They need Johnson now more than ever. Cleveland's No. 29 ranked rushing defense might mean it's time for him to begin his season. 

Prediction: Titans 27, Browns 17

Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) at Houston Texans (2-1)

This will be an interesting defensive matchup to watch, as the Steelers are the master of the 3-4 defense and the Texans are still in the infancy stage of learning it under Wade Phillips. Pittsburgh's offensive line has likely seen all the blitzes in practice that Phillips could throw at them, but does that mean they'll be able to stop them? That unit has looked shakier than it has in years through three weeks. If the Texans pressure Ben Roethlisberger like the Colts did on Sunday night, Houston should be 3-1 by Monday.

Prediction: Texans 24, Steelers 20 

New England Patriots (2-1) at Oakland Raiders (2-1)

Like the Jets found out in Week 3, traveling from the East to West Coast isn't as easy as it sounds. Darren McFadden had a big say in that, as he ran ragged over the Jets' once-stingy run defense. The Patriots have their own struggles on the defensive side that need to get fixed. Through three weeks, no team in the NFL has given up more yards than New England. However, Tom Brady won't be throwing four picks this week. The Pats will still give up points and yards, but Brady will be the difference.

Prediction: Patriots 34, Raiders 28 

New York Jets (2-1) at Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

If you're a football fan, this matchup should have you excited. Despite getting grounded-and-pounded on the road in Oakland, the Jets are still considered an AFC contender. The Ravens know a little something about being contenders, too. And there's always the Rex Ryan factor—the former Ravens defensive coordinator turned Jets head coach.

In the end, however, it will be Ryan's run defense that gets the Jets in trouble again away from New York. Ray Rice will have himself a nice day on the ground, and Joe Flacco will take advantage with play-action. Watch the media run away with the Jets' defensive struggles starting Sunday night.

Prediction: Ravens 31, Jets 20