NFL Picks Week 4: Dallas vs. Detroit and 5 Must-See Games

Every week in the NFL there are number of "must-see games." That is, unless you're a fan of the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs or San Francisco 49ers. 

However, this is the NFL, where parity rules the league. Just last year, games that featured the Buffalo Bills or the Detroit Lions were games that no one wanted to see. But this year, a game that had Buffalo vs. Detroit should end up on national television.

Week 4 of the NFL season has a full slate of games. Every team is in action, as this is one of the last weeks before teams start their byes.

Here are five games that are must-see television this week.  

Pittsburgh Steelers at Houston Texans

1 p.m., CBS

The Pittsburgh Steelers were a lot of writers' pick to make the Super Bowl. They returned most of their starters from last year's Super Bowl team but have started out slow in their first three games.

Yes, they're 2-1, but they have questions on the offensive and defensive line, their running game is struggling and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has been hit a lot this year.

The Houston Texans seem to be everyone's preseason pick to win the AFC South Division title each year. They come out strong in their first game and eventually fall short of the playoffs. 

This year is starting the same for the Texans. They won big against the Colts in Week 1, they won big again in Week 2 against the Dolphins, but they struggled against the Saints last week. 

So, the question is, can the Texans beat teams that have more talent than they do? 

Final score of this game: Steelers 23, Texans 13. 

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys

1 p.m., FOX

This game was once looked upon as an easy win for the Dallas Cowboys.

However, as Bob Dylan said, the times they are a-changing. The Lions are one of the hottest teams in the NFL and the Cowboys are a lucky 2-1 after three games. 

This game could go one of two ways for these teams. 

For the Lions this game could be their way of announcing to viewers of the NFL who were not believers that they belong in the conversation with the NFC North's best. If they blow out the Cowboys this Sunday in Dallas they'll establish themselves as a threat to win the North Division. 

For the Cowboys this game could be their way of taking first place in the NFC East Division. A win against the Lions with a banged up offense, and a loss for the Giants, would place them in first place of a very competitive division. 

Final score of this game: Detroit 38, Dallas 21.

New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders

4:15 p.m., CBS

Just like the Detroit and Dallas game, this features two teams that just last year if you heard they were playing, common opinion would be that the Patriots will win big. 

But, just like the Lions, these Raiders are playing a lot better than what their fans are used to in the past. If the Raiders are able to beat the Patriots this week, which team will it do more for? 

What will it do for the Raiders? A win against the Patriots puts the league on notice that they are working their way to being one of AFC's best teams. A win against the Patriots puts the Raiders in the playoff conversation. 

What will it do for the Patriots if they lose? A loss against a Raiders' team, with the stigma that they are one of the worst teams in the AFC, could bring up questions about how good this New England team is. Yes, they can score a million points on offense, but why can't the defense stop anyone? 

Final score of this game: New England 41, Oakland 38. 

New York Jets at Baltimore Ravens

8:20 p.m., NBC

On Sunday Night, two of the hardest hitting teams face off in Baltimore. It's a game between two teams that have been playoff teams for the past two years.

The game between the Jets and Ravens features two head coaches that have the a run-first and play-defense mentality. These teams both have young quarterbacks looking to establish themselves as elite. 

This game features two teams that mirror each other more than any other two teams in the NFL.

Final score of this game: Ravens 17, Jets 13 

Indianapolis Colts at Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Monday, 8:30 p.m., ESPN

It's Monday Night Football so, of course, it's must-see television. It's the only game on TV and you're a fan of the NFL—are you going to NOT watch this game and catch Dancing With the Stars instead?

Yes, Peyton Manning isn't playing and yes, the Tampa Bay Bucs are ranked in the 20s in both rushing and passing offense, but the last time these two teams played on Monday Night the Colts came back from being down 17 with less than six minutes left. 

That was with Peyton Manning as the quarterback, however, not Curtis Painter. 

Final score of this game: Tampa Bay 23, Indianapolis 10.

Twitter: @tjmcaloon