NFL Picks Week 4: 3 Teams Who Desperately Need A Win

Three weeks into the NFL season, teams like the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions have shocked the NFL by going 3-0. On the opposite end of the spectrum, some squads have stunned their fans by struggling mightily for three weeks.  

At this stage it is not too late to get things turned around. With that being said, here are three playoff hopefuls that desperately need a win to save their season. 

Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles entered the season as Super Bowl favorites. Even diehard Eagles fans knew it would not be easy, and the team had some glaring weaknesses. Predictably, the team has been gouged by the run, especially by big backs like Michael Turner and Steven Jackson.

However, the team has done an awful job of protecting quarterback Michael Vick. Vick has finished one of three games, and even against the St. Louis Rams, Vick was sacked three times and hit 11 more. Vick has not had the time to be the explosive passer he was in 2010.

His 605 yards and four touchdowns through three games are a far cry from 3,000 yards and 21 touchdowns Vick had in 12 games last season.

Now, the team is in danger of falling to 1-3, which could put them two games behind the Giants, Redskins, and/or Cowboys. The Eagles have to protect Vick against a solid 49ers’ defense that will look to put Vick out of the game for the third time. 

St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams take on the surprising Washington Redskins at home and will try to avoid a season opening, four-game losing streak. The team will welcome back their best offensive player, Steven Jackson, to full capacity for the first time this season.

The Rams were the preseason favorite to win the NFC West, but things have not been easy for quarterback Sam Bradford in his sophomore year. Bradford has just two touchdowns through three games and has been beaten up en route to a 73.3 QB while completing just over half of his passes.

Fortunately for the Rams, they play n the NFC West, and they can come back from the 0-3 start to win the division. However, 0-4 could put the nail in the coffin, especially with the Green Bay Packers coming to town in Week 6 after the Rams’ bye.  

Minnesota Vikings

In a division with 2010’s two best NFC teams in the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears, as well as the undefeated Detroit Lions, it may be too late for the Minnesota Vikings. Still, if they want to give their fans hope, the losing streak has to end now.

The team has blown a double-digit third quarter lead in each of the first three weeks of the season, and will likely find themselves up against the anemic Kansas City Chiefs. Minnesota has to continue to give the ball to Adrian Peterson to close out these games. Peterson’s five second-half carries against the Lions are an inexcusable gaffe by the coaching staff.

The Vikings have the makings of a winning football team; they can run the ball and stop the run. They need to ride the most dangerous halfback in the NFL as far as he will take them.