NFL Picks Week 4: Atlanta Falcons and 3 Favorites That Will Cover Easily

As we get set to finish up the first month of the NFL season, it is starting to become apparent which teams are the NFL's elite and which teams belong in the cellar. Because of that, the betting lines are beginning to become more accurate and a bit larger as well.

There is always a greater sense of confidence when betting on the favorite rather than the underdog, so here are three significant favorites who should have little or no problem covering the spread against inferior opponents this weekend.

Philadelphia Eagles (-9.5) vs. San Francisco 49ers

The Philadelphia Eagles are 1-2 and the San Francisco 49ers are 2-1, but don't let that fool you. The Niners have scored wins over mediocre teams such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks, while the Eagles have lost to quality squads like the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants.

One of Philadelphia's biggest issues has been the fact that quarterback Michael Vick has had to leave two games early due to injury. He seems to be recovered from his concussion and his right hand contusion shouldn't affect him much.

The Eagles will enter the game hungry to prove that they aren't simply a flash in the pan. The Niners may be the best the NFC West has to offer, but they are a flawed team that has yet to be tested by a team as stacked as the Eagles.

New Orleans Saints (-7.5) at Jacksonville Jaguars

Things have gone downhill quickly for the Jacksonville Jaguars after a Week 1 victory over the Tennessee Titans. They followed that win up with losses to the New York Jets and Carolina Panthers and are now relying on rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

The New Orleans Saints have been quite the opposite, however, as they followed up a heartbreaking Week 1 loss to the Green Bay Packers with impressive wins over the Chicago Bears and Houston Texans. One of the biggest reasons for that has been the fact that quarterback Drew Brees and the passing game have been unstoppable.

The Jaguars don't have much going for them and figure to be down early. This will force them to abandon Maurice Jones-Drew and the running game, and pass with Gabbert. The Saints should be able to force the rookie into mistakes and come away with a huge win.

Atlanta Falcons (-5.5) at Seattle Seahawks

After getting destroyed by the Chicago Bears in Week 1, the Atlanta Falcons bounced back and showed flashes of 2010 with a great win over the Philadelphia Eagles. They followed that up with another disappointment, however, as they lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Atlanta will look to atone for that loss this week as it faces the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle began the season with two uninspiring losses, but surprisingly clipped the Arizona Cardinals in Week 3. Even so, the Seahawks have gotten nothing going on offense and are capable of being lit up on defense.

The Falcons will come out firing in order to prove that they are as good as their 13-3 record last season suggests. Atlanta's incredibly balanced offense with Michael Turner running the ball and Matt Ryan throwing it will simply be too much for the Seahawks to handle, even on home field.