Week 4 Preview

Cincinnati at Cleveland

Cleveland's D-line has actually looked decent at times this season. Derrick Anderson will be looking to spark this team and regain the 2007 magic. Unfortunately the upstart Bengals will outmatch the Browns in every phase of this game with Palmer back and Benson running well.

My pick: Cincinnati Bengals

Seattle at Indianapolis

Not only is Indy the better team, but the Seahawks are still beat up and on the road. Last week Seattle stayed in the game by bottling up the run and jumping to an early lead, I don't see that happening this week. Manning should be able to tear this defense up and the defense should be able to get pressure against a struggling line even if Freeney doesn't play.

My pick: Indianapolis Colts

New York Giants at Kansas City

Not much to write about this game. New york is thinking Superbowl while the Chiefs are thinking 1st round pick. By the way, the KC could be without its only offensive weapon for the second week.

My pick: New York Giants

Baltimore at New England

This is a great matchup in a week full of marque games. This game will come down to how the Patriots offensive line handle whatever pressure Baltimore brings. The New York Jets proved that pressure can still beat the Patriots and the Ravens would be wise to follow their lead. Brady should be able to move the ball against this secondary and if he can get some time he should lead some touchdown drives.

My pick: New England Patriots

Tampa Bay at Washington

The Buccaneers were absolutely atrocious on offense last week. If that improves it will be because the level of competition rather than the change to Josh Johnson at QB. The Redskins offense has been underwhelming too. Neither defense has done much this year with 7 sacks, 2 interceptions although Washington is significantly better in total yards and points allowed. Washington should benefit from the inexperience and lack of passing prowess of Johnson to help get the much-needed win.

My pick: Washington

Tennessee at Jacksonville

This game pits strength against strength. Tennessee is going to make Garrard beat them, just like every other team has done. Jacksonville pulled out a win last week, but they still haven't gotten it together on either side of the ball. The Titans have been allowing too many big plays this season and making too few. Expect the Tennessee defense to 'tighten up' (get it?) this week to get the win they desperately need.

My pick: Tennessee Titans

Oakland at Houston

Houston has been predictably inconsistent again this year and, with a little luck, will be headed for another 8-8 season. Oakland showed their true colors last week and will find it hard to run as long as they lack a passing game, even against a run defense like the Texans'. JaMarcus Russell is downright awful and has no business playing quarterback in this league; as long as he is 'leading' the Raiders, it's hard to expect much.

My pick: Houston Texans

Buffalo at Miami

Neither team has shown much in the passing game. Both have had solid running games. The Miami defense has looked good so far, though they haven't been able to close out games. The Dolphins running game may suffer from the loss of Chad Pennington. This game will hinge on the performance of Chad Henne. That's not a reassuring thought.

My pick: Buffalo Bills

New York Jets at New Orleans

A matchup of two impressive unbeatens. The Saints have gotten it done with a high-flying offense led by Drew Brees, Rex Ryan has won behind the strength of his aggressive defense. The Jets' Darrelle Revis has been incredible at shutting down top receivers this season so he could put a damper on Marques Colston's numbers. Luckily, the Saints have plenty of options on offense. This game will come down to QB play. Brees has not faced a lot of blitzes this season, but when he has encountered them he has done well; will Sanchez be able to keep pace?

My pick: New Orleans Saints

Dallas at Denver

At this point Denver is an enigma. They are undefeated and have looked dominant on defense. On the other hand, they should have lost to the only decent team they have played. They need to stay hot or they could struggle to reach get to 4 and 4. Dallas has injury issues at running back, but even their 3rd back has looked very good this season. They need to get their defensive line back in form and get pressure on Kyle Orton so they can stay in reach of the Giants.

My pick: Dallas Cowboys

St. Louis at San Francisco

On paper, St. Louis stands no chance in this one. The 49ers defense will key on Stephen Jackson and shouldn't have trouble keeping him in check. Frank Gore is out and his replacement didn't impress against Minnesota; the Rams aren't quite as good on run defense as the Vikings. If Kyle Boller can make a few plays like he did last week, the Rams have a chance. I fully expect San Francisco to be in control of this game throughout.

My pick: San Francisco 49ers

San Diego at Pittsburgh

These teams have a lot of similarities. Both have high expectations for the season, both have underperforming defenses, both have been forced to turn to the pass due to disappointing running games. This game will give one team the confidence boost it needs. The Chargers boast a more dynamic passing game, but look for the Steelers' defense to rebound at home.

My pick: Pittsburgh Steelers

Green Bay at Minnesota

This game will have a significant impact on the division and will give us an idea of how legitimate the Vikings record is. Green Bay's passing game looks like it matches up well with Minnesota's secondary; the problem is that the Vikings should dominate the Packer's offensive line. Grant will have trouble finding room to run and Rodgers will be under pressure. And, of course, Adrian Peterson is still Adrian Peterson.

My pick: Minnesota

Detroit @ Chicago

If the Bears defensive line can maintain their level of play, this is a game Chicago should win. Chicago hasn't looked quite as good against the run with the loss of Brian Urlacher, but the pass defense is definitely improved over last year. Cutler should be able to put up points against this Lions defense that is allowing 8.4 yards per pass attempt and has given up 10 passing touchdowns. It will be interesting to see how much help Tillman gets against Calvin Johnson and if Stafford will continue to improve. Soldier field should be loud, which could cause some problem for the young quarterback and his offense.

My pick: Chicago