Week 4 Predictions

Atlanta 20, Carolina 27- After last week's embarrassing loss to the Vikings, the Panthers should be able to bounce back against a weak Falcons defense. Michael Turner still has to prove he can run well against good teams. Steve Smith is going to have a big game.

Cleveland 20, Cincinnati 31- This is probably the least relevant game this week, since both teams suck. However, I think the Browns offensive woes continue and Cincinnati seems to have turned a corner against the Giants.

Houston 17, Jacksonville 24- After beating the Colts, the Jags can stay relevant in the division with a win over Houston. The Texans may be able to salvage their season with a win, but historically they have not played well against the Colts or the Titans, which make a playoff berth unlikely.

Denver 33, KC 10- Denver's offense looks unstoppable, Kansas City has no offense. However I think that the Broncos run game will be more featured than it has in recent weeks, just because the Chiefs can't defend the run on a level comparable with the Indianapolis Colts (see: Micheal Turner).

SF 28, New Orleans 27- San Francisco is hot, and Mike Martz is definitely what the 49ers needed to get their offense going. With the new injury to Jeremy Shockey (who, when you watch the games, wasn't doing anything in the first place) and a suspect secondary, the Saints are in for another long day.

Arizona 24, NYJ 20- The Jets are not a good team. None of their offseason acquisitions have made a noticeable contribution (including Vernon Gholston). The offense is anemic and the defense just gave up 48 points to the Chargers. Arizona's offense is good for at least half of that.

Green Bay 20, TB 27- Aaron Rodgers got his first taste of reality against the Cowboys on Sunday night. This week he gets his second. The Bucs defense is much better than it showed against Chicago, and at home they'll put up stiff competition. I still don't understand the fuss about the loss of Al Harris. Every time he makes the highlight reel he's 3 steps behind the defender getting burned because he missed the "bump" and can't "cover."

Minnesota 17, Tennessee 24- This might be one of the better games this week. Minnesota's run defense is dominant, while Tennessee's running game is what they rely on to move the ball. The Titans defense has also been extremely tough. However the Titans are a handful at home, and I'm still not sold on Minnesota's offense under Gus Frerotte being legitimate. If the Titans can hold Adrian Peterson at arms length, the Vikings passing game won't be able to take up the slack.

SD 34, Oakland 17- 10 of the Raiders points will come in garbage time. LT is due for a huge game, and if his toe is healed then this is the game to do it.

Buffalo 34, St. Louis 20- Buffalo's lackluster performance against Oakland is a little alarming, but the Rams look absolutely terrible. Benching Marc Bulger for Mr. Concussion Trent Green isn't going to help them. Trent vs. Trent!

Washington 27, Dallas 34- Washington's defense is underrated, but it's no match for the Cowboys. One wonders if the Cowboys are really capable of winning any other way than a shootout. They're due for a game like the Eagles last year, when they lost 10-6 at home in a defensive game.

Philadelphia 20, Chicago 13- Obviously this depends a lot on Brian Westbrook's health (I assume he won't play). Luckily for the Eagles, the Bears offense is a lot less dangerous under Kyle Orton than the Steelers. Matt Forte will get his carries, but it won't be enough. My guess is that the Bears won't score in the second half and blow another big lead.

Baltimore 24, Pittsburgh 14- Who knew this would actually be a game worth watching? The Steelers got destroyed by the Eagles last week, and now they get to play one of the best veteran defenses in the league. Without Willie Parker and Casey Hampton, the Ravens gain the advantage on both sides of the ball.

Bye: Indianapolis, New England, Miami, Detroit, NYG, Seattle