One quarter of the NFL season is already down the tubes, and things are starting to take shape. But remember, at this point last year the Patriots were 2-2 and Tom Brady was officially done, so anything can happen going forward.
GAME OF THE WEEK – Seattle Seahawks (2-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (4-0), CIN by 1 – Seattle’s offense might not be playing up to scratch, but this is still a really enticing matchup because of Seattle’s defense taking on Cincinnati’s high-powered Bengals offense. Will Andy Dalton fold under the pressure the Seahawks bring? Fortunately for Cincinnati this game is taking place in the daylight. Couple that with the Seahawks being on the road, and I think the Bengals will grind out a tough, low-scoring statement win. Bengals 17, Seahawks 13
THURSDAY NIGHT – Indianapolis Colts (2-2) at Houston Texans (1-3), BETS OFF – As of Tuesday, all bets are off for this game until we hear word about whether Andrew Luck will play in the game. So right now, I’m going to avoid making a pick until we know his status for sure. If he plays, Indy wins. If he doesn’t, they don’t. This game will be ineligible to use as an upset pick this week. Texans win due to Luck being out
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3), TB by 3 – I mean, this is basically a pick em game. I think the Jaguars are the more talented team, while the Bucs are playing at home. But does homefield advantage really matter when both teams are this bad? Meh. UPSET! – Jaguars 23, Bucs 17
Buffalo Bills (2-2) at Tennessee Titans (1-2), BUF by 3 – The Bills need to start committing fewer penalties if they want to actually contend for a playoff spot this year. The Titans have played good football in their first three games, but I don’t think their talent level quite stacks up to that of the Bills. Bills 24, Titans 20
Cleveland Browns (1-3) at Baltimore Ravens (1-3), BAL by 6.5 – You never know what’s going to happen in a matchup of AFC North teams, but the Ravens are playing at home and still have a sense of desperation to them that the Browns probably don’t have. I’ll go with Baltimore. Ravens 20, Browns 16
Washington Redskins (2-2) at Atlanta Falcons (4-0), ATL by 8 – How the fuck have the Redskins won two games? I’d have bet against them having two wins after eight weeks. Crazy. But against the Falcons’ supercharged offense I don’t see them standing much of a chance. I think the Falcons are looking a lot like their 2010 team… dangerous offense, not-so-dangerous defense. We’ll see if they can prove me wrong. Falcons 33, Redskins 10
Chicago Bears (1-3) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-3), KC by 9.5 – With Jay Cutler back, the Bears are definitely a better team. But are they good enough to go in and beat the Chiefs at Arrowhead, where it’s very difficult to get a road win? I don’t think so. These Chiefs have their back against the wall and need a victory badly. They’ll get it. Chiefs 27, Bears 20
New Orleans Saints (1-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (1-3), PHI by 5 – It makes no sense that the Eagles are as bad as they are. But the Saints are incapable of playing on the road and are pretty banged up right now. I wouldn’t be surprised if Philly blows this, but they’re my pick to win. Eagles 20, Saints 17
St. Louis Rams (2-2) at Green Bay Packers (4-0), GB by 9.5 – The Rams are only good against their divisional rivals, and the Packers are nigh on unbeatable when playing at Lambeau Field. I don’t think this one will be close, despite what a lot of pundits are saying. Also, can we just talk about this Packers’ defense? Looking damn good. Packers 34, Rams 13
Arizona Cardinals (3-1) at Detroit Lions (0-4), ARZ by 3 – The Lions are probably going to come out with a lot of fire after the way they got royally fucked in Seattle. But their offense has been putrid this season, and the Cardinals have played mostly inspired football. Looks like 0-5 is in the books for Detroit. Cardinals 24, Lions 13
New England Patriots (3-0) at Dallas Cowboys (1-3), NE by 8 – This game would have been really intriguing with a healthy Romo and Bryant… possibly one of the best games of the season. Unfortunately, it’s going to be an ass kicking now. Patriots 41, Cowboys 20
Denver Broncos (4-0) at Oakland Raiders (2-2), DEN by 5.5 – The Broncos are getting these wins by the skin of their teeth on the strength of their defense. Time will tell if that’s sustainable, but against lesser competition like Oakland, it’s going to continue to work. Broncos 20, Raiders 10
San Francisco 49ers (1-3) at New York Giants (2-2), NYG by 7 – Don’t look now but the Giants are starting to look like the best team in the NFC East. That’s like being the tallest midget, of course, but hey, it’s been four years since the Giants last made it to a Super Bowl. They’re just on time. Giants 27, 49ers 17
Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) at San Diego Chargers (2-2), SD by 3 - Michael Vick is just bad, yo. Just bad. Chargers 23, Steelers 16
BYES: Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, New York Jets, Minnesota Vikings
