NFL week 4 predictions

Cleveland (0-3) at Cincinnati (0-3)
Well, one team has to win. Everyone expected these teams to under-perform this year, but no one would have predicted a combined 0-6 record heading into this game. This game should be an offensive explosion, 6 or 7 TD's is more than likely. The Browns really have shown nothing this year. Losing to the Flacco-led Ravens by three scores is something to be ashamed of. Cinci on the other hand are at least showing flashes of form. They played hard last week in Jersey, and Carson Palmer looked much better. Home field and the better QB gives the edge to the Bengals. Cincinnati 35 Cleveland 31

Minnesota (1-2) at Tennessee (3-0)
The Titans are looking like the best team in the AFC. A big test comes from the unproved Vikings this week at home. The Vikings offense is one-dimensional, and is averaging just 18 points a game. Combine that with the fact that the Titans have given up just 29 points in three matches, and it doesn't bode well for the Vikes. Neither running game is going anywhere, so the game is going to be one in the air you suspect. Can't comment on who the better of Kerry Collins and Gus Frerotte is, but the Titans pass defense is a lot better than Minnesota's, and that should be the telling edge. Tennessee 19 Minnesota 13

Denver (3-0) at Kansas City (0-3)
It's never good when one of the top 5 teams in the league goes against one of the bottom 5. The Broncos defense might not be the best, but it's not going to matter against the lowly Chiefs. A good time to own Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall on your fantasy team. Denver 39 Kansas City 21

San Francisco (2-1) at New Orleans (1-2)
The Saints have been on the end of some tough luck lately, they could very easily be 3-0. Combine that with the fact that they've lost their two most dangerous receivers, and the Big Easy is going to be in Big Trouble. Should be an offensive battle, and considering the injuries I think the offenses are a wash, but the 49ers D is much better. Will be tight, but I'm already hopping on the JT bandwagon. San Francisco 31 New Orleans 27

Arizona (2-1) at NY Jets (2-1)
The bright shiny mood in New York is well and truly gone. They were lucky to edge the lowly Dolphins, were thoroughly out-coached by the not-so-good Patriots, and then were embarassed on national TV by the Chargers. It's a bit early in the season, but the fact is this - Tennessee, Indy, Jacksonville, Denver and San Diego are all better teams than the Jets. Those teams will swallow up the wild cards, so the Jets have to win their division to get to the postseason. Falling into a 1-3 hole when you have to deal with the 3-0 Bills and the 2-1 Patriots (who will get better) is as good as death. A must win for the Jets, and I think Favre breaks loose the shackles and leads NY to a momentum building victory. NY Jets 27 Arizona 24

Green Bay (2-1) at Tampa Bay (2-1)
Important clash for the NFC. The way I see it Dallas and Philly are in their own tier in the NFC. Then the next tier down has a lot of teams like New York, Green Bay, Minnesota, Carolina, Tampa and maybe Chicago. This match will go a long way to deciding which of these teams is the real deal. It would be a huge win for the Packers, to overcome their injuries to the secondary and bounce back from their defeat last week to the Cowboys. But with Ryan Grant still banged up, I think the Bucs can focus on shutting down the pass and come up with the win. Tampa Bay 24 Green Bay 17

Atlanta (2-1) at Carolina (2-1)
The Panthers should take care of business this week. Last week I think they were just beaten by a decent team at home that absolutely had to win. Another week with Steve Smith in the offense, and I think the Stewart/Williams combo runs riot on the porous Atlanta defense. Carolina 28 Atlanta 13

Houston (0-2) at Jacksonville (1-2)
Another must win for the Jags. The Texans have looked very ordinary so far, and opening the season with three road games (due to Ike) is going to kill them. That said the Texans have had the goods over Jacksonville lately, and if they can pull out a win they'll be in pretty good shape for the rest of the season (8 of the last 13 games at home, where they are tough to beat). Easier said than done though, I think Jones and MJD build on last week and take care of business. Jacksonville 27 Houston 17

San Diego (1-2) at Oakland (1-2) LOCK OF THE WEEK
The Chargers looked really good on Monday night. This could be ugly. San Diego 41 Oakland 10

Buffalo (3-0) at St. Louis (0-3)
Potential danger game for the Bills. On the road against a lowly team that isn't as bad as its hyped to be filled with underachieving players. I think the Rams come close, but Trent Edwards comes up big for the Bills down the stretch. Buffalo 30 St. Louis 27

Washington (2-1) at Dallas (3-0)
Statement game here for the Cowboys. The Redskins aren't a good team, and they've been lucky to eke out those two wins. I think this is an embarassment for the Skins. Dallas 44 Washington 20

Philadelphia (2-1) at Chicago (1-2) UPSET OF THE WEEK
Huge game here for the Bears. It's only Week 4 but this is a huge game for the shape of their season really. If they lose three games on the trot at home they aren't going to be in good shape for the rest of the year. With the Eagles' two key players, McNabb and Westbrook, both banged up I think the Bears come through at home. Chicago 24 Philadelphia 13

Baltimore (2-0) at Pittsburgh (2-1)
Big game for Baltimore's playoff aspirations. I still think they're pretenders. They beat a lowly Bengals team and a Cleveland team with zero confidence. Joe Flacco hasn't really impressed, and as good as the defense is the offense needs to function and I don't think it will. McGahee is under an injury cloud, and Pittsburgh are out to prove a point. That said, I think that Pittsburgh offense is so banged up (terrible offensive line, no Willie Parker, Big Ben hurting) that the Ravens hammer them into submission. Baltimore 20 Pittsburgh 14