My week 3 picks were a doozy; finishing 7-9 for the week. Notable losses came from the Rams, Ravens and Packers…three teams that very well could be in their conference’s championship game. I did not see the Falcons losing, not to mention getting skunked by…CAROLINA. I gambled a little bit on losses coming from Kansas City, Washington, and San Francisco because of sloppy offensive play thus far. But I will try to rebound for Week 4…
Week 3 picks: 7-9, Cumulative picks: 29-19
Week 4 Matchups & Predictions
(Thursday) Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals, 8:15 PM EST
The Cardinals struggled in a defensive battle against the 49ers last week. The significance though is that Arizona couldn’t pull out a win against a 49ers team quarterback’d by Mac Jones quarterback. The Seahawks have struggled to win in Arizona in the last 2 years but I think their defense is a top 10 unit and will get to Kyler Murray.
Pick: Seahawks win 26-18
Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers, (Dublin, Ireland) 9:30 AM EST
The Vikings upgraded when they inserted Carson Wentz into the lineup for JJ McCarthy. The Steelers will need to slow down Minnesota’s run game while also finding a way to protect a 41 year old Aaron Rodgers from Brian Flores sending zero blitzes. I just like Mike Tomlin here too much as the underdog.
Pick: Steelers win 20-16
New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM EST
My write up for this game simply could just be: Bills win. New Orleans struggled at Seattle. And they will struggle outside of the dome again. New Orleans will be picking top 3 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Book it.
Pick: Bills win 38-10
Cleveland Browns @ Detroit Lions, 1:00 PM EST
The Cleveland Browns snuck up on me. They played a close game with the Ravens for three quarters. And their defense is actually respectable. Detroit made a statement win at Baltimore with their running game. And they will continue to use that formula moving forward.
Pick: Lions win 30-17
Carolina Panthers @ New England Patriots, 1:00 PM EST
Like I said, I didn’t expect that type of performance by Carolina last week. But after a “big” divisional win, I think they get humbled by Vrabel and the Pats.
Pick: Patriots win 23-14
Los Angeles Chargers @ New York Giants, 1:00 PM EST
The Los Angeles Chargers are a top 2 team in the AFC. They are sitting in a strong position with a 3-0 divisional/season record (yes, three divisional games to start the year)! Justin Herbert is climbing the QB hierarchy with impressive pocket presence, ability on the run, and off-platform throws.
Pick: Chargers win 33-7
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 PM EST
The Eagles are 3-0, but they are a few plays away from being 0-3. Credit to them for making those but there are cracks in the armor for teams to expose. As much as the Bucs have given them trouble in the past, Mike Evans being out will be a significant blow.
Pick: Eagles win 27-17
Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans, 1:00 PM EST
I’m giving the Texans one more shot. If Demeco Ryans can’t outscore Cam Ward then he might be on the hot seat sooner than you think.
Pick: Texans win 23-13
Jacksonville Jaguars @ San Francisco 49ers, 4:05 PM EST
A tricky one here. The Jaguars defense has seven interceptions and looks like a unit on the rise. Unfortunately, Trevor Lawrence has still been underwhelming with 4 touchdowns and 4 interceptions through three games. Nick Bosa’s absence might expose the 49ers defensive line. I’m guessing the last team with the ball wins.
Pick: 49ers win 20-17
Indianapolis Colts @ Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 PM EST
A tough game to stomach for Los Angeles after dominating the Eagles in the first half. The team’s foot definitely came off the gas in all three phases. Sean McVay will pride himself in getting the team to respond the right way. There is a lot to like after running out to a 26-7 lead in Philadelphia. But the team also needs to shore up the following areas: pass blocking on offense, secondary coverage, and field goal blocking. Steve Avila has more of a shot to play in Week 4 and his return could get the Rams pass pro back on track.
Pick: Rams win 27-20
Baltimore Ravens @ Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 PM EST
It’s a good thing that KC won this past week because an 0-3 deficit with the Ravens on tap would have been a tough challenge to stomach. Baltimore got exposed by Detroit’s running game but Kansas City does not have the same offensive blueprint.
Pick: Ravens win 28-23
Chicago Bears @ Las Vegas Raiders, 4:25 PM EST
The Cowboys defense is awful so Caleb Williams four touchdowns does not prove much. But the Raiders are also awful; getting skull-dragged by a Washington Commanders team last week led by Marcus Mariota.
Pick: Bears win 23-18
(Sunday Night Football) Green Bay Packers @ Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 PM EST
Green Bay has a similar issue as the LA Rams, their offensive line. But with a trip to Dallas, I believe the Packers offense shines on primetime.
Pick: Packers win 30-20
(Monday Night Football) New York Jets @ Miami Dolphins, 7:15 PM EST
*Flips coin*.
Pick: Jets win 21-16
(Monday Night Football) Cincinnati Bengals @ Denver Broncos, 8:15 EST
With Joe Burrow out, the Bengals are in for another lost season. I think Zac Taylor might be the scapegoat which is a shame for a coach that took the Bengals to the Super Bowl.
The Broncos (1-2) have to get a win to get back in the AFC playoff race and this is a get-right type game.
Pick: Broncos win 37-13
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