2006 NFL Week 4 Match-Up Picks

Week 4 Predictions

Last Week's Record: 9-5 (64.3%)
Season Record: 31-15 (67.4%)
Locks of the Week: 4-1 (80%)

A busy week for me, so I was unable to do this on Thursday like usual. Last week was going great, with only three wrong picks going into the Sunday night game. Then the Patriots and Falcons both disappointed me. There goes my perfect record for locks.

This week does not have as many challenging games to decide on, but there are still some great match ups. Here’s to hoping this week I am back at the 75% or better mark.


Arizona at Atlanta

Thanks a lot ESPN for saying Matt Lienart was going to start then saying Kurt Warner is after all the next day. Does it really matter? It might, since the Falcons are coming off a horrible performance against New Orleans. This game could potentially be a sloppy one, but the Falcons should squeak one out.

Pick: Atlanta Falcons

Dallas at Tennessee

Thanks a lot ESPN for saying Terrell Ownes tried to commit suicide, only to be proven wrong later that day. Does it really matter? No, since the Cowboys will be visiting the lowly Titans. Dallas wins, by a lot.

Pick: Dallas Cowboys

Indianapolis at N.Y. Jets

Another easy game found its way on to the Colts schedule. The Jets are improved, but they do not have the ability hang with Peyton and Co. This one should be put away early, unless Chad Pennington has a big day.

Pick: Indianapolis Colts

Miami at Houston

Mario Williams is a waste of space. I can only imagine what their weekly radio talk shows are like concerning him versus, say, Reggie Bush. They will have more to complain about this week after the Dolphins get back to .500 at their expense.

Pick: Miami Dolphins

Minnesota at Buffalo

Logic would say the Bills bounce back like they did in week two and pick up a win. But the Vikings are coming off a tough loss and should rebound nicely. The game should be close, with the Vikings on the better end of another 3-point game.

Pick: Minnesota Vikings

New Orleans at Carolina

Are the Saints for real? If they beat the Panthers this week, the answer must be yes. But to win on the road, again, for third time in four weeks would be impressive. It might have been possible two weeks ago, but with Steve Smith back, the Panthers should prevail.

Pick: Carolina Panthers

San Diego at Baltimore

Both teams are undefeated, but one team is clearly more dominant. The Chargers should open up an assault the Ravens’ defense, with LaDainian Tomlinson rushing for at least 100 yards. Phillip Rivers might have the easiest job in football.

Pick: San Diego Chargers

San Francisco at Kansas City

Does it matter who wins this game? Maybe for draft pick reasons in the off-season, but otherwise the game is pointless. It should be close, but with the Chiefs still lacking Trent Green at quarterback, a one-dimensional offense will keep them from pointing up a lot of points.

Pick: San Francisco 49ers

Detroit at St. Louis

The Rams are a surprising 2-1. What makes it more impressive is that their offense has not really been clicking. Their defense, to the surprise of many, has been the difference maker. The Lions, well, they find a way to lose every week. This week will be no different.

Pick: St. Louis Rams

Cleveland at Oakland

Talk about a game no one wants to watch outside their respective fan bases. The teams have a combined zero wins. Their quarterbacks have been sacked about a million times already a piece. Someone has to lose, and the Raiders are the right team for the job.

Lock Pick of the Week: Cleveland Browns

Jacksonville at Washington

Who the heck is Maurice Jones-Drew? He popped off a 100-yard game against the Colts last week, splitting time with Fred Taylor. If this duo can be as successful as they were last week, rushing for almost 180 yards combined, they should have no trouble with the Redskins.

Lock Pick of the Week: Jacksonville Jaguars

New England at Cincinnati

After the first two weeks, I said there was something wrong with the Patriots. I did not think it would matter, and they would win anyway. Turns out that was proven wrong. Unless Bill Belichick has something magical under his hat, the Bengals will have no trouble humbling the Patriots.

Pick: Cincinnati Bengals

Seattle at Chicago

The best two teams in the NFC square off in what could be a classic. There are legitimate arguments for both teams on why they should win. Earlier in the week, I would have picked the Seahawks. But with the Madden Curse taking out Shaun Alexander, the Bears should be able to shut down the Seahawk offense enough to win this battle.

Pick: Chicago Bears

Green Bay at Philadelphia

This is a Monday Night game? At least it will be fun to watch, as both quarterbacks should go over 300 yards passing. If the over under on the game is for a total of 50 points, I would take the over. So who wins? Flip a coin, or look at the team who at least has an average defense.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles

And like last week, if you want some other thoughts, check out the following sites.
ESPN Experts' Picks
Sunshine Forecast Free Weekly Picks