NFL Week Four Predictions

By Brett Malamud

As we approach another week in the NFL, we see teams begin to have their bye weeks. But for the rest of the teams, this week could help to carry the momentum for the rest of the season. Here’s my week four predictions:

–BYES: Broncos, Seahawks, Cardinals, Bengals, Rams, Browns

-Giants (1-2) at Redskins (1-2), Thursday @ 8:25 PM EST

The Redskins are playing some great football at the moment, even with the loss to the Eagles last week. I’m taking them here over the Giants, who look to string together a win streak. Verdict: Redskins

-Packers (1-2) at Bears (2-1), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST

Aaron Rodgers told Packers fans to “relax.” However, if i’m a Packers fan, I’m not relaxing. Their lone win came against the Jets. They looked horrible against the Lions last week, much like in week one against the Seahawks. Meanwhile, the Bears are playing very well and come off their Monday Night Football win against the Jets. The wide receivers are a huge help to Jay Cutler. I’m going with the Bears here (and Packers fans definitely won’t be able to relax after this one.) Verdict: Bears

-Bills (2-1) at Texans (2-1), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST

Intriguing matchup here, as the AFC East leading Bills take on the AFC South leading Texans. This is sure to be a good game. The running game for Buffalo has been nothing short of the expectations headed into the season. I think they’ll run over Houston this week. Verdict: Bills

-Titans (1-2) at Colts (1-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST

The Colts faced two of the toughest opponents they’ll meet all season within the first two weeks of the season, so that’s where their record comes in to play. The record definitely doesn’t represent the team. They’ll prove that this week against the Titans, who’ve lost their last two games. Verdict: Colts

-Panthers (2-1) at Ravens (2-1), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST

The Panthers and Ravens head into this one both at 2-1. The Ravens have been superb on the running game, especially after the loss of Ray Rice. The Panthers took a brutal loss to Pittsburgh last week and I think the same happens here in Baltimore. Verdict: Ravens

-Lions (2-1) at Jets (1-2), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST

A good defensive battle sees the top two defenses (thus far) face off. The Jets secondary is going to have a long day, especially with Calvin Johnson, who looks to find the end zone for the first time in three weeks. On the other side of the ball, the Jets run game has been great. Hopefully, Rex Ryan realizes that and stops Geno Smith from making more bonehead plays. I’m going with the Jets here in a shocker. Verdict: Jets 

-Buccaneers (0-3) at Steelers (2-1), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST

This one shouldn’t be that much of a contest. The Bucs aren’t playing well at all and come off a week in which they allowed 56 points to the Falcons on national television. I’m going with the Steelers, no question. Verdict: Steelers

-Dolphins (1-2) at Raiders (0-3), Sunday @ 1:00 PM EST

Boring matchup here, as the Dolphins face the Raiders. I’m going to take the Dolphins, simply because the Raiders can’t get anything right this season. Verdict: Dolphins

-Jaguars (0-3) at Chargers (2-1), Sunday @ 4:05 PM EST

The Chargers host a team that they should run right over. The Jaguars haven’t stopped a team with a good quarterback this season, and I don’t see any reason of why they’ll suddenly do it this week. It could be a long day for Jaguars rookie QB Blake Bortles in his first career start. Verdict: Chargers

Blake Bortles heads into San Diego for his first career start at quarterback (Via Fansided)

-Falcons (2-1) at Vikings (1-2), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST

I think that Teddy Bridgewater will be good but not great this week. I also think that Matt Ryan is phenomenal and will play well.   I’m taking the Falcons in a close one here. Verdict: Falcons

-Eagles (3-0) at 49ers (1-2), Sunday @ 4:25 PM EST

This is my matchup of the week. The sixth-ranked 49ers defense will look to stop the sixth-ranked Eagles offense. I think that Kaepernick will have a major game by torturing the Eagles’ secondary. But in the end, I think that the Eagles will escape and move to 4-0. Verdict: Eagles

-Saints (1-2) at Cowboys (2-1), Sunday @ 8:30 PM EST

This matchup was on my radar since week one. I don’t recommend fantasy owners to start either team’s defense because I believe that this will be a high scoring game. I think that the Saints take it, and Drew Brees gets another game ball to add to his collection. Verdict: Saints

-Patriots (2-1) at Chiefs (1-2), Monday @ 8:30 PM EST

This could be quite the battle throughout this one. The Patriots offense, known to be dominant, has struggled this season. The Chiefs defense, which was one of the league’s best last season, has also struggled this season. It should be a good game, but I’m going with Tom Brady. Verdict: Patriots

Brett Malamud is a Computer Science Major at Binghamton University. He is the co-founder of dabuzzza.com. His favorite athletes are Derek Jeter and Todd Bertuzzi. You can follow him on twitter at @brettnyy