Week Four NFL Predictions

Panthers @ Bears - The Panthers are coming off their first win, and the Bears are reeling after two straight losses. Watch to see if the Bears can establish some semblance of a running game (something that was next to non-existent against the Packers last week, with 13 yards on 12 carries). Prediction: Bears 17, Panthers 13.
Bills @ Bengals - The Bills are 3-0 for the first time since 2008, and cannot afford a letdown against a Bengals team that has been competitive in all their games. The Bengals defense has been good against the pass, but the key in this game will be the Bills ability to run the ball. Prediction: Bills 27, Bengals 16.
Titans @ Browns - CJ2K has yet to find his groove (averaging a paltry 2.1 yards per carry), but Matt Hasselbeck has been much better with Tennessee than the past few years in Seattle. The loss of Kenny Britt will hurt the Titans. Prediction: Browns 20, Titans 14.
Lions @ Cowboys - Another 3-0 team, the Lions will likely be in pass mode again against a Dallas secondary that has been less than stellar. Beware D-Ware, as if the Lions line can't give Stafford time, this could end in a Lions loss. Prediction: Lions 24, Cowboys 21.
Steelers @ Texans - Here is another opportunity for the Texans to prove themselves a playoff-caliber team against a tough Steelers team that was given all they could handle by a surprisingly game Colts team. Houston will have to do better against the pass than this past week against the Saints if they want to win this game. Generating a pass-rush against a beat-up O-Line for the Texans will be the key. Prediction: Texans 20, Steelers 19.
Saints @ Jaguars - Gregg Williams and the Saints defense will switch up looks and schemes and try to confuse rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert. The Jaguars have to play ball control and minimize possessions (and mistakes) in order to make this competitive. Prediction: Saints 34, Jaguars 7.
Vikings @ Chiefs - Both teams are staring the barrel of a potential 0-4 start, which would all but end any playoff aspirations for the Vikings (because let's face it, the Chiefs will be lucky to win four games without RB Jamaal Charles this year). The Chiefs were in their game at San Diego until Matt Cassel was intercepted in the final minute of the game. Adrian Peterson has been complaining about touches, and he'll see plenty against the Chiefs. Prediction: Vikings 27, Chiefs 14.
49ers @ Eagles: The Niners will no doubt try to run the ball against a smaller Eagles defense. Philadelphia has to do a better job with ball security, especially Michael Vick (7 fumbles, 3 lost). If Alex Smith can take care of the football, the Niners will hang around long enough to make it interesting. Prediction: Eagles 23, 49ers 20.
Redskins @ Rams - If St. Louis wants to make the playoffs out of the NFC West they'll need to win the division. A game like this against a scrappy Redskins team is a must-win for a team looking to climb out of an 0-3 hole. Prediction: Rams 24, Redskins 21.
Giants @ Cardinals -  The Giants will no doubt look to build upon last week's big win in Philadelphia. Kevin Kolb will air it out against a banged-up Giants secondary, targeting Larry Fitzgerald early and often. Prediction: Giants 27, Cardinals 17.
Falcons @ Seahawks - A deceptively tough game awaits the Falcons, who will look to avoid dropping to 1-3 on the season. Tarvaris Jackson and Sidney Rice hooked up 8 times for 109 yards this past week against the Cardinals. If Matt Ryan and Co don't come in focused, they could find themselves in a battle. Prediction: Falcons 26, Seahawks 19.
Broncos @ Packers - A rebuilding Broncos team has to play in one of the toughest environments in the NFL against the defending Super Bowl champions. Not exactly a recipe for success. Prediction: Packers 31, Broncos 13.
Patriots @ Raiders - New England's defense has been far from impressive this year, and will receive a test from the dynamic Darren McFadden and a solid quarterback who minimizes mistakes in Jason Campbell. Brady is coming off a 4 interception performance this past week in Orchard Park against the Bills, but will have no trouble putting up big passing numbers against a Raiders defense among the league's worst against the pass (28th at 289.7 yards/game). Expect a high-scoring affair here. Prediction: Patriots 33, Raiders 31.
Dolphins @ Chargers - The 'Fins have been a tough luck loser this year, and with the emergence of rookie RB Daniel Thomas, are much better than their 0-3 record might indicate. The Chargers are 2-1, but looked very beatable at home against the Chiefs this past week. The Dolphins should try and make this a low possession, grind-it-out game. Upset of the Week!!! Prediction: Dolphins 24, Chargers 21.
Jets @ Ravens - Two great defenses with two inconsistent quarterbacks. Can the Jets establish their power running game, which has been almost non-existent this year (82 yards/game on 3.4 yards/carry) against a Ravens defense that's 6th in the NFL, allowing only 84 yards per game? Without Nick Mangold, the Jets will struggle in this one. Prediction: Ravens 24, Jets 16.
Colts @ Bucs - Indy gave Pittsburgh all they could handle this past week before falling 23-20. Tampa will be riding high after an important division win against the Falcons. Expect the Colts to use both Joseph Addai and Delone Carter to take the pressure off of either Curtis Painter or Kerry Collins. Prediction: Bucs 24, Colts 13.

Record:
Last Week: 12-4 (.750)
Season: 34-14 (.708)