NFL Week Four Preview: A Balance of Powers

As week four of the NFL season rolls into town, we are left with only two undefeated teams: Atlanta Falcons and Kansas City Chiefs.  Will the balance of powers become any clearer in either conference?

Chicago at Green Bay

Chicago did a lot to impress me this past week in their home stadium against the Steelers.  Let’s just forget about that weird blocked field goal that was returned to the 1-yard line only to be fumbled into the abyss. Nope, can’t seem to be able burn the images out of mind enough to pick the Bears on the road against a Packers team that seems to have found it’s groove. Packers will seal the Thursday night win.

Chicago Bears block punt and fumble at One yard line vs Pittsburgh Steelers: https://t.co/v25II6w2yl via @YouTube

— Sporting Tube (@Sporting_Tube) September 25, 2017

New Orleans at Miami

I was able to correctly pick the Saints marching into Carolina and stealing the win away from the Panthers. So, why would I begin to lose faith in a team that gets to play against a team that lost to the Jets last week?  Saints will march back to .500.

Buffalo at Atlanta

Buffalo was able to grab a decisive win against the Broncos last week, surprising many across the league.  Matt Ryan looks in mid-season form and will connect early and often with Julio Jones in this contest. The Bills run of good fortune will stop here in Atlanta, as the Falcons will remain undefeated and move to 4-0.

Carolina at New England

Carolina picked a bad time to play New England.  They are coming off an ugly loss to the Saints in their own stadium, and now have to travel to Foxboro to try and contain Tom Brady.  I don’t see many things going in favor of the Panthers in this one, as the Patriots will roll in this one.

Cincinnati at Cleveland

One of these teams has to win, right? Cleveland will bury the Bengals once and for all, cementing coach Marvin Lewis’s fate as the first coach fired during the 2017 NFL season. Hue Jackson will find a way to win this close contest.

Detroit at Minnesota

Were the Lions robbed last week by their late touchdown being reversed against the Falcons? Unfortunately, technology was not their friend as they were just inches away from victory.  Minnesota’s defense is greatly improved this year, but I still see the Lions walking away with a win here.

Jacksonville at N.Y. Jets

The Jaguars dismantled the Ravens in their “home away from home” in London.  The Jets surprisingly beat the Dolphins. So in a toss up game, I’m picking the more consistent team in the Jaguars.

L.A. Rams at Dallas

Todd Gurley of the Rams put the Cowboys on notice saying that his squad was “coming for them.” Gurley gets his chance here, but the Cowboys will do just enough in their own stadium to fend off the pesky Rams. The Cowboys will move to 3-1.

Todd Gurley to @michaelirvin88: "Next week we've got Dallas… you know we gon' whoop up on your boys!" #Cowboys #Rams #NFL pic.twitter.com/zjmZGXPxcO

— Mike Leslie (@MikeLeslieWFAA) September 22, 2017

Pittsburgh at Baltimore

Both of these squads are coming off of ugly Week Three losses on the road. These divisional matches between these two teams are always close, and I don’t see that changing here.  A last minute field goal will doom the Ravens, as the Steelers grab a very important road victory against their rivals.

Tennessee at Houston

Another divisional match-up worth talking about is this one between the Titans and Texans.  Tennessee has shown more fight as of late, and I see them to continue to roll in Houston.

N.Y. Giants at Tampa Bay

Those poor Giants fell to an unimaginable 0-3 deficit to start the season. Tampa Bay lost a lot of their momentum after falling flat against the Vikings.  I see Odell Beckham having a great day in Tampa Bay and securing the Giants first win of the season.

Philadelphia at L.A. Chargers

The Eagles have looked impressive each and every week, and I expect that to continue against the winless Chargers. Philip Rivers and company will have to look elsewhere for their first win of the season.

San Francisco at Arizona

The Cardinals started out strong against the Cowboys, but faded in the fourth quarter. I believe that the Cardinals have learned their lesson from last week, and will close out this game against the 49ers.

Oakland at Denver

Oakland has to be incredibly disappointed with their offensive (in more ways than one) performance against the Redskins in prime time. Denver is a really tough place to have a bounce back game, and I see the Broncos doing just enough to stave off the Raiders here.

Indianapolis at Seattle

Seattle is in desperate need of a win and I don’t see the Colts standing in their way from that goal.  Seattle is going to take their anger out on the Colts and win a blowout.

Washington at Kansas City

This is probably the most marquee game of the week, and deserves to be shown to the masses. The Redskins seem to have figured out their offensive approach, and their defense is gelling at the right time.  Unfortunately, this game is played at Arrowhead where the home field advantage will ultimately be the difference here.  The Chiefs stay undefeated in a great game.

Photo Credit: Redskins.com

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