Ravens (3-0) at Patriots (2-1), 1:00PM ET
I still can’t get over the Falcons’ game plan (if you can call it that) to defense Tom Brady and the Patriots last week. Atlanta decided to drop seven defenders into coverage and allow Brady time to find open receivers, read The Great Gatsby cover to cover and figure out a way to help turn around the economy. Brady won’t be afforded that kind of time this week against the Ravens, who will no doubt bring extra defenders and use multiple fronts in efforts to confuse the New England QB. Baltimore isn’t going to allow the Pats to control the game on the ground either, and although the Ravens still have issues in their secondary, I like them pulling off an upset in Foxboro. For anyone who thought the Pats resolved their issues last week in a win over the Falcons, this game should prove otherwise.
Odds: Patriots –2.
Prediction: Ravens 31, Patriots 30.
Titans (0-3) at Jaguars (1-2), 1:00PM ET
The Titans are like that hot ex-girlfriend that dumped you three times but you foolishly keep going back to her hoping she’s changed. I’ve picked Tennessee to win the last two weeks and have been let down both times. Yet, here I am again, waiting to get my stomach kicked in. Jeff Fisher’s team is too good to fall to 0-4 and lose to an average Jacksonville team right? Right?! I think the Titans will play inspired this week, won’t make as many stupid mistakes as they did last Sunday against the Jets and will force David Garrard to beat them through the air by taking away Maurice Jones-Drew. If Tennessee losses this week, I promise not to pick the Titans the rest of the year. (Until she calls me at two in the morning drunk and looking for a place to stay…then I’ve got to let her in, right? Right?!)
Odds: Jaguars –3.
Prediction: Titans 20, Jaguars 17.
Jets (3-0) at Saints (3-0), 4:05PM ET
I know the marquee matchup of the week is the Monday night game between the Packers and Vikings. But to me, this the most intriguing game on the Week 4 schedule based on the Saints’ high-powered offense and the Jets’ ability to make opposing quarterbacks want to rip their hair out. Sean Payton vs. Rex Ryan is as good as it comes and I’m interested to see how New York game plans to stop Brees, who is off to a MVP-like start. The key to will be Pierre Thomas and the Saints’ running game. Believe it or not, the Jets want Brees and the Saints to throw the ball 40-plus times because that means they’ve become one-dimensional and New York’s front four can pin their ears back and rush the passer. But if NO can strike an offensive balance early, they’ll be fine offensively and then it’ll be up to the defense to stop red-hot rookie Mark Sanchez. I like the Saints to win, but the Jets to cover.
Odds: Saints –7.
Prediction: Saints 24, Jets 20.
Cowboys (2-1) at Broncos (3-0), 4:15PM ET
I don’t trust either of these teams. The Cowboys beat a bad Bucs team (by allowing 21 points), were defeated by the Giants at home and got an ugly, uninspiring victory over the Panthers last Monday night. The Broncos, meanwhile, are 3-0 with wins over such NFL juggernauts the Bengals (which was a gift thanks to Leon Hall), the Browns and the Raiders. But regardless of whom they were playing, Denver’s defense has been freaking outstanding. They’re limiting opponents to only 5.3 points per game, 214.7 yards per game and lead the NFL in total defense. While their offense is stagnant right now, Kyle Orton and company should only improve week to week under Josh McDaniels. Tony Romo hasn’t played well since Tampa, while running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones are dealing with injuries. I like the Broncos to win straight up as home underdogs.
Odds: Cowboys –3.
Prediction: Broncos 27, Cowboys 23.
Season Totals:
Straight up: 5-3
Against the Spread: 2-6 (Fade! Fade!)
