NFL Projections for Week 4:
OK, kids, I’m trying to bounce back from a sub-par Week 3. There are a few toughies on the docket, but nothin’ we can’t handle. "Are you ready for some football?"
Indianapolis -9.5 At NY Jets 46
The Jets have been on a pretty good run and the weather forecast is for scattered showers at kickoff. I don’t see the weather being a tremendous factor, but I believe the Jets defense will not roll over on Indy. In the end, however, Peyton & Co. simply have too much offense.
Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 27, NY Jets 16
San Diego -2 At Baltimore 33.5
The Ravens barely pulled one out if the fire last week at Cleveland, while the Chargers have been a juggernaut to date. This is the marquee matchup of the day, with two contendahs dukin’ it out. When it comes to aggressive, physical play, Ray Lewis is among the best and he will be ready. The house will be rocking and the Ravens will be looking to give San Diego an ass kickin’. Unlike years past, the Ravens have a QB and McNair/efficient offense and the D will lead the Ravens to the upset win.
Projected Final Score: Ravens 17, San Diego 13
Dallas -10 At Tennessee 37
The only issue is whether Dallas will win by 10. As has been chronicled each week, the Titans are anything but, though they gave the disappointing Dolphins a pretty good run last week. Vince Young makes his highly anticipated debut at QB for Ten-O-See, and he’ll want to impress the folks back home. Chances are Doomsday will force a lot of errors. Dallas drew the early bye week, and notwithstanding the latest episode in the TO Soap Opera, will be focused and ready to win on the road, though (at this stage) I’m reluctant to go with the points. Dallas is not head and shoulders above Miami.
Projected Final Score: Dallas 23, Tennessee 16
At Carolina -7.5 New Orleans 42
After an emotionally charged win on Monday night, the Undefeated Saints (yes, that’s right) make the short hop up to NC to face the Cats. If the lyrics from a song could accurately forecast the outcome, the most fitting would be Springsteen’s “the calliope crashed to the ground.” (from “Blinded By The Light”) The Saints are in for The Big Letdown this week facing a team that needs to get back on the tracks, and damned quick. The track may be a little slick which may hamper the Saints’ attack. While the Saints proved they’re not averse to playing in the outdoors, that win was against Green Bay. Dan Morgan is still out for the Panthers and he’s a huge part of their front seven. If Carolina loses this one, put a fork in ‘em.
Projected Final Score: Carolina 24, New Orleans 16.
At Buffalo -1.5 Minnesota 34.5
This looks like it will be a fun game with two hard hitting teams coming off tough luck losses. The handicappers correctly assessed this as a near pick ‘em. The only clear cut advantage goes to the Vikes at QB. The defenses will dictate the outcome of the game, and I believe that Minnesota’s plodding ball control offense will be the difference.
Projected Final Score: Minnesota 17, Buffalo 13.
At Kansas City -7 San Francisco 39.5
Even with Trent Green’s absence, you’d have to think that the Chiefs are still a touchdown better than the ‘Niners. Sunday’s forecast for KC will be sunny and 90˚, so look for KC’s defense to have the better part of the play. Last week, SF’s defense got lit up for 5 Philly TD’s. The Chiefs won’t put up 38 points, but LJ & crew should get it done, though it won’t be pretty.
Projected Final Score: Kansas City 23, San Francisco 14.
At Atlanta -8 Arizona 40
No one could fault Atlanta for having been gassed in the Superdome last Monday. After winning in Week 1, the Cardinals have returned to form. This may be Kurt’s Last Stand, as the heat is on to put Leinart in there. The Falcons have to enter the game feeling wounded and angry, so look for them to wanna put a hurtin’ on Arizona. And so they shall.
Projected Final Score: Atlanta 27, Arizona 17.
Miami -4 At Houston 38.5
The schedule makers smiled on Miami with this matchup. They have slowly begun to right the ship, and what better way to gain momentum than facing the Texans. Miami should take this one without too much trouble.
Projected Final Score: Miami 23, Houston 10.
At St. Louis -6 Detroit 44
Even though it’s only Week 4, Detroit’s season hangs in the balance. The Lions are the proverbial wounded animal in the corner. The Rams squeaked out a win against Arizona last week, but fear is such a powerful motivator. Look for Detroit to come out for the fight of their lives. While St. Louis is clearly a better team, remember the old “any given Sunday” maxims of football, especially when the ‘dog has a fire lit under its ass.
Projected Final Score: Detroit 21, St. Louis 17.
At Cincinnati -6 New England 45.5
The Patriots have not been fast starters in the Belichick Era, and Cincinnati has been off to a flying start. It looks as if the -6 is reasonable considering the height advantage that Palmer’s receivers will have over the Pats’ secondary. The Bengals have encountered some O-Line injuries and the usual off-the-field issues that have dogged them all year. Some experts contend that the Bengals are primed for a letdown. New England’s best cover corner is out for this one, and the team has played in its typically inconsistent September fashion. Cincinnati may be sliding while the Patriots are starting to get into gear. However, the point where the underdog’s graph intersects the favorite’s is still a few weeks away.
Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 31, New England 24.
Jacksonville -2.5 At Washington 34.5
Oh, those enigmatic ‘Skins, who will show up this week? Whether the Studs or the Duds arrive in the fabled burgundy and gold, across the field awaits a very tough defensive opponent from Jacksonville. Last week the ‘Skins had an easy win at Houston while the Jags were a touchdown short in Indy. Joe Gibbs knows that Jacksonville presents a difficult challenge. His team has the horses to compete with the Big Pups but has performed inconsistently at best. Maybe that works against the lesser lights but it won’t with a top flight defense.
Projected Final Score: Jacksonville 17, Washington 14.
Cleveland -3 At Oakland 34
In this “Clash of The Winless”, the Browns travel to the Pit to face the once powerful Raid-uhs. The outrageous Oakland fans will make a lot of threatening noises, but it will be pointless because the Black & Silver stink. Aaron Brooks is out (not that it matters much) and the Browns have to feel encouraged with their play against the Ravens. So, if you had to risk any of your hard earned cash on this one, I would heartily recommend that you don’t.
Projected Final Score: Cleveland 24, Oakland 16.
At Chicago -3.5 Seattle 35.5
The Sunday Night tilt features Seattle traveling to Chicago. The Seahawks crushed the Giants at home while the Bears nipped the Vikings on the road. The Seahawks passed their first test with flying colors, but face an even stiffer challenge this week. Shaun Alexander is most likely out for this one and with him, goes a big chunk of the ‘Hawks offense. The Bears have held their divisional rivals to a measly 23 points in three games. While the offense is not overpowering, it is not required to be. Seattle is the class of the NFC, so please look for these teams to renew acquaintances in January. However, on this night, it will be The Monsters of The Midway walking off the field victoriously.
Projected Final Score: Chicago 23, Seattle 16.
OK, kids, I’m trying to bounce back from a sub-par Week 3. There are a few toughies on the docket, but nothin’ we can’t handle. "Are you ready for some football?"
Indianapolis -9.5 At NY Jets 46
The Jets have been on a pretty good run and the weather forecast is for scattered showers at kickoff. I don’t see the weather being a tremendous factor, but I believe the Jets defense will not roll over on Indy. In the end, however, Peyton & Co. simply have too much offense.
Projected Final Score: Indianapolis 27, NY Jets 16
San Diego -2 At Baltimore 33.5
The Ravens barely pulled one out if the fire last week at Cleveland, while the Chargers have been a juggernaut to date. This is the marquee matchup of the day, with two contendahs dukin’ it out. When it comes to aggressive, physical play, Ray Lewis is among the best and he will be ready. The house will be rocking and the Ravens will be looking to give San Diego an ass kickin’. Unlike years past, the Ravens have a QB and McNair/efficient offense and the D will lead the Ravens to the upset win.
Projected Final Score: Ravens 17, San Diego 13
Dallas -10 At Tennessee 37
The only issue is whether Dallas will win by 10. As has been chronicled each week, the Titans are anything but, though they gave the disappointing Dolphins a pretty good run last week. Vince Young makes his highly anticipated debut at QB for Ten-O-See, and he’ll want to impress the folks back home. Chances are Doomsday will force a lot of errors. Dallas drew the early bye week, and notwithstanding the latest episode in the TO Soap Opera, will be focused and ready to win on the road, though (at this stage) I’m reluctant to go with the points. Dallas is not head and shoulders above Miami.
Projected Final Score: Dallas 23, Tennessee 16
At Carolina -7.5 New Orleans 42
After an emotionally charged win on Monday night, the Undefeated Saints (yes, that’s right) make the short hop up to NC to face the Cats. If the lyrics from a song could accurately forecast the outcome, the most fitting would be Springsteen’s “the calliope crashed to the ground.” (from “Blinded By The Light”) The Saints are in for The Big Letdown this week facing a team that needs to get back on the tracks, and damned quick. The track may be a little slick which may hamper the Saints’ attack. While the Saints proved they’re not averse to playing in the outdoors, that win was against Green Bay. Dan Morgan is still out for the Panthers and he’s a huge part of their front seven. If Carolina loses this one, put a fork in ‘em.
Projected Final Score: Carolina 24, New Orleans 16.
At Buffalo -1.5 Minnesota 34.5
This looks like it will be a fun game with two hard hitting teams coming off tough luck losses. The handicappers correctly assessed this as a near pick ‘em. The only clear cut advantage goes to the Vikes at QB. The defenses will dictate the outcome of the game, and I believe that Minnesota’s plodding ball control offense will be the difference.
Projected Final Score: Minnesota 17, Buffalo 13.
At Kansas City -7 San Francisco 39.5
Even with Trent Green’s absence, you’d have to think that the Chiefs are still a touchdown better than the ‘Niners. Sunday’s forecast for KC will be sunny and 90˚, so look for KC’s defense to have the better part of the play. Last week, SF’s defense got lit up for 5 Philly TD’s. The Chiefs won’t put up 38 points, but LJ & crew should get it done, though it won’t be pretty.
Projected Final Score: Kansas City 23, San Francisco 14.
At Atlanta -8 Arizona 40
No one could fault Atlanta for having been gassed in the Superdome last Monday. After winning in Week 1, the Cardinals have returned to form. This may be Kurt’s Last Stand, as the heat is on to put Leinart in there. The Falcons have to enter the game feeling wounded and angry, so look for them to wanna put a hurtin’ on Arizona. And so they shall.
Projected Final Score: Atlanta 27, Arizona 17.
Miami -4 At Houston 38.5
The schedule makers smiled on Miami with this matchup. They have slowly begun to right the ship, and what better way to gain momentum than facing the Texans. Miami should take this one without too much trouble.
Projected Final Score: Miami 23, Houston 10.
At St. Louis -6 Detroit 44
Even though it’s only Week 4, Detroit’s season hangs in the balance. The Lions are the proverbial wounded animal in the corner. The Rams squeaked out a win against Arizona last week, but fear is such a powerful motivator. Look for Detroit to come out for the fight of their lives. While St. Louis is clearly a better team, remember the old “any given Sunday” maxims of football, especially when the ‘dog has a fire lit under its ass.
Projected Final Score: Detroit 21, St. Louis 17.
At Cincinnati -6 New England 45.5
The Patriots have not been fast starters in the Belichick Era, and Cincinnati has been off to a flying start. It looks as if the -6 is reasonable considering the height advantage that Palmer’s receivers will have over the Pats’ secondary. The Bengals have encountered some O-Line injuries and the usual off-the-field issues that have dogged them all year. Some experts contend that the Bengals are primed for a letdown. New England’s best cover corner is out for this one, and the team has played in its typically inconsistent September fashion. Cincinnati may be sliding while the Patriots are starting to get into gear. However, the point where the underdog’s graph intersects the favorite’s is still a few weeks away.
Projected Final Score: Cincinnati 31, New England 24.
Jacksonville -2.5 At Washington 34.5
Oh, those enigmatic ‘Skins, who will show up this week? Whether the Studs or the Duds arrive in the fabled burgundy and gold, across the field awaits a very tough defensive opponent from Jacksonville. Last week the ‘Skins had an easy win at Houston while the Jags were a touchdown short in Indy. Joe Gibbs knows that Jacksonville presents a difficult challenge. His team has the horses to compete with the Big Pups but has performed inconsistently at best. Maybe that works against the lesser lights but it won’t with a top flight defense.
Projected Final Score: Jacksonville 17, Washington 14.
Cleveland -3 At Oakland 34
In this “Clash of The Winless”, the Browns travel to the Pit to face the once powerful Raid-uhs. The outrageous Oakland fans will make a lot of threatening noises, but it will be pointless because the Black & Silver stink. Aaron Brooks is out (not that it matters much) and the Browns have to feel encouraged with their play against the Ravens. So, if you had to risk any of your hard earned cash on this one, I would heartily recommend that you don’t.
Projected Final Score: Cleveland 24, Oakland 16.
At Chicago -3.5 Seattle 35.5
The Sunday Night tilt features Seattle traveling to Chicago. The Seahawks crushed the Giants at home while the Bears nipped the Vikings on the road. The Seahawks passed their first test with flying colors, but face an even stiffer challenge this week. Shaun Alexander is most likely out for this one and with him, goes a big chunk of the ‘Hawks offense. The Bears have held their divisional rivals to a measly 23 points in three games. While the offense is not overpowering, it is not required to be. Seattle is the class of the NFC, so please look for these teams to renew acquaintances in January. However, on this night, it will be The Monsters of The Midway walking off the field victoriously.
Projected Final Score: Chicago 23, Seattle 16.
posted by Richard | 7:58 PM
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