NFL Predictions: Week 4 Picks and Hot Takes

Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) before facing the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (14) and Cincinnati Bengals running back Giovani Bernard (25) before facing the Arizona Cardinals at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) drops a pass as he is hit by Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers tight end Greg Olsen (88) drops a pass as he is hit by Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker Eric Kendricks (54) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings, 8:30 p.m. ET on Monday, ESPN

Are the Vikings for real? Who knows – but the NFL is a game of trends. Once you cruise through three games, we’re no longer in “aberration territory”. Now, the running game is awfully in flux without Adrian Peterson, but Sam Bradford appears poised to lean on his defense to do just enough to win these ballgames. Mike Zimmer and his staff have helped the defense hold Green Bay and Carolina to 14 and 10 points respectively. That’s no joke. Against the Giants, this one looks promising.

Of course, don’t count out the ability of Eli Manning to put up a decent showing, even on the road. It just doesn’t feel like it’s in the cards to knock off a sneaky legitimate Minnesota team. If it turns out to be a battle of the running games, give me NYG in a tight one. But if the Vikings can find a way to exploit one-on-one matchups in the open field, this is Minnesota’s game to lose.

Vikings stay undefeated, knock off Giants in 32-28 thriller.