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NFL Predictions: Week 4 Picks and Hot Takes

By Joe Wedra

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 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) throws the ball prior to the game against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, FOX

Though they’re the underdogs, there’s a whole lot to like about this Falcons team at this point in the year. Who would’ve thought — after the brutal struggles to open the season — that we’d be talking, yet again, about the Falcons contending for a playoff spot later in the year. Regardless, this Atlanta offense is no joke. It seems easy to say they’re the NFC version of the Colts, but there’s much more to like on Atlanta’s side. In this one, with the Carolina secondary surely not as vaunted as years past, don’t be surprised to see Matt Ryan and Co. have a successful outing.

For Carolina, it feels like we’re entering must-win territory. Sure, it might be an overreaction in just the fourth week of the season, but let’s not forget that the season is a quarter of the way through after Sunday’s games. Emerging from the first set of four with a single win isn’t acceptable, especially for a team coming off of a near Super Bowl title. Ron Rivera and the staff must game plan effectively here, particularly on defense. If they can’t find a way to shut down the Atlanta passing attack, it could be a long afternoon in the Georgia Dome.

Falcons surprise again, beat the Panthers in divisional clash, 31-29.

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