2018 NFL Season Week 4: Quick picks for every game
By Erik Lambert
The 2018 NFL week 4 slate of games has a lot of matchups that could prove decisive this season. Plenty of rivalry games and games with high stakes.
The desperation can be felt for plenty of these teams. Some are seeking their first win of the year while others are looking for a knockout blow of an opponent that could decide their playoff fate. This is what makes football so compelling. Even so early in the years, there’s plenty of drama to be had. Whic of these games could have the most significant impact as the first quarter of the season draws to a close?
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots
This is it. The Dolphins are anxious to prove that their 3-0 start isn’t a mirage and there’s no team they have to prove it against more than the team that’s owned them and the AFC East for almost two decades. The Patriots are reeling at 1-2 after being humbled in Detroit but they still have Belichick and Brady and reinforcements may be coming with Josh Gordon and Julian Edelman.
MIA 20, NE 31
Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans
The Titans have leaned heavily on their defense so far this year as they try to figure out their quarterback situation. That may no longer be something they can do against the defending champion Eagles who have Carson Wentz back and Alshon Jeffery may soon follow. Marcus Mariota will be needed to answer, and against that pass rush, it doesn’t look plausible.
PHI 23, TEN 14
Cincinnati Bengals at Atlanta Falcons
The Bengals are such a predictable team. They get off to good starts and look like a world beater and then they sort of fall back into the pack. That appears to be happening yet again after their 2-0 start. Now they have to go into Atlanta against a Falcons team anxious for a win after a disappointing divisional loss to the Saints. Andy Dalton better be prepared to score.
CIN 24, ATL 28
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears
This is a game of matchups and it will feature one of the best offenses in the NFL against one of the best defenses. Ryan Fitzpatrick is on a hot streak with that Buccaneers passing game, but he’s about to face the best pass rush in football led by Khalil Mack and Akiem Hicks. History shows Fitzpatrick doesn’t function well under duress, as he tends to turn the ball over.
TB 17, CHI 24
Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys
The Lions have some major momentum after their big win over the Patriots and the Cowboys come back from Seattle with both a loss and some injuries to deal with. In these situations, it’s best to take the superior quarterback. Given how poorly Dak Prescott is playing of late, that’s Matthew Stafford in a landslide. It might be an ugly game.
DET 21, DAL 13
Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers
The Bills caught the Vikings by surprise at home last week with a blowout win. Can they do the same against the Packers? Don’t count on it. Green Bay has that tape now and they saw what Buffalo did to make life easier for Josh Allen. Those same openings won’t be there again at Lambeau, and Jerry Hughes won’t control the game like before against David Bakhtiari.
BUF 14, GB 30
Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts
The desperation will be palpable in this building. Houston is 0-3 and their playoff hopes are dangling by a thread. Now they have to go into Indy to face a resurgent Andrew Luck with an improved Colts roster around him. Deshaun Watson has not played well but he can’t expect the defense to save him in this game. If he doesn’t answer the bell, this season is finished.
HOU 26, IND 29
New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars
Sam Darnold is getting his baptism by fire for sure. A week after facing the tough Cleveland defense, now he has to go against arguably the best in the league in Jacksonville. Their ability to create pressure on the quarterback is going to cause him a lot of problems, and given his tendencies, it’s likely he’ll be throwing some interceptions in this game.
NYJ 10, JAX 24