Week 4 Pick'em

Broncos @ Titans (-6.5)

The Broncos are averaging 350 yards per game (#1 in the NFL).  The Titans have the #5 ranked pass defense, but have faced Dennis Dixon, Jason Campbell and Eli Manning.  Chris Johnson will need to carry the ball early and often so that they can keep the Broncos offence on the sideline.  Bet on the over and the Titans pull out a close one at home.

Spread: Broncos (+6.5)

Straight Up: Titans

Ravens @ Steelers (-1.5)

Two teams that epitomize toughness face off in what will be a hard-hitting affair.  Even though it’s in Pittsburgh I think the Steelers are a little too satisfied at being 3-0 and the Ravens know they need to take advantage of Roethlisberger’s suspension.  I give the slight edge to the Steelers on D but the Ravens get the big edge on O.

Spread: Ravens (+1.5)

Straight Up: Ravens

Bengals @ Browns (+3)

The Bengals passing offence has been out of sync so far this year, but they run the bell well and play tough defense.  The Browns ran the bell well against the Ravens last week so there’s no reason to think they can’t repeat the performance against the Bengals.  Bengals have too much talent and potential to lose to the Browns.

Spread: Bengals (-3)

Straight Up: Bengals

Lions @ Packers (-14.5)

Jahvid Best is not 100% and Shaun Hill is going to need to score a lot of points to stay in the game against Aaron Rodgers and the Packers high-octane offence.  The Packers beat themselves on Monday Night with all their penalties and they need this divisional win.

Spread: Packers (-14.5)

Straight Up: Packers

Panthers @ Saints (-13.5)

The Saints should’ve won last week in overtime if not for Garrett Hartley’s shank.  That being said they haven’t looked like the ’09 Saints.  They’re at home for the third time in four weeks.  With Clausen at QB, the Panthers will run to try and control the clock which won’t leave enough time for the Saints to cover the spread.

Spread: Panthers (+13.5)

Straight Up: Saints

Niners @ Falcons (-7)

The Preseason darlings have coming crashing down to earth.  A loss to the Chiefs resulted in the firing of offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. The emergence of Jason Snelling will help keep Michael Turner healthy.  The Niners couldn’t handle the pressure but the Falcons look like they can.

Spread: Falcons (-7)

Straight Up: Falcons

Seahawks @ Rams (+1)

Congratulations to Sam Bradford on getting his first win as an NFL quarterback.  The Seahawks beat a good Chargers team last week even though Phil Rivers threw for the most yards in his career.  Bradford should do well but without Stephen Jackson, the Rams will be hard pressed to stay with Seattle.

Spread: Seahawks (-1)

Straight Up: Seahawks

Jets @ Bills (+5.5)

This line is nowhere near where it should be.  The Jets defense is much better than the Patriots who allowed 30 points last week.  The Jets offence isn’t up to the Patriots level yet but it’s close.  This game won’t be.

Spread: Jets (-5.5)

Straight Up: Jets

Colts @ Jaguars (+7)

Even in a week 1 loss, Peyton Manning was outstanding.  He has a quarterback rating of 116.9 and has thrown 9 touchdowns with no interceptions this year.  Oh, did I mention the Jags haven’t stopped anyone through the air and have the 28^th ranked pass defense.  In his last three games against the Jags, Manning has had completion percentages of 76.7, 73.7 and 85.3.  Did somebody say blowout?

Spread: Colts (-7)

Straight Up: Colts

Texans @ Raiders (+3)

The Raiders have played the pass well so far this year and the Texans may be without Andre Johnson.  In my opinion the Texans are still the classic underachievers and this is the type of game that they should win, but I have a feeling they won’t. 

Spread: Raiders (+3)

Straight Up: Raiders

Cardinals @ Chargers (-8)

The Cardinals lost so many players this offseason you can’t really blame Coach Ken Whisenhunt for getting off to a rough start.  The Chargers are 1-2 and I’m still picking them to win the AFC West.  That means they need to win this one.  I’ll take Phil Rivers over Derek Anderson every time.

Spread: Chargers (-8)

Straight Up: Chargers

Redskins @ Eagles (-5.5)

Will it be boos or cheers for Donovan McNabb when he returns to Philly for the first time as a visitor?  Mike Vick has made everyone forget about him and whether it’s boos or cheers at first, when the game starts the Philly crowd will bring the noise.  I want to pick the Redskins because I think McNabb will play extremely well and he wants a win more than anything, however the Eagles have too many weapons on offence.

Spread: Redskins (+5.5)

Straight Up: Eagles

Bears @ Giants (-4)

The last unbeaten in the NFC is….the Bears? Jay Cutler benefitted a great deal from penalties called on the Packers as he had more than one interception called back.  The Giants are a team in turmoil and the Bears are playing with confidence.  Brian Urlacher is playing at a high level, as is the entire Chicago defense.

Spread: Bears (+4)

Straight Up: Bears

Patriots @ Dolphins (+1)

I want to take a second and thank the NFL for scheduling great primetime games so far this season.  This game should be another classic.  Chad Henne started slow but played well last week and should get chances to make plays against the Patriots secondary.  That being said I have too much confidence in Tom Brady in primetime games. 

Spread: Patriots (-1)

Straight Up: Patriots

Season Straight Up:  30-18
Season vs Spread:  19-25-4

-Jansen-