Beating the Spread: Picks for Week 4

(Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)

Is it just me, or is this league getting far more unpredictable than most years? Not only did I stink up the place last week, but I dipped way below .500 for the season. I guess that’s what happens when you try to pick every game. Sitting at 17-27 is not fun, but we’ve got to come back and the only way to do that is to keep picking games. Let’s roll.

Note: All lines are provided by Westgate Sportsbook  

 

Mortal Locks:

Tampa Bay at Chicago (-2.5)

This Bears team is made up of an offense still looking for consistency from the Quarterback position, but a defense that is leading the league in sacks. The key in this contest for Chicago: trust in your run-game and keep “Fitzmagic” contained. This, coupled with pressure in his face will surely allow for some turnover chances. Weather should also be a factor, as rain could be in play.

Philadelphia (-3) at Tennessee

The Eagles narrowly escaped the Colts last week and now face a Titans squad looking to stack wins. The Eagles’ defense isn’t the caliber that the Jags are, but their offense should be able to do better than two field goals. Carson Wentz should be able to play a little closer to his norm, as he continues to adjust to limited mobility.

San Francisco at Los Angeles Chargers (-9.5)

Losing to the Rams in a shootout is nothing to be ashamed of. Not beating the banged-up 49ers by more than 10 would be, however. Philip Rivers looks great so far and Melvin Gordon should be able to have a pretty good day. San Fran is still reeling after losing Jimmy G for the season, which is a prime opportunity for LA to go in and take care of business to get back in the win column.

Seattle (-3) at Arizona

There’s still plenty of drama swirling around the Seahawks, but it won’t stop them from dominating the Cardinals. Josh Rosen will make his debut start against a defense that looked faster last week. They rallied to the ball and they read Dak Prescott extremely well. Doug Baldwin makes his return, although I still think Tyler Lockett is the difference maker in this one.

Cleveland at Oakland (-2.5)

Cleveland is traveling to the ‘Black Hole’. Cleveland hasn’t won on the road in forever. Something has to give. With the Raiders looking for its first win, leave it to the rookie Baker Mayfield to ruin their day.

 

The Rest:

Detroit at Dallas (-3.5)

Buffalo at Green Bay (-10.5)

Houston at Indianapolis (-1.5)

Miami at New England (-7.5)

New York Jets at Jacksonville (-9)

4:05 p.m. ET

New Orleans (-3.5) at New York Giants

8:20 p.m. ET

Baltimore at Pittsburgh (-3)

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Monday, Oct. 1

8:15 p.m. ET

Kansas City (-3.5) at Denver