WEEK 4 IN THE NATIONAL... FOOTBALL... LEAGUE

Here are my picks for Week 3 in the NFL. Enjoy the old NBC NFL Theme.

Last Week: 12-4

This Season: 22-10

LIONS @ BEARS

Jay Cutler and the Bears will bring the Lions back to earth after Detroit's first win since 2007. This will be a letdown game for the Lions. My Prediction: Bears 19 Detroit 6

BENGALS @ BROWNS

Eric Mangini is feeling the heat already in Cleveland. After another loss this weekend, it won't get any easier for the head coach. My Prediction: Bengals 27 Browns 10

RAIDERS @ TEXANS

It's hard to figure out this Houston team. They lay an egg the first week, come out flying against Tennessee then lose to the Jaguars. Which Houston team shows up this week?
My Prediction: Texans 23 Raiders 7

SEAHAWKS @ COLTS

No Matt Hasslebeck for Seattle means another one in the loss column. Peyton Manning and the Colts should have no problem at home. My Prediction: Colts 31 Seahawks 20

TITANS @ JAGUARS

The Titans are the best 0-3 team I have ever seen. They gave the Jets all they could handle last week and if it wasn't for two special teams fumbles, it might have been a different outcome. The Jaguars notched their first win last week against a divisional opponent in Houston. It won't be two in row for Jacksonville. My Prediction: Tennessee 24 Jaguars 17

GIANTS @ CHIEFS

The Giants just keep on rolling and will continue to do so against the Chiefs. Eli Manning throws for three touchdowns in a victory for New York. My Prediction: Giants 34 Chiefs 13

RAVENS @ PATRIOTS

New England hosts another solid opponent and last week I went against Bill Bellichick and the Patriots. Yes, the Ravens appear to be a better team than the Falcons, but I'm not going to make the same mistake again. My Prediction: Patriots 30 Ravens 25

BUCCANEERS @ REDSKINS

Redskins head coach Jim Zorn is feeling the heat after losing to the Lions last Sunday. They have looked dreadful the past two games, even though they beat the Rams in Week 2. A loss at the hands of a terrible Buccaneers team might be the straw that breaks the camel's back.
My Prediction: Redskins 14 Bucs 6

BILLS @ DOLPHINS

Two AFC East rivals clash in Miami as both are looking to get on track. Both teams are a combined 1-5 and are looking up at the Patriots and Jets in the division. Dolphins quarterback Chad Pennington is out for the season and it's up to Chad Henne to lead the team. Despite being on the road, the Bills should handle the Dolphins this weekend.
My Prediction: Bills 24 Dolphins 16

JETS @ SAINTS

This is a battle of a great offense against a great defense. Which one prevails this Sunday in New Orleans? Drew Brees and the Saints offense was contained by Buffalo for much of their game last weekend, which makes me believe the Jets can do the same thing if not more.
My Prediction: Jets 27 Saints 24

COWBOYS @ BRONCOS

The Cowboys finally got their first home victory in their new building, but now they go on the road for a matchup with the undefeated Broncos. I don't believe this Denver team is for real. They got lucky against the Bengals and haven't played a difficult schedule by any means. The Cowboys' rushing attack has been great all season and should continue to be effective.
My Prediction: Cowboys 23 Broncos 14

RAMS @ 49ERS

San Francisco lost a very tough game last week to Minnesota thanks to some Brett Favre heroics. This week, the 49ers take on a Rams team that might be worse than last year's team. San Francisco was one play away from 3-0 and look for them to be still a little angry about last Sunday's result. My Prediction: 49ers 31 Rams 10

CHARGERS @ STEELERS

Who would have guessed that the Pittsburgh Steelers would be 1-2 heading into Week 4? After a disappointing loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers look to improve on defense. However, they have to face a talented offensive team in San Diego. If this game was played out west, then I would give the edge to the Chargers. This Sunday's game happens to be in Pittsburgh, which makes me believe the Steelers will come out on top.
My Prediction: Steelers 20 Chargers 13

PACKERS @ VIKINGS

When Brett Favre signed with the Vikings during the summer, this game was circled immediately on many people's calendars. Finally, the matchup of Favre vs. Aaron Rodgers will take place at the Metrodome. Everyone knows how badly Favre wants to beat his former team and I think he and the Vikings will get it done. My Prediction: Vikings 26 Packers 17

Enjoy the games!

Shawn Marosek