Gridiron Hunt

Week four of the NFL season kicks off Thursday night with the Seattle Seahawks facing the Arizona Cardinals. Other notable matchups include: the Minnesota Vikings facing the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin, Ireland, a clash of undefeated powerhouses with the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and most notably, Micah Parsons returns to Dallas as the Green Bay Packers face the Dallas Cowboys. Now, let’s pick some games, shall we?

(Thursday Night Football) Seattle Seahawks @ Arizona Cardinals: Seahawks

For Thursday night, I’m picking the Seahawks, although this game could go either way. The Seahawks are coming off a dominant 44-13 victory over the New Orleans Saints, while the Cardinals lost to the San Francisco 49ers 16-15. 

Cardinals running back James Conner suffered a devastating foot injury that required season ending surgery. Arizona will have to rely on backup Trey Benson as the number one guy the rest of the way.

The reason I’m picking the Seahawks is because of how explosive their offense is. The last two weeks in particular, they have scored 75 total points. This offense features two very good wide receivers in Cooper Kupp and Jaxson Smith-Njigba. Additionally, they have a stud running back in Kenneth Walker III. Look for Seattle to keep rolling and get a division win.

Minnesota Vikings @ Pittsburgh Steelers: Steelers

The Vikings and Steelers are both coming off victories this past week. Pittsburgh beat the New England Patriots, 21-14, while the Vikings crushed the Cincinnati Bengals 48-10. 

The Vikings are without second year quarterback JJ McCarthy for the next few weeks due to an ankle sprain and they are also without starting running back Aaron Jones, who suffered a hamstring injury in week two and was placed on injured reserve for the next four weeks. The earliest he can return is week six.

This game is a tough one to pick and could go either way, but the reason I am picking the Steelers is because I am unsure how consistently good backup quarterback Carson Wentz can be. While the Steelers defense has had their ups and downs the first three weeks, I think they will start to find their groove and slow down Minnesota’s offense.

Washington Commanders @ Atlanta Falcons: Commanders

The Washington Commanders did not miss a beat without their star quarterback Jayden Daniels last week, as they blew out the Las Vegas Raiders 41-24. Backup quarterback Marcus Mariota earned his first win in a start since 2019. He was 15-21 for 207 yards and recorded a rushing touchdown. 

As a team, the Commanders had 200 yards rushing. This week, Daniels could return this Sunday to face the Atlanta Falcons coming off a knee injury, but that is to be determined. However, another key injury to watch besides Daniels is the status of wide receiver Terry Mclaurin. He’s dealing with a quad injury. Even if he does not play, I expect Washington to heavily rely on the run game again.

On the other side, the Falcons are coming off nothing short of a pathetic performance against the Carolina Panthers as they were shut out 30-0. Second year quarterback Michael Penix Jr was not good last week only completing 50% of his passes, going 18-36, 172 yards and two interceptions. 

I am picking the Commanders to win against the Falcons regardless of which quarterback starts on Sunday.

Cleveland Browns @ Detroit Lions: Lions

Both the Browns and Lions are coming off wins last week. The Browns pulled off the upset of the season so far, beating the Green Bay Packers in an ugly game to say the least, 13-10.

Detroit pulled off a gutsy win on the road against the Baltimore Ravens last Monday night, 38-30. For this week’s game, I’m picking the Lions. 

With the Browns defense being so good leading the league in total defense giving up 204 yards per game, it will be a challenge for the Lions but I believe they will do just enough to get the job done. Their offense can play any type of football: ground and pound or they can match teams score for score.

New Orleans Saints @ Buffalo Bills: Bills

The Bills kept their winning ways rolling last week with a 31-21 win over the Miami Dolphins. Quarterback Josh Allen continued his stellar play throwing for 213 yards and three touchdowns going 22-28. Overall, Allen has seven total touchdowns (five passing, two rushing) and no interceptions through three games this season. 

On the other side, the New Orleans Saints are just a bad football team. No other way to describe it. They got their butts kicked in Seattle last week 44-13 and they are on a six game losing streak dating back to last season. 

Their last win came on December 8, 2024. They will not find a win in Buffalo this Sunday, so make it seven straight games.

Tennessee Titans @ Houston Texans: Texans

Credit: Denny Simmons, The Tennessean 

In a battle between two winless AFC South rivals, the Tennessee Titans face the Houston Texans. The Titans got blown out by the Colts 41-20. The Texans lost to the Jaguars, 17-10. Both teams have struggled over the first three games, offensively especially. However, I’m picking the Texans for this game. 

Houston has to play with a sense of desperation if they have any playoff hopes. If they fall to 0-4, their season is in dire straits in a loaded AFC conference. The offense has been the reason they’ve lost games, but this week they are more than capable of getting back on track.

Carolina Panthers @ New England Patriots: Patriots

Credit: Seth Jacobson, Providence Journal

The Carolina Panthers travel to New England to face the Patriots. The Panthers are coming off a 30-0 blowout victory against the Falcons. New England is coming off a loss at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-14. For this week, I’m picking New England. 

The reason why I’m picking New England is because I do not expect the Panthers to have a repeat performance of last week. The Patriots have a good offense led by second year quarterback Drake Maye. Maye has thrown for 815 yards, five touchdowns and two interceptions in three games. Look for him to bounce back this week.

Los Angeles Chargers (3-0) @ New York Giants (0-3): Chargers

The Los Angeles Chargers travel to New York to face the Giants this week. The Chargers beat the Broncos 23-20 and are on a roll. The Giants lost to the Chiefs 22-9. Because of the inconsistent offense, Giants head coach Brian Daboll made a change at quarterback for the rest of the season. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart takes the reins.

Russell Wilson is no longer cooking on the field. He’s got nothing but a warm bench seat waiting for him. For this week’s game, I’m picking the Chargers to run away and hide.

The Chargers defense is very good and it’s a tough position that the rookie Dart was put in facing this type of team. He’s in for a long day.

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0): Eagles

In a clash of two unbeaten teams in the NFC, Saquon Barkley and the Philadelphia Eagles face Baker Mayfield and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams won last week beating the Rams and Jets respectively. For this game, I’m picking the Eagles. 

I think this game will be a hard fought one coming down to the wire, but Philadelphia has the ultimate weapon in Saquon Barkley.

Indianapolis Colts (3-0) @ Los Angeles Rams (2-1): Rams

The Colts have been the league’s biggest surprise so far this season off to a hot start at 3-0, led by quarterback Daniel Jones. He has been outstanding so far in Indianapolis throwing for 816 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions so far this season. This week, he faces a tough test against the Los Angeles Rams.

The Los Angeles Rams are coming off a horrendous collapse last week against the Philadelphia Eagles, a game in which they led 26-7, only to lose 33-26. They had a chance to win the game on a last second field goal down 27-26, but their attempt was blocked and returned for a touchdown as time expired. 

For this week’s game, I’m picking the Rams because I believe they will play like a team with anger and an edge to them after their collapse last week. I highly doubt they have a letdown in back to back games.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1) @ San Francisco 49ers (3-0): 49ers

In a sneaky good game, the Jacksonville Jaguars face the San Francisco 49ers. San Francisco is 3-0 but it’s been scratching and clawing to get there. They beat the Arizona Cardinals last week in a nail biter, 16-15. Unfortunately, they lost their best defensive player: Nick Bosa. Bosa tore his ACL and is out for the season. 

Jacksonville is 2-1 after a 17-10 win over the Houston Texans. However, their next four games are a gauntlet: @ San Francisco, and then three straight home games against the Chiefs, Seahawks and Rams. I can see Jacksonville going on a bit of a losing streak, and unfortunately it starts this week as I’m picking the 49ers. 

The reason I’ve got San Francisco is because their offense will do enough to get the job done. I don’t trust Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, plain and simple.

Chicago Bears (1-2) @ Las Vegas Raiders (1-2): Bears

Coming off a blowout win against the Dallas Cowboys, the Chicago Bears travel to Las Vegas to face the Raiders. They will keep rolling and get back to .500. Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week. 

He had an outstanding game against the Dallas Cowboys throwing for 298 yards, four touchdowns all while completing 19-28 passes. Williams is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes through the first three games. Let that sink in for a minute.

The Raiders got lit up for 41 points against the Washington Commanders, and their starting quarterback Jayden Daniels did not play. I don’t expect them to turn things around defensively in one week.

Baltimore Ravens (1-2) @ Kansas City Chiefs (1-2): Chiefs 

In a battle of two AFC powerhouses, Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens take on Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. 

It’s rare that two teams are facing a must win scenario, but in a very competitive AFC, falling to 1-3 sets yourself up for a major uphill climb. The Chiefs crushed the New York Giants 22-9 last Sunday to get their first win of the season. The Ravens lost to the Detroit Lions last Monday night, 38-30. For this game, I’m picking the Chiefs. 

I’m picking KC simply because the Ravens defense has not been good this season. They can’t rush the passer and are near dead last in sacks. They rank dead last (32nd) in yards per game allowed: 415. 

Although the Chiefs offense has struggled, they are getting a big weapon back: wide receiver Xavier Worthy. They could light up the scoreboard this week.

(Sunday Night Football) Green Bay Packers (2-1) @ Dallas Cowboys (1-2): Packers

In a highly anticipated return, Micah Parsons comes back to Dallas for the first time since being traded to the Green Bay Packers in late August. Both the Packers and Cowboys are coming off losses last week: Green Bay lost to the Browns, the Cowboys got blown out by the Bears. For this week’s game, I’m picking the Packers. 

Micah and the entire team will play with a chip on their shoulder. More importantly, the Cowboys defense can’t stop a runny nose, let alone opposing offenses. Additionally, the Cowboys offense is without its best player: wide receiver Ceedee Lamb. Lamb will miss this week’s game with a shoulder injury. Ouch.

(Monday Night Football) New York Jets (0-3) @ Miami Dolphins (0-3): Jets

Image courtesy of the New York Jets Instagram, @Jets

In the first of two extremely subpar Monday night football games this week, the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins face off. New York blew a late fourth quarter lead against the Buccaneers on Sunday to lose 29-27. The Dolphins lost against the Buffalo Bills last Thursday, 31-21. Somebody will walk away with their first win of the year in this matchup.

Just to make life easy on myself, I’m taking the Jets. Despite quarterback Justin Fields being in concussion protocol, I think the Jets can win. I do not trust Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagavailoa to do much at all, especially after how much he struggled against the Bills last week. He was a pedestrian 22-34 for 146 yards, and an interception.

The Jets defense has been up and down to start the year, but this Monday night game is just what the doctor ordered.

(Monday Night Football) Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) @ Denver Broncos (1-2): Broncos 

Photo by Sean M. Haffey, Getty Images

In the second game of the Monday night nightmare, the Cincinnati Bengals travel to the Mile High city to face the Denver Broncos. I’m picking the Broncos. 

The Bengals are coming off a blowout loss against the Minnesota Vikings, 48-10. They were shut down by the Vikings defense, as they turned the ball over four times, and the Broncos defense isn’t going to be any easier to face. 

On the other side, the Broncos lost last week against the Los Angeles Chargers, 23-20. The reason I’m picking the Broncos over the Bengals is because of the stark contrast in the defenses. 

Cincinnati still hasn’t found any consistency. They’ve allowed 63 points over the last two weeks. The Broncos had a bad performance against the Colts two weeks ago, but I write that as a one off. Bad games happen. The key is how you bounce back and they did that against the Chargers, albeit in a loss. 

A key note about Denver: they lead the league in sacks with 12 so far through three games. I expect them to wreak havoc against Bengals backup quarterback Jake Browning.