NFL Week 4: Games to Watch

Many football coaches break their seasons up into segments, and for NFL head coaches that break comes in quarters. So as we head into the final week of the first quarter of the regular season, many coaches will be pushing hard to end that first piece on a positive note. And quite frankly, several team with high expectations need some positive momentum (specifically, both Missouri teams as the Rams and Chiefs are both 0-3).

Last week's record on these preview games was 3-1; overall I'm 10-2. Not bad for an amateur. The Swami has got nothing on me.

Here’s a quick look at a few of the big games on tap this weekend.

 
TITANS (2-1) @ BROWNS (2-1)

Tennessee could potentially be undefeated if they hadn’t blown that game against Jacksonville in Week 1. The team is coming off wins over Baltimore and Denver and heads to Cleveland. The Browns have had a cakewalk schedule so far, beating the Colts and Dolphins. The Brownies protect their home field in a close one.

Cleveland 19, Tennessee 17

 
LIONS (3-0) @ COWBOYS (2-1)

Everybody is jumping on the Lions bandwagon these days. I picked them as a wildcard playoff team before the season began, so I like them, too … but not this much. Dallas is beat up and Romo is ailing, but the defense is good enough to hold off the hard charging but very inexperienced Lions.

Dallas 28, Detroit 24

 
PATRIOTS (2-1) @ RAIDERS (2-1)

I am sure the “Hoodie” was ticked off in practice this week as his Patriots blew a 21-point lead at Buffalo last weekend. The Raiders know how they feel, losing a close one to those same Bills in Week 2. This game matches two high-powered offenses: New England passing and Oakland running. Even though they are traveling, I’m giving the edge to the Pats.

New England 30, Oakland 27

 
JETS (2-1) @ RAVENS (2-1)

Rex Ryan takes his Jets back to Baltimore to face off against the Ravens and the defense he built there. The Jets’ vaunted defense hasn’t been real good so far, giving up 61 points in three games. The Ravens absolutely slammed the Lambs in St. Louis last week, and I’m sure they want to make a statement at home.

Baltimore 27, New York Jets 20

Missouri Round-up

This weekend should be significantly more positive than last for Missouri’s football teams. Mizzou gets this Saturday off after traveling to Norman and putting up a good fight against then No. 1 ranked OU. The Tigers go to Manhattan next week to take on Kansas State. And both the state’s NFL teams have favorable match-ups. The Rams host the Redskins and should be able to take advantage of QB Rex Grossman. In KC, the Chiefs welcome the winless Minnesota Vikings to town. Both teams at least have a chance to compete for wins this weekend so we should all be able to go to church Sunday with a smile on our face.

As always, thanks for reading.

Steve