A solid albeit unspectacular week on the overall picks, but once again I apparently know more about the games I don't have as strong an opinion on.
Let's get to the picks...!
WEEK 4 PICKS
Baltimore (-2.5) at Pittsburgh
Always two of the best games of the season, this one lost a lotta lustre when Suggs and Roethlisberger went down with injuries. Just doesn't have that same juice. But in terms of picking the game? I know you throw out the records when these two get together, and there's at least a 96% chance that Michael Vick hasn't read the playbook yet this season...but I'm having a tough time laying points on the road with a Ravens team that has played THIS uninspired so far.
Pick: Steelers
New York Jets (-2.5) at Miami
Try as they might, the Dolphins just can't get out of their own way so far. I had Lamar Miller pegged as an easy top-10, borderline top-5 fantasy back this season. Not sure why they still keep me on staff; maybe it's my hair. In any case, much like with Baltimore, I'm just not totally comfortable laying points with this Jets team in a divisional game on the road. One of these weeks, the Dolphins are going to bust out offensively.
Pick: Dolphins
Indianapolis (-9.5) vs. Jacksonville
The Colts may not be BACK BACK, but they at least showed some signs of life last week on the offensive side of the ball. I traded Andrew Luck in all of my fantasy leagues for out of control beard Andrew Luck, hoping to spark some positive momentum the rest of the way. Thinking of grabbing petite Randy Moss off waivers as a "what the heck" flex option.
Pick: Colts
Atlanta (-6.5) vs. Houston
I'm still not totally sold on the Falcons to this point. Julio Jones was my number one overall fantasy target this season, so I was obviously a big believer in HIM; but I feel like they're getting it done to this point with mirrors or something. How can a team with this talent level be 3-0?
Pick: Texans
Cincinnati (-3.5) vs. Kansas City
The Bengals are legit, playing at home, and the Chiefs are not nearly at the level of an elite team. We're supposed to believe there's only a half point spread between these two teams on a neutral field? Come on.
Pick: Bengals
Buffalo (-6.5) vs. New York Giants
One productive performance against a hapless Redskins team isn't enough to make me think the Giants are anything more than an also-ran. Of course, the New York fanbase is already talking about how poor the division is, and how if things break JUST RIGHT how they can walk away with a division title at 8-8, etc. Wellll...the Bills are for real. This one might get ugly.
Pick: Bills
Oakland (-2.5) at Chicago
Look, two wins is two wins. And I'm trying not to let my Raider-hating bias show. But I'm not NEARLY at the point of laying points on the road with this bunch just yet. The Bears stink, but still...
Pick: Bears
Philadelphia (-3.5) at Washington
Signs of life out of Philly! Looks like ol' Chip Kelly knew exactly what he was doing all along!
Pick: Eagles
Carolina (-3.5) at Tampa Bay
As I've said several times this season, the Panthers are going to be thrilled winning every game 9-7. Against a doormat type of team, even moreso because they don't need to take very many risks to win. That extra half point skews this in Tampa's favor.
Pick: Bucs
San Diego (-7.5) vs. Cleveland
Until further notice, the Chargers stink.
Pick: Browns
Denver (-6.5) vs. Minnesota
I still can't shake the feeling that Denver isn't as good as their record, but hopefully now that I'm starting to think they're legit, they will poop the bed.
Pick: Broncos
Green Bay (-9.5) at San Francisco
At first glance, this line seems a bit high for a road team that just lost another receiver. Then you look at Aaron Rodgers, and you realize this line might be ten points low.
Pick: Packers
Arizona (-6.5) vs. Saint Louis
After an inspired Week 1 performance against Seattle, the Rams have seriously regressed. And after another convincing win a week ago, the Cardinals are staking their claim as a legitimate Super Bowl contender. This shouldnt' be close.
Pick: Cardinals
New Orleans (-4.5) vs. Dallas
Ok, so I'm an idiot. The term "free money" should never be associated with a Brandon Weeden-led team. I'm actually pretty disappointed that none of you drove out to Jersey and slapped me in the face for that one. But still...it's not like this Saints team is any good either. What's with this line?
Pick: Cowboys
Seattle (-9.5) vs. Detroit
After some early hiccups, the Seahawks look to be hitting their stride. Meanwhile in Detroit, Calvin Johnson can't get open, can't go deep, and defenses are reading their minds. In other words, Lions.
Pick: Seahawks
BEST BETS: Dolphins, Colts, Bengals, Bears
LOCK: Cincinnati Bengals
LAST WEEK
Overall: 10-6
Best Bets: 2-2
Lock of the Week: 0-1
YEAR TO DATE
Overall: 25-23 (52%)
Best Bets: 5-7 (41%)
Lock of the Week: 0-3 (0%)
POWER RANKINGS
1. Patriots 3-0 (1)
2. Packers 3-0 (3)
3. Cardinals 3-0 (4)
4. Bengals 3-0 (5)
5. Seahawks 1-2 (6)
6. Bills 2-1 (7)
7. Broncos 3-0 (8)
8. Panthers 3-0 (9)
9. Falcons 3-0 (14)
10. Steelers 2-1 (11)
11. Cowboys 2-1 (2)
12. Colts 1-2 (12)
13. Eagles 1-2 (16)
14. Jets 2-1 (10)
15. Vikings 2-1 (21)
16. Chargers 1-2 (13)
17. Dolphins 1-2 (15)
18. Rams 1-2 (17)
19. Chiefs 1-2 (18)
20. Raiders 2-1 (24)
21. Ravens 0-3 (19)
22. 49ers 1-2 (20)
23. Lions 0-3 (22)
24. Saints 0-3 (23)
25. Texans 1-2 (25)
26. Giants 1-2 (26)
27. Browns 1-2 (27)
28. Titans 1-2 (28)
29. Bucs 1-2 (29)
30. Jaguars 1-2 (30)
31. Redskins 1-2 (31)
32. Bears 0-3 (32)
