This week, Danny gave “Pic’s Picks” for Week 4 in the NFL:
I had another 4-1 week against the spread in Week 3. My record against the spread this season is now 8-2 (I didn’t make any picks in Week 1).
My only loss in Week 3 was the Houston Texans as a 4-point underdog against the Steelers in Pittsburgh. I really didn’t think Houston would be off to an 0-3 start, but after losing to the Steelers 28-21 on Sunday, that 0-3 start is real.
Anyways, let’s strive for perfection this week. Here are my picks for Week 4:
ARIZONA CARDINALS (-3.5) over Carolina Panthers
-The 2-1 Cardinals are coming off a loss to the Detroit Lions in Week 3, as the Lions hit a game-winning field goal with time expiring. I expect Arizona to go into Carolina on Sunday at 1 p.m. and bounce back strong against a Panthers defense that’s allowed 27 points per game through the first three games. Carolina is 1-2 and is coming off its first win of the season — a 21-16 victory over the Chargers in LA. Before that, the Panthers opened the season with losses to the Raiders and Buccaneers. With Christian McCaffrey on injured reserve because of a high ankle sprain, I don’t see Carolina as any kind of threat to a Cardinals team that should have a big year in 2020. This will be a big bounce-back win for Arizona. Cardinals win by two touchdowns.
SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (-6.5) over Miami Dolphins
-The undefeated Seahawks head to the East Coast to take on the 1-2 Dolphins in Miami. Seattle is coming off an impressive 38-31 win over the Cowboys, in which Russell Wilson threw five touchdown passes for the second consecutive game. Wilson leads the NFL in touchdown passes with 14 through three games. I really don’t think the Dolphins stand a chance in this one. Seattle’s offense is too high-powered, and they seem to be one of those teams that’s locked in on dominance this season. Wilson and the Seahawks are playing like they have something to prove. They win by 10.
BUFFALO BILLS (-3) over Las Vegas Raiders
-This Bills pick will be my third road favorite of the week. But for good reason. Buffalo is off to a 3-0 start. And get this, the Bills are doing it with their offense, not their defense. Josh Allen ranks second in the NFL in both passing yards (1,038) and touchdowns (10). He’s also only thrown one interception. Dare I say, the Bills are for real? This game on Sunday at 4:25 in Las Vegas won’t be easy, as the 2-1 Raiders are looking to bounce back from a loss to the Patriots in New England last Sunday. The Raiders also have an impressive Week 2 win over the Saints on their 2020 resume. So you could make the argument that this will be the game of the week. I’ll admit, this is kind of a ballsy pick. But I’m picking it anyways. Give me the Bills to win and cover on the road.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (+7) over Kansas City Chiefs
-I think you’ll see a lot of people picking Kansas City in this one, mainly because of their big 34-20 win over the Ravens in Baltimore on Monday night. The Chiefs are undefeated, and they now host the 2-1 Patriots on Sunday at 4:25. I was hesitant to pick the Pats here, but knowing Bill Belichick, he’ll find a way to keep this game within a touchdown. Even if New England doesn’t win, I do think they’ll cover. I’ll take the Patriots as a 7-point dog in Kansas City.
LOCK OF THE WEEK: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (-7) over LA Chargers
-After losing to the Saints in Week 1, the Buccaneers have won two straight and are in first place in the NFC South at 2-1. Now, they host the 1-2 Chargers on Sunday at 1. I’m still not used to seeing Tom Brady in this Bucs uniform. But I expect Tampa Bay to only get better as the weeks go on, with Brady at the helm. The Chargers have turned to rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, who’s been exciting to watch thus far. But LA is coming off a loss to the McCaffrey-less Panthers in Week 3. The only question here is, will the Buccaneers cover the spread? I think they will. Give me Tampa Bay all day.
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