The New Orleans Saints enter Week 4 with a 2-1 record as they head to Atlanta. Not a bad record by any means, but a disappointing one, considering they were so close to winning a week ago, leaving their record unblemished. Unfortunately, that was not meant to be. The loss was one thing, but losing players to injury, primarily standout center Erik McCoy is another thing altogether. It’s “next man up” for the Saints, and everyone needs to be prepared.
Dennis Allen infamously apologized to their rival Falcons following a blowout win in the 2023 season finale. Now is the time for Allen and his team to be thoroughly unapologetic in a victory that will keep the Saints at the top of the NFC South while simultaneously keeping the Falcons at the bottom. Sorry, not sorry.
Now let’s take a look at this and all of the games on the Week 4 NFL schedule.
Last week, I went 5-11 (yikes!)
I told you so: Chiefs over Falcons!
What do I know: Saints over Eagles?
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WEEK 4
Sunday, September 29th – Early Games
Bengals(0-3) at Panthers(1-2)
Cincy is on the ropes, and a loss in Carolina is certain to put them on the canvas for the season. Joe Burrow finally finds a way to get the Bengals in the win column. Cincinnati wins 27-24.
Pick: Bengals
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Rams(1-2) at Bears(1-2)
Los Angeles has been up and down to start this season, while battling huge injuries. Thankfully for LA, they are facing an ineffective offense in Chicago. Los Angeles wins 21-13.
Pick: Rams
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Vikings(3-0) at Packers(2-1)
Malik Willis has been fantastic in relief of Jordan Love the past two weeks, but this Minnesota team is the best the Packers have faced yet. This will be a close nail-biter, but Minnesota picks up another big win in this one at Lambeau. Minnesota wins 20-17.
Pick: Vikings
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Jaguars(0-3) at Texans(2-1)
Jacksonville may very well be the NFL’s worst team to start this season, and they get no favors, facing a ticked-off Texans team coming off a bad loss. Houston wins 29-21.
Pick: Texans
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Steelers(3-0) at Colts(1-2)
The Pittsburgh defense will impose their will in Indy. Pittsburgh wins 24-20.
Pick: Steelers
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Broncos(1-2) at Jets(2-1)
Aaron Rodgers will be the key in exposing the Denver defense in this one. New York wins 24-14.
Pick: Jets
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Eagles(2-1) at Buccaneers(2-1)
Tampa wins this one by doing two fundamental things: Shutting down Philly’s run game on defense and running the ball down Philly’s throat on offense, plain and simple. This will easily resemble Tampa’s dominating Wild Card win over Philly in January. The Bucs offensive line will give Baker Mayfield all the time he needs to dissect the defense with surgical efficiency. Tampa Bay wins 33-12.
Pick: Buccaneers
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Saints(2-1) at Falcons(2-1)
The Saints absolutely have to do one fundamental thing effectively to win this game: Run the ball effectively. As we witnessed a week ago, the Saints offensive line could neither hold up in pass protection, nor open rushing lanes for the run game. This simply has to change, and it will. The Saints will adjust to the loss of McCoy in ways that they couldn’t a week ago. It won’t be pretty, like the first two weeks, but it certainly won’t be ugly like a week ago. This will be the most crucial win in the early stages of this season for the Saints. A 40+ point game would be incredible to see again, but a win is sweet any way you can get it, especially over the Falcons. Saints win 24-17.
Pick: Saints
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Sunday, September 29th – Late Games
Commanders(2-1) at Cardinals(1-2)
Jayden Daniels had his coming-out party as a pro on Monday Night, and that party continues against Arizona. Washington wins 23-17.
Pick: Commanders
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Patriots(1-2) at 49ers(1-2)
Following a horrible loss a week ago, the Niners rebound with a home win over the Pats. San Francisco wins 26-14.
Pick: 49ers
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Chiefs(3-0) at Chargers(2-1)
Justin Herbert simply won’t have enough to outduel Patrick Mahomes in this one. Kansas City wins 21-14.
Pick: Chiefs
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Browns(1-2) at Raiders(1-2)
Gardner Minshew and the Vegas passing game will be the difference in this lackluster matchup. Las Vegas wins 20-16.
Pick: Raiders
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Sunday Night Football
Bills(3-0) at Ravens(1-2) – Game of the Week
Josh Allen is on the path to an MVP season, and this may be his most balanced team yet. Lamar Jackson is coming off another MVP season himself, and despite their record, he leads the NFL’s top-ranked offense. This game will be as good as advertised, and this potential AFC playoff preview will come down to the leg of Justin Tucker in the end. Baltimore wins 24-21.
Pick: Ravens
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Monday, September 30th – Monday Night Football Doubleheader
Titans(0-3) at Dolphins(1-2)
With Miami’s offense struggling, it will be their defense that comes through with their biggest performance of the season. Miami wins 30-14.
Pick: Dolphins
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Seahawks(3-0) at Lions(2-1)
Of all the teams Detroit has faced in the successful Dan Campbell era, Seattle has been one that has definitely had their number, and this Seattle offense may be the best one during this stretch. Detroit will be the favorites here, but they shouldn’t be. Seattle wins 45-35.
Pick: Seahawks
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That’s how I see Week 4 playing out. Leave us your picks, insight, and comments below!
