2018 NFL picks against the spread for Week 4

With Week 4 upon us, we again take on the oddsmakers and make NFL picks against the spread for every game of the week.

It’s wild to think that we’re already essentially one-quarter of the way through the 2018 NFL season, but that’s the reality. The bye weeks begin in Week 4 with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins getting the early respite. However, there will be no rest when it comes to making NFL picks against the spread.

Considering how wild that the beginnings of the 2018 have been, I feel that I’ve done well enough with my NFL picks against the spread to this point in the year. Last week, however, was the first time this season that I’ve gone below .500 for the week. That’s surely not something that I want to happen again.

Like the Browns, Steelers, Packers and Vikings, I started off Week 4 with that wishy-washy feeling of what amounts to a tie, picking the Los Angeles Rams -7 over the Minnesota Vikings, which ultimately just ended up being a seven-point win for the favorites. That’s a push, which starts the week out for 0-0-1. That’s almost a clean slate, but we’ll try and fill up the win column.

With that, let’s get into my NFL picks against the spread for each Week 4 contest. As always, lines are courtesy of Odds Shark.

Record in Week 3: 7-9
Overall Record for 2018: 23-23-2

Philadelphia Eagles at Tennessee Titans (+3)

I have more faith in this Titans team than many seem to do. Their defense is legitimate and their offense, once Marcus Mariota gets healthy, is better than people think. Though I’ve picked Philly elsewhere this week, I’ve had a change of heart and am saying that the home dogs cover.

Buffalo Bills at Green Bay Packers (-9)

Don’t buy into what happened with the Bills last week too much. While they may not get steamrolled by the Packers, I don’t think this one at Lambeau is going to ever be in doubt for Green Bay.

Detroit Lions at Dallas Cowboys (-2.5)

Anyone’s guess as to what to make of both the Cowboys or Lions at this point is as good as mine. Both have looked good, both have looked bad more often. With that, I’m just taking the home team and crossing my fingers.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Chicago Bears (-3)

Mitchell Trubisky has to prove himself in this one. The Buccaneers defense is not good, but the Bears unit most certainly is. If Trubisky and the offense can take care of business, they’re good enough to move to 3-1 overall on the year.

New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars (-7.5)

This is pretty simple — putting Sam Darnold and that offensive line on the road against this Jaguars defense is going to make for a long day for the Gang Green faithful — and, of course, the rookie quarterback.

Miami Dolphins (+6.5) at New England Patriots

I’m actually of the belief that the Patriots, though they may not reach their final form, are going to pull together and pick up a home win. Having said that, the Dolphins are better than many thought and, trying to prove themselves, I think they keep this one pretty close on Sunday in Foxboro.

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts (EVEN)

Until the Texans offensive line proves that they can’t be beaten by the blocking sled, there’s no chance that I’m picking them in any form or fashion. Give me the Colts.

Cincinnati Bengals (+3.5) at Atlanta Falcons

Given all of the Falcons injuries, it’s surprising to me that, even at home, they are favored against a good Bengals team. I think Cincinnati has the offensive weaponry to exploit the missing pieces of Atlanta’s defense and wins outright on the road.

Seattle Seahawks (-3.5) at Arizona Cardinals

Putting Josh Rosen behind the Cardinals offensive line should be a criminal offense. I truthfully don’t have a lot of faith in the Seahawks for 2018 as a whole, but just about anyone can cause this Arizona team issues right now.

Cleveland Browns (+2.5) at Oakland Raiders

Baker Mayfield making his first start against this quite awful Raiders defense is a gift for the Browns. I fully expect the rookie to continue his masterful work he put on display after coming in last week and Cleveland rolls to their second victory of the season — unheard of, I know.

San Francisco 49ers at Los Angeles Chargers (-10)

The 49ers could do a lot worse for a backup quarterback than C.J. Beathard, but him taking Jimmy Garoppolo’s place is a killer for this team still. Meanwhile, the Chargers need a statement game and a banged up San Francisco team gives them the prime opportunity to declare themselves something worth watching.

New Orleans Saints (-3.5) at New York Giants

Congratulations to the Giants on barely beating an awful Texans team last week. Now they get to try and stop the high-octane Saints offense with their defense still banged up. Drew Brees might throw for 1,000 yards on Sunday.

Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)

This just feels like a game where Joe Flacco is going to come out and not give the Ravens a chance with all the mistakes he makes, even if the Steelers defense is quite terrible. With the game in Pittsburgh, I’m just riding with the home team on the back of Flacco’s mistakes.

Kansas City Chiefs (-4) at Denver Broncos

The Broncos might have Von Miller, but until someone proves that they can stop Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs offense, you won’t see me picking against them.