NFL picks and score predictions for Week 4 as the 2020 season continues to captivate us.
We’re nearly a quarter of the way through the 2020 NFL season, and it’s been quite the show. With Week 4 just around the corner, we’re hoping for even more epic gridiron action and nonstop highlight-reel plays. Either way, we’re ready to deliver our weekly NFL picks!
As always, we’ve got you covered with the Week 4 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Now I’ll never claim that these are going to be 100 percent correct. In fact, there’s a very good chance at least a few of my picks will go completely awry. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience and careful consideration.
After killing it through the first two weeks of the season, I dropped the ball a bit in my Week 3 picks. Finishing the week with a 8-7-1 record, it certainly wasn’t the outcome I was expecting. My overall season record now moves to 30-15-1. Here’s to hoping my NFL picks turn out better in Week 4.
Just remember that making picks is not a science. As much research goes into it, anything can happen on any given Sunday. Isn’t that part of why we watch football in the first place?
Now that we’ve gotten all of that out of the way, here are my NFL picks and score predictions for Week 4. Just keep in mind that I assume no responsibility if you choose to place wagers based on my picks — that’s your decision, not mine.
Denver Broncos (0-3) at New York Jets (0-3)
Thursday, October 1, 8:20PM ET
I’m sorry, but I just can’t put any stock in the Denver Broncos right now. Their roster has been riddled with injuries, and the options they have behind Drew Lock at quarterback clearly aren’t cutting it. I had high hopes for the Broncos, but the injury bug’s bite has been too strong.
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With that said, it’s not like the New York Jets are anything worth being excited about. They got blown out this past weekend, and haven’t shown much of any life in 2020. Sam Darnold is nearing bust status, the defense is a sieve and they’re also dealing with their fair share of injuries.
Unfortunately, this game won’t be one to watch — even if you’re a fan of one of these squads. Expect a lot of mistakes on both sides of the ball, and too much poor play at quarterback. Heck, even the ground games probably won’t get going. We could see a single-game record for turnovers before all is said and done.
Still, I have to predict that someone wins. So I’m rolling with the Jets, who should be able to slow Denver’s offense enough to manage more points, although they may mostly by way of the kicker. I’d advise not to put this one on your list of games to watch in Week 4.
Prediction: Jets win 13-10
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Washington Football Team (1-2)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
After stumbling against the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, the Baltimore Ravens need a bounce-back win in a big way. Luckily, they pull a matchup with the Washington Football Team in Week 4 that shouldn’t prove too difficult to walk away from victorious.
The struggles were understandable — slowing Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City offense is a pain in the derrière. You can’t same the same for Washington’s offense, especially with Dwayne Haskins still under center. They turn the ball over too often, and haven’t had much luck getting the ground game going in 2020.
Look for Lamar Jackson to turn things around against D.C., tossing a few touchdowns and running for at least one more. And when the game is already in hand, the Baltimore offense will turn to its gaggle of outstanding running backs to pound Washington into submission.
The Ravens need a big day from Jackson, who was embarrassed by the Kansas City defense. They should get it, along with a dazzling defensive performance from their own group that helps us realize just how bad this NFC East group is considering Washington currently leads the division.
Prediction: Ravens win 35-13
Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) at Tennessee Titans (3-0)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
Week 4’s only showdown between undefeated teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ upcoming battle with the Tennessee Titans is sure to be a good one. Both of these teams have weather some tough matchups early this season, but have yet to mark a notch in the loss column.
Unfortunately, one of them must do so before Sunday is over (barring a tie, of course). Since I’m the one making the picks, I’m predicting the Titans get their first blemish while the Steelers manage to maintain their spotless record for one more week.
The Titans haven’t been great against the run this season, while James Conner is starting to pick up steam. On top of that, Ben Roethlisberger is playing great football while his receivers continue to make opposing secondaries pay for every mistake. Tennessee’s offense has been good at times as well, but they haven’t been as explosive.
What seals the deal for me, though, is Pittsburgh’s defense. Their speed and ability to disrupt the pocket have been deadly this season, which should make life miserable for Ryan Tannehill. A key turnover in the waning minutes gives the Steelers the win in Week 4.
Prediction: Steelers win 27-24
Los Angeles Chargers (1-2) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
Don’t misunderstand — I’m still not a believer in the Dream Team. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be 2-1 right now (and likely headed for 3-1), but I’m still not confident in their ability to go the distance this season, especially in an NFC full of capable contenders.
Still, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers seem to have the edge in this one. The GOAT looks to tease the Los Angeles Chargers, the other team that was rumored to be at the top of his offseason wish list. And chances are he’ll put on quite the show against their banged-up secondary that doesn’t match up well with Tampa Bay’s devastating combination of size and speed.
Especially with Justin Herbert under center, the Chargers offense is a complete wild card. The rookie was outstanding in Week 2 but took a step backward in Week 3. Look for the Buccaneers to get after him all game long, forcing him into mistakes that keep the Chargers from pulling ahead on the scoreboard.
I see this one coming down to the wire, with the final possession likely deciding it. As close as it is, though, I have to give the edge to Brady and his bunch instead of the young gun who still has too many kinks to work out.
Prediction: Buccaneers win 24-19
Seattle Seahawks (3-0) at Miami Dolphins (1-2)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
You know, it really is fun to watch Ryan Fitzpatrick work his magic. The wily veteran continues to impress despite his age, and he’s kept the Miami Dolphins from looking anything like the laughing stock they were in 2019. With that said, they don’t stand a chance in Week 4.
The Seattle Seahawks are one of the hottest teams in football right now, having already knocked off the New England Patriots and Dallas Cowboys. Russell Wilson is playing out of his mind, breaking the record for the most passing touchdowns through the first three games (14). For a guy who’s never had a single MVP vote, he’s sure making the case so far this season.
Can the Miami defense really find a way to keep him in check? Doubt it. Wilson just finds ways to win, even when the odds seem stacked against him. He’ll take advantage of having two supremely talented receivers in D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett shredding the Dolphins secondary along the way.
Miami won’t go down easy, especially with Fitzpatrick at the helm. However, I’m guessing we’ll see a few of those sloppy turnovers he’s been known for throughout his career, costing the Dolphins any real shot at taking down the Seahawks.
Prediction: Seahawks win 31-21
Minnesota Vikings (0-3) at Houston Texans (0-3)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
The Houston Texans have had a rough first few weeks of the 2020 campaign. They’ve faced three of the AFC’s top teams that currently combine for a record of 8-1. As bad as their 0-3 record looks right now, you can’t write them off just yet.
That’ll especially be the case after Week 4 when they secure their first win against the Minnesota Vikings. That’s not to say the Vikings are a pushover at 0-3, as they’ve also been beaten by teams with a combined record of 8-1. With that said, they haven’t been nearly as impressive in those three losses.
Kirk Cousins has been bipolar this season, usually looking like a dumpster in the first half before turning it on in the second. Still, he’s been one of the most unimpressive starting quarterbacks so far this season, and the Minnesota secondary’s inability to slow opposing passing games hasn’t made life any easier for the Vikings offense.
Deshaun Watson figures to work his magic against Minnesota, putting up big-time numbers as the Texans get their first win of the season. The Vikings will stay in it until the end, but end up choking away another potential win as they move to 0-4.
Prediction: Texans win 34-30
New Orleans Saints (1-2) at Detroit Lions (1-2)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
Honestly, I’m a bit disappointed in how both of these clubs’ 2020 campaigns have started off. I expected both to emerge as potential playoff contenders, but instead they sit at 1-2 heading into Week 4 with a number of serious flaws apparent.
For the Detroit Lions, they need to get their act together on offense. They haven’t been able to establish the run, and Matthew Stafford is making too many mistakes for a man who wanted to make a run at the MVP award. And while they can’t get their own ground game going, their defense is doing an awful job of slowing opposing runners.
For the New Orleans Saints, their defense can’t seem to get out of its own way. While Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara and the offense have stayed steady despite the loss of Michael Thomas to injury, the Saints can’t seem to stop giving up points. They were shredded by Derek Carr in Week 2 and fell victim to another Aaron Rodgers bombardment in Week 3.
Will we see more of the same from the Saints, or will they find a way to slow Stafford? I foresee the latter, with the defense putting most of its attention to putting pressure on him with the Detroit running game failing to find its footing.
Prediction: Saints win 26-20
Cleveland Browns (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
The Cleveland Browns may have the better record heading into Week 4, but they most certainly are not the better team. They’ve narrowly escaped two subpar teams with wins, while the Cowboys’ two losses came at the hands of two of the NFC’s top squads.
On top of that, the Dallas offense continues to roll. Dak Prescott is having an outstanding season so far, and Ezekiel Elliott is always a threat to go off. Against a Cleveland defense that has struggled to slow opposing quarterbacks all year long, Prescott should be in a big game on Sunday.
With that said, don’t expect it to be a cakewalk for the Cowboys. Cleveland still boasts an offense loaded with weapons, from their dynamic duo at running back to Odell Beckham Jr. out wide. Baker Mayfield hasn’t exactly been a star this season, but he’s capable of putting together a big performance when he’s on top of his game.
Unfortunately for the Browns, it won’t matter. The Cowboys will come prepared, and Cleveland’s brief stint above .500 won’t last longer than a week. Mike McCarthy’s crew gets the win and Dallas gets back on track.
Prediction: Cowboys win 28-17
Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-2-1)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
I’m not giving up on you yet, Joe Burrow! For the last two weeks, I’ve been confident that the outstanding rookie quarterback would find his first win. While he didn’t end up losing in Week 3, a tie doesn’t exactly give him his first career win. Well, that’s what Week 4 is for!
It’s not an ideal matchup, but the Jacksonville Jaguars are definitely a beatable squad. Gardner Minshew likes to bring them back to within striking distance, but there isn’t enough talent around him to make the magic work on a weekly basis. The Bengals defense, while far from impressive, is capable of pulling off the upset.
As for Burrow, I have faith in his ability to put up plenty of points against the Jaguars’ less-than-stellar defense. As long as the offensive line can keep him upright and his supporting cast makes plays when called upon, Cincinnati should be able to find the end zone often enough to get the win.
Four weeks of exceptional play for Burrow is going to pay off for the rookie gunslinger. He gets the first win of his young NFL career, and the Bengals finally see what the future could hold with their franchise quarterback now in place.
Prediction: Bengals win 20-18
Indianapolis Colts (2-1) at Chicago Bears (3-0)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
Who would have guessed the Chicago Bears would be 3-0 heading into Week 4? I know I wouldn’t have. I’m pretty sure I’ve picked them to lose every week so far, and they continue to disappoint me. Will I pick against them for the fourth time in a row? Nope.
Here’s the thing: it’s easy to look at the numbers and question whether or not the Bears are worthy of defeating the Indianapolis Colts, who boast the league’s top defense through three weeks. Then, you remember that the Colts have slowed down teams with a combined record of 1-8. That standing certainly becomes less impressive, right?
Meanwhile, the Bears are somehow putting together a complete performance each and every Sunday. Not only has the offense been surprisingly efficient, but the Chicago defense is also among the best in the NFL. And now with Nick Foles running the show, there’s even more reason to believe the Bears aren’t going away anytime soon.
The Colts aren’t going to roll over and give a win away, but the Bears have enough talent on both sides of the ball to get their fourth-straight W. Foles makes the big throws when they matter most, giving Chicago the slight edge as they remain undefeated for one more week.
Prediction: Bears win 23-21
Arizona Cardinals (2-1) at Carolina Panthers (1-2)
Sunday, October 4, 1PM ET
Believe it or not, Kyler Murray is human. We learned that in Week 3 when he threw three interceptions and cost the Arizona Cardinals a win against the lowly Lions. Don’t expect to see an encore of that performance here in Week 4.
The Carolina Panthers haven’t given up a ton of points through the air, but they’re certainly giving up huge yards in that category. Look for Murray to take advantage, feeding DeAndre Hopkins and Larry Fitzgerald all game long. Even David Johnson should get involved as the Cardinals look to gouge Carolina’s suspect defense.
Will Teddy Bridgewater have enough juice to keep up on the scoreboard? I’m thinking not. Christian McCaffrey is still hurt, and the Panthers aren’t exactly loaded with receiver talent. Their offense simply isn’t as explosive as Arizona’s, which is going to make producing points a pain.
Arizona rights the ship here, getting a big road win as Murray regains the confidence and swagger that we saw the first two weeks of the 2020 campaign. As for the Panthers, it’s starting to look like this could be a lost season, as many already expected.
Prediction: Cardinals win 34-20
New York Giants (0-3) at Los Angeles Rams (2-1)
Sunday, October 4, 4:05PM ET
Based on what we’ve seen so far this season, it’s going to be a long one for the New York Giants. They’ve already been hobbled by injuries, and we’re already a bit lacking in the talent department. For those reasons, moving to 0-4 in Week 4 seems like the logical next step for the Giants.
It also doesn’t help that the Los Angeles Rams have been better than expected so far in 2020. Despite suffering a heart-breaking loss in Week 3, they’re still right there among the top contenders in the NFC. The offense has shown well, and the defense has been downright dominant at times.
I’d expect Jared Goff and Los Angeles’ dangerous passing game to get everything it wants against New York. Cooper Kupp and Robert Woods should spend all day racking up big yards, while the Rams make some plays in the ground game as well. There just isn’t enough talent on the Giants’ defense to keep this group in check.
Daniel Jones should have a decent game, but a couple of turnovers courtesy of the Aaron Donald and the Rams’ outstanding secondary should be more than enough to give Los Angeles the win.
Prediction: Rams win 31-16
Buffalo Bills (3-0) at Las Vegas Raiders (2-1)
Sunday, October 4, 4:25PM ET
At this point, I’m having a hard time finding reasons to pick against the Buffalo Bills. They’re now 3-0 and are coming off a nail-biting win against a competitive Rams team. By all accounts, they’re a threat to take the AFC by storm in the coming months.
Why? Because Josh Allen is finally coming into his own as a legitimate star quarterback. He’s had an MVP-caliber start to the season, igniting the Buffalo offense and giving them a boost when it’s most needed. Not only is his ability to run causing problems, but he’s now routinely making big plays with his arm as well.
That’s not to say the Las Vegas Raiders are a team worth shrugging off. Carr is off to a great start this year, but the Sin City defense hasn’t always been able to keep up its end of the bargain. I’m not sure I’m confident in their ability to keep Allen, Stefon Diggs and the rest of the Buffalo offense contained for 60 minutes.
The Bills score early and often, and the Buffalo defense stiffens when needed. While the Raiders keep things close through the first three quarters, a big final 15 minutes for the Bills allows them to cruise to a Week 4 win.
Prediction: Bills win 34-21
New England Patriots (2-1) at Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
Sunday, October 4, 4:25PM ET
Week 2 may have been a bit shaky for the Chiefs, but they’ve officially arrived following a Week 3 destruction of the Ravens. Now they head into another challenging showdown with the New England Patriots, but I wouldn’t be too concerned if I was Andy Reid.
When they’re at their best, this Chiefs team is nearly unbeatable. Mahomes is playing like the best quarterback in the league (which he arguably is), the Kansas City run game is dominant and the receivers are making big plays even after hauling in Mahomes’ amazing passes. I won’t even start on the Chiefs defense, which held Jackson to 97 passing yards in Week 3.
If they could coral Jackson, they can certainly keep Cam Newton from shredding their secondary. Especially at home, expect the Chiefs to have the Patriots’ number. It won’t be a blowout, but I’m expecting a comfortable lead for most of the game.
Right now, the Chiefs are the team to beat in the AFC. I won’t go as far as crowning them Super Bowl champs yet, but other clubs around the league have a lot of ground to cover before they’ll be ready to knock Mahomes and Co. out of contention.
Prediction: Chiefs win 34-24
Philadelphia Eagles (0-2-1) at San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
Sunday, October 4, 8:20PM ET
Coming into the season, I assumed both of these squads would be looking good heading into Week 4. Instead, they’ve gone in opposite directions to start the year, with the Philadelphia Eagles floundering while the San Francisco 49ers are keeping themselves in the hunt.
It’s all the more impressive when you consider how many injuries the 49ers have already suffered through three weeks. And yet, despite losing players like Jimmy Garoppolo, Raheem Mostert and Deebo Samuel, Kyle Shanahan has found a way to keep this offense rolling.
Meanwhile, Carson Wentz is having a difficult time getting anything going. He’s already thrown six interceptions on the year, and has the Philadelphia offense limping along. The defense isn’t doing its part either, giving up way too much ground and struggling to keep pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
I just don’t see the Eagles are going to overcome the 49ers in this one, even with the slew of injuries. Look for Jerick McKinnon to run wild while Nick Mullens keeps the Philly secondary on its heels. San Francisco gets the win, and the Eagles’ finger moves even closer to the panic button.
Prediction: 49ers win 35-13
Atlanta Falcons (0-3) at Green Bay Packers (3-0)
Monday, October 5, 8:15PM ET
I’d like to think the Atlanta Falcons stand a chance in this one, but you really can’t trust them to do anything right at this point. They’ve now blown two sizable leads in a consecutive weeks, and have put a clinic when it comes to teams shooting themselves in the foot.
Yes, Matt Ryan is playing well and the offense is producing. But they stale out at inopportune times, and the Atlanta defense seems to shut down in the second half. That’s not a winning recipe in any sport at any level, and it’s a big reason why the Falcons are winless heading into Week 4.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers are already asserting themselves as the cream of the crop in the NFC. They’ve toppled the Vikings, who were supposed to be their top competition in the NFC North. Then they dispatched the Lions before outscoring the Saints in a shootout on Sunday night. Aaron Rodgers is playing like a man possessed, and Aaron Jones is following his lead.
The Green Bay defense hasn’t been shy about giving up points, but they’ve shown just enough resolve to keep the wins coming. Even if the Falcons can produce a steady stream of touchdowns, it won’t be enough to knock the Packers from the ranks of the undefeated.
Prediction: Packers win 33-24