2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 4

Photo by Harry How/Getty Images
Photo by Harry How/Getty Images /
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Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images
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NFL picks and score predictions for Week 4 as the 2021 season keeps rolling.

Three weeks of football are in the books, and now we’ve got another round of madness just around the corner. With it comes our regular batch of weekly NFL picks and score predictions to help you through the upcoming weekend of gridiron greatness.

Yes, we’ve got you covered with the Week 4 edition of NFL picks and score predictions. Just as in years passed, I’ll never claim to know what the future holds. As it turns out, odds are high at least a few of my picks will be completely wrong. I will, however, make my selections based on research, experience and careful consideration.

Despite the relative youth of the season, I’m already feeling good about my predictions. For the second weekend in a row, my NFL picks resulted in a 12-4 record. While it’s obviously not 16-0 (that’s the dream), it’s a second consecutive strong showing. That moves my overall record on the year to 33-15, which I admit I’m rather pleased with.

Just remember that making picks is not a science. Plenty of research goes into it, but there’s no crystal ball — craziness occurs every Sunday. Then again, isn’t that part of the fun of it all?

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.

Week 4 Byes: None | All point spreads and odds are courtesy of WynnBet.

Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)

Thursday, September 30, 8:20PM PT

Even after showing some fight against a dangerous Arizona Cardinals team, I don’t have anywhere near enough confidence in the Jacksonville Jaguars to even consider picking them. It’s been a rough first three weeks for Urban Meyer and Co., and I don’t think Week 4 will be any better.

The Cincinnati Bengals have actually been one of the surprises of the early 2021 campaign. Joe Burrow is playing like the former No. 1 overall pick he is, and he’s enjoyed throwing to former LSU teammate JaMarr Chase. Joe Mixon is also playing well, and the Cincinnati defense is holding its own against quality competition.

Meanwhile, the Jaguars’ young gunslinger is having a tough transition to the NFL. Trevor Lawrence leads the league in interceptions and hasn’t learned that he can’t take chances like he did in college. Meyer’s move to the pros is similarly stumbling along, as he coaches one of the only remaining winless teams.

The Bengals come into this one having enjoyed a big day against their division rivals in Week 3. They use that momentum to roll over the Jaguars, further proving that Jacksonville is far from competitive this season.

Prediction: Bengals win 34-16 | Spread: Bengals (-7.5)