2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 4

Washington Football Team (1-2) at Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

Sunday, October 3, 1PM PT

While they may have the same record coming into Week 4, these are two very different teams. The Atlanta Falcons have flailed their way to 1-2, while the Washington Football Team is a couple of lucky breaks away from at least 2-1.

On Sunday, we’ll see why there’s far more confidence in Washington moving forward. Even without a proven quarterback at the helm, D.C. is still a quality team capable of shutting opponents down. They’ve got one of the best defensive fronts in the NFL (despite its lack of success so far), and are capable of putting points up in a hurry.

I can’t say the same for Atlanta. Matt Ryan is clearly on the decline, and the weapons he has to work with are limited. The Falcons have nearly no running game, and their inability to consistently find the end zone has hindered them through the early part of the season.

While Washington doesn’t blow the Falcons away, they lean on their defense to shut down Ryan and Co. and keep the scoreboard relatively clean. Taylor Heinicke does just enough to secure the W, keeping the Football Team alive and well in the NFC East race.

Prediction: Washington wins 19-15 | Spread: Washington (-1.5)