2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 4

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) at New England Patriots (1-2)

Sunday, October 3, 8:20PM PT

Oh we’ve all been waiting for this one, haven’t we? Tom Brady’s return to face the New England Patriots after he jumped ship for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Do Mac Jones and the Patriots have what it takes to topple the defending champions?

Probably not. As solid as Jones has been this season, the New England offense hasn’t had enough of a spark to put points on the board often. That hasn’t been the case at all for the Buccaneers, who are among the league leaders in points scored this season. As you probably know already, Brady has played an integral part in that.

Furthermore, Brady will have every incentive to crush his former club. Despite what I’m sure are fond memories of his time playing at Gillette Stadium, it’s easy to imagine that the GOAT would love nothing more than to stick it to his old coach with his new team.

I’m predicting that’ll be exactly what transpires in Week 4. Brady and the Buccaneers come out firing on all cylinders, overwhelming a solid New England secondary. The Tampa Bay defense also does just enough to slow down Jones and the Patriots offense, paving the way for a dominant victory.

Prediction: Buccaneers win 34-14 | Spread: Buccaneers (-6.5)