NFL Week Four preview: Brees gives Jets first loss, Rodgers gets revenge

Last week’s picks: 12-4

Season total: 34-14

 

Detroit at Chicago

The winning streak ends here. Matt Forte pours it on in this one — 120 yards and two scores.

Bears 28, Lions 13

 

Cincinnati at Cleveland

Two years ago, Derek Anderson came was brought in as starter in a home game against the Bungles and went on to throw for 328 yards and five TDs in a 58-48 win. The difference between then and now? Jamal Lewis’ health, an offensive weapon at tight end, and Braylon Edwards playing respectable football.

Bengals 28, Browns 20

 

Seattle at Indianapolis

Indy’s offensive firepower is too much for a Seattle defense that is fighting the injury bug. The Hawks will make a game of it, though.

Colts  23, Seahawks 16

 

New York Giants at Kansas City

Matt Cassel eats grass all afternoon. Eli pads the stats.

Giants 34, Chiefs 6

 

Baltimore at New England

Such a tough game to call. The Ravens shut down the run, forcing Tom Brady to beat them in the air, and he can’t get it done.

Ravens 17, Patriots 16

 

Tampa Bay at Washington

Jim Zorn and Jason Campbell live to see another day.

Redskins 24, Bucs 10

 

Tennessee at Jacksonville

Guess which team is hungrier for a win. The Titans reel in that elusive first “W” with a steady, balanced offensive game.

Titans 27, Jags 19

 

Oakland at Houston

The Texans know they need to win their winnable games to hang with Indy in the AFC South. They come out firing on all cylinders in this one.

Texans 35, Raiders 7

 

Dallas at Denver

The Broncos are who we used to think they were.

Cowboys 24, Broncos 17

 

Buffalo at Miami

Might’ve called for Miami pulling the upset before the Chad Pennington injury. It’s not happening now, but it’s also not going to be a “get your popcorn ready” effort by the Bills, either, who win by default.

Bills 21, Miami 7

 

New York Jets at New Orleans

Game of the week between the NFL’s two hottest teams. The Revis Effect has kept receivers like Randy Moss and Andre Johnson very quiet against the Jets, but that doesn’t stop Drew Brees, who is an equal-opportunity passer if there ever was one. Saints march in this one.

Saints 37, Jets 21

 

St. Louis at San Francisco

Rams sneak up on Niners with two deep passes and something — I don’t know what, but something — on special teams.

Rams 17, 49ers 16

 

San Diego at Pittsburgh

Philip Rivers takes advantage of that Troy Polamalu-shaped hole in the Pittsburgh defense quite a few times, but James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley show signs of life and force Rivers to blow it in the final minutes.

Steelers 23, Chargers 20

 

Green Bay at Minnesota

This is my big pick of the week: not only does Green Bay win, but they play with poise to the point of near-perfection and crush — yes, crush — the Vikes on their field on national television. Redemption is green and gold.

Packers 38, Vikings  16