Who Dat Dish NFL Pick’em! Week Four
By John Hendrix
Sep 21, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith (89) makes a long reception against Cleveland Browns cornerback Joe Haden (23) during the fourth quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. The Ravens won 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports
Who Dat Dish NFL Pick’em keeps rolling from last week! It was another ugly week overall, but credit Andrew for having the best record (11-5) from last week. Let’s look at the rough patch of standings after Week Two:
- Andrew (@ShootsMcGavin), 34-14
- Simon (@Daugulis), 29-19
- Federico (@FedeFerrari10), 28-20
- Barry (@HarahanWhoDat), 27-21
- Ian (@IDear_Sports), 27-21
- John (@JohnJHendrix), 27-21
- MacGyver (@SaintsTailgate), 26-22
- Ryne (@RHancock19), 22-26
For those who have short-term memory problems, here’s the teams on the bye week this week: Cardinals, Bengals, Browns, Broncos, Seahawks, Rams
With several less games, here’s how Week Four plays out:
Thoughts from John
New York Giants at Washington
The records might not say that this game is worth a hill of beans, but this turned into a much better matchup with the Giants winning last week. These two teams sit at 1-2, and with meeting number 163 in their historic rivalry, it’s sure to feature two teams that want that ‘W’. I believe Kirk Cousins will build upon last week’s success, and earn a victory at home.
Green Bay at Chicago
It’s the 189th time these two will meet, and Bears fans really would like to block out the last time Aaron Rodgers came to town. The Packers have the Bears’ number in this decade, going 7-2 since 2010. In fact, the last time the Bears beat the Packers at Solider Field was 2010. Look for the Bears to rally around their past two victories, but I think the Packers really need this game, and should respond accordingly.
Buffalo at Houston
I remember the ‘old days’ when these two-faced each other in the 90s. That time has long passed, and we’re staring at two completely different franchises. If you would have told me at the beginning of the season that these teams would be facing each other at 2-1, then I would have laughed at you. If you would have told me that these two would be the division leaders at this point of the season, then I would have likely peed my pants. Well, who’s dumb now? Houston has a lot to prove, and we know that Ryan Fitzpatrick has a shot at some revenge here. I am most interested to see what happens with Arian Foster. I’ll take the Texans.
Tennessee at Indianapolis
The Colts broke their 0-2 record by beating up on the Jaguars last week. The Titans have went backwards ever since their Week One victory over the Chiefs. I don’t see much to suggest that the Titans would win here.
Carolina at Baltimore
I don’t have much to say about this matchup other than the fact that Steve Smith is facing his former team, and is downright pissed off. Ravens.
Detroit at New York Jets
Oh boy, Geno. I see you’re having some issues, and the media is sure to point it out. The Lions look good at home in this early season, but are quite the opposite on the road. Even with Matthew Stafford struggling last week, the Lions managed to knock off their nemesis, the Green Bay Packers. They’ll have their hands full, but I don’t see an upset happening.
Tampa Bay at Pittsburgh
Do we even really want to waste time analyzing this? Bucs got torched in a terrible way. Steelers.
Miami at Oakland (sort of – London, England)
It’s the first of three games featured at Wembley Stadium this season (Falcons-Lions, Cowboys-Jaguars being the others). Ryan Tannehill is getting the start this week, although it doesn’t seem like it’s a very big vote of confidence in him. I know anything can happen, but I’d believe that the Dolphins rebound from last week to win here despite a good defensive showing from the Raiders last week.
Jacksonville at San Diego
The Jags, like almost every season, are a sad sight to see. The Blake Bortles era starts this Sunday, and we got a sneak peek at how well he can move the ball in the second half against the Colts last week. Granted, the Colts were winning by a landslide, but it still speaks to what Bortles could be for the Jags. All of that being said, they’re playing the 2-1 Chargers in San Diego. I’ll take them.
Philadelphia at San Francisco
This has got to be the hardest matchup for me to decide this week. Why? Well, I know the 49ers have been struggling, losing to the Bears and Cardinals. They return home, and we’re starting to wonder whether or not this team has just been a big ‘hype’. The 49ers just flat-out suck in the second half, and they didn’t sack Drew Stanton last week. Just repeat that sentence. All the Eagles have done is score 30+ points in each of their first three games. Their offense is red-hot. Is it time for them to fizzle out Sunday? I don’t buy it.
Atlanta at Minnesota
Let the Teddy Bridgewater era commence! This will be a fun game. I know Atlanta is riding a big high from last week’s thrashing of the Bucs, but here comes a rookie mobile quarterback to the mix, coupled with the fact they play in Minnesota. I’m not saying it’s going to be an upset, but I don’t give the Falcons an easy victory this game.
New Orleans at Dallas
Stay tuned for my Keys to the Game for analysis, but spoiler alert, who do you think I take weekly?
New England at Kansas City
One might automatically assume that the Pats will roll in this one, but Kansas City was able to overcome injuries last week to beat the favored Dolphins. The Pats offense struggled heavily, and Arrowhead isn’t exactly the easiest place to play. Brady’s 4-1 over the Chiefs, which bodes well statistically, but it’s going to be a tough earned victory.
Agree or disagree with our picks? Who do you have as a ‘upset of the week’ candidate?