Sanders's Week 4 NFL Predictions

Week 4 NFL Predictions

Can you believe we are already heading to the final game of the first quarter of the season? Boy does time fly. Also, can you believe that 2 “essentially” rookies (Siemian and Wentz, the actual rookie of the two) are leading undefeated teams? And it’s not even that their teams are carrying them; they are both playing well enough to win games on their own. And I won’t forget about Brisset either although he has only started one game so I can’t give him as much credit. Well, maybe instead of talking about rookies all day, we should get to this week’s picks!

Sanders went 6-10 last week and is now 29-19 on this season’s predictions.

Cincinnati Bengals vs Miami Dolphins

Like usual, my game analysis with the Dolphins is short and sweet. I don’t have anything against the Dolphins but I am just tired of them being hyped up every year and never giving results. The Dolphins are a mediocre team who SHOULD be 0-3 if not for a whiffed kick by the Browns before overtime. Meanwhile, the Bengals had a rough start with the Jets, Broncos, and Steelers in their first 3 games thus being 1-2 can be forgiven for now. The Bengals Defense should bounce back and control this game while the Bengals offense needs to show some signs of life and they have struggled to get a passing game going outside of AJ Green. As for the Dolphins, if they want to win the game, they need to have an offense simply show up. Their defense is enough to win games but their offense just lacks dynamic play.

Key Matchup: Bengals rush attack vs Dolphins run defense

Bengals 23 Dolphins 14

Indianapolis Colts vs Jacksonville Jaguars

Would you believe that, through 3 weeks of play, both of these teams combine for 1 win? Granted that both teams have had tough opponents, it’s still no excuse for either club to not be more productive in the win columns. I only say this because the Jaguars were an offseason darling while the Colts were seen as a team that could right the ship with Andrew Luck healthy. While Luck has played phenomenal this season so far, the rest of his team hasn’t and the Jaguars are failing to produce more points than their opponent because of a dreadful defense letting splash plays happen. Because of another great start to the season by Andrew Luck, I will give this game to the Colts.

Key Matchup: Colts WRs vs Jaguars Secondary

Colts 27  Jaguars 17

Carolina Panthers vs Atlanta Falcons

Is it time for the Panthers to hit the panic button after starting the season 1-2? No. Not at all. This Panthers team is a tough football team but it’s kryptonite seems to be defense that can smother their receivers and contain Newton within the pocket more often than not. Luckily, for them, the Falcons do not have one of these defense. In fact, the Falcons have one of the poorest pash rushes in the NFL with Vic Beasley not living up to the hype and reliable veteran Dwight Freeney being the only reliable player to go after the quarter back. I said before the season that the Panthers would still be a great team and win their division 10-6. They can solidify a statement here by winning a division game on the road against the 2-1 Falcons.

Key Matchup: Panthers O-line vs Falcons Pass Rush

Panthers 31  Falcons 23

Oakland Raiders vs Baltimore Ravens

This is one of the tougher games to call. The Raiders have the 2^nd best ranked offense through 3 weeks while the Ravens have the 2^nd best defense through 3 weeks. On the other sides of the ball, the Ravens have the 25^th ranked offense overall and the Raiders have the 32^nd ranked defense overall. The stats say the Ravens should win but it’s not as simple as stats. The Raiders barely came back against a terrible Saints defense and beat the Titans. Meanwhile, the Ravens are 3-0 but their opponents were the Bills, Browns, and Jags who all kept them in tight games and have a combined 1-8 win total. Neither team has beaten what would be considered “quality opponents” but this week they face quality opponents in each other. The Raiders need to prove they can keep up with the Chargers and Broncos in a wild AFC West while the Ravens need to prove to their doubters that they aren’t pretending to be a good team at 3-0.

Key Matchup: Ravens Pass Rush vs Raiders O-line

Raiders 20  Ravens 23

Detroit Lions vs Chicago Bears

This one can be kept simple. The Bears aren’t playing well enough to stay in games. In fact, Bears game have usually been sealed around the 3^rd quarter as they seem to play like they have given up by that time in their games. Also, rumor says Cutler won’t get his spot back once he is healthy? Thoughts, Chicago fans? Meanwhile, the Lions have only 1 win but have been a competitive team in the first few weeks. Taking advantage of a bad Bears team should give them motivation to continue into the season with some confidence.

Key Matchup: Lions slot receivers and tight ends vs Bears middle linebackers

Lions 31  Bears 17

Tennesseee Titans vs Houstan Texans

Titians had an awful showing last week but the Texans looked worse. However, to put those two results in perspective, the Titans were playing the Raiders and the Texans were playing the Patriots. If the Texans were that bad, there would be concerns but the Patriots just came flat out rolling. As for the Titans, they haven’t taken advantage of the opportunities they have had to win games. That spells dangers against a Texans defense; even with a Texans defense that no longer has J.J. Watt for a good chunk of the season. Titans gotta get the run game going if they want to beat the Texans.

Key Matchup: Titans “exotic smashmouth” run game vs Texans run defense

Titans 20  Texans 24

Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots

Just like every Rex Ryan team, the Bills are a team fiery team that is playing for their coach to keep his job. On the other side of the field, we have the greatest football coach to ever be in the game; Bill Bellichick. With Brissett, set to start, it’s up to Buffalo whether they want to punish the rookie QB in his second NFL start ever.

This game looks hard to decide on at face value, but remember Gronkowski is coming back and that should be a safety blanked that Brissett utilizes well. I’ll give this game to the better coach.

Key Matchup: Rex Ryan’s gameplan vs Bill Bellichick’s gameplan

Bills 21  Patriots 27

UPSET OF THE WEEK!

Seattle Seahawks vs New York Jets

So I did call an upset on Seattle last week but that didn’t happen. I’m going to do it again except I think I am right this time. Why? There is no way Fitzpatrick doesn’t comeback to prove that he can lead his team to the playoffs and Seattle is the perfect team to do that. Especially because the Wilson is not 100% himself and Seattle has only had one good offensive game and the Jets D-line should smother Wilson and force him to make the plays all on his own. Normally that’s fine except that Wilson isn’t as mobile because of his injuries right now. Seattle’s defense needs to come up big and spoil Fitzpatrick’s day if Seattle wants to win.

Key Matchup: Hawks O-line vs Jets D-line

Seahawks 16   Jets 20

Cleveland Browns vs Washington Redskins

The Browns may be 0-3 but they haven’t rolled over in any of their losses and have been a competitive team. Meanwhile, the Redskins just got their first win and they have to beat teams like the Browns if they want to continue to prove they are still a playoff team and not simply a fluke. At this point, Cleveland is playing to figure out who they are as a team to  build on that next year while the Redskins are only 4 weeks in but already playing for their playoff lives. I think the desperate team wins the game.

Key Matchup: Cousins and Co. vs Redskins secondary

Browns 17  Redskins 20

Denver Broncos vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Broncos are on fire and have continued their defensive domincance this season while improving their offensive play. Siemian proved he can ball out against a quality defensive opponent last week and while the Patriots are 3-0, I think Denver either is or soon will be this year’s Super Bowl favorite in the next coming weeks. The Buccaneers however, haven’t improved upon last year that much and the defense is still the problem. Maybe Lovie Smith wasn’t the problem afterall? Hmm. Things to ponder about.

Key Matchup: Charles Sims vs Denver’s run defense

Broncos 24  Buccaneers 16

Los Angeles Rams vs Arizona Cardinals

I’ll be straightforward. Cardinals need to flat out dominate the Rams if they want to prove they are one of the best teams in the NFL. They have started 1-2 and have absolutely no excuses. The Rams on the other hand have surprised people and have gone to a 2-1 start. While impressive the Rams need to show more before I can start to believe in them. They can do that by beating the Cardinals.

Key Matchup:  Rams front seven vs Cardinals O-line

Rams 16  Cardinals 21

New Orleans Saints vs San Diego Chargers

I did believe in the Saints early on but it’s hard to believe in team when the defense loses every game. Drew Brees and Sean Payton’s offenses are doing everything they can to win games but you can’t expec to score 40 points every game to catch up with your defense. It is for this reason that the Chargers should win. Like every team before them, the Chargers need to take advantage of a poor Saints defense.

Key Matchup: Saints pass rush vs Philip Rivers and his O-line

Saints 24  Chargers 33

Dallas Cowboys vs San Francisco 49ers

This will be short and sweet. Chip Kelly’s offense can score points. Dallas can’t defend. Dak Prescott is looking to be the future of Dallas. The 9ers can’t defend either. Look for a shootout between Dak Prescott and Blaine Gabbert. Considering how Prescott has shown that he can stay away from making gamebreaking mistakes, I give this game to the Cowboys.

Key Matchup: Dak Prescott vs Blaine Gabbert

Cowboys 26  49ers 17

Kansas City Chiefs vs Pittsburgh Steelers

The Chiefs might have two wins under their belts but both wins are sketchy. They beat an injured Chargers team and then only scored 24 points off of EIGHT TURNOVERS. That’s 3 points per turn over if you know how to do elementary math. That’s terrible. The Chiefs are a concern for me and while the Steelers just got beat up 34-3 by the Eagles, don’t let that one game fool you. The Steelers are a team to be reckoned with especially with RB Bell back in the starting lineup.

Key Matchup: Marcus Peters vs Antonio Brown

Chiefs 16  Steelers 31

New York Giants vs Minnesota Vikings

So I picked against the Vikings for the last two weeks. Not making that mistake this week. However, I do believe this will be the Vikings toughest outing yet. Yes, the Packers were a tough game however, the Giants just have a truck full of weapons to unleash against defenses. The Vikings will need to be smart and play a ball-control offensive game to beat the Giants. If not, giving Manning, Cruz, Beckham, and Shephard shots to go downfield and take over the game will not end well for this Vikings team.

Key Matchup: Eli Manning and Co. vs Vikings Defense

Giants 17  Vikings 20

Sanders's Week 3 NFL Predictions

Week 3 Predictions

The injuries are piling up again like they do every year. This week the victims of the injury bug were Adrian Peterson, Doug Martin, Jimmy G, Danny Woodhead……

*4 years later* and that’s all of them. Jokes aside, Week 3 begins today and I can’t wait to watch tonight as I had a test and multiple quizzes this week so I really don’t have any homework! Yay college! Anyway, off we go to prediction land.

Sanders was 11-5 with his predictions last week bringing him to a 23-9 start to the season through two weeks.

Houston Texans vs New England Patriots

 I said two weeks ago that it was against my religion to pick against a Bellichick coached team. Well I picked against them and guess what? Cardinals lost. Now, the Patriots are working with a  3^rd string QB (Jacoby Brissett) that will face a J.J. Watt lead defense. While everyone thinks this spells trouble, I think Brissett’s mobility might be enough to save him from getting slaughtered. However, I think this is a Lagarette Blount game when it comes to the offense. As for the opposite sides of the ball, I think this is what will decide the game; Texans offense vs Patriots defense. Both are formidable but it’s still weird to think that the Patriost D collapsed in the second half of last week after only allowing 3 points during the first half. I don’t think it’s a worrying trend but it’s something to monitor. Also, this is Osweiler’s first real competition of the season (sorry Chiefs and Bears fans). Even if the Texans lose, Osweiler needs to show he can compete against tougher teams.

Key Matchup: Brock Osweiler vs Patriots Secondary

I really, really, REALLY think the Texans will win. But I’m not picking against the Patriots again until they show a weakness outside of QB depth.

Texans 17 Patriots 20

Arizona Cardinals vs Buffalo Bills

Soooo. The Bills fired their OC. And their offense is banged up. They also don’t convert on 3^rd down very often. On the other side of this game? Arizona Cardinals. I don’t even have to say anything else. As long as the Cards D does their job and the offensive line protects Palmer, this game is a no-brainer, no matter how much Rex Ryan’s job is on the line.

Key Matchup: Cards Pass Rush vs Bills O line

Cardinals 30 Bills 17

Minnesota Vikings vs Carolina Panthers

Probably one of the tougher matchups to call. A friend of mine and my uncle have already written off the Vikings as playoff contender with Bridgewater and Peterson gone but can you really do that with such a good defense? I don’t think so. The Vikings D isn’t on the Broncos level yet but let’s remember that the Broncos beat Carolina with both Peyton Manning (the worst starting QB last year) and Siemian this year, a guy who hasn’t wowed anyone yet. However, with Kelvin Benjamin looking unstoppable in the last two games, I feel like the Panthers have the edge here.

Vikings 16  Panthers 20

Denver Broncos vs Cincinnati Bengals

Another great matchup that would be super hard to look at as both defense can matchup to each other’s offenses. However, here is one interesting fact that might turn the tide for you. The Bengals has allowed the most rushing yards in the NFL. Think about that. What is supposed to be dominant defense and key to winning games, has allowed the most rushing yards through 2 weeks. HEELLLOOOO CJ ANDERSON. The dude goes off for more than 80 yards purely off of running. I’m not even counting passing downs.

Key Matchup: Denver run game vs Bengals front seven D

Broncos 24  Bengals17

Detroit Lions vs Green Bay Packers

The Packers have lost Clay Matthews for this week. Tough news after a tough loss to the Vikings? Know what else is tough? Rodgers’s job because receivers STILL can’t seem to get open on initial reads even after Nelson has come back. Luckily the Packers offensive line has good protection. To me, the Packers need to force feed Eddie Lacy the ball if they want to win. Keep the Lions honest. Also, I think Matt Stafford will have a big game proving week 1 wasn’t a fluke. I was going top pick the Lions initially, but I just can’t see the Packers staring down 1-2 early on in the season simply because this team is too talented to look at 1-2 in the face.

Key Matchup: GB Wide Receivers vs Lions Secondary

Lions 19  Packers 23

Baltimore Ravens vs Jacksonville Jaguars

I STILL see people picking weaker teams to beat the Ravens. Yes I know the Jaguars offense has been lighting it up, but their defense has been very poor and Mike Wallace and Dennis Pitta are giving Flacco every opportunity he can to make plays against opposing defenses. Also, excluding the first quarter of the Browns game in week 2, the Ravens defense has played lights out shut down defense through 2 weeks. Even so, the Jaguars offense is dynamic enough to put up some points. This is  how the matchup looks. Eventually, I will pick the Ravens to lose. Not today.

Key Matchup: Ravens Secondary vs Jaguars receivers

Ravens 28  Jaguars 24

Cleveland Browns vs Miami Dolphins

So the Browns are going to see if they picked their QB of the future or not as they are starting Cody Kessler. The key to this game is whether the Dolphins D of week 1 shows up, or the Dolphins D of week 2 shows up. Considering how Seattle’s offense has been awful, I don’t think week 1’s defensive effort was due to them being all that good. I can see this going either way. The Browns have proven they have some playmakers on offense and I wouldn’t be too surprised if they won. But come on, this is the Browns we are talking about. Who am I kidding, Dolphins win.

Key Matchup: Cody Kessler vs Dolphins secondary

Browns 13  Dolphins 17

Washington Redskins vs NY Giants

The Redskins are desperate for a win. The Giants are rolling. But who wins here? Toss of the dice if you ask me. The Giants are the superior team with a great offense and an improved defense while Cousins has regressed and the Redskins defense is doing all that much. The Redskins have a very good chance of winning based upon the fact their season faces an 0-3 start if they don’t win and will play their hearts out. But I’m giving it to the superior team.

Key Matchup: Redskins Run game vs Giants run defense

Redskins 21  Giants 30

Oakland Raiders vs Tennessee Titans

The Raiders have given up 1000 yards on defense through 2 games. 1000 YARDS PEOPLE! The Raiders offense has to lead the day if they hope to win. However, the Titans offense can be just as good and I think Mariota makes a statement here showing he can keep up in high scoring affairs and leads his team to a W for the Titans.

Key Matchup: Marcus Mariota and Co. vs Raiders Secondary

Raiders 28 Titans 35 

UPSET OF THE WEEK:

San Francisco 49ers vs Seattle Seahawks

So I decided to add a new segment. Every week, I will pick an upset of the week (only if I really think their will be an upset). And this is the game. Chip Kelly has managed to take a talentless offense and make them viable in games. Hell, they were down 10-31 against the Panthers and next thing I knew the game 24-31. Yes, the 9ers lost but they scored points against a great defense. I can’t say that Seattle can even manage to score 14 points. Their defense has been amazing but their offense has been terrible with an offensive line that can’t protect Wilson to save their lives. Chip Kelly will prove why he is the best offensive mind in football right now by beating a top 3 defense with an offense that is still searching for a playmaker to step up.

Key Matchup: 49ers offense vs Seahawks defense

49ers 17 Seahawks 10

Los Angeles Rams vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

So was last week a fluke or were the Bucs just that bad? I’m pretty sure it was a fluke. The Bucs are a trendy team. They are either very good or very bad but more often than not, they look good. However, they face another tough defense in the Rams and this game will probably be low scoring because the Rams offense can’t score either.

Key Matchup: Rams pass rush vs Buccaneers O-line

Rams 13  Buccaneers 20

San Diego Chargers vs Indianapolis Colts

I will make this short and sweet. Andrew Luck is amazing. The rest of the Colts are not because they’re all injured. Philip Rivers is amazing. The rest of the Chargers are fine. Not great, but fine. So, naturally, Chargers > Colts. This will be a great shooutout between Rivers and Luck.

Key Matchup: Philips Rivers vs Andrew Luck

Chargers 34  Colts 31

New York Jets vs Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs are 1-1 but should they be? Their offense looks rather bland and doesn’t look like the offense we saw last year. Meanwhile the Jets are 1-1 as well but they gave a tough out to the Bengals before losing and set fire to the Bills in primetime. I think the signing of Matt Forte and keeping Fitzpatrick will continue to pay off for the Jets. This offense is not only fun to watch, but very good

Key Matchup: Jets D-Line vs Chiefs O-line

Jets 27  Chiefs 16

Pittsburgh Steelers vs Philadelphia Eagles

Wentz has looked great…..against the two worst defense in the League. However, not many rookies show the poise he has even against bad defenses. However, I think the Steelers are going to rumble in and give Wentz the traditional “Welcome to the NFL” wake-up call. The Eagles can compete but the Steelers are just the better team with Roethlisberger and Brown leading the way.

Key Matchup: Eagles secondary vs Roethlisberger and Brown

Steelers 24  Eagles 17

Chicago Bears vs Dallas Cowboys

The Bears just look flat out awful and Cutler has regressed already without the tutelage of Adam Gase who is now the head coach of Miami. How much longer does Cutler last in Chicago? Probably not even past this year. That’s beside the point as he isn’t even playing this week. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are still getting in games with their QB of the future. Dak Prescott has looked just as good as Carson Wentz except he has played better defense. Prescott can solidify himself as the future of Dallas with a dominant performance in primetime against a weak Bears defense.

Key Matchup: Dallas TE’s and slot receivers vs Bears linebackers

Bears 13  Cowboys 28

Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints

The Saints defense showed up last week against a really good Giants defense. However, this game should prove whether or not that was a fluke as the Falcons have the playmakers to test the Saints D. As for this game though, Drew Brees always lights it up and home and will probably set the Falcons defense on fire.

Key Matchup: Drew Brees vs Falcons secondary

Falcons 21  Saints 30