The Boston Irish NFL picks – Week 4
NFL Week 3 results 8-8
Season to date 28-20
San Francisco 49ers (0-3) at Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
How quickly the season imploded on the 49ers. No point in over thinking this one. There is something seriously wrong with San Fran, be it at a coaching or player level, something isn't working. Perhaps it was just the weight of expectations coming into this season? Atlanta are too good and too organised a football team to lose at home to this crowd. Remember, the 49ers were absolutely crushed by Seattle on the road, and Seattle can't hold a candle to the Falcons in terms of talent. Another road blowout, another loss, and changes on the horizon for the 49ers.
Atlanta 28-17
Matt Ryan
New York Jets (2-1) at Buffalo Bills (0-3)
You have to trust your eyes, and having seen both these teams play last week, there is really only one potential outcome here. The Jets look worryingly good defensively, and will probably only struggle when up against an equal or similar defence. The Bills are not that team. Buffalo will struggle to move the ball and relentless pressure from the Jets will result in a predictable score.
NY Jets 27-13
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3)
Every now and then The Bungles drop a serious head-scratcher, and it is normally on the road. Remember week one? This will be a tight, tense low scoring affair with plenty of penalties and punting. The Browns aren't as bad as their 0-3 record suggests and the desperation to break that streak at home will see them prevail against a curious little team, The Bungles.
Cleveland Browns 16-13
Detroit Lions (0-3) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)
The Lions have actually been 'in' every game they have played this season. They marched the ball down the field impressively against the Vikings only to throw two picks in the end zone. Going to Green Bay, after Green Bay lost last week, is a whole different matter. You have to reach your nadir before you rise again, this Lions team has a bright future but hasn't hit rock bottom yet. This could be that nadir.
Green Bay Packers 37-17
Carolina Panthers (0-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-1)
The Panthers appear to have given up for coach John Fox, who is very much on the hot seat. They are 0-3 and not putting up much of a fight. Sadly for them, they are going into New Orleans the week after the Saints lost to the Falcons. The Saints will be burning for revenge, and will smell the fear in a completely outgunned Panthers team, sulking into the stadium winless and soon to be coachless. Add to this the fact that it's poor Jimmy Clausen's second start, and we could be looking at a serious blow out.
New Orleans Saints 34-9
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
There is something slightly artificial about the Steelers 3-0 record. Let's face it, they haven't exactly been beating the league's best. That narrow win against the Lions should not be forgotten too soon. Something about this week looks like an 'evening out' game. The Ravens with Flacco, Rice, Boldin and Lewis have simply too much star power for Charlie Batch and the beat up Steelers. The Ravens have nothing to fear, having gone into the Jets home on day one of the season and taken them down. Their defence will 'find out' Charlie Batch and their offence will score more points than the Steelers can match. Simple game, really!
Baltimore Ravens 32-19
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at St. Louis Rams (1-2)
Seattle have been predictably good at home in front o their vociferous fans, and poor on the road, without their home comforts. This week they get to play a doormat, and can boost their confidence and add a digit to the win column.
Seattle Seahawks 27-17
Denver Broncos (1-2) at Tennessee Titans (2-1)
Watching Laurence Maroney take two steps, pause, shuffle a little, and then get swarmed by six defenders brought back bad memories. Denver has no run game, which means the Titans can key in on Kyle Orton and his talented but inconsistent receiving crew. Meanwhile, Chris Johnson is literally bursting at the seams, waiting to explode for 230 yards on someone. Denver, it could be you!
Tennessee Titans 36-24
Chris Johnson
Indianapolis Colts (2-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Once again, you have to trust your eyes, and although the Colts were a little lucky last week to play such a Red-Zone inept team as Denver, they still moved the ball through the air with imperious ease. The Colts passing attack is a thing of beauty. Meanwhile, the Jags have lost two in a row by 25 points or more. Make that three in a row...
Indianapolis Colts 44-17
Houston Texans (2-1) at Oakland Raiders (1-2)
I wouldn't read too much into Houston's odd loss to Dallas last week. Jobs were on the line for the Cowboys, and they, to their credit, fought back. Houston took their foot off the peddle a little, but get the perfect antidote this week in a Raiders team that's giving up 5 yards a carry to rushers this season. If you own Arian Foster in fantasy football, you are going to have a good weekend.
Houston Texans 30-16
Washington Redskins (1-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
The ‘Skins are kind of working on smoke and mirrors at the moment, they are surviving through a RB that doesn’t look like he could run his way out of a paper bag, and on a QB who’s best years are way behind him. That same QB is going to be trying too hard this week against his old team, and although no one is doubting McNabb’s heart, he doesn’t have the tools around him to cause an upset in Philly.
Philadelphia Eagles 27-20
Arizona Cardinals (2-1) at San Diego Chargers (1-2)
Two pretty false records here. The Chargers could easily be 3-0. The Cards should definitely be 1-2, Oakland let them off the hook big time last week. The Chargers struggle mightily on the road, but are very much capable of putting up a crooked score against anyone at home. The Cardinals are there for the taking.
San Diego Chargers 42-21
Chicago Bears (3-0) at New York Giants (1-2)
Last week the Bears were 33-1. This week they stand at 25-1. Next week they will be 14-1. The clever adjustments Mike Martz is making as offensive coordinator, Cutler playing within himself, Forte running hard and Brian Urlacher hitting people like his life depends on it all adds up to a big road win against a seemingly clue-less Giants side who’s season is melting away before their own eyes.
Chicago Bears 27-24
Monday, Oct. 4 New England Patriots (2-1) at Miami Dolphins (2-1)
The Patriots are living up to expectations so far this season. They are scoring points through the air, but conceding points through same. Their offence is in fourth gear and improving weekly, to the point where you can see some big numbers coming. However their youthful, rookie defence has not gelled as yet. The bye week next week will give Belichick invaluable time to mould this rag-tag bunch of talented but inexperienced rookies into a proper NFL defence. In the meantime, they are facing a Dolphins team that has aspirations to fight the Patriots and Jets to the wire for the AFC East. The problem is, Miami could not stop Mark Sanchez and the Jets from throwing the ball on them late last Sunday night. The Jets threw at will, and found great success throwing to their tight ends. You can probably see where this is going. Tom Brady, Welker, Moss and blossoming rookie Tight End Aaron Hernandez are a massive upgrade over the Jets passing offence. If Belichick was watching the Dolphins game, and you have to imagine he was, he will have seen the Jets gobble up huge chunks of yards through the air with some pretty vanilla passing schemes. Look for the Patriots to do same, and more, this Monday night. Meanwhile, Chad Henne and the Dolphins struggled mightily to move the ball against the Jets but will find the Patriots backfield a lot more fun to play against. All signs point to a thrilling, high scoring shoot-out, with the Brady Bunch having more firepower and subsequently being left standing at the end.
New England Patriots 33-30
NFL Week 3 results 8-8
Season to date 28-20
San Francisco 49ers (0-3) at Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
How quickly the season imploded on the 49ers. No point in over thinking this one. There is something seriously wrong with San Fran, be it at a coaching or player level, something isn't working. Perhaps it was just the weight of expectations coming into this season? Atlanta are too good and too organised a football team to lose at home to this crowd. Remember, the 49ers were absolutely crushed by Seattle on the road, and Seattle can't hold a candle to the Falcons in terms of talent. Another road blowout, another loss, and changes on the horizon for the 49ers.
Atlanta 28-17
Matt RyanNew York Jets (2-1) at Buffalo Bills (0-3)
You have to trust your eyes, and having seen both these teams play last week, there is really only one potential outcome here. The Jets look worryingly good defensively, and will probably only struggle when up against an equal or similar defence. The Bills are not that team. Buffalo will struggle to move the ball and relentless pressure from the Jets will result in a predictable score.
NY Jets 27-13
Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3)
Every now and then The Bungles drop a serious head-scratcher, and it is normally on the road. Remember week one? This will be a tight, tense low scoring affair with plenty of penalties and punting. The Browns aren't as bad as their 0-3 record suggests and the desperation to break that streak at home will see them prevail against a curious little team, The Bungles.
Cleveland Browns 16-13
Detroit Lions (0-3) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)
The Lions have actually been 'in' every game they have played this season. They marched the ball down the field impressively against the Vikings only to throw two picks in the end zone. Going to Green Bay, after Green Bay lost last week, is a whole different matter. You have to reach your nadir before you rise again, this Lions team has a bright future but hasn't hit rock bottom yet. This could be that nadir.
Green Bay Packers 37-17
Carolina Panthers (0-3) at New Orleans Saints (2-1)
The Panthers appear to have given up for coach John Fox, who is very much on the hot seat. They are 0-3 and not putting up much of a fight. Sadly for them, they are going into New Orleans the week after the Saints lost to the Falcons. The Saints will be burning for revenge, and will smell the fear in a completely outgunned Panthers team, sulking into the stadium winless and soon to be coachless. Add to this the fact that it's poor Jimmy Clausen's second start, and we could be looking at a serious blow out.
New Orleans Saints 34-9
Drew Brees
Baltimore Ravens (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
There is something slightly artificial about the Steelers 3-0 record. Let's face it, they haven't exactly been beating the league's best. That narrow win against the Lions should not be forgotten too soon. Something about this week looks like an 'evening out' game. The Ravens with Flacco, Rice, Boldin and Lewis have simply too much star power for Charlie Batch and the beat up Steelers. The Ravens have nothing to fear, having gone into the Jets home on day one of the season and taken them down. Their defence will 'find out' Charlie Batch and their offence will score more points than the Steelers can match. Simple game, really!
Baltimore Ravens 32-19
Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at St. Louis Rams (1-2)
Seattle have been predictably good at home in front o their vociferous fans, and poor on the road, without their home comforts. This week they get to play a doormat, and can boost their confidence and add a digit to the win column.
Seattle Seahawks 27-17
Denver Broncos (1-2) at Tennessee Titans (2-1)
Watching Laurence Maroney take two steps, pause, shuffle a little, and then get swarmed by six defenders brought back bad memories. Denver has no run game, which means the Titans can key in on Kyle Orton and his talented but inconsistent receiving crew. Meanwhile, Chris Johnson is literally bursting at the seams, waiting to explode for 230 yards on someone. Denver, it could be you!
Tennessee Titans 36-24
Chris JohnsonIndianapolis Colts (2-1) at Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Once again, you have to trust your eyes, and although the Colts were a little lucky last week to play such a Red-Zone inept team as Denver, they still moved the ball through the air with imperious ease. The Colts passing attack is a thing of beauty. Meanwhile, the Jags have lost two in a row by 25 points or more. Make that three in a row...
Indianapolis Colts 44-17
Houston Texans (2-1) at Oakland Raiders (1-2)
I wouldn't read too much into Houston's odd loss to Dallas last week. Jobs were on the line for the Cowboys, and they, to their credit, fought back. Houston took their foot off the peddle a little, but get the perfect antidote this week in a Raiders team that's giving up 5 yards a carry to rushers this season. If you own Arian Foster in fantasy football, you are going to have a good weekend.
Houston Texans 30-16
Washington Redskins (1-2) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
The ‘Skins are kind of working on smoke and mirrors at the moment, they are surviving through a RB that doesn’t look like he could run his way out of a paper bag, and on a QB who’s best years are way behind him. That same QB is going to be trying too hard this week against his old team, and although no one is doubting McNabb’s heart, he doesn’t have the tools around him to cause an upset in Philly.
Philadelphia Eagles 27-20
Arizona Cardinals (2-1) at San Diego Chargers (1-2)
Two pretty false records here. The Chargers could easily be 3-0. The Cards should definitely be 1-2, Oakland let them off the hook big time last week. The Chargers struggle mightily on the road, but are very much capable of putting up a crooked score against anyone at home. The Cardinals are there for the taking.
San Diego Chargers 42-21
Chicago Bears (3-0) at New York Giants (1-2)
Last week the Bears were 33-1. This week they stand at 25-1. Next week they will be 14-1. The clever adjustments Mike Martz is making as offensive coordinator, Cutler playing within himself, Forte running hard and Brian Urlacher hitting people like his life depends on it all adds up to a big road win against a seemingly clue-less Giants side who’s season is melting away before their own eyes.
Chicago Bears 27-24
Monday, Oct. 4 New England Patriots (2-1) at Miami Dolphins (2-1)
The Patriots are living up to expectations so far this season. They are scoring points through the air, but conceding points through same. Their offence is in fourth gear and improving weekly, to the point where you can see some big numbers coming. However their youthful, rookie defence has not gelled as yet. The bye week next week will give Belichick invaluable time to mould this rag-tag bunch of talented but inexperienced rookies into a proper NFL defence. In the meantime, they are facing a Dolphins team that has aspirations to fight the Patriots and Jets to the wire for the AFC East. The problem is, Miami could not stop Mark Sanchez and the Jets from throwing the ball on them late last Sunday night. The Jets threw at will, and found great success throwing to their tight ends. You can probably see where this is going. Tom Brady, Welker, Moss and blossoming rookie Tight End Aaron Hernandez are a massive upgrade over the Jets passing offence. If Belichick was watching the Dolphins game, and you have to imagine he was, he will have seen the Jets gobble up huge chunks of yards through the air with some pretty vanilla passing schemes. Look for the Patriots to do same, and more, this Monday night. Meanwhile, Chad Henne and the Dolphins struggled mightily to move the ball against the Jets but will find the Patriots backfield a lot more fun to play against. All signs point to a thrilling, high scoring shoot-out, with the Brady Bunch having more firepower and subsequently being left standing at the end.
New England Patriots 33-30
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