Week 4 of the 2014 NFL season got underway on Thursday with the New York Giants thrashing Washington, 45-14. This was the third straight blowout on Thursday Night Football, although it was also the first road team to get the victory. The Giants were a 3.5-point underdog, so the year of the underdog potentially continues.
NFL picks against the spread, Week 4: Off to a questionable start
I’m back with my Week 4 NFL picks against the spread. It was another 8-8 week against the spread. How will the house do this week?
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The start of the new football week means we're back for another five picks in the LVH SuperContest. The contest includes more than 1,400 participants picking games each week to see who can come out on top by the end of the season. I was sitting at 7-8 after Week 3, having put together another 2-3 performance in Week 3. I hit on the Cincinnati Bengals and Seattle Seahawks, but slipped on the Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and Jacksonville Jaguars. Just looking at those names makes me shake my head.
WASHINGTON vs. New York Giants (+3.5): Whoops. I picked Washington because of the TNF home performances thus far. I also figured Washington showed some good things against Philadelphia. The Giants managed a home win against a previously unbeaten Houston Texans squad, but I just did not see them building on it. So much for that. Pick: Washington
Green Bay Packers vs. CHICAGO BEARS (+1): The Bears actually opened as favorites, but the line quickly swung to the Packers. This is an interesting game because while Green Bay has struggled out of the gates, they have a strong history against the Bears at Soldier Field. The Packers are 6-1 against the spread and 5-1 straight up in their recent history playing at Chicago. I'll follow that trend, with the Packers offense showing some rejuvenation. Pick: Packers
INDIANAPOLIS COLTS vs. Tennessee Titans (+7.5): The Colts at home are generally a solid option, but add in their defense getting a shot at Clipboard Jesus? Charlie Whitehurst is making the start in place of an injured Jake Locker. That does present some mystery to the Colts defense, but this is a guy with a career completion percentage of 54.2 percent. The last time he started a game was 2011. I suppose he could surprise us all, but I'm willing to bet against that. Pick: Colts
SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS vs. Philadelphia Eagles (+5.5): I would probably be better off just taking the 49ers with a first half bet, and the Eagles with a second half bet. The 49ers lead the NFL in first half scoring, while the Eagles lead the NFL in second half scoring. The 49ers are coming off a pair of ugly second half collapses, and would seem likely to throw everything they can at the Eagles. While Philadelphia would love a fourth win, there is little pressure on them, particularly in an NFC East that is theirs for the taking. Pick: 49ers
New England Patriots vs. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (+3): I was actually tempted by the Chiefs at home, where Arrowhead Stadium can provide a strong home field advantage. The Patriots are not as good as they have been in the past, but I am still willing to take their history against the Chiefs. New England is 4-1 ATS in its last five games at Arrowhead Stadium, and 7-3 ATS in its last ten overall games against the Chiefs. Pick: Patriots
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