NFL picks 2017, Week 4: Experts predict Chiefs, Falcons stay undefeated

I would hold up the Chiefs and the Falcons as the two best teams in the NFL right now. Both teams boast a dynamic offense that thrives on big plays. Defensively, each outfit has a knack for timely turnovers and beating up opposing passers. It’s a simple, effective formula.

They also happen to be the only two undefeated teams left in the NFL after three weeks, so by virtue of their record, they’re also the two best teams. Our panel of expert NFL writers doesn’t see that changing this week either. Both teams are unanimous picks to win in Week 4.

Atlanta beat a stout Lions team in Detroit last week: a team that’s probably not getting enough credit for how good it is right now. The Lions have a tough matchup in Minnesota. And we still aren’t sure if the Vikings will start Sam Bradford (day to day) or Case Keenum.

A lot of people will point to the Patriots as the league’s best team, mostly out of habit. Only one member of our panel picked the Texans to beat them last week, which they almost did. The Patriots are a lock to beat the Panthers this week.

Oakland and Denver were in the conversation of the NFL’s best until both lost surprising games on the road last week. They’ll square off in Denver this week in what’s easily the most exciting divisional matchup of the season so far. We’ve got three picks for the Raiders and five, including the computer, for the Broncos.

Speaking of last week, it was a rough one. All the upsets left our panel struggling a little bit, but only one member finished below .500 for the week. That was Joel Thorman, the NFL league manager for SB Nation and the Blog Father at Arrowhead Pride. Geoff and Adam won the week with a 10-6 mark, and there’s a three-way tie for overall results through three weeks between Geoff, Jeanna, and Harry.

A quick word about our panel. Each week we invite a writer from one of our NFL team brands to join the panel. This week, please welcome Rich Hill, the head honcho over at Pats Pulpit.

You can find lots more about the OddsShark computer and detailed breakdowns for each game over there.

These are straight-up picks — winners and losers. We’ll have some picks against the spread advice out on Saturday. Because we make these picks on Tuesdays, our panel members are entitled to change up to two of their picks on Friday to account for injuries, arrests, and other things like that. So be sure to check back.

We’ve heard enough about Blizz-blazz and Him-ham already; on with the picks!