NFL Week 4 Previews and Predictions, Part 2

“Xandro’s Fearless Predictions” and Previews are brought to you by Alexandro H. Zatarain.

Xandro’s Overall Record: 27-21 (Last Week: 12-4)

Bye Week: Bengals, Browns, Broncos, Rams, Cardinals, Seahawks

Sunday, September 28th

 Green Bay Packers (1-2) @  Chicago Bears (2-1)

1:00 pm ET @ Soldier Field (CBS)

The Packers were outscored 7-9 by the Lions defense last weekend. For a team that is considered a “Super Bowl favorite” by many analysts (this one said nay), their performance has been sub-par. The Bears have been better than some have expected but their defense is still suspect, ranking #23 in the NFL. Last weekend, they let go of 316 passing yards to Geno Smith. BUT, they did get two interceptions off of the young QB.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: This weekend will make or break the Packers. The match-up to watch will be the Bears offense vs the Packers defense.

Final Score: Packers 17-Bears 27

 

 Buffalo Bills (2-1) @  Houston Texans (2-1)

1:00 pm ET @ Reliant Stadium (CBS)

Both teams went into Week 3 at 2-0. The Bills lost to the Chargers 22-10, while the Texans lost to the Giants 30-7. Both QBs have thrown for just over 600 yards but what’s astounding is that the Bills have 4 receivers with over 100 yards receiving. In other words, EJ Manuel is good at spreading the ball around. Both teams look at staying on top of their divisions and possibly re-gain momentum.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: It seems easy to pick the home team but I don’t have much faith in Ryan Fitzpatrick. This will be a battle of defenses.

Final Score: Bills 20-Texans 17

 

 Tennessee Titans (1-2) @  Indianapolis Colts (1-2)

1:00 pm ET @ Lucas Oil Stadium (CBS)

The Colts put on a clinic vs the underwhelming Jaguars. Now, the Jags have the worst defense and the second worst offense. So, you expect a team like the Colts to go off on the lowly Jags. The Titans were shut down by Cincinnati (no surprise there). In a division match-up, both teams are looking to stay right behind the Texans for the AFC South lead.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: I’m sure the Colts aren’t as bad as their record indicates. The #2 offense should put the Titans away.

Final Score: Titans 13-Colts 24

 

 Carolina Panthers (2-1) @  Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

1:00 pm ET @ M&T Stadium (CBS)

I had picked the Panthers to beat the Steelers last weekend. I was VERY wrong. I don’t want to say the Panthers are suspect but their defense did take a hit when they lost Greg Hardy and not having DeAngelo Williams doesn’t help. The Ravens just got by the Browns but a win is a win.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: In my opinion, the Ravens have a more solid team. Despite all of their problems, they will keep marching on.

Final Score: Panthers 14-Ravens 23

 

 Detroit Lions (2-1) @  New York Jets (1-2)

1:00 pm ET @ MetLife Stadium (FOX)

The Jets have one win over the Raiders, which was very underwhelming. The Lions have defeated the Packers and the Giants but fell hard against the Panthers. The Jets are ranked #8 on offense and #2 on defense. They just don’t know how to finish.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: The lack of finishing will kill the Jets, again.

Final Score: Lions 20-Jets 7

 

 Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) @  Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

1:00 pm ET @ Heinz Field (FOX)

The Steelers blew out the Panthers and the Buccaneers were blown out by the Falcons. La’Veon Bell has been HOT for the Steelers and he will keep on going against the Bucs.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Nothing fearless here…

Final Score: Buccaneers 10-Steelers 27 

 

 Miami Dolphins (1-2) @  Oakland Raiders (0-3)

1 pm ET @ WEMBLEY STADIUM, London, England (CBS)

I wonder why London didn’t get a more worthy game. Sorry Raiders and Fins fans. I don’t have much to say here but at least the Dolphins have the #8 defense and a slightly better offense.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Battle of the QBs. Who will make less mistakes? Ryan Tannehill vs Derek Carr.

Final Score: Dolphins 17-Raiders 14

 

 Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) @  San Diego Chargers (2-1)

4:05 pm ET @ Qualcomm Stadium (CBS)

Here is one big factor in this game. There is very little tape on Blake Bortles. The rookie QB came is for Chad Henne last week, tossing 2 TDs, 2 INTs, with 223 yards. Now, he’s going to have to play against the #10 defense in the league. The Chargers come in with wins over the Seahawks and the Bills.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: Rivers or Bortles? #10 defense or #32 defense? You get the picture.

Final Score: Jaguars 10-28 Chargers

 

 Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) @  San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

4:25 pm ET @ Levi’s Stadium (FOX)

The 49ers offense isn’t clicking and the defense is struggling. After their week 1 win over the Cowboys, the 49ers haven’t been as expected. Their chemistry is definitely off and Colin Kaepernick is relying too much on his legs. The Eagles are soaring, to say the least.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: It’s appealing to pick the 49ers because it’s at home but I’d rather go with consistency.

Final Score: Eagles 27-49ers 17

 

 Atlanta Falcons (2-1) @  Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

4:25 pm ET @ TCF Bank Stadium (FOX)

The Falcons destroyed the Bucs. Simply destroyed them. The #1 offense has just been tough to stop. The Vikings have lost two straight. As the #11 defense, they will be more of a match than the Bucs.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: The Falcons will show off their offense, once again.

Final Score: Falcons 27-Vikings 10

 

 New Orleans Saints (1-2) @  Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

8:30 pm ET @ AT&T Stadium (NBC)

Most people would have thought that these teams would have the opposite record at this point. It has been the Cowboys that have played a bit more consistent so far. Despite the defensive upgrade that the Saints made, it seems like they haven’t improved much. The Cowboys stripped down their defense but they haven’t suffered as much.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: The Cowboys play at home and they’re doing much better than they did in week 1. Offensive shootout.

Final Score: Saints 24-Cowboys 27

 

 New England Patriots (2-1) @  Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

8:30 pm ET @ Arrowhead Stadium (ESPN)

The Patriots are #26 on offense and #3 on defense. Shocking. Now, they get to play at Arrowhead, which is arguably one of the toughest venues to play in as an opposing team. The Chiefs haven’t been too hot without Jamaal Charles but Knile Davis has been suffice.

Xandro’s Fearless Prediction: My bold prediction of the week! Chiefs get back to .500!

Final Score: Patriots 20-Chiefs 21