The Jags are off to a slow start and were lambasted at home by the Houston Texans last week in a 37-17 loss. Meanwhile, the Falcons never got going offensively in a 20-6 setback at Detroit. This is a game that could go either way as both offenses have been slow to get it going in the first three games. Look for what should be a tight contest that comes down to the final minutes.
The Thursday night action takes place in Green Bay where the Packers (2-1) will host the Detroit Lions (2-1) in what should be a good one in the battle for the top spot in the NFC North division. The Packers are fresh off a big comeback (18-17 win against New Orleans) as quarterback Jordan Love played well in the final quarter, scoring on run and also passing for a touchdown to help lead the way.
The Lions knocked off the Falcons at home and their defense did the job and will look to do the same to the Packers, a team they swept last year in part by forcing five turnovers. The game will likely be a close one and a late field goal may be the difference in the final score.
On Sunday afternoon, the Buffalo Bills (2-1) will host the red hot Miami Dolphins (3-0) who are coming off a 70-point offensive explosion against Denver. The Bills beat down the Washington Commanders, 37-3 in a big road win. Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (25 receptions for 412 yards, four TD) have been unstoppable, so the Bills defense had best be ready.
The Dolphins also have a very strong ground game, evidenced by 350 team rushing yards last weekend in the rout of the Denver Broncos. The Dolphins are averaging 550 yards of offense per game so far. That is ridiculous. The Bills have QB Josh Allen and wideouts Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis and running back James Cook, who has averaged better than five yards per carry in the first three games. So the Miami defense had better be ready as well. This game could very well be a high scoring affair with the team who has the ball last perhaps getting the win.
In the AFC North, a big tilt will take place in Cleveland as the Browns and Ravens (both teams are 2-1) go at it. The Browns defense has been tremendous so far and the Ravens offensive backfield has been a train wreck with injuries. Both of their top backs are out with injuries (JK Dobbins is done for the entire season) and it will be up to Melvin Gordon III and perhaps Kenyan Drake to carry the ball or else the duties for rushing yards could fall to quarterback Lamar Jackson, which the Ravens have been looking to avoid considering the beating he takes every season.
The Browns brought back Kareem Hunt to run the football along with Jerome Ford after the season ending knee injury to RB Nick Chubb. Both teams play really solid defense, but Baltimore has some injuries in their secondary and that could be the difference in this one, especially if Browns QB Deshaun Watson and his receivers can get it rolling.
The Sunday night "prime time" game will have the Kansas City Chiefs (2-1) traveling to face the New York Jets (1-2) in what could have been the BIG SHOWDOWN GAME between Patrick Mahomes and Aaron Rodgers. But Rodgers is gone until next year (Achilles injury) and the Chiefs will be pinning their ears back on defense as they go after Jets embattled QB Zach Wilson. The Chiefs should win this one for sure, but the strong Jets defense will keep it somewhat close.
The rest of the action for Week Four follows below in the capsule style format and the Heftyinfo picks are also on hand.
Denver (0-3) at Chicago (0-3) - This could be the stinker game of the week in the Windy City. Toss up.
Cincinnati (1-2) at Tennessee (1-2) - Two teams still trying to figure things out about themselves in the early part of the season. Another toss up game.
L.A. Rams (1-2) at Indianapolis (2-1) - The surprising Colts host the Rams and could very well maintain their first place hold in the AFC South. The Rams have dropped two close games in a row.
Tampa Bay (2-1) at New Orleans (2-1) - Saints will be going with Jameis Winston at QB (for injured Derek Carr) and he will be looking to burn his old team. Bucs defense should keep things tight in this one.
Washington (2-1) at Philadelphia (3-0) - The Commanders came crashing back down to earth last week while the Eagles steamrolled Tampa Bay on Monday night. Take the Eagles.
Minnesota (0-3) at Carolina (0-3) - Another potential stinker game of the week between two teams that have trouble getting out of their own way.
Pittsburgh (2-1) at Houston (1-2) - The Texans will be feeling good about themselves after blasting the Jacksonville Jaguars. Meanwhile, the Steelers just keep getting it done on the field.
Las Vegas (1-2) at L.A. Chargers (1-2) - Can the Chargers overcome the injuries to key players (WR Mike Williams and RB Austin Ekeler) on offense? As long as QB Justin Herbert keeps zinging the ball around, they should be fine. Raiders might not have Jimmy Garoppolo at quarterback (concussion) in this game.
New England (1-2) at Dallas (2-1) - The Cowboys got smashed by Arizona last week and must pick it up on offense. The Patriots defense has been solid so far and could give the Cowboys some problems this week.
Arizona (1-2) at San Francisco (3-0) - Take the 49ers in this one.
Seattle (2-1) at N.Y. Giants (1-2) - The Seahawks seem to have righted the ship after a stunning opening game loss. The Giants have been a mystery team in the first three weeks. Which version will show up on Monday night?
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Four . . . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Detroit over Green Bay
Jacksonville over Atlanta (Game being played in London, England)
Buffalo over Miami
Denver over Chicago
Cleveland over Baltimore
Cincinnati over Tennessee
Indianapolis over L.A. Rams
New Orleans over Tampa Bay
Philadelphia over Washington
Minnesota over Carolina
Pittsburgh over Houston
L.A. Chargers over Las Vegas
Dallas over New England
SAN FRANCISCO over Arizona
Kansas City over N.Y. Jets
Seattle over N.Y. Giants
Last Week's Record - 13-3
SEASON RECORD - 32-16
Lock of the Week Record - 3-0
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