Week 4 Preview and Predictions - By Kyle Balfour
Well, holy shit! That was certainly a wacky week of NFL. Handful of prediction upsets, plus a ton of surprising turn of events presented to us. Now, we look forward to the bountiful Week 4, where we can pray to the football gods that the New York Giants can finally grant us with a goddamn win! Onto Week 4!
As usual: Betting Bastard of the Week shall go to none other than the 'mighty' Baltimore Ravens. That potent offence and reliable defence feel to absolute ass against the JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS! Holy mother of god, you know Wembley Stadium is cursed when it can make the Jags look like Superbowl contenders! Good grief...but in any case, let's look ahead to week 4's matchups!
Packers vs Bears - Packers
I already predicted this ahead of time, but it went exactly as I thought it would. Aaron Rodgers torched the Bears, and Mike Glennon has all but set the stage for Mitch Trubisky to start. Hey, he's gotta be better than Glennon's display...
Dolphins vs Saints - Saints
Here we are, the next Wembley game is upon us. Jay Ajayi will want a heroic homecoming for the Dolphins, and I have no second guess that he will attempt to do so, however I just can't see the Dolphins overcoming the Saints offensively. Unless it turns into something like last weeks Thursday game between the Rams and the Niners (how 'bout that shit, eh?) where it's just an offensive powerhouse display, I can see the Dolphins looking impressive, but the Saints ultimately walking away the victor.
Falcons vs Bills - Falcons
The Falcons join only the Kansas City Chiefs in teams unbeaten so far, and I believe they will continue this against the Bills. While the Bills did well to secure a deserved win over the Broncos last week, the Falcons are a much more oiled machine offensively in comparison.
Ravens vs Steelers - Steelers
With the Ravens absolutely humiliated at Wembley last week, and the Steelers exploited (further adding to the truth that the Steelers play down to their competition) against the Bears, both teams are looking for a bounce back. The Ravens 'old car-like' offence may continue to be broken down, and I believe the Steelers will pull their heads out of their asses and secure themselves a much needed win. The AFC North may be trash, but it doesn't mean you can half-ass...
Browns vs Bengals - Browns
Speaking of trash...good...greif, this game...*sigh*...ok, so...
The Bengals have been pretty bad to start the season. Shut out by the Ravens in Week 1 (man, that feels so long ago...), a complete snooze fest against the Texans in Week 2, and a near upset against the Packers for Week 3. Is this the beginning of an upswing for the Bengals? Who knows.
However, the key difference between both these teams is standards. The Browns have none, and therefore have everything to prove in this game. They were very close against the Steelers, and nearly pulled it back against the Colts. DeShone Kizer is showing promise, long as he can ease up on those interceptions. Call it a bold pick, call it stupidity, but i'm all-in on the Browns this week! Don't get used to that.
Cowboys vs Rams - Cowboys
Now this seems like a good game. If the Rams can continue, they may actually be a legitimate opponent this season (well, to all but the Seattle Seahawks, anyway...). The Cowboys have been steady, gaining a strong win over the Cardinals, despite being out-duelled statistically speaking. This could become a very good game, but I have to side with the Cowboys based on overalls.
Texans vs Titans - Titans
The Texans have been...inconsistent, to say the least. Blown out by the Jags, endured the Bengals, and giving New England a run for their money last week. Jesus, that would've been something else if that had actually happen. I'd have had material for days! That said, I'm not sure they'll manage against the Titans, who secured a very well earned and crucial victory over the Seahawks. I see the Titans taking this one. The underdog story continues!
Vikings vs Lions - Lions
Still no Sam Bardford, so unless Case Keenum can recreate their performance against the Buccaneers, I can see the sneaky Lions squeaking this one, even if 4th quarter witchcraft is required. Just try and pass the touchdown line BEFORE your knee breaks the plane...
Patroits vs Panthers - Patroits
This one's gonna hurt. I want to see the Panthers return to their form of only a few seasons ago. It was exciting and it was fun to watch, but it's the Patroits, and I think that they will easily expose the offence, especially one without their star Tight End Greg Olsen, and a still not 100% Cam Newton. Kelvin Benjamin may play, so there may be a chance, but I don't see it.
Jets vs Jaguars - Uhhhhhhhhhh...
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to nirvana levels of clown ball. The Jags looked like gods against the Ravens, and the Jets picked up a good win over the Dolphins. However, I'm chalking both of those up to flukes, or the other team not showing up (and/or Jay Cutler). However, when matched against each other...uhh...that's a tough one. Jets have the better quarterback, but other than that, the Jags have the offensive pieces. Both are train wrecks defensively speaking...so...
Uhh...Jaguars?
Cardinals vs 49ers - Cardinals
The Cards looked like a return to form against Dallas. Despite losing, Carson Palmer looked better, and Larry Fitzgerald played like the bound future hall of famer that he's destined to be. I can see them taking it from the Niners, despite their flash of offensive brilliance over the Rams.
Chargers vs Eagles - Eagles
I can see this ending no other way for the Chargers: keep it competitive, don't blow anyone away expectation wise, and blow it at the last minute on a defensive collapse, or yet another missed game winning field goal. It should prove to be a good win for the Eagles, or they can just pray for yet another miracle in order to win. The Gods will want their due someday...
Buccaneers vs Giants - Giants
Look, it's not the 2013 season when the Giants started off 0-6 (I feel I subconsciously erased that from my memory prior to research), so there is still hope. The offence looked better against the Eagles (even if the time-old question "What is a catch?" reared it's ugly head after Sterling Shepard was denied a few touchdown attempts, leading to a totally blown 4th and Goal), and the Bucs looked human against the Vikings. Maybe they can win this one...maybe.
Broncos vs Raiders - Raiders
Now THIS is a matchup. Both teams had their wake up calls last week, with the Broncos conceding to the Bills of all teams, and the Raiders were outmatched against the Redskins. The Broncos will depend on how Trevor Siemian plays. If he chokes, the Raiders will reign down upon them.
Seahawks vs Colts - Colts
This could honestly go either way. Seattle has been looking pretty underachieving lately, and the Colts have been showing some flashes of good. If they can solve this so called 'Legion of Boom', the Colts may have themselves a good win on their hands.
Chiefs vs Redskins - Chiefs
This also looks like a good matchup. The Redskins looked very good against the Raiders, and the Chiefs continue their absolute dominance over the league. I can see the Chiefs being able to completely undress the Redskins defence, and tear them to shreds. Whether the 'Skins can keep up that high tempo offence will be the question of the game.
There you have it. A little late than usual, but still as relevant. So here's to hoping the Giants can finally claim a win, and to yet another exciting NFL Week.
Thanks for reading, and GO GIANTS!
- Kyle
Well, holy shit! That was certainly a wacky week of NFL. Handful of prediction upsets, plus a ton of surprising turn of events presented to us. Now, we look forward to the bountiful Week 4, where we can pray to the football gods that the New York Giants can finally grant us with a goddamn win! Onto Week 4!
As usual: Betting Bastard of the Week shall go to none other than the 'mighty' Baltimore Ravens. That potent offence and reliable defence feel to absolute ass against the JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS! Holy mother of god, you know Wembley Stadium is cursed when it can make the Jags look like Superbowl contenders! Good grief...but in any case, let's look ahead to week 4's matchups!
Packers vs Bears - Packers
I already predicted this ahead of time, but it went exactly as I thought it would. Aaron Rodgers torched the Bears, and Mike Glennon has all but set the stage for Mitch Trubisky to start. Hey, he's gotta be better than Glennon's display...
Dolphins vs Saints - Saints
Here we are, the next Wembley game is upon us. Jay Ajayi will want a heroic homecoming for the Dolphins, and I have no second guess that he will attempt to do so, however I just can't see the Dolphins overcoming the Saints offensively. Unless it turns into something like last weeks Thursday game between the Rams and the Niners (how 'bout that shit, eh?) where it's just an offensive powerhouse display, I can see the Dolphins looking impressive, but the Saints ultimately walking away the victor.
Falcons vs Bills - Falcons
The Falcons join only the Kansas City Chiefs in teams unbeaten so far, and I believe they will continue this against the Bills. While the Bills did well to secure a deserved win over the Broncos last week, the Falcons are a much more oiled machine offensively in comparison.
Ravens vs Steelers - Steelers
With the Ravens absolutely humiliated at Wembley last week, and the Steelers exploited (further adding to the truth that the Steelers play down to their competition) against the Bears, both teams are looking for a bounce back. The Ravens 'old car-like' offence may continue to be broken down, and I believe the Steelers will pull their heads out of their asses and secure themselves a much needed win. The AFC North may be trash, but it doesn't mean you can half-ass...
Browns vs Bengals - Browns
Speaking of trash...good...greif, this game...*sigh*...ok, so...
The Bengals have been pretty bad to start the season. Shut out by the Ravens in Week 1 (man, that feels so long ago...), a complete snooze fest against the Texans in Week 2, and a near upset against the Packers for Week 3. Is this the beginning of an upswing for the Bengals? Who knows.
However, the key difference between both these teams is standards. The Browns have none, and therefore have everything to prove in this game. They were very close against the Steelers, and nearly pulled it back against the Colts. DeShone Kizer is showing promise, long as he can ease up on those interceptions. Call it a bold pick, call it stupidity, but i'm all-in on the Browns this week! Don't get used to that.
Cowboys vs Rams - Cowboys
Now this seems like a good game. If the Rams can continue, they may actually be a legitimate opponent this season (well, to all but the Seattle Seahawks, anyway...). The Cowboys have been steady, gaining a strong win over the Cardinals, despite being out-duelled statistically speaking. This could become a very good game, but I have to side with the Cowboys based on overalls.
Texans vs Titans - Titans
The Texans have been...inconsistent, to say the least. Blown out by the Jags, endured the Bengals, and giving New England a run for their money last week. Jesus, that would've been something else if that had actually happen. I'd have had material for days! That said, I'm not sure they'll manage against the Titans, who secured a very well earned and crucial victory over the Seahawks. I see the Titans taking this one. The underdog story continues!
Vikings vs Lions - Lions
Still no Sam Bardford, so unless Case Keenum can recreate their performance against the Buccaneers, I can see the sneaky Lions squeaking this one, even if 4th quarter witchcraft is required. Just try and pass the touchdown line BEFORE your knee breaks the plane...
Patroits vs Panthers - Patroits
This one's gonna hurt. I want to see the Panthers return to their form of only a few seasons ago. It was exciting and it was fun to watch, but it's the Patroits, and I think that they will easily expose the offence, especially one without their star Tight End Greg Olsen, and a still not 100% Cam Newton. Kelvin Benjamin may play, so there may be a chance, but I don't see it.
Jets vs Jaguars - Uhhhhhhhhhh...
Ladies and Gentlemen, welcome to nirvana levels of clown ball. The Jags looked like gods against the Ravens, and the Jets picked up a good win over the Dolphins. However, I'm chalking both of those up to flukes, or the other team not showing up (and/or Jay Cutler). However, when matched against each other...uhh...that's a tough one. Jets have the better quarterback, but other than that, the Jags have the offensive pieces. Both are train wrecks defensively speaking...so...
Uhh...Jaguars?
Cardinals vs 49ers - Cardinals
The Cards looked like a return to form against Dallas. Despite losing, Carson Palmer looked better, and Larry Fitzgerald played like the bound future hall of famer that he's destined to be. I can see them taking it from the Niners, despite their flash of offensive brilliance over the Rams.
Chargers vs Eagles - Eagles
I can see this ending no other way for the Chargers: keep it competitive, don't blow anyone away expectation wise, and blow it at the last minute on a defensive collapse, or yet another missed game winning field goal. It should prove to be a good win for the Eagles, or they can just pray for yet another miracle in order to win. The Gods will want their due someday...
Buccaneers vs Giants - Giants
Look, it's not the 2013 season when the Giants started off 0-6 (I feel I subconsciously erased that from my memory prior to research), so there is still hope. The offence looked better against the Eagles (even if the time-old question "What is a catch?" reared it's ugly head after Sterling Shepard was denied a few touchdown attempts, leading to a totally blown 4th and Goal), and the Bucs looked human against the Vikings. Maybe they can win this one...maybe.
Broncos vs Raiders - Raiders
Now THIS is a matchup. Both teams had their wake up calls last week, with the Broncos conceding to the Bills of all teams, and the Raiders were outmatched against the Redskins. The Broncos will depend on how Trevor Siemian plays. If he chokes, the Raiders will reign down upon them.
Seahawks vs Colts - Colts
This could honestly go either way. Seattle has been looking pretty underachieving lately, and the Colts have been showing some flashes of good. If they can solve this so called 'Legion of Boom', the Colts may have themselves a good win on their hands.
Chiefs vs Redskins - Chiefs
This also looks like a good matchup. The Redskins looked very good against the Raiders, and the Chiefs continue their absolute dominance over the league. I can see the Chiefs being able to completely undress the Redskins defence, and tear them to shreds. Whether the 'Skins can keep up that high tempo offence will be the question of the game.
There you have it. A little late than usual, but still as relevant. So here's to hoping the Giants can finally claim a win, and to yet another exciting NFL Week.
Thanks for reading, and GO GIANTS!
- Kyle
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