After going 10-4-1 two weeks ago, last week was full of unforseen surprises. I still managed a mediocre 8-7 record, but there were some disappointing results. I predicted the Vikings to annihilate the Bills, however, the complete opposite proceeded to take place. Nonetheless, the best pick of the week was the Redskins over the Packers. Week four of the 2018 NFL season kicked off last night in Los Angeles: the Rams defeated the Minnesota Vikings 38-31. Quarterback Jared Goff was the story of the game, throwing for over 460 yards and five touchdowns. Here’s The Forest Scout’s NFL Week 4 preview:

Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) vs Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
Noon (CBS)

The Bengals came crashing back down to earth last Sunday, losing 31-21 on the road against the Carolina Panthers. Andy Dalton struggled, throwing 4 interceptions, and the Panthers were guided behind Christian McCaffrey; he rushed for 184 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, rookie receiver Calvin Ridley had a breakout game for the Falcons last week, but they were losers at home to the New Orleans Saints. This matchup will be an offensive shootout, as the Bengals’ defense is last in the league on third down and the Falcons are without three key defensive contributors. However, the Falcons will get back to .500 this week, as Matt Ryan will continue his strong numbers at home from a week ago and outlast Andy Dalton.
Pick: Bengals 27, Falcons 35

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) vs Chicago Bears (2-1)
Noon (FOX)

It was safe question if ‘FitzMagic’ had dissipated for good in the first half of the Monday Night showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, it was not meant to be the end as it returned to prominence once more. Nonetheless, Fitzpatrick’s mistakes in the first half were too destructive to overcome, as the Bucs fell 30-27. Although Fitzpatrick remains the starter once again this week, even with Jameis Winston returning from his three game suspension, the Bears and their ferocious pass rushers, led by Khalil Mack, should be able to cover up the poor play of Mitchell Trubisky thus far.
Pick: Bucs 20, Bears 24

Detroit Lions (1-2) vs Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
Noon (FOX)

The Lions are coming off an unexpected victory against the New England Patriots on primetime Sunday night, as they collected some team accomplishments: former Patriots’ defensive coordinator Matt Patricia got his first win against his old team, and Kerryon Johnson rushed for over 100 yards, the first time a Lions running back has accomplished this feat since Reggie Bush did on Thanksgiving in 2013… yeah, you read that right. Meanwhile, the Cowboys have continued their offensive problems, only scoring 13 points, and losing to the Seattle Seahawks. Their defense can still get to the quarterback, especially against a below average Lions’ defensive line, but Matthew Stafford should get by the struggling Cowboys.
Pick: Lions 23, Cowboys 17

Buffalo Bills (1-2) vs Green Bay Packers (1-1-1)
Noon (FOX)

The Bills might have authored the biggest headline on Sunday, as they defeated the Minnesota Vikings on the road, even in same week where the Browns’ got their first win in over 600 days. The Bills play another road game on the road this week against the NFC North, which will surely test the toughness of rookie quarterback Josh Allen. Coming off of a tough loss in Washington and being back at home, the Packers should get back in the win column, assuming Aaron Rodgers knee injury does not worsen with continued play.
Pick: Bills 17, Packers 27

Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) vs Tennessee Titans (2-1)
Noon (FOX)

Eagles fans were glad to welcome back their franchise quarterback Carson Wentz at home last week, but they hope to see him get back his pre-injury play this week on the road. The Titans, meanwhile, prevailed in an unsightly looking box score against the Jacksonville Jaguars, unexpectedly prevailing 9-6. The Titans hope they can get more out of still banged up Marcus Mariota, but the Eagles should grind out a laborious victory, as Wentz will move forward to returning to his old self.
Pick: Eagles 24, Titans 20

Houston Texans (0-3) vs Indianapolis Colts (1-2)
Noon (CBS)

The Texans remain winless, as protecting the quarterback has been an obstacle starting off the season. On the other hand, Andrew Luck hasn’t wowed anyone, but the Colts’ defense has looked considerably improved from just a year ago. This is not just a must win for the Texans, but for the Colts as well, as both teams need this divisional victory to ignite some hope back into their facilities. The Texans will get a strong day from pass rusher JJ Watt and pull out a paramount victory to keep any playoff aspirations alive.
Pick: Texans 27, Colts 20

Miami Dolphins (3-0) vs New England Patriots (1-2)
Noon (CBS)

After a win last Sunday, the Miami Dolphins are 9-1 in Ryan Tannehill’s last 10 starts. This will be a major test for this club, as they head into Foxborough against the Patriots, who start the season 1-2, the first time since 2012. The Patriots have been unable to get much out of their thin receiving core, thus tight end Rob Gronkowski has been consistently double covered. They will be without Julian Edelman for one more week due to suspension, but hope to soon get some assistance from Josh Gordon, who the team traded for last week. Though the Pats seem to have questions on both offense and defense, we have seen this ambiguous narrative before. The Patriots will silence their critics and win big at home.
Pick: Dolphins 20, Patriots 31

New York Jets (1-2) vs Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)
Noon (FOX)

Both teams are coming off embarrassing losses: The Jets were the team that got the Browns back into the win column and the Jaguars, who were unable to generate any kind of offense, lost to the banged up Titans. Although the Jets have had extra time off, the Jaguars should get their offense back into the right direction, and they are expected to get back running back Leonard Fournette. Jets’ rookie quarterback Sam Darnold will experience some growing pains against an elite Jacksonville defense. Jags take care of business at home.
Pick: Jets 14, Jaguars 26

Cleveland Browns (1-1-1) vs Oakland Raiders (0-3)
3:05 (FOX)

After coming in replacing injured Tyrod Taylor, Browns’ number one overall selection in this past draft, Baker Mayfield, showed fans why he was the first quarterback off the board. This week will be a major test for him, as this is his first career start, but he could recieve help from the emerging young Browns’ defense. Although the Raiders have been in each of their three games to start the season, they will lose another close one, as Mayfield and his mobility will exploit the Raiders weak pash rush ability. Browns win– again.
Pick: Browns 21, Raiders 17

Seattle Seahawks (1-2) vs Arizona Cardinals (0-3)
3:05 (FOX)

Another rookie, Josh Rosen, made his NFL debut a week ago, as he too will make his first career start this week. The Cardinals showed little life on offense in the second half last week vs the Bears, blowing a 14 point lead and lost 16-14. Although the move was needed to be made, Rosen will struggle getting acclimated at times. The Seahawks, lead by veteran Russell Wilson, are nothing close to the form they were a few years ago, but will still pounce on any miscues as the team looked much improved on offense and defense a week ago. Wilson has a big day in the air, and Chris Carson gets it done on the ground.
Pick: Seahawks 24, Cardinals 16

New Orleans Saints (2-1) vs New York Giants (1-2)
3:25 (CBS)

The Giants finally got a big win, coming out on top in a must win against Houston. They seemed to get something out of their offense last week, but further developing their play is imperative if they want to stay afloat in the NFC. On the other hand, the Saints’ defense got lit up– again by Matt Ryan’s Falcons last week. The defense has looked closer to the play of teams a few years ago, rather than the much improved play last season. Nonetheless, Drew Brees is playing and moving around like he is in his mid 20’s, as he will continue to rid his hot hand into the Meadowlands this weekend.
Pick: Saints 30, Giants 21

San Francisco 49ers (1-2) vs Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)
3:25 (CBS)

With signal caller Jimmy Garoppolo out for the season with a torn ACL, the team will turn to former Iowa product C.J. Beathard, who started before Garoppolo arrived to San Francisco last year. The Chargers have clashed with Patrick Mahomes and Jared Goff within the first three weeks to start the season, as this is a much needed matchup for them to get back to .500 on paper. Expect the Chargers to win big against a descending opponent.
Pick: 49ers 17, Chargers 38

Baltimore Ravens (2-1) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1-1)
7:20 (NBC)

The Steelers’ offense looked to resurrect itself on Monday night, but their defense has looked hapless, imposing no fear against opponents. On the other side, the Ravens put together an impressive victory against the Denver Broncos at home, having extended time off, as they played on Thursday night football the week before. Both quarterbacks seem to always get extra fired up for this one, especially on national television and coming off two solid performances. However, Joe Flacco, not Ben Roethlisberger, will lead his team in an offensive heavy matchup.
Pick: Ravens 34, Steelers 30

Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) vs Denver Broncos (2-1)
Monday, 7:15 (ESPN)

I’m sure you have heard the name Pat Mahomes by now. He has not just been the best quarterback through the first three games, but he set a new NFL record with 13 touchdown passes in the seasons first three games, passing Peyton Manning’s old record of 12. Eventually, teams will have to exploit the horrendous play of the Chiefs’ defense; they are allowing the most yards per game in the league. This is nothing Mahomes isn’t used to in the Big 12 during his collegian career, however, as defensive play is an afterthought for teams in that conference. The Broncos’ elite pash rushers will need to on their game, even being at home, having to face the top offensive unit in the league. Chiefs withstand the Broncos on the road.
Pick: Chiefs 35, Broncos 26