N.F.L. Week 4 Picks: Can the Dolphins Shock the Patriots Again?
The Dolphins are underdogs despite an undefeated start, Baker Mayfield tries to get the Browns on a winning streak, and Khalil Mack tries to end FitzMagic.
With the Rams and Vikings facing each other on Thursday night, and the Chiefs not playing until Monday, Sunday will have an excitement deficit that the N.F.L. has avoided so far this season. The Dolphins will be the lone undefeated team in action on the league’s main day of action, though there should be plenty of reason to tune in to other games, with Baker Mayfield making his first start, Carson Wentz trying to go 2-0 and Ryan Fitzpatrick trying to rekindle FitzMagic while running away from Khalil Mack.
Here is a look at this week’s schedule, with all picks made against the point spread.
Saints at Giants, 4:25 p.m., CBS
The Saints (2-1) showed a lot of defensive improvement last season, which along with an emphasis on the running game finally let Drew Brees relax a little. This season has provided no such respite, as New Orleans has allowed 103 points over three games and has generated just 82.7 rushing yards a game, partially as a result of Mark Ingram’s suspension. The Giants (1-2) are not a very scary team, even when they are playing at home, and with Alvin Kamara nursing a knee injury, Ingram still suspended, and the Saints’ defense performing so poorly, it says something about the faith people have in the Giants that New Orleans remains the favorite. Pick: Saints -3.5
Seahawks at Cardinals, 4:05 p.m., Fox
Did the Seahawks (1-2) right the ship, or are they just good at home? That’s the big question for the season, but not one that will necessarily be answered against the Cardinals (0-3), a team that has been downright awful and will be starting a rookie quarterback, Josh Rosen. Pick: Seahawks -3
