There are only three remaining unbeaten teams as the schedule heats up (Patriots, Chiefs, and 49ers) The schedule is picking up to the point that many of the games are vital although it’s early in the season. Some teams want to solidify their position early, while others are looking for a way to hang on. I have listed my predictions below and analysis of the games.

Los Angeles Rams (3-1) vs Seattle Seahawks (3-1)- Rams 27-24
The Rams look to bounce back after a tough home loss against the Buccaneers. Their defense gave up 55 points, while the Seahawks are coming off a sound victory over the lowly Cardinals. The Rams aren’t running the ball as well this year, and will likely lean on Jared Goff in this matchup. The Seahawks are stingy against the run, but have had issues against the pass. I expect LA’s defense to be motivated after a horrible display last week. These two always play close games, but I feel the Rams have had the Seahawks number for the last few years.

Arizona Cardinals (0-3-1) vs Cincinnati Bengals (0-4)- Cardinals 19-16
Both of these teams are struggling to start 2019. They have similar problems with inconsistent quarterback play, struggling run games, bad defenses, and downright awful offensive lines. The Cardinals have a major pass rusher Chandler Jones who will be key Sunday. Star cornerback Patrick Peterson returns from suspension as well. I believe their defense will play well enough, and they will lean on David Johnson in the running game to win. However, this is another road start for rookie Kyler Murray. I wouldn’t be surprised if veteran Andy Dalton has his best game of the year for the Bengals against a mediocre Arizona defense.

Buffalo Bills (3-1) vs Tennessee Titans (2-2)- Titans 21-14
The Bills fought hard against the Patriots, and if Josh Allen didn’t leave with injury might have won the game. Allen’s status is questionable for Sunday which would give the start to an average at best QB Matt Barkley. If this is the case Frank Gore will likely take on a larger role like he did against New England. This team is great in the trenches with a physical offensive line and defense. The Titans are inconsistent, and can either look really good or really bad. Marcus Mariota struggles to be consistent, and will have a
tough time against Buffalo. The Titans offensive line gets a boost with the return of former pro bowler Taylor Lewan from suspension. Derrick Henry is the backbone of the offense, and will need to perform to take pressure off of Marcus. The Titans defense is talented as well, but will give up big plays in the secondary at times. I like Tennessee based on them being healthier coming into this game. This will be a hard hitting, low scoring matchup won in the trenches.

Chicago Bears (3-1) vs Oakland Raiders (2-2)- Bears 26-13
The Bears defense is downright scary led by former Oakland Raider Khalil Mack. He will be looking to dominate against his old team. They will be without starter QB Mitch Trubisky, but veteran Chase Daniel knows the offense and can make smart decisions. Their running game will have more pressure with the loss of Trubisky. The Raiders offense has some star power with the emergence of targets Tyrell Williams and Darren Waller. Derek Carr can be hit or miss, and Josh Jacobs is a versatile back to lean on. Their defense is still a mess giving up big numbers to depleted Colts offense. I expect to dominate on defense, and win a low scoring game on the road. The Raiders offensive line won’t have an answer for Mack, Leonard Floyd, and the rest of the Bears vaunted defense. Chase Daniel will do enough to get another win in the Bay.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-2) vs New Orleans Saints (3-1)- Buccaneers 28-24
The Bucs offense is dangerous when clicking on all cylinders. Jameis Winston has balled out two weeks in a row, but has to step up against a tough defense. Their running game has picked up, and their one two punch at receiver is big time. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are threats to catch a home run pass at all times, and the Buccaneers defense has been forcing turnovers. Backup Teddy Bridgewater is 2-0 as the starter, and is making smart decisions while converting to Michael Thomas when necessary. Alvin Kamara is carrying the load for the offense, while the defense is making life miserable for opponents. Their defensive line is led by Cameron Jordan and Marcus Davenport, and NOLA’s secondary has been much more consistent. This is a hard game to pick, but I am going with Tampa I just feel their offense has so many weapons. I don’t see Bridgewater being able to carry his team if this turns into a shootout. The Bucs have past success in New Orleans, and Bruce Arians has a knack for pulling off upsets.

Minnesota Vikings (2-2) vs New York Giants (2-2)- Vikings 22-19
Outside of Dalvin Cook, Minnesota’s offense has been downright awful. Kirk Cousins can’t move the ball while Adam Theilen and Stefon Diggs struggle to make any impact. They find themselves being one dimensional, and haven’t threatened anyone through the air. Their defense is solid as always, but are stuck living on the field with their bad offense. Daniel Jones has ignited the previously down Giants with a two win streak. Jones has shown some athletic skills to extend plays, and finding his playmakers like Sterling Shepard and Evan Engram. Wayne Gallman impressed in relief of Saquon Barkley last week, and their defense has suddenly started to force turnovers. It will be interesting to see how he deals with his first legit defensive test. I think Minnesota is in a make or break game situation this Sunday. A loss here will put a damper on their playoff hopes, and I expect Cousins to have his best game to date. He feels the pressure and angst of fans which should lead to a pickup in this offenses urgency. I see Jones struggling against the solid Minnesota defense, and Gallman won’t have as many openings this week. The Giants will keep it close, but Minnesota has the superior team and should win based on talent.

New York Jets (0-3) vs Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)- Eagles 30-20
The Jets may have their starting QB Sam Darnold back after missing several games due to Mono. If not, Luke Falk will be asked to lead this team into battle again. New York’s offensive line is bad, and Le’Veon Bell is their only major threat in the running game. They have solid receivers in Robby Anderson and Jamison Crowder, but the quarterback position has been a turntable. Their defense is led by Jamal Adams, and at times has actually played well. However, their offense has been so bad their defense has been stuck on the field like the Vikings. The Eagles won a pivotal road game in Green Bay last week. Carson Wentz is a rising star at the QB position, and Miles Sanders plus Jordan Howard finally showed up. Alshon Jeffery’s return helped the offense, and DeSean Jackson could be back too. Their secondary is banged up, but that shouldn’t be a problem against a struggling Jets passing attack. I expect the Eagles to win easily because the Jets are a mess on offense. This team will struggle to block the front seven of Philadelphia, and eventually Carson Wentz will carve up the defense.

Baltimore Ravens (2-2) vs Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3)- Ravens 29-17
The Ravens look to regroup after losing two straight games to the Chiefs and Browns. Lamar Jackson is talented, but his consistency has started to fade the last couple of outings. Mark Ingram has been great, and the offensive line is clicking right now. They need more production outside of Mark Andrews in terms of play making. Their biggest problem is the defense that has been torched on the ground and through the air. The Steelers finally picked up a win, and rookie QB Mason Rudolph played solid in his second career start. James Conner finally had a good game, and Diontae Johnson has become a reliable option outside of Juju Smith-Schuster. Their defense has improved with the addition of Minkah Fitzpatrick, and linebackers T.J. Watt and Devin Bush have stood out as well. I like the Ravens because their speed on offense will give issues to the Steelers. I also am not sold on Rudolph enough to pick him in a game that could turn into a shootout. The Ravens know they have to win this game in order to solidify themselves at the top of the AFC North.

New England Patriots (4-0) vs Washington Redskins (0-4)- Patriots 38-14
Tom Brady had one of his worst games ever in Buffalo, and the Patriots still won. This defense is unbelievable racking up the sacks to start the year. Their secondary has been sensational as well, and haven’t allowed big plays along with forcing turnovers. Stephon Gilmore and Devin McCourty are playing at a pro bowl level early on. Their offense should dominant a bad defense, and Washington hasn’t been able to stop the run this year. Washington’s secondary is just as bad so Brady should bounce back in a big way. The Redskins can’t protect the football, and are just as bad defensively in terms of production. They have had issues against the run, and have given up big plays behind the secondary all year. Their offensive line has been terrible, Adrian Peterson hasn’t succeeded in the backfield, and they can’t find the answer at quarterback. It remains to be seen if Case Keenum, Colt McCoy, or rookie Dwayne Haskins will get the start. It doesn’t matter because the Patriots are on another level, and will want to dominate after a shaky game at Buffalo.

Jacksonville Jaguars (2-2) vs Carolina Panthers (2-2)- Panthers 22-19
Both of these teams have been given new life with their young backup QB’s. Gardner Minshew has a knack for comeback victories, and found a way to lead his team back against Denver. Leonard Fournette has been great the last two games, and their offensive line has improved their play. DJ Chark continues to be their wide receiver leader, and Dede Westbrook can spread the field. Their defense has been up and down, but have a ton of athletes who can fly to the football. It remains to be seen if disgruntled, injured cornerback Jalen Ramsey will play or not. Kyle Allen has been up and down replacing Cam Newton, but the only thing that matters is his record which is 2-0 as a starter. He has to protect the football, but has shown an ability to make big throws when necessary. Christian McCaffrey has been fantastic making big plays on the ground and through the air. Greg Olsen and D.J. Moore have developed into steady targets for Allen as well. Their defense has been impressive shutting down the Texans last week in terms of scoring. This is a tough game to call because both sides are very similar in terms of strengths and weaknesses. I will lean towards Carolina, because I trust Christian McCaffrey to make big plays and they have the home field advantage.

Atlanta Falcons (1-3) vs Houston Texans (2-2)- Texans 30-20
Atlanta can put up big numbers in terms of yards, but they have been unable to finish drives. Matt Ryan has been playing better, but most of his stats have been filler with no touchdown results. Their running game continues to struggle as both Devonta Freeman and the offensive line have taken a down turn. Calvin Ridley has disappeared, and Julio Jones has been limited to this point. Their defense hasn’t been much better clearly missing Keanu Neal in the secondary. Their having a hard time rushing the passer as well. The Texans have been competitive in every game, but had a bad loss at home against Carolina last week. DeShaun Watson is a impressive innovator with a big arm, but missed some game changing throws last week. Their offensive line is still a problem, and the sacks continue to pile up. The Texans receiving core didn’t look the same when Kenny Stills left with an injury, and his status is in doubt for Sunday. They have to trust Carlos Hyde and continue to run the ball for balance. Houston’s defense continues to play well, and forced turnovers but their offense didn’t capitalize. The Falcons are a mess right now, and the Texans have been playing better recently. I expect Watson to improve against a weak secondary, and their defense should be able to pressure Matt Ryan. The Texans will likely put up some big point totals in this one that could turn into a shootout.

Denver Broncos (0-4) vs Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)- Chargers 23-16
The Broncos have been competitive, but just seem to give the game away at the end. Joe Flacco has been bad to start games, but has played well down the stretch. Their running game has been lacking all year, and forced them to pass too much. Phillip Lindsay, Royce Freeman, and this offensive line have to improve. Their defense has been solid, but lost star pass rusher Bradley Chubb to an ACL tear. This will takeaway a major sack threat on defense. The Chargers will welcome Melvin Gordon back to the fold to go along with Austin Ekeler. Phillip Rivers had another good game against the lowly Dolphins, and his connection with Keenan Allen is heating up. Their defense is still beatable in the secondary without Derwin James, but their defensive line led by Joey Bosa causes havoc for offenses. They will be without Melvin Ingram which could hurt their ability to pressure Flacco. This game will be close, but the Chargers have too many weapons on offense to be held down. I expect the Broncos to try to run the ball, and control the clock in order to win. However, the Chargers are the better team all around, and Denver hasn’t proven they can finish games strong to this point.

Green Bay Packers (3-1) vs Dallas Cowboys (3-1)- Packers 27-17
The Packers offense finally woke up, but their defense looked bad against Philly. Aaron Rodgers has been slow to start, and things could get worse with star receiver Davante Adams likely to miss this game. Their running game has been nonexistent with Jamal Williams being injured, and Aaron Jones struggling as well. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Geronimo Allison will have to lead the way for Aaron. Their defense was exposed on the ground last week, and will have a tough test in Ezekiel Elliott this week. The Cowboys are coming off a terrible offensive showing in New Orleans. Their offensive line was bad, Dak Prescott struggled, and Ezekiel Elliott was shut down. Prescott has to improve against another solid defense, but will be without his all-pro left tackle Tyron Smith. Elliott should have success against Green Bay, but the offensive line has to improve for his numbers to go up. The Cowboys miss Michael Gallup at receiver as teams are keying in on Amari Cooper, and he is unlikely to suit up for this game. Their defense was great against New Orleans, but Aaron Rodgers is a whole different level than Teddy Bridgewater. I expect the Packers to win this game because Aaron Rodgers has been so good against Dallas in the past. There is something about AT&T Stadium that brings out the best in him. I also think the Packers will pressure Dak at a large clip without Tyron Smith hurting the offenses chances to move the ball. If Dallas can’t run the ball in this game they could be in for a long Sunday afternoon.

Indianapolis Colts (2-2) vs Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)- Chiefs 34-24
Jacoby Brissett has been really good at QB for the Colts, but had a crucial turnover last week. Star receiver T.Y. Hilton is expected to be back, and that should improve their passing attack. Marlon Mack should play despite being banged up, and this offensive line is great. They will need to score often in order to keep up against Kansas City, especially with their defense trying to function without Malik Hooker their star safety. Linebacker Darius Leonard was back to practice which should help boost their defense. The Chiefs offense is scary, and could get even more terrifying when Tyreek Hill returns. He will likely miss this week, but is expected to be back soon. Patrick Mahomes didn’t throw a touchdown pass, and they still scored 30 points. Mahomes is a gunslinger, and showed his athleticism extending plays with his legs against Detroit. LeSean McCoy has been a steal of a pickup, and has brought life to the running game. Sammy Watkins, Travis Kelce, and Demarcus Robinson keep on producing on the outside as well. Their defense is still shaky, and gives up big plays especially in the passing game. Their pass rush needs to improve behind Chris Jones and Frank Clark. This game is likely to be a high scoring affair, and that sways into the Chiefs favor. The Colts secondary isn’t fully healthy, and that isn’t a good sign against Kansas City. I think the Colts will compete, but Mahomes will have the last laugh at Arrowhead.

Cleveland Browns (2-2) vs San Francisco 49ers (3-0)- 49ers 24-20
The Browns had a redemption win over Baltimore after starting 1-2 this season. Baker Mayfield played better, but running back Nick Chubb took over the game rushing for well over 100 yards. Jarvis Landry was sensational, and they expect Odell Beckham’s numbers to improve as the season moves on. Their offensive line bounced back, but will have a tough test Monday. The Dawg Pound’s defense has actually played really well putting tons of pressure on opposing QB’s behind Myles Garrett and Olivier Vernon. The 49ers are undefeated, and had a bye week to get ready for Cleveland. Jimmy Garoppolo has been steadily improving, but will be tested against a good pass rush. Matt Breida and Raheem Mostert are a balanced attack of thunder and lightning in the backfield. They need more production outside of tight end George Kittle in order to beat Cleveland. Marquise Goodwin, Dante Pettis, or Jalen Hurd need to step up to help out Jimmy G. This 49ers defense is stout up front with maulers like Dee Ford, Nick Bosa, DeForest Buckner, and so on. Their secondary has been solid led by Richard Sherman, but will need to step up against the Browns receivers. I like San Francisco because their defensive line should dominate in the trenches. Baker will deal with pressure, and Chubb is unlikely to break away as easily against a solid defensive line. I think the 49ers will do just enough offensively, and lean on their defense to eek out a close victory at home.

Photo Credit: https://bearswire.usatoday.com/2019/09/30/khalil-mack-on-facing-his-former-team-this-is-going-to-be-a-big-one/