Week 4 officially is underway and after a very unpredictable Week 3, the betting lines for Week 4 look tighter. At least now the casinos will not have to deal with the uncertainty of replacement officials. Of the seven early games, they feature four home underdogs. How should you place your bets this week? Here are my thoughts, using the lines given by Bovada.lv.
New England Patriots (-4.5) at Buffalo Bills: The Pats have struggled recently against Buffalo, especially on the road. However, after back-to-back losses, Tom Brady is going to play like his hair is on fire. They are not going to lose three straight games and Buffalo will be the unfortunate team to face them this week. Pick: Pats, -4.5.
Minnesota Vikings at Detroit Lions (-4): Detroit has the weapons, but Minnesota has been surprising so far. But this week at home is when the Lions break through. Pick: Lions, -4.
Carolina Panthers at Atlanta Falcons (-7.5): After thinking the Panthers would make a better showing at home against the defending champs, now that they go on the road to Atlanta where Matt Ryan is virtually unbeatable, I'm off that bus. Atlanta has looked every bit the championship contender so far. Pick: Falcons, -7.5.
San Francisco 49ers (-4.5) at New York Jets: The Jets needed overtime to squeak past the Dolphins and the Niners got caught in a trap game against Minnesota. San Fran is the type of team Jets coach Rex Ryan wants to be. Remember that the NFC West is good this year? Jets fans will see why. Pick: Niners, -4.5.
San Diego Chargers (-1) at Kansas City Chiefs: KC didn't look quite so inept against the Saints as they picked up their first win. The Chargers failed to show up against the Falcons a week ago. This game is hard to make out anything. For betting purposes, steer clear. For these purposes, I take Chargers, -1, but it isn't with much confidence.
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (-12): Kenny Britt of the Titans is hurt and he is the team's only real threat However, as I learned with Baltimore/Cleveland, it is a very big line. I won't give up that many points again. Pick: Titans, +12.
Seattle Seahawks (-3) at St. Louis Rams: The Rams are just unfortunate that the division is so good. They look like they have improved enough that elsewhere they might make a little noise. Unfortunately, the Seattle defense is very, very good. It will take away the running game and force Sam Bradford to throw all game. The Rams won't break through against the division this week. Pick: Seattle, -3.