Derek Winters:
Even with the Eagles drama of David Akers and Donny McNabb’s injuries, the Eagles with TO and their tough defense will prevail over the “Rode hard, put away wet” Chiefs. Even though this game is at Arrowhead, a very tough place to win, many KC players are starting to play past their prime.
Philadelphia 27, Kansas City 20
Jordan Katz:
The Bengals, a good team? Yes, you heard it here first. Well, maybe you heard it from those obnoxious Bengals fans always saying “Who Dey!”, whatever the hell that means. But, yes, the Bengals, at a 3-0 start, have the look of a pretty good team. Led by Carson Palmer, Chad and Rudi Johnson and an acceptable defense, the Bengals have a legitimate shot at the playoffs this year. The Texans, on the other hand just fired Chris Palmer as O-coordinator and have really struggled this year. Anyway, here’s a prediction, from me to you, that the Bengals will be 4-0 for the first time since, well, you get where I’m going with this. Nullus.
Cincinnati 30, Houston 17
Alex Schwartz:
Week four’s Game of the Week features the still playoff-bound New York Football Giants versus the hometown favorite St. Louis Rams. Marc Bulger should put up some gaudy numbers against the sieve-like Giants pass defense, but tail-back Stephen Jackson will find no holes going up against the staunch run defense which was noticeably absent against Ladanian Tomlinson and the San Diego Chargers. Ultimately, Eli Manning’s continued progress, coupled with a strong performance from Pro Bowler Tiki Barber, will allow Big Blue to control the clock and the tempo of the game, and a few costly Bulger turnovers should prove the difference in the home victory.
NY Giants 31, St. Louis 21
Scott Kaufman-Ross:
The Raiders are off to a disappointing start, but look to pick their first win this week when America’s Team comes to town. Oakland has had three very difficult matchups thus far this year, losing to both Super Bowl teams and also falling short against the high powered Chiefs. The key for the Raiders, as it will be every week, is getting the ball to Randy Moss. Moss has just 15 receptions this year, granted for 343 yards and two TDs. Kerry Collins must find a way to get the ball to #18 more often, as his big play potential is the reason Al Davis brought him over. However, the Cowboys come in 2-1, thanks to a tremendous comeback last week against the 49ers. The Cowboys are a solid, well coached football team, but showed its vulnerability last week when mighty Tim Rattay tossed for 269 yards and three scores. If Rattay and the 49ers can put up those numbers against Dallas’ pass defense, it could be a very, very long day against Randy Moss. Look for Oakland to get their first win of the year, and Moss to show why he is the NFL’s best talent.
Randy Moss 35, Dallas 21
Andrew Nackman:
The Eagles enter this game 2-1 after having escaped with a win over the Raiders last week. McNabb is playing through a bruised chest, and now he vows to still remain in the lineup despite an abdominal strain that will require surgery after the season. But he’s as tough as they come and should be his old self in this interconference tilt. The Chiefs come into the game after having been thoroughly embarrassed in Denver on Monday night. They will come out with intensity and a regained toughness that they lacked last Monday night. Is Kansas City the better team? No. But there’s no way they lose at Arrowhead Stadium a week after the Mile High no-show. The Chiefs offense will come out firing on all cylinders, expect a heavy dose of Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson, and the Eagles will have no answer on this day.
Kansas City 34, Philadelphia 20
Joe Ciolli:
With starter Chad Pennington likely out for the season with a torn rotator cuff and back-up Jay Fiedler out indefinitely because he sucks (or shoulder problems or something), look for the Jets to struggle against Baltimore. But don’t fear, Jets fans, 42-year-old antique Vinny Testaverde is coming out of retirement. I’m now taking bets as to whose arm will fall off first.
Baltimore 24, NY Jets 3