Week 3 was a memorable one, on and off the field. Week 4 promises more of the same with a fun balance of cross conference matchups and intense divisional rivalries. At press, seven matchups have totals set over 45 points, with the Dolphins and Saints game set at an even 50. We could be looking at another high scoring week. Get ready for an exciting week for NFL betting!
Pittsburgh Steelers (-3) at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday at 1 PM ET
Both teams must be chomping at the bit to get back into action after disappointing losses last week. The Ravens will appreciate having an opportunity to forget about the London debacle of last week. The Steelers, meanwhile, also suffered their first defeat – a shocking 23-17 overtime loss in Chicago to the Bears.
In a game where the AFC North lead is on the line, points will be at a premium. Quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger and Joe Flacco both struggled last week, and this week could be more of the same, especially considering Roethlisberger and the Steelers have far more trouble on the road. The total is listed at 41.5 at press time and the combined average score for both teams this year is 38. It could be a stingy game in Baltimore.
Detroit Lions at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday at 1 PM ET
Football is a game of inches and unfortunately for the Lions and their fans, last week was a very bitter example of why. It was a game that Lions fans will surely never forget.
Moving on to Week 4, the Lions will travel to Minnesota to face their longtime rivals. Both offenses are among the league’s best, as the Vikings boast the second most yards per game in the entire league, while the Lions rank seventh in total points. The final odds at press time are yet to be determined due to the uncertainty of Vikings quarterback Sam Bradford's balky knee. But last week, Case Keenum proved we shouldn’t sleep on him, as he threw for career high 369 yards to go along with 3 touchdowns while filling in for the injured Bradford in a 34-17 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions and Vikings are each 2-1 on the season and need a win to keep pace in the tightly contested NFC North.
Washington Redskins at Kansas City Chiefs (-7), Monday at 8:30 PM ET
The Monday Night Football game this week features two cross conference teams. Kansas City is one of only two undefeated teams heading into Week 4. Washington sits at 2-1 after their impressive victory over the Oakland Raiders last Sunday night.
Much of Kansas City's early success can be attributed to their star rookie running back, Kareem Hunt. Hunt leads the league with 401 rushing yards. The Chiefs may need to lean on Hunt again, as the Redskins boast an elite pass defense led by cornerback Josh Norman. Last week, they held the Raiders’ two-star receivers, Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, to a combined 2 catches for 13 yards. Now the challenge shifts to the Chiefs’ big play offense, who last week set an NFL record with their 9th straight game of scoring a touchdown of 50 yards or longer. For the Redskins to have a chance in this game, they’ll need more out of their offense. This one could be high scoring, with the total points set at 49 at press time.
*Odds as of September 28, 2017