NFL picks Week 4: Can the Browns make it two in a row?

San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) vs. St. Louis Rams

The Niners are desperate for a win after two poor performances in a row. The Rams looked awful this past Sunday and pose little to no running game. That's good news for a 49ers defense that's been gashed on the ground. San Francisco rebounds and gets back in the win column. Prediction: 49ers 27, Rams 20

Pittsburgh Steelers (-2.5) vs. Minnesota Vikings (in London)

The good news is one of these teams will finally get a win. The bad news is one will be 0-4. The Steelers still have a defense capable of at least slowing teams down. The Vikings were burned bad by a Browns team starting Brian Hoyer and a committee of running backs that includes Willis McGahee, Bobby Rainey and Chris Ogbonnaya. Yeah, I'm taking the Steelers. Prediction: Steelers, 24, Vikings 10

Cincinnati Bengals (-4.5) vs. Cleveland Browns

The Browns' offense had a great showing against Minnesota last week. That won't happen against a scrappy Bengals group. Cleveland's defense keeps the score down but the Bengals cover. Prediction: Bengals 16, Browns 10

Indianapolis Colts (-8.5) vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

As long as the spread is under 20, bet against Jacksonville. This is the worst team since the 0-16 Lions team. Prediction: Colts 23, Jaguars 6

Seattle Seahawks (-2.5) vs. Houston Texans

The Seahawks are probably the second-best team in the NFL behind the Broncos. The Texans had a horrible outing against the Ravens last week. The Texans, while good, won't be able to move the ball on the Seahawks' defense. Prediction: Seahawks 21, Texans 13

Arizona Cardinals vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-2.5)

The Buccaneers are hoping Mike Glennon can give them a needed spark that Josh Freeman wasn't able to provide this year. More importantly for the Bucs, the strength of Tampa Bay's team — the defense — will get a chance to go against an offensive line that can't protect its quarterback. Prediction: Buccaneers 20, Cardinals 14

Chicago Bears vs. Detroit Lions (-3)

This has potential to be the NFL's best game of the week. The Bears are distributing the ball much more evenly than in years past and getting Matt Forte more involved. The Lions are throwing the ball everywhere and getting backs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell looks in both the running and passing games. This contest could come down to who has the ball last. Prediction: Lions 30, Bears 28

New York Giants vs. Kansas City Chiefs (-4.5)

The Chiefs are one of the NFL's biggest surprises this year, considering they've started the season 3-0. The Giants have been one of the biggest duds. Though Eli Manning and the offense have turned the ball over a bunch, it's the Giants' defense that's letting the team down. More of the same is in store Sunday. Prediction: Chiefs 31, Giants 24

New York Jets vs. Tennessee Titans (-3.5)

Geno Smith is performing at a higher level than anticipated. Now that Bilal Powell is giving the Jets something at running back, the offense has potential to open up a little more. The defense has done well too, with its strength defending the run. Prediction: Jets 17, Titans 16

Dallas Cowboys (-2) vs. San Diego Chargers

Miles Austin has missed the first two days of practice this week with a hamstring injury, putting his game status in doubt. If Austin can't go, the Cowboys will be counting on rookie Terrence Williams to step up. The Chargers have been efficient offensively, even with the two losses. Slowing down the Cowboys will be tough but being at home will help. Prediction: Chargers 31, Cowboys 30

Washington Redskins (-3) vs. Oakland Raiders

The sky is falling in the nation's capital due to the fact the Redskins have started the year 0-3. Fortunately for Redskins fans, a trip to Oakland should ease the pain. Quarterback Robert Griffin III should have his way with Oakland's defense. Whether Terrelle Pryor or Matt Flynn plays (due to Pryor's concussion), the defense should be sound enough — even with how bad it is — to keep the Raiders from lighting up the scoreboard. Prediction: Redskins 34, Raiders 24

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Denver Broncos (-10.5)

Until the Broncos prove otherwise, bet on them each week. This has the makings of a close game, which actually means the Broncos are poised for another blowout. Plus, Philadelphia's secondary has been vulnerable against the pass all year, playing into Denver's obvious strength. Prediction: Broncos 41, Eagles 28

New England Patriots vs. Atlanta Falcons (-2)

The Falcons should win this game. They should've won last week and they should've beaten the Saints in the season-opener. But the Falcons have let games slip by recently and are the most banged up team in the NFL. Tom Brady caps a game-winning fourth quarter drive to beat Atlanta. Prediction: Patriots 24, Falcons 23

Miami Dolphins vs. New Orleans Saints (-6.5)

The Dolphins are no joke and just might be the best team in the AFC East. The Saints, however, are looking like one of the top six or seven teams in the NFL. But they've shown the ability to stall, such as against Tampa Bay in a 16-14 win. The Saints win but in a tight game. Prediction: Saints 23, Dolphins 20