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ESPN NFL Week 4 Predictions, Picks, And Schedule: Cowboys, Steelers, Seahawks, And Vikings Viewed As Consensus Winners

By Phillip Dengler
Published on: 07:17 PST, Oct 1, 2016

NFL predictions and picks for Week 4 from the experts at ESPN are now here, and there are some very intriguing games scheduled for this weekend. After three weeks of football, there is still a question regarding which teams are actually legitimate contenders this year.

While the Pittsburgh Steelers were viewed as a heavy favorite to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl, they were embarrassed by the Philadelphia Eagles last Sunday, a team that has a rookie quarterback and rookie head coach. Even without Tom Brady, the New England Patriots have somehow managed to enter Week 4 with a 3-0 record, and they appear ready to make another deep run in the playoffs this year.

In addition to the predictions by the experts at ESPN, the latest NFL odds from Vegas Insider were also used as reference points. Here are a few of the notable games.

Dallas Cowboys at San Francisco 49ers – WINNER: Cowboys

After losing quarterback Tony Romo to injury in the preseason, it appeared as though it was going to be a long year for the Dallas Cowboys. With a record of 2-1, the Cowboys are tied with the New York Giants for second place in the NFC East, and rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott have been impressive. While the San Francisco 49ers were expected to improve after hiring former Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly, it looks like it is going to be another long year for the 1-2 49ers. This game should be close with it being in San Francisco, but expect the Cowboys to come out on top. Seven out of nine ESPN experts believe the Cowboys will win.

Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers – WINNER: Steelers

In possibly the most surprising game of the 2016 NFL season, the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers by a score of 34-3 last Sunday in Philadelphia. For a team that was not expected to win more than five or six games this year, the Eagles looked awfully impressive against the Steelers and their elite offense. Regardless, the Steelers are going to win a lot of games this year, and they are likely to rebound in a big way at home against the Chiefs. In addition to quarterback Ben Roethlisberger due for a rebound game, the Steelers will also get star running back Le’Veon Bell back in the lineup. Eight out of nine ESPN experts believe the Steelers will win.

Seattle Seahawks at New York Jets – WINNER: Seahawks

Despite having to travel across the country, the Steelers are viewed as a strong favorite in Sunday’s showdown against the Jets. While Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson has dealt with numerous injuries this year, he is expected to be in the lineup. The Seahawks defense is looking as strong as ever, and tight end Jimmy Graham may finally be returning to form. Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick should rebound after a brutal game last weekend against the Chiefs, but it is unlikely to be enough. Seven out of nine ESPN experts believe the Seahawks will win.

New York Giants at Minnesota Vikings – WINNER: Vikings

Besides the Philadelphia Eagles, the Minnesota Vikings may be the biggest surprise for the 2016 season. Despite losing starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater and running back Adrian Peterson, the Vikings are sitting at 3-0. Quarterback Sam Bradford has been solid, and that is all the Vikings may need him to be this year. Their defense looks elite and ferocious, and it is going to be a long day for Giants quarterback Eli Manning. Expect this one to be low scoring, but the Vikings should come out on top. Seven out of nine ESPN experts believe the Vikings will win.

More ESPN NFL Picks for Week 4

  • Jaguars Over Colts
  • Texans Over Titans
  • Redskins Over Browns
  • Patriots Over Bills
  • Panthers Over Falcons
  • Ravens Over Raiders
  • Lions Over Bears
  • Broncos Over Buccaneers
  • Cardinals Over Rams
  • Chargers Over Saints

The Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers are both on their bye weeks.

[Featured Image by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images]

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