NFL Week 4 lines and odds: Making a case for the underdogs
Another 16 games on the slate for Week 4 of the 2020 NFL season. Let’s take a look at why the underdogs could cover and/or win.
Denver Broncos (-2) at New York Jets
The Broncos are starting Brett Rypien, on the road, on a short week. It’s now or never for the Jets.
Arizona Cardinals (-3.5) at Carolina Panthers
Carolina won last week and now comes home to face the Cardinals. Arizona lost at home to the Lions on Sunday and while it has immense offensive talent, this is a test coming cross-country.
Baltimore Ravens (-13) at Washington Football Team
Does Baltimore have a letdown? The Ravens lost to the Chiefs in crushing fashion on Monday night. This in theory is a layup, but Washington has a decent defense and could catch a superior team feeling sorry for itself.
Cleveland Browns at Dallas Cowboys (-4.5)
Dallas has a great offense, but no defense. If we get “good” Baker Mayfield, look for Cleveland to go point-for-point.
Indianapolis Colts (-2.5) at Chicago Bears
One could make a case Indy shouldn’t be favored. The Bears have the better record, have upgraded at quarterback with Nick Foles and can pressure Philip Rivers into mistakes.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals (-3)
Jacksonville has been surprisingly competitive. Gardner Minshew has the tools — especially if D.J. Chark is healthy, to slice up a porous Cincinnati defense.
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Los Angeles Chargers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-7.5)
The Chargers took the Chiefs to the limit in Week 2, and Justin Herbert has played well. Also, the Chargers can get pressure on Tom Brady without blitzing and have the corners to cover Mike Evans.
Minnesota Vikings at Houston Texans (-3.5)
Minnesota needs to win, has the better roster, and knows Deshaun Watson can be hurried and harassed often. Look for Dalvin Cook to go wild in this one.
New Orleans Saints (-4) at Detroit Lions
The Lions are a D’Andre Swift drop from being 2-1. Detroit has its warts, but at home and getting four points is too much against a very conservative Drew Brees.
Pittsburgh Steelers (-1.5) at Tennessee Titans
Tennessee is at home and while not being able to stay on a normal practice schedule may have an impact, the Titans have seen great efforts from Ryan Tannehill. The Steelers are also 3-0 but inconsistent.
Seattle Seahawks (-6.5) at Miami Dolphins
Miami gets the Seahawks coming across the country, while the Dolphins had an additional three rest days. Also, Seattle has the league’s worst defense. Major cover potential.
New York Giants at Los Angeles Rams (-13)
When you’re talking 13 points, all it takes is staying reasonably close and then grabbing a back-door cover. The Rams are clearly superior, but Daniel Jones could rack up points in garbage time.
Read: Bill Belichick Knows Patriots Will Have ‘Work Cut Out For Them’ VS Chiefs
Buffalo Bills (-3) at Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders have played decent football this year and now get a Bills team coming off a wild win against the Rams. The key for Las Vegas will be forcing a few turnovers from Josh Allen.
New England Patriots at Kansas City Chiefs (-7)
Run, run and run again. The Patriots need to kill the clock, cash in within the red zone and get a few stops along the way.
Philadelphia Eagles at San Francisco 49ers (-7)
The Eagles simply have to play to their potential. With San Francisco so banged up, that would be enough.
Atlanta Falcons at Green Bay Packers (-7.5)
Maybe avoid blowing a massive lead for once.
