Final week we determined right here at SB Nation to roll out some weekly “upset specials.”
Effectively, we at least bought one proper.
Jared Mueller — maybe with a little bit of a “reverse jinx” — picked the New York Giants over the Cleveland Browns, a choose that turned out to be the one we bought proper in Week 3.
Can we do higher in Week 4?
Time will inform, however listed below are our three upset picks for Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season.
Los Angeles Rams over Chicago Bears — Mark Schofield
Final week it appeared as if issues had been going to go south in a rush for the Los Angeles Rams. They had been coming off a blowout loss to the Arizona Cardinals, accidents had been piling up, and so they headed again to Los Angeles for his or her dwelling opener towards the San Francisco 49ers.
Now they head to Chicago to tackle Caleb Williams and the Bears recent off their first win of the season, and with a little bit momentum. Los Angeles overcame a 14-point deficit within the second half, delivering a win they desperately wanted.
Chicago is favored by three on this sport, doubtless because of the dwelling discipline benefit. However I just like the Rams outright on this matchup.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers over Philadelphia Eagles — JP Acosta
Not too long ago, Todd Bowles has turn out to be the Eagles, and Jalen Hurts particularly, boogeyman. His package deal of unique blitzes and pressures constantly confuse the sign caller, and he finally ends up turning the Eagles right into a punching bag. The Eagles are nonetheless favored by 2 on this one, however I believe Tampa finally ends up profitable this factor. Philly may doubtlessly be with out star receivers AJ Brown and Devonta Smith, making Hurts’ life much more troublesome as a passer.
On the flip facet, don’t anticipate as a lot 12 and 21 personnel from the Bucs just like the Saints trotted out. The Bucs aren’t that nice at working the ball, and this ought to be a sport the place Bucs QB Baker Mayfield finally ends up throwing to win. Nonetheless, one other large matchup awaits for Philly within the type of wideouts Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. I like Tampa right here.
Minnesota Vikings over Inexperienced Bay Packers — Ricky O’Donnell
There are 5 undefeated groups within the NFL via three weeks, and one in all them is one way or the other the Minnesota Vikings. Sam Darnold is on a Linsanity run proper now: he leads the league in passing touchdowns with eight, and he’s placing up terrific marks in completion share, yards per try, and QB score. Attending to throw to the NFL’s finest vast receiver in Justin Jefferson definitely doesn’t assist, and his matchup with Inexperienced Bay cornerback Jaire Alexander ought to be should see TV. The Packers have been taking part in nice ball with Malik Willis at QB, largely because of the genius of head coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers’ working sport has been deadly, however that stops this week: Minnesota ranks fifth towards the run in EPA per dashing try. The Vikings’ surprising begin lives to see yet another week.
