College Football Week 4 and NFL Week 3 Preview: 9/21 - 9/25

Thursday, September 21st

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Giants at 49ers

Did Daniel Jones save the season last week in the second half against Arizona? This is quite the stage for a follow up. The 49ers look like maybe the best team in football. Can the Giants keep the good times rolling in the short week? What do these two guru's scheme up in 4 days? Prime definitely got a better slate this year.

Most Entertaining Game: Georgia State at Coastal Carolina

The Sun Belt games are so fun. Last year we featured a play from this game as the play of the week. Coastal is adjusting to life with a new coach, but they still have a great homefield advantage and a veteran quarterback. If the TNF game is meh, as some primetime NFL has been, then flip over here.

Picks of the Day

Pick: o62.5 (-110) Georgia State vs Coastal Carolina

Why not cheer for points to start your weekend? It feels like a dumb pick, but maybe it's just dumb enough to work. Both quarterbacks can light it up, let's dance.

Friday, September 22nd

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Wisconsin at Purdue

Two teams that have been disappointing thus far try to get a conference win and climb in the Big Ten West. The transition of offense by Wisconsin has not be too smooth, but they have an opportunity to get right against a Boilermaker team that loves to shoot itself in the foot. Ryan Walters wants to be aggressive but at what point is that reckless?

Most Entertaining Game: Boise State at San Diego State

The Broncos are in a weird spot at 1-2, but nothing beats a trip to San Diego. They're favorites and I expect them to roll. If your team is in line for a project QB in next year's draft it's good to watch this one late in the night.

A Game for the Football Crazies: NC State at Virginia

Brennan Armstrong returns to the Grounds. Notre Dame gave them the business, but I think Virginia is losing steam and their coach's antics are landing on deaf ears. I think the Wolfpack get right.

Picks of the Day

Pick: NC State -10 (-108) vs Virginia

I think Virginia is in for a long year and NC State's offense welcomes the easier game.

Saturday, September 23rd

Game of the Day: Ohio State at Notre Dame

This may be the best slate of the year and this is the crown jewel. Notre Dame hasn't won many games of this magnitude in a while, is Sam Hartman the answer? It comes down to trusting the program of Ohio State to overcome a new quarterback or the quarterback of Notre Dame to overcome their program (I say this in jest, Golden Domer's have a top ten program, there's just a gap to the top 5). Order the pizza and have a night.

Most Entertaining Game: Colorado at Oregon

The center of the college football world has been Boulder. I didn't know Stephen A watched college football until this year. Saying that Oregon is going to win is not taking a shot at Prime, what he has done is amazing and he is clearly building. If he wins in Autzen Stadium, I don't know what will happen. Oregon can jump on people, so we will see if the Buffs can weather the storm after losing Travis Hunter.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Oregon State at Washington State

The PAC 12 is the most fun conference to watch, and these two teams are the hipster teams of the conference. Oregon State grinds on people, they are similar to Utah. Washington State can still move the ball like when Mike Leach was in town. This will be a great game and I would recommend it being a game in your quad box.

Picks of the Day

First Pick: u44 (-110) Rutgers vs Michigan

Michigan's offense has not looked right this year, but their defense sure has. Rutgers is 3-0, but they have to work for offense, and they will not be able to run the ball on the Wolverines. Another lackluster win.

Second Pick: SMU ML (+220) vs TCU

The Sonny Dykes Bowl. SMU has to be salty they were not invited to the Big 12 and I think they can win on Saturday against a TCU team that is not the magical team from last year.

Third Pick: u55.5 (-110) Alabama vs Ole Miss

Something happens when Lane Kiffin coaches against Alabama where he keeps going for it on fourth down and taking points off the board by not kicking field goals. Alabama doesn't have the offensive fire power we have gotten used to, but old habits are hard to kick. I think at least two long drives end with no points and that hits the under.

Fourth Pick: Ball State +6.5 (-110) vs Georgia Southern

Ball State's stats aren't that bad considering they played Kentucky and Georgia in their first two games. They can run the ball really well and Georgia Southern gives up yards on the ground. Chirp Chirp.

Fifth Pick: u40 (-110) Iowa vs Penn State

Iowa's offensive coordinator gave quite the press conference last weekend, but they still suck on offense. Kinnick Stadium is the thing of nightmares for away teams, so I think Penn State struggles a bit, and then is a slog.

Sixth Pick: Washington State ML (+124) vs Oregon State

The battle for the winner of the PAC-2. I love both teams, but I like the home dogs in a game with a lot of pride. Both teams should get bids by the Big 12, but that's just an aside.

Seventh Pick: Ohio State -3 (-115) vs Notre Dame

Ohio State gets dogged more than other teams. They are 3-0 and it's not like the other top teams haven't struggled. I think this serves as a reminder on Saturday night.

Eighth Pick: New Mexico State ML (+136) vs Hawaii

Could this be a Sunday pick as it kicks off at midnight ET? I love that Hawaii is rebuilding, but I think the Aggies should be favored in the game. Wake up on Sunday to a dog ML win.

Ninth Pick: Same Game Parlay, Oregon -11.5 1st Half and Colorado +21 (+455)

I think Oregon gets off to a fast start and no Travis Hunter plus playing in Autzen, and that Colorado has started slowly several times, means Oregon is up at the half. But then Shedeur works his way back as Oregon lets off the gas. Why not have something with this big payout?

Sunday, September 24th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Bills at Commanders

The Bills got right last week and now they head to DC. Sam Howell has been... fine, and Chase Young finally made a big play to help create a win. Can the Bills learn to reliably move the sticks or will it be more feast or famine? I feel like Ron Rivera is into making games weird, so Josh Allen's go big or go home mindset could lend itself to the Commanders.

Most Entertaining Game: Chargers at Vikings

Is a coach getting fired for the losing team here? Both teams have too much offensive talent to be this bad. The Vikings have a terrible secondary, and Brian Flores loves leaving them on an island. Kellen Moore has to be salivating. Maybe Kirk Cousins will be a Jet after this week.

A Game for the Football Crazies: Falcons at Lions

Two darlings in the NFL world. People love to prove that they love football (or hate their family) by saying they watch Arthur Smith scheme around his quarterback or Dan Campbell's squad bite off kneecaps. Running the ball is a great way to take away a crowd, but the Lions could get ahead and then the Lions are taking shots at Desmond Ridder. 

Picks of the Day

First Pick: Patriots -3 (-102) vs Jets

Bill loves to torment the Jets. I think Zach Wilson is next.

Second Pick: Chargers ML (-105) vs Vikings

The Chargers' wide receiver room could play for the Lakers, they are tall and athletic, and have not been the problem. If left alone, they will make enough plays.

Monday, September 25th

What to Watch For

Game of the Day: Eagles at Buccaneers

First off, Tampa Bay has the most beautiful grass in the NFL. Every time they are on my screen that is my first takeaway. Second, Baker is competent in rhythm. The Eagles do a great job getting every offense off rhythm. It may feel like a snoozer, but watch the defensive line for a fun time.

Most Entertaining Game: Rams at Bengals

Finally, the Bengals can get an easy win. Oh wait! Matthew Stafford remembered how to throw a football and Aaron Donald is still Aaron Donald. Can the Bengals get more explosive plays, or will things be out of sync still as Burrow hurt his calf again? If they lose here, expect all those contract issues they have to start boiling up.

Picks of the Day

Pick: Stay Away

Enjoy a stress free Monday night, I don't like anything on this slate (and I may have no money after making 9 picks on Saturday).

Season Totals

College Football Picks: 9-9 (+0.38 units)

NFL Picks: 3-4-1 (-1.25 units)

Overall: 12-13-1 (-0.87 units)