For those of you who following along, I originally said that Week 1 in the NFL can be related to as the first date.  Keeping with that theme, it’s Week 4, and now everyone is ready for some action.  After a fair amount of courtship in each division, the real deal undefeated’s are trying to seal the deal on Sunday.  You’re definitely getting some at 4 - 0.  And with plenty other teams still very much in the hunt, there are some exciting matchups this weekend.  I’ll give you 5 to look out for.

Last week:  4 - 1

Overall:  9 - 1

San Diego (-2.5) at Baltimore

The first matchup of unbeatens will go down in Baltimore.  The Chargers are coming off a bye-week, but had laughers in the first 2 weeks against Oakland and Tennessee.  Going against the Ravens defense will be the litmus test to see if they are for real.  San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers, in his first season as a starter, has looked solid.  Running back LaDainian Tomlinson has been his All-Pro self, and the Chargers defense has also posted good numbers.  Baltimore was brought down to earth a bit last week when they barely squeezed out a win against the Cleveland Browns.  However, credit is definitely due for winning a close game.  Air McNair has been more or less exactly what the Ravens needed, which is a winner, and a replacement for Kyle “Should’ve Been A Bowler.”  I’m going with the Bolts on this one, mainly because I think it’s going to be a low-scoring game, and Baltimore’s offense can’t keep with San Diego’s.

Chuck says (against the spread):  San Diego 17, Baltimore 10.

Jacksonville (-2.5) at Washington

Give Jacksonville credit for putting up a serious fight against the seemingly invincible Colts.  Just shows that the Jags are close, but not yet one of the elite NFL teams.  The Skins beat up on the Texans, which they needed after 2 straight losses, including a brutal drubbing by the Cowboys (side note: expect the Texans to get their asses kicked in every single game this season. They have a legitimate chance of not winning 1 game).  Skins quarterback Mark Brunell set an NFL record with 22 straight completions last week, but that won’t happen again.  Jacksonville’s defense is the real deal, and I’m thinking that Washington won’t reach double-digits in this one.  The Skins have a defense of their own, but I wasn’t impressed in any of the first 3 games, and Jags running back Fred Taylor should have a nice day. 

Chuck says (against the spread):  Jacksonville 21, Washington 7.

Cincinnati (-6.5) vs. New England

This, to me, is the premiere matchup of the weekend.  The Bengals are riding high on some big wins, including beating division rival Pittsburgh last week at home.  Cinci quarterback Carson Palmer has looked unaffected and very efficient coming off of last year’s playoff knee injury, and running back Rudi Johnson has been running all over everyone.  The defense, however, has not been all that impressive, which says something.  New England struggled against an average Denver squad last week, and I was mildly confused.  Pats quarterback Tom Brady looks a little frustrated with his depleted receiving corps, but he has a fire inside and I’m betting he’ll have a big game against an overrated Bengals secondary.  Keep in mind, this is Pats rookie running back Laurence Maroney’s first official start, and he has looked promising.  That spread is ridiculous, I’m taking the Pats at home.

Chuck says (against the spread):  New England 28, Cincinnati 21.

Chicago (-3.5) vs. Seattle

Another battle of unbeatens will take place in Chicago this weekend.  The Bears have been on a war path so far this season, destroying Green Bay and Detroit, and then pulling out a big win against impressive Minnesota.  Quarterback Rex Grossman has emerged as a very talented player, with a no-name set of speedy receivers.  And believe me, no one wants to go up against Chicago’s defense, which features stud linebacker Brian Urlacher.  He’s a scary dude.  Seattle absolutely annihilated the Giants last week, showing their offensive firepower.  But their defense let up 27 points in the 4th quarter, almost blowing a 39-point lead.  Throw in the broken foot of running back Shaun Alexander, and I don’t think Seattle will be able to put much up against the Bears D.  Expect Rex Grossman to have another nice outing, I’m taking Chicago.

Chuck says (against the spread):  Chicago 19, Seattle 14.

Philadelphia (-11.5) vs. Green Bay

Most of you will say,”Hey Chuck, why pick this game? It’s gonna be a blowout!”  Well, I’m thinking this is a better bet than most are recognizing.  11.5 points? Seems reasonable, but Packers quarterback Brett Favre is coming off a great performance last weekend, and I’m jumping on the “Brett’s back baby!” bandwagon.  WR’s Donald Driver and newcomer Greg Jennings are very athletic, and I’m thinking they could create matchup problems.  Running back Ahman Green is healthy and running the ball very well.  The problem is, Philly has looked great too.  They are putting up a lot of points, although the defense had a historic collapse against the Giants 2 weeks ago, and the 49ers put up 24 on them.  So I’m expecting this game to be relatively high-scoring, and I think Philly will get the win.  But by 11.5 points?  I’m not buyin’ it.

Chuck says (against the spread):  Philly 31, Green Bay 26.