NFL weekly picks is a new series brought to you by the board of sports editors of The Lancer Spirit. For this reoccurring column we will be giving NFL fans our take on the upcoming games of each week. Along with our picks, we will be including descriptions of our top game of the week, our standout fantasy player, bust player, and sleeper player of the week. Here is what we predict for week four…
Game of the week: Rams and Vikings could be a preview at the NFC championship game. These two heavyweights are banged up at the moment. The Rams (3-0) have their star cornerbacks Aquib Talib and Marcus Peters both game time decisions for the rams. The Vikings (1-1-1) have running back Dalvin Cook questionable with a hamstring injury, and off field antics with Everson Griffin being arrested could be a big distraction. The Vikings look to bounce back after an embarrassing loss to the Buffalo Bills, but they won’t find it in this game as the Rams are simply too good and will overpower them in end. No matter the result, this will be an exciting game to watch.
Player of the week: Our player of the week is the star WR from the Minnesota Vikings, Adam Theilen. Theilen has quickly become the number one option for Kirk Cousins in all situations. Last week he was targeted 19 times and he hauled in 14 of them for 105 yards. His worst game this year came in Week One where he was held to six receptions, but still ended up with 102 yards receiving. Adam Theilen is a solid week to week player because of the volume of targets that he gets in a pass friendly offense, and his success should continue against a injured Rams secondary.
Bust of the week: Our bust player is the quarterback for the New England Patriots, Tom Brady. As Patriots fans, it is hard to make this prediction, but Brady is starting to show his age more than ever and he is coming off back to back grueling loses, a feat that hasn’t occurred since the Patriots 2002 season. Miami’s defense is coming off their worst showing of the year, allowing 21 points to a shaky Raiders offense, but overall they have had an impressive start to the season on that front. Brady is always at his best when his back is against the wall, and we’re sure he’s just biting at the bit to hand Miami their first loss of the season, but based on his past two performances we are going to consider Brady as a bust going into this matchup.
Sleeper of the week: The Cleveland Browns were finally victorious after over 635 days of being winless. The biggest factor was quarterback Baker Mayfield who came in for the injured Tyrod Taylor. The number one overall pick in the draft threw for over 200 yards in just the second half and led the Browns on the game winning drive to end the game. No rookie quarterback has ever led a game winning drive in their first career game. Baker is my sleeper pick because he has not had as many opportunities as other QB’s in the league this season, but I think the offense around him gives him a good chance to play well against a weak Raiders defense with no pass rush. Baker will continue to show why he was the Heisman Trophy winner and the number one overall selection this week at Oakland.
