NFL Week 4: Score Predictions
James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Jaguars over Colts, 19-14.
This prediction is based on the increasing amount of evidence that Andrew Luck won’t play on Sunday. Although he is listed as questionable and Chuck Pagano is confident he’ll play, Colts’ beat writer Stephen Holder points out something very significant.
You can go ahead and downgrade whatever your projections were for Luck. Players who don't make an appearance on Friday almost never play.
— Stephen Holder (@HolderStephen) October 2, 2015
That information, paired with news of the Colts signing Josh Johnson, leads one to believe that the Colts will host the Jaguars in Week 4 without Luck at quarterback. If that is the case, I fully expect an underrated Jacksonville defense to have a field day against Indy.
On the other side of the ball, the Colts’ defense isn’t exactly the ’85 Bears. Blake Bortles has been tracking upward this season, and this game could really give his reputation a boost. The AFC South is up for grabs, and the Jags are hungry to take it.
Panthers over Buccaneers, 35-20.
The Panthers shouldn’t have too many issues in this game. Cam Newton will be the driving force behind all five of the Panthers’ touchdowns, either with his arm or legs. Fresh off NFC Defensive Player of the Month honors in September, Josh Norman is poised to continue his ascendance among the NFL’s best cornerbacks. Don’t be surprised if he records his third interception of the season against Jameis Winston.
After this game, the Panthers roll into a Week 5 bye before journeying to the Pacific Northwest to face the Seahawks. Circle the date: October 18th.
Next: Eagles over Redskins, Browns over Chargers