NFL Week 4 Picks: Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets

Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets
Sunday, 9/28/14, 1:00 PM EST
Opening Point Spread: Detroit -1
Current Betting Line: Detroit -2
Opening Total: 44.5
Current Total: 44.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The New York Jets are staying patient with young quarterback Geno Smith in the early going this season

Detroit has alternated wins and losses over its first three games of the season, as it looks to build off a 19-7 victory over the Green Bay Packers as one-point home favorites last week, while winning the statistical battle in each affair. The Lions could have trouble moving the football in this matchup if wide receiver Calvin Johnson is unable to go, which can’t be ignored when looking over the NFL betting lines, as he’s nursing leg injuries that have kept him off the practice field. Johnson has 84 receptions for 1,531 yards and 13 touchdowns in his last 12 interconference games. Detroit is 0-2 SUATS as road underdogs of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Lions are certainly capable in moving the football with quarterback Matthew Stafford, especially since he’s got a legitimate No. 2 threat on the outside in wide receiver Golden Tate. The former Seattle Seahawks wideout has 16 catches for 201 yards and has been targeted 21 times in the early going. On the other side of the ball, Detroit impressed many pro football experts in limiting Green Bay to just 223 total yards in last week’s NFC North matchup.

New York has dropped back-to-back contests after its 19-14 season-opening victory over the Oakland Raiders as 6.5-point home favorites, while it has gone OVER the betting total in two of three affairs. The Jets have been able to move the ball consistently with their running game, which is important to consider when making your Week 4 NFL picks, but quarterback Geno Smith has been inconsistent in delivering the football in the passing game. New York is 5-2 SUATS as home favorites of three or fewer points the last two-plus seasons.

The Jets are hoping that Smith can turn the corner, but it does have Michael Vick ready to take over if head coach Rex Ryan wants to make a move. New York has been able to stop the run regularly on the other side of the field, as it limits opponents to 2.8 yards per carry and a league-best 55 yards per game.