Week 4 Predictions: Late afternoon games.

Seattle at San Francisco: The big question for the 49ers is: Can the offense get going? San Fran has struggled on O thus far in ‘07, and that was exposed in last week’s 37-16 loss to Pittsburgh. The Seahawks, meanwhile, look to show who’s still the boss in the NFC West. But, Alex Smith and the ‘Niners want to give the division back to its rightful owner, and today’s game will be the first step in doing so. I say they pull out a close one.

Score: San Francisco 20, Seattle 17

Tampa Bay at Carolina: Four games into his Panthers career, and David Carr is likely making his first start, after Jake Delhomme’s strained right elbow (injured last Sunday vs. Atlanta) kept him out of practice for most of the week. Carr won’t have to throw it too much, since Carolina’s rushing attack with Deshaun Foster and DeAngelo Williams should be able to shoulder the load. However, the Bucs defense is playing like its old self, and could pose some problems for the often feather-like Carr (oh, another gust of wind just came along!). Tampa’s playing really well, and they may well be playing the Panthers at the right time. This one will be another close one, but I think the Bucs will pull it out and take the lead in the NFC South at the end of the first month of the season (this pick’s for you, Greg and Greg).

Score: Tampa Bay 21, Carolina 13

Kansas City at San Diego: It’s about time for Larry Johnson and LaDainian Tomlinson to start playing like the MVP-caliber players they are. If they do, this should be a really good game. If they don’t, well, you should stop watching after the first half and wait for 60 Minutes. I would like to see them both go for over 150. If L.J. stinks up the joint again, I wonder if he’ll start regretting having held out as long as he did. $45 million, or a few more wins? Hmmm…

And, speaking of L.J., I know he’s not too happy about the way the offense is going, but the thing is, he’s a part of the offense that isn’t exactly lighting up the scoreboard. He may have a valid point, and he may not have the offensive line he’s used to, but when you’re the workhorse, and you’re not doing the work, it doesn’t take long to run out of reasons, or excuses. It wasn’t Johnson who saved the Chiefs last week against the Vikings; it was Damon Huard, who everyone seems more than ready to cast off in favor of Brodie Croyle.

For the Chargers, however, a little home-cookin’ will do them good, after three tough road games to open the season. 2-2 won’t not look too bad if the Broncos get dropped by the Colts.

Score: San Diego 34, Kansas City 24

Denver at Indianapolis: The Colts have cut it close in the past two games, but the offense has been on top of their game, as expected. The Broncos got away with cutting it close in their first two games, but were run over by Jacksonville last Sunday, while getting held to an uncharacteristic 47 yards on the ground. Both teams’ run defense could be just a little better, which could mean big days for both Travis Henry and Joseph Addai.

But, Peyton Manning and the Colts will end the month of September unbeaten yet again, and pick up another victory over the Broncos, who they’ve owned recently.

Score: Indianapolis 31, Denver 17

Pittsburgh at Arizona: The Steelers are riding high right now at 3-0, but this is a game that could pose some problems for the Fighting Tomlins. Ken Whisenhunt will no doubt have his guys motivated, but the Steelers are clicking on offense (league’s best rushing attack - nearly 200 yards per game), and the Cardinals aren’t quite clicking on defense. The Steelers are also playing some stiff defense, which could give Matt Leinart more headaches after last week’s performance at Baltimore. If it does, will Whisenhunt stay with him, or will Kurt Warner come off of the bench again? And, if that does happen, does it mean that there’s a quarterback controversy out West? That will be Monday conversation, but the Sunday conversation will be about another Steelers win, as the Steelers should roll to 4-0.