Cortana, Microsoft’s virtual assistant (aka the Other Siri), has been fairly good at predicting NFL games this year.
In straight-up picks across the first three weeks of the season, Cortana has gone 30-18 for a solid 62.6% prediction rate. Cortana makes its predictions using an algorithm that “takes into account advanced stats and home-field advantage” as well as “a public-perception element that incorporates data from Twitter and Facebook.”
With Week 4 upon us, Cortana has unveiled its picks for this week’s games. Here is the virtual assistant’s predicted winners.
Ravens at Steelers – Steelers win
Jets at Dolphins in London – Dolphins win
Jaguars at Colts – Colts win
Texans at Falcons – Falcons win
Panthers at Buccaneers – Panthers win
Giants at Bills – Bills win
Eagles at Redskins – Eagles win
Raiders at Bears – Raiders win
Chiefs at Bengals – Bengals win
Browns at Chargers – Chargers win
Packers at 49ers – 49ers win
Vikings at Broncos – Broncos win
Rams at Cardinals – Cardinals win
Cowboys at Saints – Cowboys win
Lions at Seahawks – Seahawks win
Unlike previous weeks, there aren’t too many surprising picks here. I’d basically make the exact same picks, except I’d have the Ravens beating the Steelers (not sure how effective Michael Vick will be with his new team) and I’d have the Jets beating the Dolphins (because the Dolphins appear to be a disaster).
So, when you are filling out your own Pick’em this week, keep Cortana in mind and see if you’re smarter than Microsoft’s fancy algorithm this weekend.
