Week 4 Overview
The NFL Week 4 is packed with exciting matchups, key player performances, and significant injuries. This week, the spotlight is on the games between the Vikings and Packers, and the Ravens and Bills. Monday Night Football will feature the Titans vs. Dolphins and the Lions vs. Seahawks.
Key Matchups and Predictions
Saints vs. Falcons
The Saints (2-1) will face the Falcons (1-2) in a crucial game. The Saints are missing key players like Erik McCoy and Alvin Kamara due to injuries. The Falcons need to improve their running game after a poor performance by Bijan Robinson in Week 3. Interestingly, the Falcons are favored over the Saints for the first time since Week 3 of 2018.
Rams vs. Bears
The Rams (1-2) will take on the Bears (1-2). Rams QB Matthew Stafford is close to surpassing Eli Manning’s passing yards record. The Bears will see the return of WR Keenan Allen from injury, which could boost their offense. However, the Rams have struggled as road underdogs since 2022.
Vikings vs. Packers
The Vikings (3-0) will play against the Packers (2-1). The Vikings have rarely trailed this season, aiding QB Sam Darnold’s transition back into the starting lineup. The Packers might avoid blitzing if Jordan Love plays due to his past success against blitzes. The Vikings have been strong against the spread (ATS) on the road since last season.
Steelers vs. Colts
The Steelers (3-0) will face the Colts (1-2). The Steelers’ run defense will be tested against the Jonathan Taylor-led Colts rushing attack. T.J. Watt has historically performed well against the Colts with significant sack numbers. The Colts have a poor ATS record as home underdogs since 2018.
Broncos vs. Jets
The Broncos (1-2) will play against the Jets (2-1). Broncos QB Bo Nix needs to handle pressure better; the Jets excel in sacking QBs with four-man pressures. Jets WR Garrett Wilson is expected to face tough coverage from Broncos star corner Pat Surtain II. The Broncos have had mixed results when getting points under coach Sean Payton.
Eagles vs. Buccaneers
The Eagles (2-1) will take on the Buccaneers (2-1). Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is showing career-best passing stats but struggling with turnovers. The Buccaneers are looking to regain control in the trenches after recent struggles and the potential return of key players like Vita Vea. The Eagles have covered eight straight games when the line is between plus/minus three points.
Bengals vs. Panthers
The Bengals (0-3) will face the Panthers (1-2). The Bengals will face their former QB Andy Dalton, who had a stellar performance last week but historically struggles in second starts after initial wins. The Panthers’ minus-46 point differential is the worst in the NFL despite their recent win. A bold prediction is that the Bengals will score over 34 points against the weak Carolina defense.
Jaguars vs. Texans
The Jaguars (0-3) will play against the Texans (2-1). The Jaguars have yet to force a turnover, marking the longest streak without one to start a season. Texans coach DeMeco Ryans praises the Jaguars’ offense led by Trevor Lawrence despite the team’s winless start. A bold prediction is that Texans CB Kamari Lassiter will allow under 25 passing yards.
Commanders vs. Cardinals
The Commanders (2-1) will face the Cardinals (1-2). The Commanders’ explosive offense must improve their pass defense, which has allowed the most TDs to wide receivers and ranks 31st in passing yards allowed. Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is motivated facing his former coach Kliff Kingsbury and wants to showcase his skills. A bold prediction is that Cardinals WR Michael Wilson will record 80+ receiving yards.
Patriots vs. 49ers
The Patriots (1-2) will play against the 49ers (1-2). Patriots RB Rhamondre Stevenson has fumbled in each of the first three games, while the 49ers have recovered a fumble in each of the first two games before their Week 3 loss to the Rams. Both teams are looking to avoid losing records through four weeks. The Patriots are accustomed to slow starts in recent seasons, while the 49ers have not been under .500 through the first four games since 2018. A bold prediction is that 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk will finally have a big game with 80+ receiving yards and a touchdown.
Browns vs. Raiders
The Browns are in crisis mode with their offensive line losing three starters in Week 3. The Raiders have an opportunistic defense held together by edge rusher Maxx Crosby, who injured his left ankle. The Browns’ quarterback Deshaun Watson posted the worst total QBR among 29 quarterbacks who started all three games. A bold prediction is that Raiders WR Tre Tucker will catch a 35-yard-plus pass.
Chiefs vs. Chargers
The Chiefs (3-0) will face the Chargers (2-1). Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and TE Travis Kelce lead the team, while Chargers QB Justin Herbert is questionable due to an ankle injury. The Chargers are significant underdogs at +7.5. The Chiefs have narrowly won their first three games following their second consecutive Super Bowl win.
Bills vs. Ravens
The Bills (2-1) will play against the Ravens (1-2) on Sunday Night Football. The Bills are without middle linebacker Terrel Bernard and nickel corner Taron Johnson. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is coming off a 151-yard rushing performance. The Ravens’ defense has struggled, allowing 875 passing yards, including a league-worst 363 in the fourth quarter.
Titans vs. Dolphins
The Titans (1-2) will face the Dolphins (2-1) on Monday Night Football. The Titans’ offensive line issues are a concern, specifically at right tackle. Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill was held under 50 yards for the third time in his career. A bold prediction is that Dolphins RB De’Von Achane will have a significant impact.
Seahawks vs. Lions
The Seahawks (2-1) will play against the Lions (2-1) on Monday Night Football. The Seahawks have allowed the fewest points per game, but they have faced a favorable schedule. Lions RB David Montgomery has now scored in consecutive games, tying the longest streak of his career. A bold prediction is that Seahawks CB Riq Woolen will intercept a pass.
This week in the NFL promises to be thrilling with several key matchups and player performances to watch. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the games unfold.
