what to look for in every week 4 matchup
By Kevin Bunk
Cowboys Quarterback Dak Prescott
COWBOYS @ GIANTS
(tnf)
COWBOYS (1-2) - Running game
Dallas has arguably the worst stable of running backs in the NFL, and their lack success in the run game has backed that up. The Cowboys rank 30th in rush yards per game, and have zero running plays of over 20 yards. The Giants defense ranks 27th in YPC allowed, at 5 yards.
GIANTS (1-2) - PASS RUSH
After being dormant the first two weeks, the Giants defensive front came alive in Cleveland. Nine players were involved in 8 team sacks, along with a total of 36 pressures. The Cowboys are young up front and have seen struggles, New York will need to get in their backfield all night in order to win.
saints @ falcons
(sun, 1:00 est)
SAINTS (2-1) - pass protection
The Saints offense had a blazing start through two games, but were held up last week against Philadelphia. They’ll be without their standout center Erik McCoy, for roughly two months. They won’t just plug in a backup center either, they’ll likely play some musical chairs with their guards. This will probably pave the way for Olisaemeka Udoh to get a start at left guard, after being disastrous their last week. They’ll need to hold up against the Falcons in order for their offense to bounce back.
falcons (1-2) - kyle pitts
The former 4th overall pick has just 8 catches for 105 yards through three games. It’s make or break time for the third year player, and the Saints provide a big opportunity. Last week, Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert had 10 catches for 175 yards last week against New Orleans. If there’s ever a week to make Kyle Pitts your gameplan, its this one.
RAMS QUARTERBACK MATTHEW STAFFORD
RAMS @ BEARS
(SUN, 1:00 EST)
RAMS (1-2) - SECONDARY/PASS DEFENSE
The Rams have given up the second most passing touchdowns in the league this year (7). They go up against an offense that has thrown for just two touchdowns despite having the league’s second most air attempts. Caleb Williams currently has a touchdown to interception ratio of 1:2. After a big win against the 49ers, Los Angeles needs to parlay that momentum and prevent the first pick from having a breakout game on his home field.
BEARS (1-2) - ENTIRE OFFENSE
Many people bought into the Bears offensive hype which has quickly died down. Their offense has just three total touchdowns through three weeks. Most concerning is their inability to run the ball, which has hurt their pass game more than the contrary. With an average at best group of backs and a below average offensive line, the Bears have struggled to move the football. They’re 2nd in the league in pass attempts, which may bode well against the Rams for the reasons mentioned above.
Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold.
vikings @ packers
(Sun, 1:00 est)
VIKINGS (3-0) - BRIAN FLORES
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores has been nothing short of sensational through three weeks. Minnesota seems to have a truly elite defense, and they’ve played the role of unsung hero early here while living in the shadow of the Sam Darnold hype. This week though presents a unique challenge, Flores has to be ready for two very different, equally capable offenses. The Packers new option offense led by Malik Willis, and their typical pro style offense led by Jordan Love. Both schemes are similar in one aspect, the Packers are going to try and run the ball down your throat and let their quarterback have an easy day. Matt Lafleur has shown they can be strong offensively with both Willis and Love, so we’ll see how the Vikings defense fares on the road at Lambeau Field this week.
PACKERS (2-1) - QUARTERBACK
There’s still no certain answer as to who will be Green Bay’s week 4 signal caller, but signs point towards Jordan Love. So far, without Love, the Packers have been close to league average in nearly every meaningful passing metric. I’d like to see Love get surgical against a tough Vikings defense, which is a tall order when considering the reality that Love has missed each of the last two weeks. If it’s Willis again, the Packers still have a strong chance to win at home, and I’d love to see how Matt Lafleur handles what Minnesota throws at a Willis-led offense.
steelers @ colts
(sun, 1:00 est)
STEELERS (3-0) - RUSHING OFFENSE
The Steelers have done just enough to win all three of their opening games, a signature start for Mike Tomlin. There is one glaring problem with their offense though, it’s their lack of success in the run game. Most fans assume their run game has been at least average based on their record and well known inability to throw. They’ve ran the ball the second most out of any team in the league this year, but are running for just 3.8 YPC and have ran for a touchdown once. They need to create more chunk plays on the ground with their current personnel and play style.
colts (1-2) - anthony richardson
I’d consider Anthony Richardson’s game against the Bears his worst as a pro. His red zone interception (link below) alone was enough to qualify that. Indianapolis relied heavily on Jonathon Taylor last week, who scored three touchdowns in their win against Chicago. Richardson needs to protect the football against the league’s top defense, and he needs to get the ball to Michael Pittman Jr. more than we’ve seen so far. After a 109 reception season last year, Pittman has just 11 catches for 88 yards through the first three weeks.
JETS QB AARON RODGERS
Broncos @ Jets
(Sun, 1:00 EST)
BRONCOS (1-2) - PASS OFFENSE
The Broncos are the only team left without a passing touchdown this season. This week, that may not change. They face arguably the league’s top secondary this week against the Jets. Bo Nix has a TD/INT ratio this year of 0:4. Sean Payton will need to find a way to beat the Jets secondary and move the ball down the field if he wants to keep pace with Aaron Rodgers and their offense, who have gotten better in each of the first three weeks.
jets (2-1) - running backs
The Jets have a running back duo as good as any with Breece Hall and rookie Braelon Allen. They’ll need to lean on them this week, as Denver’s passing defense is atop the league. They’ve allowed an NFL best 451 passing yards through three games, with three touchdowns to go with it. When defending the run, they’ve ranked in the top half of the league as well. The Jets will need to win up front and with their backs early in order to set a tone on the offensive side of the ball.
EAGLES @ BUCCANEERS
(SUN, 1:00 EST)
EAGLES (2-1) - jalen hurts
I’m still a Jalen Hurts truther, however he hasn’t been very convincing. Philadelphia has had a turnover problem so far, and it begins with Jalen Hurts (4 interceptions). Philly has thrown for only three touchdowns, and let their offense run through Saquon Barkley. I understand that each week is different, but if Bo Nix turned heads against Tampa Bay, I need to see Jalen Hurts do the same.
buccaneers (2-1) - Todd Bowles
After a humbling loss against Denver, we need to see the Bucs bounce back and beat a good Eagles team. Philadelphia has weaknesses on each side of the ball, but their offense isn’t so easy to exploit. Bowles, as a defensive coach, needs to make sure his defense is ready to make a statement and shut down the Birds’ run game this week. If the defense isn’t great, they could be in for a long afternoon.
PANTHERS QB ANDY DALTON
BENGALS @ PANTHERS
(SUN, 1:00 EST)
BENGALS (0-3) - the secondary
The Bengals have paid the price for not re-signing Jessie Bates III last offseason. Their secondary has shown up as a weakness in just about every game to this point. Whether it be Vonn Bell, Mike Hilton, Dax Hill or someone else, they’ve looked incapable of stopping the pass. Against Carolina, that needs to change. Andy Dalton cannot have another big week as he did in Las Vegas, and the secondary can’t be the reason the Bengals begin 0-4.
PANTHERS (1-2) - ANDY DALTON
After saving the Panthers from one of the worst starts in NFL history, Andy Dalton faces his former team in week 4. He’s the only quarterback in the league with a 300+ yard 3+ TD game this season. Last week’s win in Sin City showed that Carolina’s ineptitude may have been directly caused by Bryce Young’s lack of confidence under center. Week two of the Dalton experiment will teach us a lot about the Panthers offense and their coaching staff.
texans @ jaguars
(Sun, 1:00 EST)
TEXANS (2-1) - front four
Houston is 5th in defensive sacks, with 12 in 3 games. They were torched by Sam Darnold and the Vikings offense last week, so they’ll need to go on the road for the second consecutive week and get after the quarterback. They’ve fared well against the run also, and Foley Fatukasi has been an under the radar run stopper for Demeco Ryans’ defense. They’ll play a big role in whether or not their team can completely bury a division opponent after just one month.
jaguars (0-3) - doug pederson
Doug Pederson’s seat is so hot its a wonder how he’s still sitting in it. With a loss this week, you can justify a firing as early as Monday. They need to show up and get a win against a division opponent on home field to avoid an 0-4 start. I don’t think Pederson has been given the best roster to work with, but the lack of development on each side of the ball has been concerning, they shouldn’t be a bottom 5 team.
WASHINGTON QB JAYDEN DANIELS
commanders @ cardinals
(sun, 4:05)
commanders (2-1) - brian robinson jr.
Austin Ekeler got hurt on Monday night, which lines Robinson up for a big afternoon. The Cardinals will have to come in and respect Washington’s passing game with Jayden Daniels. So far, Kliff Kingsbury’s offense averages 5.1 YPC, and Robinson will need to continue that pace this week. The run game can’t all be on the quarterback, Robinson could unlock a new level for this offense if he can get going as a workhorse, and that needs to start this week if it’s going to happen.
cardinals (1-2) - secondary/pass defense
Arizona has one of the worst pass defenses in the league. With a dormant pass rush and lack luster secondary, they’ve been allowing 8.9 YPA. They have to find ways to get star rookie Jayden Daniels and the Washington offense off the field. The Commanders haven’t punted since week 1, and have scored on every drive they’ve had the ball. Long drives that end with scoring are a death sentence for this offensive minded Cardinals team.
PATRIOTS @ 49ERS
(SUN, 4:05)
PATRIOTS (1-2) - JACOBY BRISSETT
The Patriots undoubtedly have the league’s worst passing offense (32nd in Yards). Brissett has done too good a job of protecting the football. The offense takes no risks in the passing game, has zero big play ability, and against the Jets couldn’t even move the ball down 21 in the 4th quarter. Something has to change regarding how they run their offense, or they’ll change who runs their offense. The offensive line was a strong honorable mention.
49ers (1-2) - SECONDARY
San Fransisco hasn’t been able to stop their last two opponent’s offenses (Vikings & Rams). They have allowed the most passing yards in the league so far, while allowing 8.5 YPA. This is the perfect get right game for the Niners, as New England has nothing to fear offensively.
RAIDERS HC ANTONIO PIERCE
BROWNS @ RAIDERS
(SUN, 4:25 EST)
BROWNS (1-2) - OFFENSIVE LINE
Cleveland’s offensive line had its worst performance in years on Sunday against the Giants. They’re clearly struggling to continue their prosperity without legendary line coach, Bill Callahan (Now Titans OL Coach). Deshaun Watson was sacked 8 times, and pressured 35 times against New York. You can argue Las Vegas has a superior rush when compared to the Giants, and they should cause problems for the Browns backfield if nothing changes.
RAIDERS (1-2) - ANTONIO PIERCE
The first year, full time head coach talked a big game after his team’s embarrassing week 3 loss against the Panthers. If his team doesn’t show up this week, this season could spiral fast for Vegas.
CHIEFS @ CHARGERS
(SUN, 4:25 EST)
CHIEFS (3-0) - RUNNING BACKS
The Chiefs need to produce on the ground without Isaiah Pacheco. The Chargers expect to be without star Quarterback Justin Herbert, so Kansas City should be able to experiment a little bit. Will they fill Pacheco’s production by committee? Or will Andy Reid unlock something in Carson Steele, Samaje Perine or maybe even Kareem Hunt?
CHARGERS (2-1) - GREG ROMAN
Greg Roman truly is one of the league’s best run game coordinators. He’s going to be up against the NFL’s top team without his staring quarterback. How will he attempt to keep up with Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid on Sunday?
JOSH ALLEN AND LAMAR JACKSON
BILLS @ RAVENS
(SNF)
BILLS (3-0) - FRONT 7
No team strikes fear into a front 7 the way that Baltimore does. With two pro bowl level tight ends, a 2x MVP dual-threat quarterback, and a Hall of Fame running back, they’re going to beat your front 7 down. So far, Buffalo has fared well enough against the run, they’ve allowed 355 yards at a clip of 4.7 YPC. The concerning stat is that they’ve allowed 3 runs of 20+ yards this season. The Ravens will obviously threaten to increase that number each play.
ravens (1-2) - 4th quarter
Baltimore finds themselves at 1-2 because they’ve been dominated in the final quarter of play each week. Through 3 games, they’re being outscored 39-17 in the final 15 minutes. Of course, no one anticipates this game to be out of reach for Buffalo in the 4th, so Baltimore will have to correct this trend in order to win.
titans @ dolphins
(MNF)
TITANS (0-3) - WILL LEVIS
Levis has lost the Titans all three of their games, but he’s also been a reason why they’ve competed in all of them. He can’t lose to a Miami team, who is likely to start Tim Boyle on Monday. The second year quarterback must eliminate his weekly turnover issue immediately, or he’ll be watching from the sideline soon.
dolphins (1-2) - Devon Achane
Achane has shown an ability to be a big play back, but they’ll need him to be more while Tua is out. They’ll need the second year back to step up and carry the load for their offense so that they can open up their passing game a bit.
LIONS WIDE RECEIVER JAMESON WILLIAMS
seahawks @ lions
(mnf)
SEAHAWKS (3-0) - WIDE RECEIVERS
Seattle’s wideouts, collectively have the 2nd most recepitons this year. With Kenneth Walker II injured, they’ll need to continue their high production. Detroit’s defense has allowed 10 YPR through three games.
lions (2-1) - aidan hutchinson
The NFL’s sack leader is must watch, with 6.5 sacks he’s been the most feared defender in the league. This is a simple one, but he sets the tone for the Lions entire team, and if he’s not dominant - the defense is always far from.
