NFL Week 4 Preview
Week 3 of this NFL season had a clear trend. Last week was the week of the backup QB. It started on Thursday when the legend of Gardner Minshew grew a little larger after his first win. Then on Sunday, Giants' rookie Daniel Jones bumped Eli Manning out of the starting role and stole the show with a 300+ yard, 4 total TD performance in a win over Tampa Bay in his NFL debut. Kyle Allen also put up 4 TD's in a Panthers' win over Arizona. Lastly there was Teddy Bridgewater who got the job done filling for Drew Brees, and took an unexpected win in Seattle.
I can't say whether or not this week will shock us quite like those performances did, but I do know that there are a few great matchups to look forward to for a variety of different reasons. To start off, we go to Baltimore for a AFC North showdown.
Browns vs Ravens
Cleveland has had a rough go at it in the early stages of the new season. For the first time in years, the Browns actually had some high expectations, but they have failed to come close to them thus far. Mayfield has been sloppy, the defense has been mediocre, and the run game has been underused. But the Browns can put all that behind them with a win this week. Beating Baltimore would move them into 1st place in the North for the time being, and it might give them some momentum to put together a string of wins. A loss however would make the playoffs seem miles away. If there's such a thing as a must win game in week 4, this is it right here.
On paper, this game is all Ravens. They have been better in every facet of the game through 3 weeks of play than the Browns. But the game isn't played on paper. It's played on turf. Good teams find ways to overcome the odds and win these games. If this Cleveland team has any passion and drive, which I think they do, they'll find a way to scrape out a win this Sunday in Baltimore.
Browns win, 23-22
Seahawks vs Cardinals
It was 7 years ago when Russell Wilson was drafted by Seattle in the 3rd round. At the time, there were very low expectations for Mr. Wilson, largely because of his small stature. But his success in this league has now brought hope to other QB's of his kind. Less than 5 months ago, Kyler Murray, a small, quick, multi-sport athlete who had already been drafted by an MLB team, found his way to the #1 draft pick. Murray owes Wilson a thank you for his help in paving the way for players like him. But now, it's part of his job to go out there and beat him twice a year for the foreseeable future.
The Cardinals are a long way from competing at that level, but they have shown so far that they are not an easy win. The Seahawks also just let a Drew Brees-less Saints' team run over them at home. While a win still feels unlikely, I do believe the Cardinals will put up a good fight. Wilson and Murray will both have big days and put on a show for all those watching.
Seahawks win, 31-27
Vikings vs Bears
If the first 3 weeks are any indication of the future, the battle for the NFC North will be intense. The Vikings and Bears find themselves tied at the bottom despite their 2-1 records. To stay in the running for the division title, every win within the division will be crucial. Both Minnesota and Chicago have already dropped one against Green Bay, and losing to another rival in the the opening month will hurt. The importance of this game will be felt on both sides, and neither team will go down easy.
This Sunday's game will be a throwback with defense and rushing attacks leading the charge. Both teams play their best football when they keep the ball on the ground often and force their opponents to make mistakes through the air. Chicago's ability to stunt Minnesota's run game and take away the ball resulted in two impressive wins last year. I think those same contributions will lead the way to another this week. The Bears' offense should get the benefit of some shorts fields that will get enough points on the board to crawl out of Soldier Field with a W.
Bears win, 20-13
Cowboys vs Saints
When I heard that Drew Brees would miss the next 6 weeks of the season, I thought the Saints were done. No way would they recover from a hit like that. Not with all the other talent in the NFC. But after scoring 33 in Seattle with Bridgewater under center, I feel stronger about this team's chances than I did before the year started. If they can do that without one of the greatest QB's of all-time in the huddle, just imagine what they can do when he comes back. They can beat absolutely anyone. But for the time being, they still have to continue to thrive with Teddy to stay in the race, and another challenge is coming their way this Sunday.
The Cowboys have had a much smoother start this year compared to the 2018 campaign. Last season it took until week 12 for them to finally go above .500. This season they've already won 3 games in as many tries. Prescott was very ordinary for most of his first appearances a year ago, but this time around he has been a top performer in the early stages. Ezekiel Elliott returned to the team in time to run all over opponents as usual, and the defense has remained looking like one of the best. All appears well in Dallas right now.
There is, however, one glaring problem with this Cowboys' team. They haven't played anyone yet. It's one thing to beat up on the Giants or Dolphins, but competing with a team like New Orleans is a whole new ball game. I don't know yet if Dallas is capable of that. Even without Brees, the Saints remain one of the hardest teams to beat at home. I'll believe in the Cowboys if they win this coming Sunday. Until then, I'm not so confident in them.
Saints win, 24-21
