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As the primary few weeks of the season have proven, you by no means know what is going on to occur within the NFL. The Dolphins, Eagles and Jaguars are the discuss of the league, whereas the Bengals and Patriots are bottom-feeders. Â
However it’s nonetheless early. This week contains a sport in London, a heavyweight matchup between Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady, and perhaps the sport of the younger season in Jags vs. Eagles.Â
FOX Sports activities’ workers of NFL writers has assembled a information to each sport that might be performed in Week 4. Make certain to examine the positioning and app all through the season for previews and predictions every week.
Sunday, Oct. 2, 2022
Minnesota Vikings at New Orleans Saints (9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network)
Overview: I hope you packed your melatonin, as a result of the Vikings and Saints are in London for Week 4. There is a six-hour time distinction between London and the U.S. Central Time Zone, which means we’re all getting up early on Sunday to look at this one.
This would be the third time Minnesota has performed within the U.Ok., with its most up-to-date go to coming in 2017. The Vikings additionally performed because the street group then, beating the Cleveland Browns in convincing vogue 33-16.Â
The final time the Saints performed in London was additionally in 2017, after they beat the Miami Dolphins 20-0. They’ve additionally performed one different time within the U.Ok., again in 2008 after they beat the then-San Diego Chargers 37-32.
And whereas the Saints have had success in London, their quarterback cannot say the identical. Jameis Winston performed in Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in simply the second NFL sport performed within the constructing and threw 5 interceptions. Sure, 5. He was sacked seven instances. And in some way the Tampa Bay Buccaneers nonetheless misplaced solely 37-26. From somebody who was at that sport, I am right here to inform you it wasn’t that shut.Â
It is a sport between two potential NFC playoff contenders. Will Winston have the ability to flip his British blunders round? Or will Minnesota find yourself being the primary group to go 3-0 in London video games?Â
Matchup to look at: Jameis Winston towards the Minnesota secondaryÂ
Given Winston’s aforementioned stat line the final time he was throughout the pond, perhaps it is extra truthful to account for the protection typically — or not less than Winston’s offensive line and the protection. However the Vikings are ready to see if security Harrison Smith can clear concussion protocol. He was a full participant in Wednesday’s observe and Minnesota will see how he does with the journey. The Vikings have three interceptions this season and maybe they’ll add a pair extra on this sport.Â
Key stat: The Saints have the worst turnover differential (-6) and have dedicated essentially the most turnovers (9) within the NFL. That is largely because of Winston’s regression. He has thrown 5 interceptions already this season.
Prediction: No matter is within the air in London appears to be conducive to scoring. Each of those groups have had high-scoring video games there, and I feel that continues on this sport. Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins and broad receiver Justin Jefferson get again on observe with one another. And with the Saints doubtlessly getting working again Alvin Kamara again, they’re capable of put extra factors on the board, too. Finally, I feel the Vikings acquire some factors via turnovers, which appear an inevitability for Winston in London.
Vikings 32, Saints 24 — Carmen Vitali
Cleveland Browns at Atlanta Falcons (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: Two groups that did not determine to be very aggressive this season have performed very effectively via the primary three weeks. The Browns are 2-1 and only a horrible fourth-quarter collapse towards the terrible Jets away from being undefeated. The Falcons are 1-2, however that features a one-point loss to the Saints and a four-point loss to the Rams in L.A.Â
So determine this one to be shut. Additionally, do not anticipate quite a lot of passing. These are each top-five speeding assaults. The Browns (who’re No. 1 with 190.7 speeding yards per sport) will journey their highly effective 1-2 punch of Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, whereas the Falcons will run with Cordarrelle Patterson. This would possibly find yourself coming right down to which quarterback (Atlanta’s Marcus Mariota or Cleveland’s Jacoby Brissett) could make a play via the air.
Matchup to look at: Falcons CB A.J. Terrell vs. Browns WR Amari CooperÂ
Cooper is coming off back-to-back large video games for the Browns — seven catches for 101 yards and a landing towards the Steelers final Thursday and 9-101-1 towards the Jets 4 days earlier. Sure, the Browns stay and die with the run, however Cooper has some chemistry with Brissett and clearly nonetheless has breakaway abilities. Terrell is turning into one of many NFL’s higher cornerbacks. He’ll certainly be on Cooper essentially the most, which isn’t a straightforward job.
Key stat: Cooper is the primary Browns participant with 100-plus receiving yards in back-to-back video games since 2013 (Josh Gordon).
Prediction: What makes the Browns so harmful is that Chubb and Hunt are so onerous to defend, with their potential to run inside and out of doors and not less than the specter of Hunt within the passing sport (although he has solely 9 catches for 54 yards to this point). Defenses load as much as cease them, and it opens the door for Cooper. So so long as Brissett and Cooper are clicking, the Browns might be robust to cease.Â
The Falcons simply haven’t got that sort of offensive variety. Patterson is principally all the pieces to their offense, and their greatest passing-game weapons (rookie WR Drake London and TE Kyle Pitts) have not accomplished quite a bit but. That might change this week towards a weak Browns secondary, particularly if edge rusher Myles Garrett cannot play after his latest automotive accident. However ultimately, the Browns’ floor sport figures to simply be an excessive amount of.Â
Browns 27, Falcons 23 — Ralph Vacchiano Â
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: The Bills didn’t get a break from the schedule makers, did they? As a lot as they have been upset to lose to the Dolphins, they need to be blissful to be 2-1 after video games towards the Rams, Titans and Dolphins. These are all actually good soccer groups. In fact, so are the Ravens. And Lamar Jackson is more likely to compete with Josh Allen for the NFL MVP. So the Payments have to determine find out how to cease Jackson, and so they’ll do it with a depleted secondary. Buffalo signed free-agent cornerback Xavier Rhodes, who’s more likely to have a considerable position given the accidents on the place. Buffalo has accidents on offense, too. However Allen has a means of creating it appear to be they’re at full energy.
Final week, the Ravens put a beating on the Patriots. New England tried to hold round, however Baltimore’s protection generated 4 takeaways (three interceptions, one pressured fumble). It was the sort of complementary soccer that will get groups to the playoffs. Not solely is Jackson growing connections with younger receivers Devin Duvernay and Rashod Bateman, however tight finish Mark Andrews seems to be unguardable. It is a actually elite offense and an opportunistic protection.
Associated: Sharp Edges: How good is Lamar Jackson? Plus, Bills’ new offense, ascending teams
Matchup to look at: Allen’s speeding talents vs. Jackson’s speeding talents
Allen and Jackson are two of essentially the most environment friendly working quarterbacks within the NFL. Whereas their talents as pocket passers make them extraordinarily harmful, their prowess as runners makes them principally unstoppable. I feel that is the X-factor on this sport. How a lot can — and may — every group permit the quarterbacks to utilize their legs? As a result of you realize that, within the clutch, each QBs are completely unafraid to run for an important pickup.
Lamar Jackson posts 5 TDs in Ravens’ Week 3 win
Lamar Jackson made historical past by turning into the primary participant within the Tremendous Bowl period with not less than three passing touchdowns and 100 speeding yards in back-to-back video games. Shannon Sharpe reacts to Jackson’s efficiency vs. the Patriots.
Key stats: Allen leads the NFL in passing yards (1,014) whereas the Ravens rank thirty second in passing protection (permitting 353.3 yards per sport). Total, it is a matchup of two of the league’s high three scoring offenses. The Ravens are No. 1 with 33.0 PPG, and the Payments rank third with 30.3 PPG.Â
Prediction: This could not be harder. On one hand, the Payments are nonetheless coping with accidents and stay weak. However, they simply took a loss which you could inform they did not suppose they need to have taken. In order that they’ll be out for blood. The Ravens, in the meantime, have performed all however one quarter of fantastic soccer this yr. They have been regular because it will get. Nonetheless, I feel Buffalo pulls off an in depth one. It might be the Ravens’ fourth straight dwelling loss, which might be essentially the most in franchise historical past.Â
Payments 27, Ravens 20 — Henry McKenna
Washington Commanders at Dallas Cowboys (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: Discuss two groups trending in reverse instructions. Means again in Week 1, the Cowboys seemed like considered one of a handful of groups you might safely write out of the playoff image, having misplaced Dak Prescott to a damaged thumb throughout an abysmal loss to Tampa Bay. It may not have been the prettiest opener, however Washington began the season 1-0 behind the energy of 4 Carson Wentz landing passes.
Not even three full weeks later, Dallas has bumped its file to 2-1 with the very best go rush within the league and a powerful exhibiting from backup quarterback Cooper Rush, whereas Washington has slumped to 2 straight ugly losses. The Commanders can neither shield Wentz, with 14 sacks given up previously two weeks, nor has their protection been capable of get many stops.
Has Cooper Rush put extra strain on Dak Prescott?
Emmanuel Acho, Pleasure Taylor, David Helman and LeSean McCoy talk about Cowboys proprietor and GM Jerry Jones saying that Cooper Rush “has the make-up of a high QB.” Jones’ feedback prompted many to marvel if Dak Prescott is underneath extra strain as he heals from harm.
Each win the Cowboys can steal whereas Prescott is recovering from surgical procedure is big, permitting them to stay within the playoff hunt whereas they anticipate him to return to full energy. On the flip aspect, with Dallas taking part in feisty soccer and Philadelphia wanting like the category of the NFC, the Commanders cannot afford to fall too far beneath .500 if they need this season to go someplace promising.
Associated: Cooper Rush has kept Cowboys afloat — with a new offense. Should they keep it?
Matchup to look at: Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs vs. Commanders QB Carson Wentz
Usually, you’d anticipate to see nook versus receiver, and that is one thing to look at right here. Diggs and the remainder of the Dallas secondary can have their palms full with Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. However the matchup is Diggs towards Wentz due to the potential for game-swinging performs. Everybody is aware of Wentz’s tendency to place the ball in danger, and that hasn’t modified in 2022. By means of three weeks, he has thrown three picks, and he fumbled twice final week towards the Eagles.
Diggs, in the meantime, is a gambler. Final week towards the Giants, he twice tried to leap early on Daniel Jones makes an attempt and missed each, earlier than lastly getting his first interception of the season on the finish of the sport.
Anticipate Diggs to bait Wentz into turnover-worthy throws, and anticipate the Commanders to attempt to benefit from that aggression. It’s going to be a shock if Washington does not strive a double-move or two to beat the All-Professional nook.
Key stat: The Cowboys’ 13 sacks on the season leads the NFL, whereas the Commanders’ 14 sacks allowed ties Cincinnati for worst within the league.
Prediction: The Commanders do not defend the run very effectively, and so they’re even worse at defending the quarterback. That is a nasty mixture, contemplating the Cowboys run the ball and rush the passer in addition to anybody within the league. It most likely will not be simple, as a result of division street video games hardly ever are. But when Dallas can restrict the explosive go performs that Wentz is able to, then Cooper Rush is able to guiding the Cowboys to a 3rd straight win.
Cowboys 21, Commanders 17  — David Helman
Seattle Seahawks at Detroit Lions (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The poor Lions. Even after they’re good, they lose. Sure, I simply mentioned the Lions are good. They’re averaging the second-most factors per sport with 31.7 and but are solely 1-2. They sit in final place of a division the place the groups in a three-way tie for first place are averaging 19.3, 17.3 and 16.0 PPG. I am going to let you determine the order there.
The Lions’ high receiver, slot gawd Amon-Ra St. Brown, has not less than six receptions in his previous 9 video games, which is the longest lively streak within the NFL. Behind the third-best speeding assault within the league, Detroit is averaging the third-most yards per sport total. And but … the Lions nonetheless cannot handle to outscore what their protection is letting up.Â
The Lions are giving up the fifth-most yards per sport at 408. They’re permitting essentially the most first downs per sport within the league at 26 and essentially the most factors, edging out their offensive scoring common by .3 with a mean of 32 factors per sport.
The excellent news for Detroit is that the Seattle Seahawks, led by quarterback Geno Smith, aren’t precisely world-beaters this yr. They’re averaging simply 15.7 factors per sport, even with each receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett at their disposal. Metcalf, who not too long ago grew to become one of many highest-paid receivers within the league, simply scored his first receiving landing of the season final week. Lockett, who leads the group in receiving yards via three video games, hasn’t seen the top zone but.
Matchup to look at: Lions RB Jamaal Williams vs. Seahawks LB Jordyn Brooks
D’Andre Swift will possible be out as he nurses a shoulder harm, however Williams picked up the slack final week towards Minnesota. Williams completed with 107 complete scrimmage yards and two speeding touchdowns. He ought to have the ability to have a repeat efficiency towards a Seahawks protection that’s struggling this season, until Brooks has one thing to say about it.
Key stats: The Lions lead the NFL in yards per speeding try (5.9) and rank second in scoring offense (31.7 factors per sport), whereas the Seahawks are tied for thirtieth in speeding protection, permitting 157.0 speeding yards per sport.Â
Prediction: I feel this presents a chance for Detroit to get to .500 towards an NFC opponent, and the Lions achieve this with a definitive win.
Lions 38, Seahawks 17  — Carmen Vitali
Los Angeles Chargers at Houston Texans (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: Each these groups have critical points. For the Chargers, that is sudden. They have been alleged to be one of many league’s greatest groups, with an ascending franchise quarterback in Justin Herbert and the reinforcements made round him, particularly on protection. However the unhealthy luck they’ll by no means appear to shake has already taken grip in 2022. Herbert (ribs), heart Corey Linsley (knee), left deal with Rashawn Slater (biceps), receiver Keenan Allen (hamstring), edge rusher Joey Bosa (groin), cornerback J.C. Jackson (ankle) and receiver Jalen Guyton (ACL) are all battling accidents. Slater and Guyton are out for the remainder of the season.Â
Justin Herbert “did not need to stop” on Chargers after rib harm
Emmanuel Acho, Pleasure Taylor, LeSean McCoy and David Helman talk about the lingering results of Justin Herbert’s rib harm. The crew asks if the Chargers must be involved about Herbert.
On the flip aspect, the Texans are considered one of two winless groups left within the NFL. Their offense struggles throughout the board, rating seventh or worse in passing completion proportion, passing touchdowns, yards gained per go try, adjusted yards gained per go try, speeding offense, scoring, third-down effectivity and purple zone effectivity. The Texans’ protection ranks within the high half of the NFL in a number of classes — together with factors allowed, third-down effectivity and purple zone effectivity — however has been the league’s worst towards the run by far, permitting 202.3 speeding yards per sport, greater than 45 yards greater than the subsequent closest group.
Matchup to look at: Texans’ go rush vs. Chargers’ banged-up offensive lineÂ
Precedence No. 1 for the Bolts is defending Herbert — he is taking part in with fractured rib cartilage, in spite of everything — however with the franchise left deal with (Slater) out and the standing of the beginning heart (Linsley) unclear, Los Angeles is vulnerable up entrance. And the Texans, for all the problems they’ve had, have been robust within the pass-rush division. They rank within the high half of the league in hurries, quarterback knockdowns, sacks and pressures. Â
Key stat: The Chargers have a -34 level differential within the second half this season, tied for thirtieth within the NFL.Â
Prediction: For all of the harm points the Chargers have, it is onerous to see them dropping this sport. Houston is arguably the NFL’s worst group. The Texans do not actually do something effectively offensively — they’ve but to attain within the fourth quarter — so even when Bosa and Jackson do not play, they might have bother benefiting from alternatives. The Chargers may even have Allen again this week, which would supply a significant jolt to their offense.Â
Chargers 27, Texans 17 –– Ben Arthur
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Titans, the AFC’s high playoff seed final season, are coming off their first win of 2022. Tennessee exploded for twenty-four factors within the first half towards the Raiders, and the protection — regardless of giving up a handful of explosive performs — clamped down within the purple zone (with assist from Las Vegas’ ineptitude) within the second half to safe the win. Perhaps the largest brilliant spot? Getting Derrick Henry, Tennessee’s all-everything famous person working again, going for the primary time this season. He had 143 yards from scrimmage (85 speeding, 58 receiving). Â
The Colts additionally bought their first win of 2022 final week. A Chiefs penalty sparked their go-ahead drive late within the fourth quarter and security Rodney McLeod picked off Patrick Mahomes within the remaining seconds to ice the victory. Whereas Indianapolis’ protection and particular groups shined, the offense left a lot to be desired till it was wanted most. Â
Matchup to look at: Colts’ offensive line vs. Titans’ defensive entrance
The Colts have the highest-paid offensive line within the NFL, however the go safety for quarterback Matt Ryan has been shoddy and the run-blocking hasn’t met expectations for All-Professional tailback Jonathan Taylor. Even with out Professional Bowl outdoors linebacker Harold Landry this season, the Titans’ go rush has been robust. That might spell bother for Ryan and the Colts. However Tennessee’s run protection, a giant energy final season, has struggled to this point in 2022 (the Giants‘ Saquon Barkley rushed for 164 yards on 9.1 yards per carry towards the Titans in Week 1). Taylor is primed for a giant sport.Â
Key stat: The Titans have a -50 level differential within the second half this season, worst within the NFL, and have been outscored 36-0 within the second half of their previous two video games.Â
Prediction: My intestine says the Titans, who’ve gained the previous three conferences with the Colts and three straight in Indianapolis, proceed to claim their dominance on this divisional rivalry. Tennessee has cornerback points, however I do not suppose Indianapolis has the personnel to constantly win on the skin. There’s additionally a matter of Ryan even having sufficient time to get his pass-catchers the ball. Until the Colts’ many O-line problems with the primary three weeks can immediately get fastened, Ryan figures to be underneath duress continually within the pocket.
Titans 26, Colts 24 –– Ben Arthur
Chicago Bears at New York Giants (1 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: The Giants got here again to Earth on Monday night time, thanks largely to their inept offense and their lack of ability to guard QB Daniel Jones. However at 2-1 they’re nonetheless in fine condition and dealing with a 2-1 Bears group that has much more flaws than they do.Â
Each Jones (13 sacks) and Chicago QB Justin Fields (10) have taken quite a lot of hits this season, however Fields has been extra turnover inclined. His 4 interceptions on simply 45 go makes an attempt this season is a outstanding achievement. In fact, he does not have a lot expertise round him — perhaps even much less with RB David Montgomery more likely to miss this sport with proper knee and ankle accidents. Khalil Herbert did have 157 yards and two touchdowns on 20 carries towards the Texans after Montgomery bought harm final week, and the Giants have given up greater than 200 speeding yards twice already, so perhaps there’s a gap there. However this has all of the makings of an unsightly, offensive conflict of attrition.
Is Daniel Jones not the Giants’ man?
Whereas Brian Daboll has introduced a brand new vitality to New York, questions stay about Daniel Jones’ improvement and if he’s the man to run Daboll’s offense. Hear why Colin Cowherd believes Danny Dimes is holding the Giants again.
Matchup to look at: Giants edge rushers Kayvon Thibodeaux and Azeez Ojulari vs. Bears OTs Braxton Jones and Larry BoromÂ
The Giants have not generated a lot of a go rush this season, however a part of that was as a result of Thibodeaux (their first-round choose) and Ojulari (their sack chief final season) missed the primary two video games and have been each restricted towards the Cowboys. They need to be full-go for this sport, and you’ll guess defensive coordinator Wink Martindale can have some blitzes dialed up within the hopes he can rattle the mistake-prone Fields.
Key stat: The Giants enter October with a successful file for the primary time since 2011. Do not get too excited, however they gained the Tremendous Bowl that season! Really, that is only a reminder of how unhealthy it has been for the Giants the previous decade — and a reminder that they nonetheless have an extended option to go.
Associated: Offensively challenged Giants get dose of reality in loss to Cowboys
Prediction: The Giants might have quite a lot of points, however they play onerous, do not flip the ball over quite a bit, and so they have Saquon Barkley, who’s all the time a risk for a giant sport. That will not be sufficient towards quite a lot of groups, nevertheless it must be sufficient to squeak by the Bears, who’ve the worst offense within the NFL. Up to now, Fields has been no risk via the air, and the harm to Montgomery is a big blow, it doesn’t matter what Herbert did final week. That mixture ought to play proper into the palms of an aggressive Giants protection in a sport by which the primary group to attain 10 factors most likely wins.
 Giants 16, Bears 9 — Ralph Vacchiano
Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: Each of those groups are purple scorching. For the Jaguars, that’s surprising. Certain, we anticipated Jacksonville to make strides with new coach Doug Pederson. However not this quick: two straight victories of 20-plus factors, drastic enchancment from QB Trevor Lawrence and dominant play from its protection, which is tied for the league lead in takeaways and fourth in factors allowed. Lawrence was named AFC Offensive Participant of the Week after the Jaguars’ 38-10 victory over the Chargers. Jacksonville would possibly even have a aggressive group for the primary time in 5 years. Â
The undefeated Eagles, in the meantime, have emerged as an early favourite within the NFC. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is on the MVP shortlist getting into Week 4 (it is early, however nonetheless), with two No. 1 receivers in DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, who was acquired this spring from the Titans. The protection has come alive the previous two weeks, too. Philadelphia sacked Carson Wentz 9 instances in its 24-8 victory over Washington final week. The sport prior, it held the Vikings to seven factors.Â
Eagles land on high of Nick’s Tiers heading into Week 4
Nick Wright reveals his up to date NFL tiers forward of Week 4, which characteristic the Eagles on high. Chris Broussard, Eric Mangini and Kevin Wildes react to Nick’s tiers.
Matchup to look at: Jaguars secondary vs. Eagles WRs A.J. Brown, DeVonta SmithÂ
For all of the strides the Jaguars have made this season, defending the go has been a weak spot. They’re permitting 251.6 passing yards per sport, ranked twenty first within the league. The again finish have to be sharp towards Brown and Smith, who’ve mixed for 35 receptions for 558 yards and two touchdowns in three video games. Â
Key stat: The Jaguars lead the NFL in turnover differential (+7) and speeding protection (permitting 55.0 speeding yards per sport).Â
Prediction: The Jags fall wanting getting a victory for Pederson in his outdated stomping grounds. Nearly as good as Jacksonville has been, Philadelphia is a extra established group with a authentic shot of creating a deep playoff run. I feel that hole reveals up Sunday — even when the Jaguars make it fascinating and show that they seem to be a rising group.Â
Eagles 28, Jaguars 21 –– Ben Arthur
New York Jets at Pittsburgh Steelers (1 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: It is onerous to take the Jets critically. If not for a wild set of plot twists towards the Cleveland Browns — which included a 14-point swing over the ultimate two minutes of the sport — New York would most likely be winless. The query is whether or not the return of Zach Wilson will change something. In some respects, it is silly to suppose Wilson, who had one of many worst rookie seasons in latest reminiscence, would possibly transfer the needle. However Wilson was additionally the second total choose. He ought to transfer the needle. So New York will wait with bated breath to see if he’ll play Sunday.
Associated: Jets QB Zach Wilson will start vs. Steelers. Can he elevate the team?
The Steelers have established their id this season. It is simply unclear whether or not they’re proficient sufficient to drag it off. They need to run the ball to arrange their passing sport. They need to play robust, bodily protection to close down opponents. In opposition to out-of-sorts Bengals and Patriots groups, the Steelers seemed adequate. However you might see the cracks forming through the Cleveland win over Pittsburgh. There is a good likelihood the Steelers are merely a nasty soccer group.
Why Mitch Trubisky, Steelers offense are in bother
Colin Cowherd evaluates the Steelers’ offense, then explains why they’re in bother early within the season.
Matchup to look at: Steelers CB Cameron Sutton vs. Jets WR Garrett Wilson
Step apart, Elijah Moore! Wilson has been the Jets’ high receiver. He has 18 catches for 214 yards and two touchdowns. However the rookie will face a tricky check in Sutton, who has quietly loved a really robust begin to the season. As a result of Wilson is a rookie and Sutton is an unheralded expertise, the NFL world will not essentially be watching this matchup. However it’s best to. It’s going to be an excellent one.
Key stat: The Steelers are actually 0-6 within the six video games T.J. Watt has missed in his profession.Â
Prediction: It is now or by no means for each these groups. Neither is more likely to make the playoffs. They each seem set to pattern their option to the underside of the NFL and the highest of the draft. But when they’ll pull off a win on Sunday, perhaps they construct some confidence about competing within the crowded AFC. Both means, it should be ugly — and doubtless low-scoring.Â
Jets 17, Steelers 13 — Henry McKenna
Arizona Cardinals at Carolina Panthers (4:05 p.m. ET, FOX)
Overview: Two former Oklahoma teammates — Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield — face off when the Arizona Cardinals journey east to face the Carolina Panthers this weekend. The 2 performed along with the Sooners in 2017. Murray is 2-0 towards Mayfield within the NFL. The Panthers lead the all-time collection 14-5 (together with postseason) and have gained the previous six contests, together with a 34-10 victory at Arizona final season. Panthers defensive passing sport coordinator Steve Wilks was the top coach of the Cardinals through the 2018 season.Â
Matchup to look at: Panthers QB Baker Mayfield vs. Cardinals DL J.J. Watt
Watt leads Arizona with two sacks and has two quarterback hits this season. He faces a Carolina offensive line that has allowed 9 sacks via three video games. Mayfield has accomplished simply 52% of his passes and has solely three landing passes on the yr.Â
Key stat: The Cardinals are 9-1 of their previous 10 regular-season street video games.Â
Prediction: Carolina working again Christian McCaffrey has posted 100-plus speeding yards in back-to-back video games for the primary time since 2019 and is tied for fifth within the NFL with 243 yards. Nevertheless, McCaffrey’s availability is a query mark this week because of a thigh harm. Ultimately, I belief Murray over Mayfield to make extra performs with the sport on the road.
Cardinals 23, Panthers 17 — Eric D. Williams
New England Patriots at Green Bay Packers (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: The Packers have been experiencing critical rising pains to open the season, however they’ve additionally grunted their option to a 2-1 file. There’s one thing to be mentioned for a growing group discovering methods to win early within the season. The Packers are nearly actually going to compete for the No. 1 seed within the NFC, even when Aaron Rodgers has to will them there. And albeit, the Patriots are wanting extraordinarily weak.
Why may New England current a straightforward goal? Properly, they’re nearly positively not going to have Mac Jones. He suffered a sprained ankle Sunday and is more likely to miss a number of weeks. His improvement was on the heart of the Patriots’ 2022 season, with the group needing him to make a considerable leap in his improvement. Not solely was he experiencing rising pains in making that leap, with three touchdowns to his 5 interceptions, however he’s additionally going to pause that developmental work whereas he rehabs the harm.Â
Within the meantime, the Patriots will look to veteran Brian Hoyer or rookie Bailey Zappe as their backup. And albeit, neither of these choices ought to scare the Packers. To make issues worse in New England, the protection is not as much as Invoice Belichick’s requirements. They’re permitting the Eleventh-most factors per sport (23.7). That is the primary spot Belichick seems to be to measure his group’s effectivity.
Matchup to look at: Packers QB Aaron Rodgers vs. Patriots security Devin McCourty
Each of those gamers are main undermanned teams. Rodgers is throwing to a who’s who solid of receivers, with rookie Romeo Doubs beginning to emerge as a possible go-to possibility. However it’s unclear whether or not a real No. 1 possibility will emerge in 2022. As for McCourty, the Patriots have truly seen Jonathan Jones, a slot cornerback who has performed outdoors this yr, emerge as their greatest cowl nook. However he is nonetheless taking the No. 2 spot behind Jalen Mills. It isn’t essentially the most proficient group. That is why Rodgers and McCourty will sq. off in a battle of soccer mind, working to take advantage of no matter weak spot emerges between their two mediocre casts.
Key stat: The Packers have gained 14 straight regular-season dwelling video games, the longest lively dwelling successful streak within the NFL.Â
Prediction: The Packers ought to run away with this sport. The Patriots’ offense has a plethora of issues even with their beginning quarterback. If Jones is out and Hoyer begins, the challenges could also be insurmountable. Rodgers ought to take cost on this sport and lead his group to a cushty victory, even when the Packers proceed to play ugly.Â
Packers 21, Patriots 10 — Henry McKenna
Denver Broncos at Las Vegas Raiders (4:25 p.m. ET, CBS)
Overview: The one 0-3 NFL group this season, the Raiders host their AFC West rivals within the Broncos, with new coach Josh McDaniels already on the new seat. The Raiders lead the regular-season collection 68-53-2 all time and swept the Broncos final season. Nevertheless, new Denver quarterback Russell Wilson is 2-0 towards the Silver and Black.Â
Matchup to look at: Raiders WR Davante Adams vs. Broncos CB Patrick Surtain II
Adams completed with 5 receptions for 36 yards and a rating on 10 targets in final week’s street loss to the Tennessee Titans and was sad he was not focused extra. He has been held beneath 50 receiving yards in back-to-back video games for the primary time for the reason that 2016 season. Anticipate Derek Carr to focus on Adams extra on Sunday. Surtain, Denver’s high cowl nook, returned from a shoulder harm and performed all 56 defensive snaps for the Broncos, ending with a deal with and two go breakups in a win over San Francisco. He ought to get the lion’s share of the protection towards Adams.Â
Key stat: Broncos RB Melvin Gordon has 1,084 scrimmage yards and 9 touchdowns in 12 video games towards the Raiders.
Prediction: The Raiders are determined, however I imagine Wilson can have alternatives to make performs towards a Las Vegas protection that has points within the secondary. Plus, the Raiders have recorded simply two sacks this season, tied with the Cardinals for fewest within the NFL. Denver may run the soccer towards the Raiders, who permit 4.8 speeding yards per play.Â
Broncos 22, Raiders 20 — Eric D. Williams
Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8:20 p.m. ET, NBC)
Overview: Whew, is there some historical past right here — particularly for 2 groups in numerous conferences. It is a rematch of Tremendous Bowl LV, by which the Buccaneers held the high-powered Chiefs‘ offense with no landing. That was a dominant defensive efficiency, the likes of which groups have tried to copy towards Kansas Metropolis within the years since.
However this is not the identical Chiefs group that was down a number of offensive linemen in that sport. Additionally they not have Tyreek Hill, who had gashed the Bucs earlier that season when he went off for greater than 200 yards within the first quarter. And whereas Tampa Bay will not need to deal with him, it nonetheless has to cope with quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who’s an offended Patrick Mahomes after the Chiefs misplaced to the Colts final week.Â
Ought to Chiefs followers be involved after Week 3 loss to Colts?
Nick Wright discusses his stage of concern for his Chiefs.
The Bucs get broad receiver Mike Evans again this week, and his return may present a spark to an in any other case stagnant offense. Tampa Bay held Inexperienced Bay to 14 factors final week … and the Bucs misplaced. The protection is giving up a league-low 9 factors per sport. So they may need to lastly get the offensive engine we all know they’ve working. Left deal with Donovan Smith may very well be again, too, which ought to hopefully rid the Bucs of their present weaknesses up entrance.Â
And if the matchup itself is not sufficient, because of Hurricane Ian, the Bucs have been training in Miami this week. There isn’t any phrase on whether or not the sport will nonetheless be performed in Tampa, however we do know will probably be performed on Sunday night time, both means. The contingency plan is transferring the sport to Minneapolis, which might add simply one other logistical nightmare to an already demanding week for Tampa Bay.
Matchup to look at: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce vs. whoever is guarding Travis Kelce
Whereas Mahomes does not have Hill anymore, he nonetheless has his security internet in Kelce, who presents any opponent with matchup nightmares. He is too huge for a nook to protect, he is too quick for a linebacker to protect and there are only a few safeties who’ve the sort of vary it takes to stay with him. The excellent news is that the Bucs may need a type of safeties in Antoine Winfield Jr. Or Keanu Neal. Or Logan Ryan. Or Mike Edwards. Tampa Bay has been deploying a three-safety look all season by which it places Winfield Jr. within the slot. That may confuse quarterbacks and also needs to assist fight all the pieces Kelce brings to the desk.
Key stat: Mahomes wants 152 passing yards to turn out to be the quickest participant in NFL historical past to achieve 20,000 passing yards — in simply his 67th profession sport. The present file is held by Matthew Stafford, who did it in 71 video games. The Bucs are giving up a mean of 209.7 passing yards per sport, indicating that Mahomes has a fairly good shot to eclipse the mark on Sunday — until we get a repeat of Tremendous Bowl LV, I suppose.Â
Prediction: The Bucs might have had a loopy week, however they’ve all the pieces to play for. Evans and Smith returning ought to give the offense the enhance it must lastly put some factors on the board. Head coach Todd Bowles discovered Mahomes as soon as, and he can do it once more — particularly now that the Chiefs’ offense has been knocked down a few pegs.
Buccaneers 29, Chiefs 19  — Carmen Vitali
Monday, Oct. 3, 2022
Los Angeles Rams at San Francisco 49ers (8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN)
Overview: San Francisco leads the all-time collection 75-68-3 (together with postseason), and Niners coach Kyle Shanahan has a 7-4 file towards Rams coach Sean McVay. Nevertheless, Los Angeles gained the most-recent assembly, 20-17 within the NFC Championship Sport final season. The Rams haven’t gained at San Francisco since 2018.
Matchup to look at:Â Niners WR Deebo Samuel vs. Rams’ line of defense
Samuel has had huge video games towards the Rams, totaling 642 scrimmage yards and 6 touchdowns in seven video games, six of them wins. Aaron Donald, Leonard Floyd and the remainder of L.A.’s protection must find the place Samuel is on every snap and get all 11 defenders to the soccer as a way to corral the elusive receiver/working again.Â
Is Jimmy Garoppolo guilty for 49ers’ gradual begin?
Nick Wright joins Colin Cowherd to debate Niners QB Jimmy Garoppolo after San Francisco’s 11-10 Week 3 loss to the Broncos.
Key stat: Rams LB Bobby Wagner had 9 tackles in a win over Arizona final week and has not less than 5 tackles in all 20 profession video games he has performed towards San Francisco.
Prediction: Historical past is on the Niners’ aspect as they’ve dominated this matchup of late. Nonetheless, the 49ers are coming off a humbling street loss to the Broncos by which Jimmy Garoppolo didn’t play effectively, and so they face the most effective quarterbacks within the sport in Matthew Stafford. Â
Rams 28, Niners 25 — Eric D. Williams
FOX Sports activities’ Week 4 NFL preview was compiled by:
AFC South reporter Ben Arthur (@benyarthur)
AFC East reporter Henry McKenna (@McKennAnalysis)
NFC West reporter Eric D. Williams (@eric_d_williams)
NFC East reporter Ralph Vacchiano (@RalphVacchiano)
NFC North reporter Carmen Vitali (@CarmieV)
Dallas Cowboys reporter David Helman (@davidhelman_)
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