Schik8337, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
All of the NFL experts, for the entire offseason, were wrong. To be fair, I was wrong too. Currently, the Steelers, Seahawks, and Vikings are all 3-0. Meanwhile, the 49ers, Cowboys, and Ravens all sit at 1-2. The early NFL season is complete chaos, and it continues this weekend. We’re moving into a crucial point in the season where teams have the opportunity to correct their early mistakes and set themselves on the trajectory they will follow for the rest of the year. A talented 1-2 team can fight their way back into the playoff picture, but the challenge only gets more difficult if changes aren’t made quickly. In a pivotal week 4, I’ve listed my top five matchups.
5. Steelers @ Colts
At 3-0, the Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the more surprising teams in the NFL. They’ve found their success through stifling defense, allowing no more than ten points in each of their three games this season. Justin Fields looks to have fully taken control of the starting quarterback role and has done enough so far to complement the Steelers’ dominant defense. Indianapolis has started the season 2-1, and Colts fans have seen both sides of Anthony Richardson in his three games. Richardson is capable of highlight-worthy deep balls, but he continues to throw inexplicable interceptions. Against an elite defensive unit like Pittsburgh’s, I expect Richardson to struggle.
PIT 17-10 IND
4. Saints @ Falcons
After the Saints’ red-hot start to the season, they were held to just 12 points in a close loss to the Eagles. Philadelphia was able to utilize their depth in the defensive front seven to contain New Orleans’ run game. Luckily for New Orleans, Atlanta lacks depth up front on defense. The Falcons’ 1-2 start could be deceiving, as their two losses have come to teams that are currently undefeated. Kirk Cousins, though inconsistent, has shown flashes of the player he was in Minnesota before his Achilles’ injury. However, I don’t believe he can outpace the Saints’ offensive attack.
NO 28-21 ATL
3. Vikings @ Packers
After Jordan Love went down at the end of a Week 1 loss to Philadelphia, Packers fans would have hoped only for their team to survive in the coming weeks. Behind Malik Willis, the Packers have done much more than survive. Willis has gone 2-0 as a starter, and Matt LaFleur has proved himself as one of the league’s premier coaches and offensive play-callers. Jordan Love has returned to practice, and Green Bay may need his help to overcome the Vikings’ aggressive defense. Brian Flores’ unit has had the most simulated pressures in the league, confusing even top-tier quarterbacks. I’ll take the Vikings to continue their unlikely run.
MIN 28-27 GB
2. Eagles @ Buccaneers
The Eagles have been on my top games list more often than not early this season, but with good reason. In their three games so far, the largest point differential is five. Philadelphia has played some difficult opponents, and they won’t get a chance to come up for air quite yet. Tampa Bay, after two impressive wins to start the season, got blown out by a previously winless Broncos team. I expect the Buccaneers’ slide to continue with a close loss to a more talented Eagles squad.
PHI 21-20 TB
1. Seahawks @ Lions
The Seahawks were not expected to start this season with three wins. With a new coaching staff, it would have come as no surprise if this team took time to gel. However, Seattle has looked like the finished product, consistently dominating on both sides of the ball. Detroit, unlike Seattle, is a known contender. While the start to the season hasn’t been perfect for the Lions, their strength of schedule has been far higher than that of the Seahawks. If the Lions can stick to the run throughout the game, I expect them to end Seattle’s undefeated streak.
DET 28-24 SEA
