We’re heading into week 4 and the landscape of the NFL is starting to take shape. It’s common belief that the first month of play is used for coaches to evaluate their team and determine their winning formula.
For example, the Baltimore Ravens started 0-2 and relied heavily on Lamar Jackson’s arm despite signing former All-Pro running back Derrick Henry to a 2-year, 16 million-dollar contract in the offseason. Last week, Baltimore started to look more like the team we expected. Jackson threw just 15 times, but Henry ran 25 times for 151 yards and 2 TDs in a victory over the Dallas Cowboys. Baltimore has found its identity and will need to be sharp as they welcome the Buffalo Bills in week 4 on Sunday Night Football.
The schedule for week 4 offers a handful of games that could be playoff previews, 3 of which are games between division rivals. Let’s look at these potentially significant early-season matchups.
New Orleans Saints (2-1) at Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
The Falcons currently find themselves at the bottom of the NFC South, but expectations are still high. New QB Kirk Cousins’ squad has faced some tough competition so far this season, as their opponents have a combined record of 8-1. New Orleans started out the gate as one of the hottest teams in the league, but last week they were brought back to earth in a 15-12 loss to the Eagles.
Atlanta was favored by many to win the division handily, but the difficult start and emergence of the Saints have that in doubt. This could prove to be an important game in the NFC South which could come down to the wire. Atlanta has to find a way to win to avoid falling to 1-3 and being 2 games back of the division lead so early in the season.
Minnesota Vikings (3-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)
In what could end up being the game of the week, the Vikings travel to Lambeau Field to face the Packers in another division-rival game in week 4. Packers QB Jordan Love is recovering from an MCL injury and will most likely be listed as questionable heading into the game on Sunday. Normally, this would be a major concern, but after going 2-0 with backup QB Malik Willis, the Packers are equipped to win without their franchise QB.
The Minnesota Vikings are much stiffer competition than Willis’ Packers have faced. Defensive Coordinator Brian Flores’ defense ranks 2nd in points allowed, interceptions, and rushing yards. Along with the defense, they bring resurgent QB Sam Darnold to lead the offense into Green Bay to try to gain an early lead in the difficult NFC North.
Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
In week 4, the Philadelphia Eagles head to Tampa Bay for a rematch of their 2023 Wildcard game in which Philly was embarrassed by a score of 32-9. It will be an uphill battle for the Eagles as they may be without both starting wide receivers AJ Brown and DeVonta Smith. Thankfully, they bring along the NFL’s leading rusher Saquon Barkley.
After riding high in a week 2 victory against the Lions, the Buccaneers followed it up with a big loss to the 0-2 Broncos. Both the Bucs and the Eagles know each other well and may be looking at yet another rematch in the 2024 playoffs. They’ll both be looking for a win to keep pace in their competitive divisions.
Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)
The Kansas City Chiefs‘ pursuit of a three-peat has gotten off to a shaky start, despite their undefeated record. The Super Bowl favorites have squeaked out each of their first three games by just one score. They head to Los Angeles to face a scrappy Jim Harbaugh-led squad.
The Chargers lost their first game last week, but the story may have been different if QB Justin Herbert didn’t leave the game with a reaggravated ankle injury. He is determined to play in this one and the Chargers will likely need him for a chance against Patrick Mahomes and company. Regardless, these Chargers are no easy out and will play the Chiefs tough no matter who is under center on Sunday.
Buffalo Bills (3-0) at Baltimore Ravens (1-2)
The Bills are the hottest team in the NFL right now and QB Josh Allen is the early 2024 MVP. They have the highest-scoring offense, backed up by allowing the 7th fewest points in the league on defense. The Ravens look to keep the momentum going in what could be a preview of an ice-cold playoff matchup in Baltimore or Buffalo come January.
Seattle Seahawks (3-0) at Detroit Lions (2-1)
Seattle is off to a surprising 3-0 start under new Head Coach Mike MacDonald. Naysayers discredit their success because of their opponents’ combined record of 3-6, but wins are wins, no matter who you play. The Seahawks already hold a 2-game lead on the rest of the NFC West where the standings appear to be upside-down.
They head to Detroit in week 4 to face their first true test. Despite an early loss on their record, the Lions are one of the most talented teams in the NFL and a legit Super Bowl contender. A Seahawks victory on Sunday would signify to the rest of the league that they are a legit playoff threat.
Enjoy the Potential Preview
It’s odd for so many games to have a truly meaningful feel so early in the season. I can’t help to think that we’ll be seeing at least a few of these matchups again come January. Let’s sit back and enjoy watching what could be our preview of the 2024 NFL playoffs.
[…] 4 brings a lot of intriguing matchups that will make for yet another exciting Sunday. As I wrote about for Blitz Sports Media, several matchups feature teams we could see facing one another again come playoff […]