Conference Showdowns Dominate the Five Hottest Games of Week 4

The Dallas Cowboys were desperate for a win and achieved their goal on Thursday Night Football. Dallas entered the game facing the backlash of the football world after their run defense allowed 464 yards and seven touchdowns in the past two games. The pressure was on America’s Team to deliver or face the dreaded 1-3 record. Defensive Coordinator Mike Zimmer, Star Pass Rusher Micah Parsons, and the entire unit responded by holding the New York Giants to 24 carries, 26 yards, and five field goals. Dak Prescott played well by completing 22 of 27 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns. Prescott managed the game, and despite the Giants’ coming close, their inability to score touchdowns inhibited their chances of winning. It means Dak is now 13-2 against Big Blue, and Giants fans will feel aggrieved that he signed an extension. With the first game of week 4 out of the way, let’s look ahead by previewing and predicting the conference showdowns.

1. Minnesota Vikings (3-0) at Green Bay Packers (2-1)-Sunday, 1 p.m. ET CBS

This matchup is intriguing because both teams are flying high atop the NFC North Division. The Packers appeared in trouble after losing the opening game to the Philadelphia Eagles and star Quarterback Jordan Love to an injury. Instead, the Packers have won back-to-back games against the Colts and Titans behind backup quarterback Malik Willis. Many reports indicate that Love will return for this matchup which improves their chance of winning. For the Vikings, Aaron Jones will make his return to Lambeau Field. In the off-season, the Packers shockingly released Jones after signing Josh Jacobs from the Raiders. Jones has been one of the main contributors to the Vikings’ success early into this season, and he will be relishing the chance to shine against his former team. I think the Vikings’ defense is better, and the offense has several targets that Sam Darnold will exploit in a close win.

Vikings 22-Packers 20

2. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)-Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox

This game is a rematch of the NFC Wild Card matchup that the Buccaneers won by a lop-sided 32-9 margin. The Buccaneers started the season with back-to-back wins including their revenge game against the Detroit Lions. However, they struggled last week against the Denver Broncos, and their biggest issue will be on the defensive side of the football. The Eagles will look forward to exploiting this weakness, and they showed some toughness in New Orleans by winning a low-scoring game in New Orleans last week. Saquon Barkley will be the difference in this game because he has averaged 5.6 yards per carry. Saquon leads the league with 351 yards and four touchdowns, while he is second with 63 carries. I think the Eagles get their revenge and win this game.

Eagles 27-Bucs 21

3. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) at Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)-Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET CBS

This will be our first opportunity to see Jim Harbaugh against Andy Reid in a coaching battle as divisional rivals. The Chargers struggled last in Pittsburgh week after winning their first two games. After rushing the ball for 395 yards in back-to-back wins, the Steelers held the rush attack to only 61 yards. The loss was compounded by an injury to quarterback Justin Herbert, who had to leave the game with an ankle injury. Herbert is listed as questionable, and they would have loved him to be fully healthy to face the Chiefs. The two-time defending champs have won their first three games against top-quality opponents. Last week, the offense was a bit sluggish scoring two touchdowns and three drives stalling that led to field goals. I think these two defenses will make this game another low-scoring slugfest, but I favor the Chiefs, who know how to win these games late in the fourth quarter.
Chiefs 23-Chargers 19

4. Buffalo Bills (3-0) at Baltimore Ravens (1-2)-Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET NBC

I think this game is an early season barometer for two of the top teams in the AFC. Buffalo has produced the best performances this season in dismantling the Dolphins and Jaguars in back-to-back wins. Josh Allen is the early season front-runner for MVP by completing 75% of his passes for 634 yards, seven touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. The key to his success is the dramatic reduction in turnovers which he has been prone to commit especially in the red zone in previous seasons. On the other hand, there are questions about whether the Ravens are true contenders after stumbling out of the gate to back-to-back losses. However, the team responded last week by dominating the Dallas Cowboys. The Ravens finally saw the quality of Derrick Henry, who rushed for 151 yards, and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Also, Lamar Jackson made life difficult with 87 yards on 14 carries, which is a nightmare for any defense in stopping a dynamic running back and quarterback duo. I think the Ravens found the formula for success, and I feel they will eke out this win as the more desperate team.

Ravens 30-Bills 27

5. Seattle Seahawks (3-0) at Detroit Lions (2-1)-Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET ABC

The Seahawks are one of the surprise unbeaten teams in the league. However, the schedule has been kind after facing the Dolphins, Patriots, and Broncos. It will be a bigger challenge to face the Lions on the road on Sunday Night Football. The key to start is a solid defense led by their new Head Coach Mike McDonald. On the other hand, the Lions bounced back last week against the Arizona Cardinals, who are a dangerous offensive team. Also, it feels like the Lions are always involved in one-score games, and like the Chiefs, they almost always know how to get over the line. I think the home team will win this game in another tight contest.

Lions 24-Seahawks 21

Last Week Record:2-3
Overall Record: 7-8