With Week 4 underway, it is time to check out the awesome NFL matchups and potential upsets that are on tap.
Is it possible the high-flying Atlanta Falcons will win their third consecutive game after an opening-week loss?
Meanwhile, a J.J. Watt-less Houston Texans could be challenged to score for the second week in a row. At the same time, one of the best quarterbacks in the league will be fighting for his first win in a city he used to call home.
It is going to be a rocky road for these five NFL teams that have officially been placed on upset alert.
New York Jets over Seattle Seahawks
The Jets pulling off a win against Seattle might seem ridiculous. This is taking into account quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick’s six-interception performance last Sunday.
But when quarterback Russell Wilson is is not at 100 percent, the Seahawks are at a disadvantage. Wilson is dealing with an MCL sprain.
Injured or not, Wilson’s numbers through three games are not fabulous. He has been sacked seven times, thrown an interception and has two fumbles. Unfortunately, he has scored only twice during this three-game span.
It’s no secret that Seattle’s offensive line is a joke. Looking to exploit it will be one of the top pass-rushing defensive lines in the NFL. That will definitely be key for New York.
Offensively, the Jets are too talented to let another three-point game slip by. It actually ranks 10th-best in the league.
Seattle’s defense is still elite, but it was asked to do way too much the last time the team played on the road. The result was a 9-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 2. Seattle scored only one field goal that day.
The Jets will right the terrible wrongs from last week and come out ahead in this brutal fight.
Kansas City Chiefs over Pittsburgh Steelers
The Chiefs’ defense was a living nightmare last week. Just check in with the aforementioned Fitzpatrick who was picked off six times.
Now, Kansas City will face Ben Roethlisberger and the gang. Roethlisberger had a terrible time in a 34-3 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles last week. He completed only 54.5 percent of his passes, failed to score, threw an interception, took four sacks and fumbled twice.
Overall, the offense was a mess.
Fortunately, the Steelers play at home in Week 4. But after watching the Chiefs’ defense dismantle New York’s offense, Steelers fans should temper expectations.
Meanwhile, Alex Smith and his offense looked stellar. They are bound to be a handful for a Pittsburgh defense that was steamrolled by rookie Carson Wentz and Co. last week.
We are calling for another win for Kansas City, this time at the expense of Steeler nation.
Tennessee Titans over Houston Texans
Week 4 should see the Titans win their second game of the year.
The Houston Texans were a disaster last week, finding a way to get embarrassed by the New England Patriots and third-string quarterback Jacoby Brissett by the score of 27-0.
All quarterback Brock Osweiler did last week was throw into double coverage. It was really bad.
Meanwhile, Brissett and running back LeGarrette Blount recorded 153 rushing yards and three scores.
Just wait until Houston’s defense faces DeMarco Murray and the gang. The Titans’ offense is averaging 128 rushing yards per game. And their defense has only allowed two passing scores.
Making matters even more difficult here, star pass rusher J.J. Watt was placed on injured reserve after re-injuring his back last week.
Tennessee is in the prime spot to take advantage of all Houston’s shortcomings. Meanwhile, the Texans could be challenged once again to even put points up on the board.
Atlanta Falcons over Carolina Panthers
The Panthers (1-2) currently have a worst record than the division-rival Falcons.
Atlanta is coming off of a sweet road win against New Orleans in which it put up 45 points. Meanwhile, the Panthers had their butts handed to them on a platter by the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.
The Falcons have the No. 1 ranked offense. Plus, Atlanta’s running back duo of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman are just too darn good to ignore. This is after they dropped 217 rushing yards and three touchdowns against the Saints.
Granted, Carolina’s defense is better. But it has allowed six touchdowns in three games. Matt Ryan will be the most-talented quarterback the Panthers have faced this season.
Limiting Cam Newton will be key for the Falcons. This game should see plenty of points on both sides, but look for the Falcons to come out on top when all is said and done.
New Orleans Saints over San Diego Chargers
This is going to be a epic game. The last time quarterback Drew Brees played at Qualcomm Stadium was when he started for the Chargers in 2004.
This week, Brees and his winless Saints will upset his former team on San Diego’s turf. The Saints have won their last two games against Philip Rivers and his squad. Brees will be fired up more than ever to pull off a victory at his old stomping grounds. Plus, the Saints will be ever-so determined just to record their first win.
The Saints have the third-best offense in the league, while San Diego’s offense ranks in the bottom half. And, both team’s defenses have seen better days.
This should open the door wide for Brees and Co. to go wild. San Diego won’t lie down, but will be challenged to keep up the pace.