Week 4 matchups featuring the premier NFL teams are receiving most of the attention, but a few underrated games are also on the schedule.
Although televisions will mostly be turned to the AFC East tilt in London between the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins as well as games quarterbacked by Aaron Rodgers and Peyton Manning, don’t sleep on three games in particular.
Houston Texans at Atlanta Falcons
When the 2015 season concludes, NFL fans might look back at the year and wonder how the Falcons had such an easy schedule. Between a productive new offensive style and some good fortune, Atlanta has jumped out to a 3-0 record. In fact, the Falcons have a seriously legitimate chance to start 9-0 and eventually challenge for the top NFC playoff spot.
But that potential success all starts with toppling a strong Houston Texans defense. J.J. Watt is the reigning Defensive Player of the Year for a reason, and 2014 No. 1 overall pick Jadeveon Clowney is showing signs of why he was so highly touted.
Plus, the Atlanta offensive line isn’t exactly a model of greatness. If the Texans can pressure Matt Ryan into a couple turnovers and stand tall on third down, Houston might have a chance to squeeze out a low-scoring victory.
When and where to watch: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS
Kansas City Chiefs at Cincinnati Bengals
Perhaps because of consecutive losses, the Kansas City Chiefs aren’t receiving the respect they deserve. However, Kansas City dropped those games to the Denver Broncos and Green Bay Packers, two of the best teams in the NFL.
The Chiefs haven’t suddenly lost their way. Jamaal Charles is an excellent running back, the defensive line is full of great players and starting cornerback Sean Smith returns from a three-game suspension. But that doesn’t mean the road is about to get easier.
Fresh off a comeback victory over the Baltimore Ravens during which A.J. Green racked up 227 yards and two touchdowns, the Cincinnati Bengals return to Paul Brown Stadium boasting a 3-0 record for the second straight season. Andy Dalton is playing better than he ever has, but Kansas City will provide the first of three consecutive tests for the Red Rifle.
When and where to watch: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET on CBS
St. Louis Rams at Arizona Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals are arguably the best team heading into NFL Week 4, but the pesky St. Louis Rams await the NFL’s No. 5 offense and defense. However, since St. Louis is typically pretty brutal on the road, Jeff Fisher’s team isn’t being given much of a chance.
But which Rams squad shows up? After beating the Seattle Seahawks, St. Louis lost to the Washington football team and couldn’t do anything against a mediocre Pittsburgh Steelers defense. So, it would only continue the trend of inconsistent results if the Rams show up against Arizona.
Since St. Louis has an elite pass-rushing duo in Robert Quinn and Aaron Donald as well as a respectable secondary that’s only allowed two passing touchdowns in 2015, the Rams might give Carson Palmer, Larry Fitzgerald and the shaky Cardinals offensive line a harder test than many expect.
When and where to watch: Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX