NFL Week 4 Preview and Predictions: By Kyle Balfour
October is nearly here. Darker nights, colder temperatures, and wind, wind, WIND! So let us brave these changing weather conditions as we head into Week 4!
Ah, finally! The glorious return of the Bye Week Shout-outs. Shout-outs go to the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Redskins!
Panthers: you're off to a decent start - regroup and reclaim and you'll be fine. Also, a mighty fine congratulations on signing Eric Reid, the first player to join Colin Kaepernick in his anthem protests. He's a 26 year old safety from LSU, he will help you win games.
As for the Redskins - offt, life and death these days, ain't it? Sure, you're 2-1 (I'll go ahead and discount that Cardinals "victory"), and the Packers receiving core replaced their hands with stone, but hey, you too are off to a decent start. Whether or not Adrian Peterson continues to produce, and whether or not Alex Smith is a liability remains to be seen.
Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings
Well since this game already happened and I already provided a small preview on the main page, I'll just go ahead and give a short review of it - the game was great. Tightly contested, good offence, good defence, strong scores. Overall, a great game.
Only downside I can recall was Vikings WR Adam Thielen being denied what was bound to be a surefire touchdown. Sure, Thielen was down, but on closer inspection, Rams CB Marcus Peters never touched him. Usually when a player is down, the play is dead, that is true, but that is normally at the result of the opponents defence bringing him down. There are numerous occasions where plays continue because the defence never touched the offensive player, usually from clusterfuck scenarios like kick/punt returns. This may have swung the momentum, as this happened in the 2nd quarter, which was already high flying enough with points by both teams. Again, who knows what could have been. All I know is the Vikings were denied a certain touchdown, and the Rams win 38-31.
Winner: Called it!
Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans
Ahh, a classic...rivalry(?) between 2 teams of the notorious AFC South looking to break the mould and get back to where they once belonged. The Texans are off to a very rough start this season. The defence seems to be literally J.J. Watt and DeShaun Watson looks deep into a slump - not a good combination to be dealing with (least they're not injured...)
As for the Colts, baby steps. Came up short against the Bengals, denied the Redskins, and so god damn close over the "Defending Super Bowl Champion" Philadelphia Eagles (god, I can't wait to retire that title next season...), so there is progress. Unfortunately, a plague has hit Indianapolis it seems as nearly every player worth a damn is battling some form of ailment. Watch those injury reports! Despite that, I still rate the Colts higher. Offensive line holds up, Andrew Luck will do his thing!
Winner: Colts
Green Bay Packers vs Buffalo Bills
So...yeah, the Bills won a game last week. Not only that, won it convincingly.
So after toasting the Vikings last week, the Bills continue their rampage into the NFC North as they face the Packers. Finally, the Bills official twitter update as to where the team is heading next from last week is now correct...
With what I can't even call a miracle game due to how staggering the victory was, the Bills are...I don't fucking know. Was it a fluke? Did everyone forget that preseason is over? Was Vontae Davis the problem? Nathan Peterman being the starter?! I'd believe that one!
Jury's still out, but they face a tough opponent in the Packers, with a mighty carved chip on their shoulder looking to prove they are contenders for the post-season, and to show their rival in Minnesota how it's done.
Honestly, who knows how this game can go. Like I said, the Bills won strongly over the Vikings - a team with an elite defence and re-energised offence. Did they take them lightly? Maybe...and maybe the Bills can do it. I just can't see it.
Winner: Packers
Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ahh, now this is a game! Two underdog teams looking to escape the basement of the league and are at the very least showing signs of progress.
The Bears are finally starting to gel with Mitchell Trubisky under centre. The offence is now capable, but the real treat is Khalil Mack. Outperforming the Oakland (last year of that shit) Raiders entire defence by himself *shudders* and couple that with the rest of the Bears crew, you have the one of the true underdog stories (not one of those pretentious wishy-washy underdogs like the Eagles last season..."Oh no! Our lord and saviour of a QB tore his ACL mere weeks before the playoffs that we guaranteed to head into! Everyone will think we're terrible now! We're the underdogs now!" Really? That elite defence, one of the best tight ends in the league, potent running game, and capable ragtag team of misfits for wide receivers, but no, you cry foul because your face of the franchise is injured? To be replaced by a VETERAN of the league in Nick Foles. He's not Jeff Hosteler. Shut up!)
Anyway, let's look at the Bucs, who despite losing just barely against the Steelers, still look pretty good. Now the big question for them coming into this game is this: Who's starting? 'Famous' Jameis Winston is back and cleared from his league suspension, and despite Ryan Fitzpatrick faltering last week, was still a powerhouse in the first 2 weeks. Who do you chose? (tag your mates!)
It's a tough decision, to be honest. Winston is still young at 24 years old, and now that we have seen that the Bucs offence is very potent and very capable, especially Mike Evans, it'll come down to the wire. Either they start Winston to see what he's got, and take it from there; or they start Fitzpatrick, he performs well once again, and look to ship Winston to another team. They still have Ryan Griffin as 3rd string, so they do have options here.
It's definitely a game to watch, for whether the dice rolls favourable for Fitzpatrick, or whether Trubisky and that potent defence can deliver. It's as tough as Khalil Mack to call, but I'm gonna go...
Winner: Bears
New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins
A classic AFC East rivalry, and one that usually doesn't bode well for the Patriots (when they're playing in Miami, at least...)
So the Patriots aren't off to a hot start, 1-2 to start the season, marred by an old and frail looking defence. The offence is still there for the most part, but they need more (a better running game speaks to mind), but this is the Patriots, and you can never write them out. They make conservative plays look like magic.
As for the Dolphins: lookin' pretty shit hot so far. 3-0 when everyone expected them to roll over and die. This is the true rat tag A-team of the league.
Despite this, I feel the Patriots are still the Patriots, and their home record is stellar. You can never count them out (unfortunately).
Winner: Patriots
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions
oh boy, what have we got here. underachiever vs underachiever.
The Cowboys are off to a rough start, brought on mostly by Dak Prescott receding yet again. They still have Ezekiel Elliot, but you can't just rely on a running back to save your squad. Other teams know his capabilities and are certainly primed to counter him.
As for the Lions, well you won convincingly over the Patriots, but it's still a murky season so far. Keep it up, you might just make something out of this, just like Matt Stafford on a weekly basis.
Winner: Lions
Atlanta Falcons vs Cincinnati Bengals
A true test for each team. Both have been off to a good start, but have also shown weaknesses. It'll be a fun game to catch. Not much else on this, it's a wait and see approach for this one.
Winner: Falcons
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New York Jets
Winner: Jaguars ... wait, you want more? *sigh*
Despite an embarrassing defeat to the Titans last week in what I'll go ahead and call one of the worst games I've ever seen, the Jaguars still reek of potential. As for the Jets...who knows, really. It's still early days and they are still testing the waters on Sam Darnold. It's a tough match-up with that revered Jags defence, but this is one to sit on till the review.
Tennessee Titans vs Philadelphia Eagles
The plague continues to spread in Tennessee as most of their key players battle injuries. They face a tough opponent in the Eagles. In their current predicament, the Titans have sadly gone from the underdog story of last season to this seasons tragedy.
Winner: Eagles
Oakland Raiders vs Cleveland Browns
So the 0-3 Raiders host the Browns, who have only just rediscovered that previous currency known as a 'win'. Baker Mayfield will get his time to shine as he will start for the Browns this week (chalk up another name upon that glorious jersey known as the list of starting quarterbacks for the Browns since their new inception in 1999). The Browns look energised and ready to grab a couple more wins. They are hungry, and they have the youth and the talent to make things happen.
As for the Raiders, this is literally the Richter Scale as to "how bad is your season going?" If you lose, then I would reach for the panic buttons. Despite what I said previously, as it currently stands, it's still the Cleveland Browns, and they have yet to win more than they have over the last 2 entire seasons! Slay the beast before it can truly awaken.
Winner: Browns (means free beer for Cleveland!)
Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks
So, next up we have the...oh god...OH GOD!
*cringe* scenes of that horrific display between these 2 teams in 2016 still haunt me to this day. Here's the scene: it's Week 7 of the 2016/2017 season, Cardinals host the Seahawks, and the Atlanta Falcons will go on to blow a 25 point lead in the Superbowl (can't forget that gem). This was definitely one of the worst games not only I have ever seen, but the entire league has ever seen. This game is legendary in how bad it was. Complete and utter offensively futility by the Cardinals, who despite racking up the yards, could never capitalise in the red zone. As for the Seahawks, carried by what was left of their legendary defence, and complete sterility on offence. It culminated in a 3-3 finish, forcing overtime, where both teams settled for first time field goals (under these OT rules, one team has the chance to counter the other teams field goal attempt with their own), both kickers went on to miss their second attempts, and it ended in a 6-6 tie for the fucking ages.
Now these teams are even worse! The Cardinals are fragile trash, and the Seahawks lack both offensive and defensive lines. This game will literally be David Johnson running for the Cards vs Russell Wilson scrambling yards as his pocket collapses around him.
Prepare yourself for some god awful football!
Winner: Seahawks
New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints
Always a fantastic game to watch between these 2 teams. Whether it's the gun-slinging showdown between Drew Brees and Eli Manning trying to one up each other in the 52-49 epic in 2015, historically speaking these games are usually high scoring antics, ignoring the more stalemated suit from 2016. I'm expecting a great game, especially with the Saints defence receding back to their old ways, and the Giants finally getting on the right foot. Long as the offensive line holds up, the Giants should clinch this one.
Winner: Giants
Los Angeles Chargers vs San Francisco 49ers
So a team without a true home vs a team without a saviour. Both rebels without a cause. This game could honestly go anywhere given the circumstances. I do expect the game to turn into a Niners home game though, with the expected turnouts of Chargers games...
Winner: Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens
What more could go wrong for the Steelers? Your beloved running back probably isn't coming back, your star wide receiver is a moody little bitch, and your quarterback in now the summary of hot n' cold. Now you face an entire team of that description: the crash prone, vintage car known as the Baltimore Ravens.
Honestly, with everything that has happened to the Steelers both on and off the field in only the last fucking week, you better pray to the gods that you can win this, otherwise the fallout will only be the beginning. However, in the interest of shitposting and enjoying your demise, I shall enable my bold pick of the week and select the Ravens!
Winner: Ravens
Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs
Finally, we cap off with Monday Night football as the Broncos host the searing hot Chiefs. The Chiefs are surefire contenders for the post-season, provided they can keep this trend up. Pat Mahomes is the man Kansas City needs, and with his merry band of potent offensive players, they face a tough opponent in the Broncos defence. Provided the Broncos are not overpowered, they should either hold this game in deadlock, allowing Case Keenum to make a name for himself up in Denver. Personally, I'm not sure a lot of things can stop the Chiefs, so...
Winner: Chiefs
There we have it, another week in the bag. So enjoy your Sunday night shenanigans and let's hope we will finally figure out what the fuck a tackle is!
Ah, finally! The glorious return of the Bye Week Shout-outs. Shout-outs go to the Carolina Panthers and the Washington Redskins!
Panthers: you're off to a decent start - regroup and reclaim and you'll be fine. Also, a mighty fine congratulations on signing Eric Reid, the first player to join Colin Kaepernick in his anthem protests. He's a 26 year old safety from LSU, he will help you win games.
As for the Redskins - offt, life and death these days, ain't it? Sure, you're 2-1 (I'll go ahead and discount that Cardinals "victory"), and the Packers receiving core replaced their hands with stone, but hey, you too are off to a decent start. Whether or not Adrian Peterson continues to produce, and whether or not Alex Smith is a liability remains to be seen.
Los Angeles Rams vs Minnesota Vikings
Well since this game already happened and I already provided a small preview on the main page, I'll just go ahead and give a short review of it - the game was great. Tightly contested, good offence, good defence, strong scores. Overall, a great game.
Only downside I can recall was Vikings WR Adam Thielen being denied what was bound to be a surefire touchdown. Sure, Thielen was down, but on closer inspection, Rams CB Marcus Peters never touched him. Usually when a player is down, the play is dead, that is true, but that is normally at the result of the opponents defence bringing him down. There are numerous occasions where plays continue because the defence never touched the offensive player, usually from clusterfuck scenarios like kick/punt returns. This may have swung the momentum, as this happened in the 2nd quarter, which was already high flying enough with points by both teams. Again, who knows what could have been. All I know is the Vikings were denied a certain touchdown, and the Rams win 38-31.
Winner: Called it!
Indianapolis Colts vs Houston Texans
Ahh, a classic...rivalry(?) between 2 teams of the notorious AFC South looking to break the mould and get back to where they once belonged. The Texans are off to a very rough start this season. The defence seems to be literally J.J. Watt and DeShaun Watson looks deep into a slump - not a good combination to be dealing with (least they're not injured...)
As for the Colts, baby steps. Came up short against the Bengals, denied the Redskins, and so god damn close over the "Defending Super Bowl Champion" Philadelphia Eagles (god, I can't wait to retire that title next season...), so there is progress. Unfortunately, a plague has hit Indianapolis it seems as nearly every player worth a damn is battling some form of ailment. Watch those injury reports! Despite that, I still rate the Colts higher. Offensive line holds up, Andrew Luck will do his thing!
Winner: Colts
Green Bay Packers vs Buffalo Bills
So...yeah, the Bills won a game last week. Not only that, won it convincingly.
So after toasting the Vikings last week, the Bills continue their rampage into the NFC North as they face the Packers. Finally, the Bills official twitter update as to where the team is heading next from last week is now correct...
With what I can't even call a miracle game due to how staggering the victory was, the Bills are...I don't fucking know. Was it a fluke? Did everyone forget that preseason is over? Was Vontae Davis the problem? Nathan Peterman being the starter?! I'd believe that one!
Jury's still out, but they face a tough opponent in the Packers, with a mighty carved chip on their shoulder looking to prove they are contenders for the post-season, and to show their rival in Minnesota how it's done.
Honestly, who knows how this game can go. Like I said, the Bills won strongly over the Vikings - a team with an elite defence and re-energised offence. Did they take them lightly? Maybe...and maybe the Bills can do it. I just can't see it.
Winner: Packers
Chicago Bears vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ahh, now this is a game! Two underdog teams looking to escape the basement of the league and are at the very least showing signs of progress.
The Bears are finally starting to gel with Mitchell Trubisky under centre. The offence is now capable, but the real treat is Khalil Mack. Outperforming the Oakland (last year of that shit) Raiders entire defence by himself *shudders* and couple that with the rest of the Bears crew, you have the one of the true underdog stories (not one of those pretentious wishy-washy underdogs like the Eagles last season..."Oh no! Our lord and saviour of a QB tore his ACL mere weeks before the playoffs that we guaranteed to head into! Everyone will think we're terrible now! We're the underdogs now!" Really? That elite defence, one of the best tight ends in the league, potent running game, and capable ragtag team of misfits for wide receivers, but no, you cry foul because your face of the franchise is injured? To be replaced by a VETERAN of the league in Nick Foles. He's not Jeff Hosteler. Shut up!)
Anyway, let's look at the Bucs, who despite losing just barely against the Steelers, still look pretty good. Now the big question for them coming into this game is this: Who's starting? 'Famous' Jameis Winston is back and cleared from his league suspension, and despite Ryan Fitzpatrick faltering last week, was still a powerhouse in the first 2 weeks. Who do you chose? (tag your mates!)
It's a tough decision, to be honest. Winston is still young at 24 years old, and now that we have seen that the Bucs offence is very potent and very capable, especially Mike Evans, it'll come down to the wire. Either they start Winston to see what he's got, and take it from there; or they start Fitzpatrick, he performs well once again, and look to ship Winston to another team. They still have Ryan Griffin as 3rd string, so they do have options here.
It's definitely a game to watch, for whether the dice rolls favourable for Fitzpatrick, or whether Trubisky and that potent defence can deliver. It's as tough as Khalil Mack to call, but I'm gonna go...
Winner: Bears
New England Patriots vs Miami Dolphins
A classic AFC East rivalry, and one that usually doesn't bode well for the Patriots (when they're playing in Miami, at least...)
So the Patriots aren't off to a hot start, 1-2 to start the season, marred by an old and frail looking defence. The offence is still there for the most part, but they need more (a better running game speaks to mind), but this is the Patriots, and you can never write them out. They make conservative plays look like magic.
As for the Dolphins: lookin' pretty shit hot so far. 3-0 when everyone expected them to roll over and die. This is the true rat tag A-team of the league.
Despite this, I feel the Patriots are still the Patriots, and their home record is stellar. You can never count them out (unfortunately).
Winner: Patriots
Dallas Cowboys vs Detroit Lions
oh boy, what have we got here. underachiever vs underachiever.
The Cowboys are off to a rough start, brought on mostly by Dak Prescott receding yet again. They still have Ezekiel Elliot, but you can't just rely on a running back to save your squad. Other teams know his capabilities and are certainly primed to counter him.
As for the Lions, well you won convincingly over the Patriots, but it's still a murky season so far. Keep it up, you might just make something out of this, just like Matt Stafford on a weekly basis.
Winner: Lions
Atlanta Falcons vs Cincinnati Bengals
A true test for each team. Both have been off to a good start, but have also shown weaknesses. It'll be a fun game to catch. Not much else on this, it's a wait and see approach for this one.
Winner: Falcons
Jacksonville Jaguars vs New York Jets
Winner: Jaguars ... wait, you want more? *sigh*
Despite an embarrassing defeat to the Titans last week in what I'll go ahead and call one of the worst games I've ever seen, the Jaguars still reek of potential. As for the Jets...who knows, really. It's still early days and they are still testing the waters on Sam Darnold. It's a tough match-up with that revered Jags defence, but this is one to sit on till the review.
Tennessee Titans vs Philadelphia Eagles
The plague continues to spread in Tennessee as most of their key players battle injuries. They face a tough opponent in the Eagles. In their current predicament, the Titans have sadly gone from the underdog story of last season to this seasons tragedy.
Winner: Eagles
Oakland Raiders vs Cleveland Browns
So the 0-3 Raiders host the Browns, who have only just rediscovered that previous currency known as a 'win'. Baker Mayfield will get his time to shine as he will start for the Browns this week (chalk up another name upon that glorious jersey known as the list of starting quarterbacks for the Browns since their new inception in 1999). The Browns look energised and ready to grab a couple more wins. They are hungry, and they have the youth and the talent to make things happen.
As for the Raiders, this is literally the Richter Scale as to "how bad is your season going?" If you lose, then I would reach for the panic buttons. Despite what I said previously, as it currently stands, it's still the Cleveland Browns, and they have yet to win more than they have over the last 2 entire seasons! Slay the beast before it can truly awaken.
Winner: Browns (means free beer for Cleveland!)
Arizona Cardinals vs Seattle Seahawks
So, next up we have the...oh god...OH GOD!
*cringe* scenes of that horrific display between these 2 teams in 2016 still haunt me to this day. Here's the scene: it's Week 7 of the 2016/2017 season, Cardinals host the Seahawks, and the Atlanta Falcons will go on to blow a 25 point lead in the Superbowl (can't forget that gem). This was definitely one of the worst games not only I have ever seen, but the entire league has ever seen. This game is legendary in how bad it was. Complete and utter offensively futility by the Cardinals, who despite racking up the yards, could never capitalise in the red zone. As for the Seahawks, carried by what was left of their legendary defence, and complete sterility on offence. It culminated in a 3-3 finish, forcing overtime, where both teams settled for first time field goals (under these OT rules, one team has the chance to counter the other teams field goal attempt with their own), both kickers went on to miss their second attempts, and it ended in a 6-6 tie for the fucking ages.
Now these teams are even worse! The Cardinals are fragile trash, and the Seahawks lack both offensive and defensive lines. This game will literally be David Johnson running for the Cards vs Russell Wilson scrambling yards as his pocket collapses around him.
Prepare yourself for some god awful football!
Winner: Seahawks
New York Giants vs New Orleans Saints
Always a fantastic game to watch between these 2 teams. Whether it's the gun-slinging showdown between Drew Brees and Eli Manning trying to one up each other in the 52-49 epic in 2015, historically speaking these games are usually high scoring antics, ignoring the more stalemated suit from 2016. I'm expecting a great game, especially with the Saints defence receding back to their old ways, and the Giants finally getting on the right foot. Long as the offensive line holds up, the Giants should clinch this one.
Winner: Giants
Los Angeles Chargers vs San Francisco 49ers
So a team without a true home vs a team without a saviour. Both rebels without a cause. This game could honestly go anywhere given the circumstances. I do expect the game to turn into a Niners home game though, with the expected turnouts of Chargers games...
Winner: Chargers
Pittsburgh Steelers vs Baltimore Ravens
What more could go wrong for the Steelers? Your beloved running back probably isn't coming back, your star wide receiver is a moody little bitch, and your quarterback in now the summary of hot n' cold. Now you face an entire team of that description: the crash prone, vintage car known as the Baltimore Ravens.
Honestly, with everything that has happened to the Steelers both on and off the field in only the last fucking week, you better pray to the gods that you can win this, otherwise the fallout will only be the beginning. However, in the interest of shitposting and enjoying your demise, I shall enable my bold pick of the week and select the Ravens!
Winner: Ravens
Denver Broncos vs Kansas City Chiefs
Finally, we cap off with Monday Night football as the Broncos host the searing hot Chiefs. The Chiefs are surefire contenders for the post-season, provided they can keep this trend up. Pat Mahomes is the man Kansas City needs, and with his merry band of potent offensive players, they face a tough opponent in the Broncos defence. Provided the Broncos are not overpowered, they should either hold this game in deadlock, allowing Case Keenum to make a name for himself up in Denver. Personally, I'm not sure a lot of things can stop the Chiefs, so...
Winner: Chiefs
There we have it, another week in the bag. So enjoy your Sunday night shenanigans and let's hope we will finally figure out what the fuck a tackle is!
Comments
Post a Comment