Live coverage of Week 4’s Vikings vs Steelers game.
As we enter the fourth week of an 18-week NFL regular season, the intensity has already heightened.
Unexpectedly, some contenders find themselves struggling early, leading to coaches feeling the heat. Several teams are relying on backups due to injuries. Those with promising starts are feeling the urgency to maintain their leads. The excitement is relentless.
This week’s action began on Thursday night with an NFC West matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals. The NFL’s first game in Ireland follows, featuring the Minnesota Vikings against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Dublin on Sunday morning. Back in the U.S., 11 additional games will take place, culminating in a match-up between the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys on national television. Monday night promises a double feature with the New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos.
1. Elite Teams Under Pressure
Any matchup between the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs is essential viewing. However, with both AFC heavyweights starting slowly, the stakes are even higher. After an 0-2 start, the Chiefs finally secured their first win against the struggling New York Giants, while the Ravens have wasted opportunities, notably against the Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions. With both teams sitting at 1-2, their playoff hopes are dimming; historically, only 24.9% of teams starting 1-2 have made the playoffs. A win this Sunday is critical for both squads to turn things around.
2. Jaxson Dart Takes the Field
The Giants are among six winless teams and 0-3 under coach Brian Daboll, leading to a change at quarterback as Russell Wilson has been benched. This Sunday, Daboll will give the nod to first-round draft pick Jaxson Dart, showcasing his powerful arm and athleticism reminiscent of Josh Allen. After impressive preseason stats, Dart now faces a tough test against the undefeated Los Angeles Chargers, whose defense has been outstanding. Will Dart be able to revitalize the struggling Giants offense?
3. Unbeaten Showdown
The Philadelphia Eagles, the defending Super Bowl champions, will face off against the undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. This rematch harkens back to their wild-card encounter last year that saw the Buccaneers triumph. Despite some solid wins, the Eagles have shown weaknesses, especially in their run defense. On the other hand, the Buccaneers have managed to secure wins in tight situations but will be missing veteran wide receiver Mike Evans. Can they maintain their winning streak against an unpredictable Eagles team?
4. A Desperate Need for Victory
This Sunday, the struggling New York Jets will clash with the also-winless Miami Dolphins. Both teams are eyeing their first victory of the season. The Jets have shown promise but still lack consistency, while the Miami team, under pressure to perform, has looked lackluster so far. With quarterback Justin Fields returning from injury, the Jets hope to seize this opportunity against a Dolphins defense that has struggled significantly. Will it be the Jets or Dolphins who finally break their losing streak?
5. Micah Parsons Returns
The Dallas Cowboys are looking to bounce back from a heavy loss to the Chicago Bears as they prepare to face the Green Bay Packers, who themselves are aiming for a return to form. The absence of key players, particularly star receiver CeeDee Lamb, could put more pressure on quarterback Dak Prescott. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons, who was traded to Green Bay, will be a pivotal force against his former team. With the Packers’ strong defense, will the Cowboys be able to regroup, or will Parsons help set the tone for a Packers team looking to prove doubters wrong?
(Top photo of Lamar Jackson and George Karlaftis: David Eulitt / Getty Images)
