NFL Week 4: Four Games to Watch and The Pound Pick'Em
Sports Opinion by Ethan Irish and Josh Blatt
The Pound Pick'Em Standings
Ethan: 20-21
Josh: 20-21
Ethan's Game to Watch #1:
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Philadelphia Eagles
This game stands out to me on the slate because both of these teams are pretty surprising this year thus far. The Jaguars, obviously the more surprising team, are coming in at 2-1 to take on the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles. What will be interesting is how this Jacksonville defense handles this very high powered, big play capable, Eagles team. It will be by far the best offense they have seen. Yes, I know they played against the Chargers last week but clearly they were not 100% with Justin Herbert in obvious pain, Keenan Allen not playing, and many other injuries. With that said this Jags defense has been very good through 3 weeks only allowing 55 yards rushing per game.
On the other side, the Eagles are a very run heavy offense. A lot of this has to do with the fact that they have a dual threat quarterback in Jalen Hurts. Hurts has been phenomenal this season not only on the ground but through the air as well. Philadelphia is ranked #1 in both yards per pass attempt and yards per completion, as well as ranking 3rd in passing yards per game averaging 296.7. In my opinion, what this game will come down to is whether this Jacksonville defense can actually get pressure on Hurts in the pocket. They currently ranked 22nd in sack percentage while Philly ranks 20th in sack percentage allowed.
Winner: Philadelphia Eagles
Josh's Game to Watch #1:
Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens
This is the story of two outstanding, young, and explosive quarterbacks. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson are sure to put on a show. However there is another story, the weather forecast that's heading toward Baltimore. It's going to be pissing cats and dogs, with Hurricane Ian on the east coast odds are we're gonna see a downpour during this game. I believe this game will come down to who can run the ball more proficiently, and that could be a tight matchup-- especially running out of shotgun. One bad snap in a rainy game can really swing momentum, I wouldn't be surprised if these two explosive offenses look stagnant in a rainstorm.
The turnover battle will be the most important factor in this game, the Baltimore Ravens have a +5 turnover differential with three giveaways, and the Buffalo Bills have a +2 turnover differential with five giveaways. They're both atop the league in turnovers forced, as the Ravens are tied for 1st with eight, and the Bills are tied for 2nd with seven. Whoever can hold onto the ball in what's sure to be a sloppy looking game-- will claim victory in Baltimore on Sunday.
Winner: Buffalo Bills
Ethan's Game to Watch #2:
New England Patriots @ Green Bay Packers
I honestly cannot give a full reason for why I think this game is worth watching other than it just being a classic matchup between two of the better teams in recent memory. Now, I know Tom Brady is not in New England anymore but I think it is just a nostalgia. It will be interesting how the Patriots plan for this game after quarterback, Mac Jones went down with a high ankle sprain last week. Brian Hoyer will be leading the offense and I cannot imagine him beating this Packers team.
For the Packers, I wonder if Aaron Rodgers can beat former dynamic duo Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in back to back weeks. The Packers are the clear favorite in this game with reasonable evidence as to why. That said, I would not be surprised if Belichick puts together a good game plan in order to put his team in a position to win. Green Bay will need to be ready even though they are the better team. I am looking towards the rushing defense of the Packers to continue to get better during this game because Brian Hoyer is not putting up big yardage through the air against this secondary. At least that is what I think.
Winner: Green Bay Packers
Josh's Game to Watch #2:
Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If this was a week one matchup we may have a different outlook on the game. Unfortunately, Tampa Bay hasn't looked nearly as good as we've grown accustomed to. This could partially be due to the Buccaneers injury problems, the loss of Rob Gronkowski to retirement, or simply the age of Tom Brady catching up to him. The NFL is about narratives, "the shield" loves a storyline-- and quite frankly, it seems like they hate Tom Brady (thanks Goodell). The storyline that fits the bill is centered around a former Super Bowl matchup, the G.O.A.T. vs Mahomes, who could practically one day hold that moniker.
I see this game entering potential blowout territory, I'm afraid to say. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs very seldomly lose, Mahomes is 52-14 as a starter in his career, and I would feel foolish to not bank on #15. For my bettors out there, look at Clyde Edwards-Helaire as an anytime touchdown scorer. I like JuJu Smith-Schuster's yards as well-- Tampa Bay's secondary is banged up and isn't all that impressive when healthy. Looking at the weather we may be in store for some rain in this game as well, the passing attack may not be at full strength, but I still see Kansas City coming away with a DUB, 38-17.
Winner: Kansas City Chiefs
The Pound Pick'Em
Sun. London Game 9:30 EST
Minnesota Vikings @ New Orleans Saints
Ethan's Pick: Minnesota Vikings
Josh's Pick: Minnesota Vikings
Sun. 1 pm EST Games
Cleveland Browns @ Atlanta Falcons
Ethan's Pick: Cleveland Browns
Josh's Pick: Atlanta Falcons
Washington Commanders @ Dallas Cowboys
Ethan's Pick: Washington Commanders
Josh's Pick: Dallas Cowboys
Seattle Seahawks @ Detroit Lions
Ethan's Pick: Detroit Lions
Josh's Pick: Detroit Lions
Tennessee Titans @ Indianapolis Colts
Ethan's Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Josh's Pick: Indianapolis Colts
Chicago Bears @ New York Giants
Ethan's Pick: New York Giants
Josh's Pick: New York Giants
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Philadelphia Eagles
Ethan's Pick: Philadelphia Eagles
Josh's Pick: Jacksonville Jaguars
New York Jets @ Pittsburgh Steelers
Ethan's Pick: New York Jets
Josh's Pick: New York Jets
Buffalo Bills @ Baltimore Ravens:
Ethan's Pick: Baltimore Ravens
Josh's Pick: Buffalo Bills
Los Angeles Chargers @ Houston Texans
Ethan's Pick: Houston Texans
Josh's Pick: Los Angeles Chargers
Sun. 4:05/4:25 pm EST Games
Arizona Cardinals @ Carolina Panthers
Ethan's Pick: Arizona Cardinals
Josh's Pick: Arizona Cardinals
New England Patriots @ Green Bay Packers
Ethan's Pick: Green Bay Packers
Josh's Pick: Green Bay Packers
Denver Broncos @ Las Vegas Raiders
Ethan's Pick: Denver Broncos
Josh's Pick: Las Vegas Raiders
SNF: Kansas City Chiefs @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Ethan's Pick: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Josh's Pick: Kansas City Chiefs