There are just three (count 'em) teams that are undefeated, which shows that parity is rearing it's head unusually early this season.
After this weekend, there may be only one team still undefeated ... The Green Bay Packers.
On the other hand, five teams still are winless, including the Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis Colts.
The Chiefs play host to the Minnesota Vikings (also 0-3) on Sunday afternoon, while the Colts play at Tampa Bay on Monday Night Football. ESPN has to be cringing knowing the Colts, without Peyton Manning, will be the marquee game this week.
There are some big matchups in Week Four, with perhaps none bigger than the New England Patriots playing on the road against the resurgent Oakland Raiders. These two teams DO NOT like each other and there has been a great history in this series going way back to 1976 when the Raiders, on their way to a Super Bowl title, were the beneficiaries of a referee's controversial call against the "Cinderella" Pats in the playoffs.
Fast forward 25 years later when the infamous Tom Brady "tuck rule" came into play as the Patriots received the benefit of a controversial call to oust the Raiders in the post-season on their way to a Super Bowl title.
Without further adieu, here is a look at the action coming up this weekend, with predictions to follow.
Detroit (3-0) at Dallas (2-1) - The Lions are looking to go to 4-0 for the first time since 1980 when they face these Cowboys, who needed six field goals to win on Monday Night Football last week. This game could be decided by a field goal as well.
Washington (2-1) at St. Louis (0-3) - The Rams host the Redskins looking for their first win of the season. An 0-4 start for most teams would be lethal as far as playoff hopes, but the Rams play in the woeful NFC West. But this game still is a MUST WIN for the Rams.
Minnesota (0-3) at Kansas City (0-3) - The loser of this game will fall out of the playoff picture while the winner will be just another also ran.
Carolina (1-2) at Chicago (1-2) - The Bears need this one, but the young Panthers are inspired by rookie quarterback Cam Newton and Head Coach Ron Rivera, who would just love to stick it to the Bears.
Pittsburgh (2-1) at Houston (2-1) - All the hype about the Texans after their fast start will be for not if they lose to the Steelers and drop to break even.
New Orleans (2-1) at Jacksonville (1-2) - The Saints appear to have their house in order after two big offensive outputs while the Jags struggle to score points. This game could turn into a laugher.
San Francisco (2-1) at Philadelphia (1-2) - All the attention this weekend will be on the Phillies in the baseball playoffs, so look for the Eagles to soar in this one.
Tennessee (2-1) at Cleveland (2-1) - Will either of these teams score at least 20 points in this game?
Buffalo (3-0) at Cincinnati (1-2) - The Bills lead the league in scoring and their defense does just enough to help them get by. The Bengals are awful on offense, but pretty decent on defense... upset alert!
NY Giants (2-1) at Arizona (1-2) - Toss up in this one. Cardinals need to win to keep pace with the 49ers while Giants need to do same in NFC East.
Atlanta (1-2) at Seattle (1-2) - The Falcons have to get it going or they will be left in the dust of the Saints and Bucs in the NFC South.
Miami (0-3) at San Diego (2-1) - The Dolphins may be playing for Head Coach Tony Sporano's job. Not a good thing for the Chargers, who have struggled on OFFENSE so far this season. How about it Philip Rivers?
New England (2-1) at Oakland (2-1) - The Raiders and the Patriots ... enough said.
Denver (1-2) at Green Bay (3-0) - The mismatch of the week... Packers roll!
NY Jets (2-1) at Baltimore (2-1) - The Ravens face the Jets and loud mouth Coach Rex Ryan on home turf, where their QB, Joe Flacco plays much better than on the road. The Ravens should win this one.
Indianapolis (0-3) at Tampa Bay (2-1) - The Colts are going with Curtis Painter at quarterback as they face the "no name" Buccaneers on Monday Night Football. Hey, Hey Tampa Bay!
Bucs roll in this one.
Heftyinfo Picks for Week Four (Home Teams listed in BOLD)
Dallas over Detroit
St. Louis over Washington
Minnesota over Kansas City
Chicago over Carolina
Pittsburgh over Houston
New Orleans over Jacksonville
Philadelphia over San Francisco
Cleveland over Tennessee
Cincinnati over Buffalo
NY Giants over Arizona
Atlanta over Seattle
San Diego over Miami
New England over Oakland
Green Bay over Denver
Baltimore over NY Jets
Tampa Bay over Indianapolis
Last week's Record: 11-5
SEASON RECORD: 33-15
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