The Giants have had trouble going up against Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott in recent years and who knows what will happen in this one? So far, the only predictable thing about this current NFL season is the the unpredictability of the games and teams.
On Sunday, perhaps the NFL's hottest team, the Minnesota Vikings (3-0) travel to face their long time rivals in Green Bay. The Packers have won two in a row without starting QB Jordan Love (knee injury in opening game loss to Philadelphia) and just might have him back behind center for this game. The Vikings defense has been ridiculous so far in this season and they could make life miserable for either Love or Malik Willis on Sunday at Lambeau Field.
Meanwhile, Vikings starting QB Sam Darnold is conjuring up very old memories of how quarterback Jim Plunkett resurrected his career with the Oakland Raiders (in 1980 season) after several disappointing seasons spent with New England and San Francisco. Darnold and the Vikings could very well improve to 4-0 with a win, but the Packers (2-1) will be ready to get a win and claim at least a share of first place in the rugged NFC North division at the one quarter mark of the 2024 season.
The Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) travel to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) in what could be deemed a "redemption" game for them after they were walloped by the Bucs in the wild card round of the NFC playoffs last January. The Eagles beat the New Orleans Saints on the road last week while the Bucs were manhandled by the previously winless Denver Broncos in front of their own fans. Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield needs to take charge in this one if they stand any chance to win. The Eagles defense has been solid so far this season and the offense (led by QB Jalen Hurts) has been banged up (missing wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith) so they have to make due with the players they have available. Whether it's enough to get the win in Tampa remains to be seen.
A game between AFC West rivals Kansas City and the Los Angeles Chargers (2-1) could be dampened down with so many injuries on the Chargers roster heading into Week Four. The 'Bolts could be without star quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle injury) and perhaps standout offensive tackles Joe Alt and Rashawn Slater as well as edge rusher/linebacker Joey Bosa, who are all nursing injuries. In addition, safety Derwin James is suspended for one game for a late hit in last week's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Chiefs (3-0) have been squeaking by so far this season in their three victories, needing a replay review to take away a touchdown from Baltimore in week one win and then controversial penalty calls and non calls in their favor that aided wins against Cincinnati and Atlanta. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes has done his thing to get the wins, but his numbers are way down in the early season. He has 659 passing yards with five touchdowns and four interceptions thrown so far this year. This game could be a tight one, but if Herbert is a no-go, it could be a long afternoon for the home team Chargers.
The Monday night game in Detroit could be an exciting one as the Lions (2-1) host the Seattle Seahawks (3-0) and plenty at stake in the early part of the season. The Lions trail the first place Vikings by one game and the Green Bay Packers are right there with them with a 2-1 record. Lions QB Jared Goff and the offense have been so-so in the first three games and the Seattle defense has been allowing just over 14 points per game. The Lions defense has been a wrecking ball with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson already getting 6 1/2 sacks. The Seahawks have been steady on offense, averaging 24.3 PPG with QB Geno Smith passing for 787 yards along with three TD passes and three interceptions.
The rest of the action for Week Four follows up along with the Heftyinfo picks.
Denver (1-2) at New York Jets (2-1) - The Jets have looked good the last two weeks and the Broncos got it together in a rout on the road last week against Tampa Bay. The team with fewer turnovers will win this one.
New Orleans (2-1) at Atlanta (1-2) - Two very evenly matched teams in this one. The Falcons rate a slight edge at home, but QB Matt Ryan and company need to get it done in crunch time.
Cincinnati (0-3) at Carolina (1-2) - Can the Bengals get it going this week against the Panthers and former Bengals QB Andy Dalton?
Jacksonville (0-3) at Houston (2-1) - Everything points to Houston in this game . . . but this is the NFL in 2024 and the Jaguars are a desperate team.
Pittsburgh (3-0) at Indianapolis (1-2) - Quarterback Justin Fields and the Steelers getting it done, thanks is big part to the defense. The Colts straightened things out on defense last week. Toss up in this one.
Los Angeles Rams (1-2) at Chicago (1-2) - The Bears offense is reeling so far and the Rams got a big win at home last week in big time come from behind fashion. Toss up here.
Washington (2-1) at Arizona (1-2) - This could be a trap game for the Commanders, who had everything go just right in Cincinnati last week. Meanwhile, the Cardinals need to put together a complete game.
New England (1-2) at San Francisco (1-2) - The 49ers should win this one, but they are injury riddled on offense. Patriots are a gritty bunch that will battle them.
Cleveland (1-2) at Las Vegas (1-2) - Both of these teams have been a mystery so far this season. Toss up.
Buffalo (3-0) at Baltimore (1-2) - The Sunday night game between two teams that figure to be battling in the AFC playoffs in January. Enjoy this one with the Ravens pulling it out late in the game.
Tennessee (0-3) at Miami (1-2) - One of two Monday Night Football games again this week. The Dolphins will likely be without QB Tua Tagovailoa again (concussion) and perhaps even without backup QB Skylar Thompson. The Titans just need a win, but that could be a tall order in this one.
The Heftyinfo picks for Week Four . . . . . . . . . . (Home teams are listed in bold; Lock of the Week is listed in BOLD CAPS)
Dallas over N.Y. Giants
N.Y. Jets over Denver
Green Bay over Minnesota
Atlanta over New Orleans
Tampa Bay over Philadelphia
Cincinnati over Carolina
Houston over Jacksonville
Indianapolis over Pittsburgh
Chicago over L.A. Rams
Arizona over Washington
SAN FRANCISCO over New England
Las Vegas over Cleveland
Kansas City over L.A. Chargers
Baltimore over Buffalo
Miami over Tennessee
Detroit over Seattle
Last Week's Record - 8-8
SEASON RECORD - 26-22
Lock of the Week Record - 0-3
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