Seahawks @ 49ers
It’s week 4 and the Seahawks and 49ers are set for their first meeting in 2021 and it’s a big one. Both these division rivals are coming off losses and dropping another game is something they can’t afford… especially the Seahawks. Fortunately, Russell Wilson has never lost 3 straight games in a season through 147 career starts, so best believe he has no plans of being on the wrong side of history after Sunday’s matchup. It’s all going to come down to how Seattle’s offense will be against San Francisco down the stretch.
It’s not looked great for the Seahawks down the stretch but Wilson has been the bright spot for this team with 70+ comp pct, 0 INT, and a 100+ passer rating in each of 3 games this season. Meanwhile, 49ers’ Jimmy Garoppolo has had his fair share of struggles in this rivalry averaging 63.1 comp pct, 205.7 pass YPG, 79.3 passer rating with only one touchdown and two interceptions through three games. Ultimately it’s tough to bet against Wilson who has a 15-4 record against the 49ers in his career as he avoids losing 3 games for the first time in his career.
Score: 28-26, Seahawks Win.
Cardinals @ Rams
Arizona is playing great football but Los Angeles is playing better football. In fact, the Rams are playing the best football in the league right now. This team is fresh off a win against Tom Brady and the defending champs and this week they take on the Cardinals in their first NFC West clash of the season. The Rams know what to expect in Kyler Murray, who remains winless against Los Angeles getting outscored 121-66 in those 4 matchups.
Meanwhile the same can’t be said for the Cards’ defense. Kliff Kingsbury is going to have his hands full against Matthew Stafford who seems to be thriving in Sean McVay’s system, making the Rams look deadlier than ever. Pair that up with their stout defense and this Arizona team could look at facing their first loss of the season. A win for Los Angeles is pivotal especially with a short week coming up against the Seahawks on Thursday night…
Score: 31-26, Rams Win.
4:25 p.m. ET Games
Ravens @ Broncos
This has the potential to be a sneaky good matchup but it’s no secret that the Broncos are the most unconvincing 3-0 team in the league. Every single one of their wins have come against teams that are a combined 0-9 through the first three weeks of the season. Sure Denver’s defense has looked great allowing 8.7 PPG, but again, they all were against abysmal offenses. This week they get Lamar Jackson and the Ravens which is likely not going to be a walk in the park.
The Broncos’ defense will get put to the test as they have not allowed a 50-yard rusher in a game this season and Jackson has racked up 251 rush yards through the first three weeks. Bradley Chubb’s absence is certainly going to be felt this week as it’ll be tough to keep the former MVP in the pocket. Despite a close call last week, Baltimore should cruise past Denver.
Score: 26-17, Ravens Win.
Steelers @ Packers
A Super Bowl 45 matchup is upon us in Green Bay and this should end in a similar fashion to that game with a win for Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Things could get ugly fast for the Steelers who have not scored a point in the first quarter in 9 straight games (dating back to 2020) and through the first three games of this season, quarterback Ben Rothlisberger has been sacked 8 times.
To make matters worse for Pittsburgh on the other side of the ball, Rodgers has a 133.8 passer rating over the last two games and has the Packers offense averaging 32.5 PPG in that span. Green Bay looks prepared to take this one at home.
Score: 34-23, Packers Win.
Sunday Night Football; 8:20 p.m. ET
Buccaneers @ Patriots
Arguably the most hyped regular-season game the NFL has seen in recent history has Tom Brady and Bill Belichick in the primetime slot. This time around they will be on opposing sidelines. But Brady is not alone in this one when it comes to making a revenge matchup as he will have TE Rob Gronkowski alongside him. From a matchup standpoint, it’s tough to not get wrapped up in how personal this game is, however, the defending champs are likely treating this week like any other. Brady and the Bucs are simply looking to bounce back after last week’s tough road loss to the Rams.
On Sunday he returns to Gillette Stadium. The home that he and Belichick built to be one of the most dreaded locations by opposing teams in NFL history. The future Hall of Famer may be a visitor in Foxborough on Sunday but it most definitely will feel like a home game. Brady has 115 QB wins at Gillette Stadium, 20 more than the next closest QB in a single stadium in NFL history. To make things even more interesting, the Patriots have not lost each of their first 3 home games of a season since 1993. The team has already lost their opening 2 home games for the first time since 2000, and Brady could add to their ugly start.
Score: 34-23, Bucs Win.
2 Oct. 2021 Monday Night Football
Raiders @ Chargers
Week 4 concludes with a nail-biting AFC West matchup which will feature the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders. The Raiders may be 3-0 but the Chargers are coming off a big road win against the Chiefs. A lot of that victory credits to the Los Angeles offense and WR Mike Williams who has been nothing short of phenomenal. In fact, Justin Herbert has a 140.5 passer rating when targeting Williams this season! Pair that up with Keenan Allen against a Raider secondary that has shown signs of being faulty at times and it could be a long day for Las Vegas.
Meanwhile, the Raiders will rely on QB Derek Carr to carry this offense to victory which may be a tall task as they have found themselves in close one-possession games this season which is where the Chargers have improved upon this season. Last year the team had issues closing out but with a new look defense paired with the efficiency on offense, Herbert could get the best of Carr and the Raiders in primetime.
Score: 28-23, Chargers Win.
