NFL. Week 4 preview

By Hamish Girvan

Looking at those unbeaten so far at 3-0

New York Giants at Kansas City Chiefs
The Giants cone into the Chiefs with a record that is as bad as it looks. No wins in their three games and they were humiliated last week 38-0 by Carolina. Quarterback Eli manning was sacked 7 times during the game. Meanwhile the Chiefs are in a renaissance under new head coach Andy Reid. His trip to his old stomping ground in Philadelphia ended up in a comfortable win and they already have had one more win then they achieved in all of last season. The Chiefs have had no turnovers in any of their first three games, which goes to show how good new quarterback Alex Smith has been in a new system. Arrowhead is one of the toughest grounds for any visiting team. Expect the Chiefs defence to step up at home and leave the Giants in a bigger hole then when they arrived.

Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans

The Seahawks home form is outstanding however their away form has traditionally been average They did pick up a close week one win at Carolina so maybe fortunes have changed. They do look like favourites for the Superbowl however it is still early days. Their defence is the key and led by second year Quarterback Russell Wilson, they have not really been tested too much in the last two games. The Texans won a comeback from the ages in week one in San Diego however have struggled since, losing both games. Wide Receiver Andre Johnson and Running Back Arian Foster are under injury clouds and seem to be questionable until game days. This will be having an effect on their preparation. They will be put to the test by Seattle and the 3 point start the Seahawks have says a lot about how close it could be.

Philadelphia Eagles at Denver Broncos
The Eagle’s head into the home of Broncos with the home team in rock solid form. Quarterback Peyton Manning described the Eagles as an unfamiliar opponent. He’s possibly right, however after the hype of the Eagle’s game one victory against the Redskins they have struggled since, and the so called high octane offence has possibly been found out. Head coach Chip Kelly will have to have his best defensive plan thought out to have any chance here. Manning and his offence are on fire and his 12 touchdowns in his first three games set a NFL record. The Eagles are in a rebuilding phase so expectations are not sky high, however the Broncos are one of the favourites for the Superbowl and each week the odds get shorter. Expect the Bronco’s blistering form to continue here.

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
An NFC North divisional clash brings the unbeaten Chicago Bears into Detroit. They look a totally different team from the last few seasons playing with confidence and an offensive poise. Their blow out last week at the Steelers was done with ease and they certainly look like legit contenders. The Lions won at Washington for the first time since 1924 last week however they lack consistency and discipline. Matthew Stafford at quarterback has not really kicked on from bring the first pick of the draft in 2009. Divisional clashes always add some extra spice however the Bears should be 4-0 after this, and have a real hold on the NFC North.

New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons

The Patriots have not looked or played like a team that has won its first three games. Tom Brady has a new crop of receivers and they are still finding their feet and also what he expects of them – that is high standards. They only have room to improve however their defence looks solid. Cornerback Aqib Talib, after lots of off field issues in his past, seems to be doing the job now he’s in a disciplined organisation, and has 3 interceptions already. The Falcons have recently started each season as a pre season favourites to go all the way however with two losses they are already struggling. Their offence has not looked that potent and last week after a good lead lost to Miami. Expect the Patriots to take this in a close one.

Miami Dolphins at New Orleans Saints

One a surprise and one not so much, this clash between the Dolphins and the Saints brings two 3-0 teams together in what could be a great match up. The Dolphins are settling into ex Green Bay offensive guru Joe Philbin’s way in what is only his second year as a head coach. Built around second year quarterback Ryan Tannehill they are not flashy however they have the wins against Cleveland,  Indianapolis and Atlanta. Respect is required with those victories. The Saints after having the worst defence in the league last year, have head coach Sean Payton back after his year’s suspension, and much travelled, so called, defensive guru Rob (brother of jets head coach Rex) Ryan trying to plug the holes. So far it seems to be working with Quarterback Drew Brees already throwing up big numbers. It’s hard to see the Saints not winning this on paper however the Dolphins will be competitive at least. This will be a close one.

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