Joey A's NFL Week Four Preview

Cleveland Browns (0-3) at Cincinnati Bengals (0-3)

Last week we had the Pennsylvania Bowl in the NFL, featuring two great teams. It’s too bad for Ohio that both of their teams are just plain bad. Each of these squads is looking to step on the other as they climb out of the trash heap of winless teams. If Derek Anderson is going to hold off the Brady Quinn chants, he’ll have to beat the hapless Bengals. He won’t be able to do it alone though, as Braylon Edwards needs to stop dropping every ball that comes his way. Cincinnati isn’t looking to be pushed over either, as they offered stuff opposition to the Super Bowl Champ New York Giants last week, forcing overtime. Carson Palmer will be hungry in this game, and a Palmer-led offense can put up 40 on any given Sunday.

Arizona Cardinals (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2)

Coming off of painful losses, both teams have something to prove this week in this inter-conference match-up.  Kurt Warner and the Cardinals need to stay focused if they want to remain tied for the NFC West lead. Like every week, Arizona lives and dies by the big play, so Warner will be throwing deep balls to his two fantastic wide-outs in Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. The New York Bretts need to get back on track after being demolished by San Diego in their last game. The offense needs to open up for Favre, but they can’t get pass happy. Favre threw too many picks last week in a game that exposed his lack of time experience in the Jets’ offense. His wide receivers need to help out if they want to be a .500 club.

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)

If you’re a fantasy football player and are wondering if I think Brian Griese will pass for 400 yards again this week, let me fill you in: that won’t happen ever again. There’s no way Green Bay’s defense is that porous against the pass, even if Al Harris is out for an extended period of time. They still have Charles Woodson, who won’t have to chase around Terrell Owens like he did in their loss last week. Their other cover corner Al Harris may be out for the season, but nothing definitive has been announced yet. Recent reports suggest he may even be back by mid-season. Green Bay’s running game needs to find its rhythm with Ryan Grant; otherwise Aaron Rodger’s solid play won’t mean anything.

Atlanta Falcons (2-1) at Carolina Panthers (2-1)

An early season meeting of two division leaders could help shape the landscape of the NFC South. Carolina lost their last game against Minnesota, dampening the spirits from Steve Smith’s awaited return. Atlanta, on the other hand, pummeled the defenseless Chiefs in their last contest. While Tampa Bay is facing a tough game against Green Bay, one of these teams could hold the division lead after this weekend. It’s too early to crown anyone, but it is never too early to start building a lead. Atlanta will look to run the ball as they always do, keeping rookie QB Matt Ryan from making unnecessary mistakes. The Falcons defense is underrated, but might not be able to keep track of Steve Smith. Carolina should return to the game plan they employed while Smith was out, which is a healthy dose of DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart. Smith will get his opportunities out of the play action pass, which needs a set-up from the running game.

Minnesota Vikings (1-2) at Tennessee Titans (3-0)

Minnesota finally got on the winning track last week against Carolina. Unfortunately, they now have to deal with the buzz saw that is the Tennessee Titans. The Titans are one of the best defensive teams in the league and are hoping to stake their claim in the AFC North. With the Colts and Jaguars both sitting at 1-2 going into this weekend, the Titans are anxiously stockpiling wins. So far Kerry Collins has made more plays in the passing game and far fewer mistakes than Vince Young, even without the threat of the quarterback scramble. It’s an interesting story to watch, as each week the Titans win is another week Vince Young won’t return to the starting line-up. Minnesota has recently made its own quarterback change, but out of desperation, not due to injury. Gus Frerotte heated up last week in the second half their much-needed win against Carolina, so coach Childress should feel better about his quick decision to bench Tarvaris Jackson for the rest of the year. Adrian Peterson needs to visit the end zone multiple times this week if Minnesota wants to escape Tennessee with a win.

Washington Redskins (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (3-0)

Every week I write a preview of the more interesting games of the weekend, and every time I include the Cowboys and whomever they’re playing. As much as I hate to say it, the Cowboys make for good television. Especially in the NFC East, where division match-ups could be previews of the NFC Championship game. The Redskins have exploded out of their offensive shell from week one to put up 29 and 24points against New Orleans and Arizona, respectively. Jim Zorn needs to ensure Jason Campbell keeps improving in his seventh offensive system in eight years if the ’Skins are going to make a playoff run. This is definitely a trap game for Dallas. After their big win in Green Bay, Coach Wade Wilson should step up his intensity just to avoid complacency in his players. Dallas always has the talent to win twelve games a season, but if the New York Giants are breathing down their neck for the division, it should keep Tony Romo and company on their toes for seventeen weeks.