Joe's Opening Drive: Week 4

In week four of the NFL season, at least one more undefeated team will fall. AFC forces meet in Boston, and one of the best rivalries in the league takes it to a whole ‘nother level thanks to a certain unretiring quarterback. Week four Opening Drive commence! 

Cincinnati Bengals (2-1) at Cleveland Browns (0-3) 

Can you imagine the Bengals sitting in the driver’s seat in the AFC North at 3-1? Since they’re facing off against the offensively-challenged Browns, that’s becoming an extremely likely scenario. I don’t think anyone in Cincinnati could have imagined a better start in their zaniest dreams. Great job to Marvin Lewis and a defense that has been rightfully much-maligned over the years. Carson Palmer is as close to 100% as we’ve seen since his injury. Cleveland is still awful. Sorry. The players hate Eric Mangini and he can't stand firm on a quarterback for more than six minutes. Derek Anderson may be starting this week, but I don't think Brady Quinn will stay on the sidelines all season.

Baltimore Ravens (3-0) at New England Patriots (2-1) 

Joe Flacco is playing out of his gourd for the Ravens, who appear to be the best team in the NFL. This game will either debunk that theory or prove it. New England found a rushing attack last week behind Fred Taylor, but they may lose it again versus the Ravens’ intimidating defense. Wes Welker needs to be healthy for Tom Brady to have success in this one. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) at Washington Redskins (1-2) 

You’re obviously wondering why I would even mention this game. It’s simple, there’s drama. Tampa Bay benched QB Byron Leftwich after their offense failed to put up points, switching to second-year Josh Johnson. For the Redskins, this is a game they could once mark down as an easy win, but not anymore. If they lose a second straight contest to a supposedly inferior foe, heads could roll in DC.  

New York Jets (3-0) at New Orleans Saints (3-0) 

The match-up of the undefeateds! The Saints’ offense versus the Jets’ defense. Does it get any better? New York is riding high on the back of Rex Ryan’s immense swagger and his blitz-crazy defense. They face off against Drew Brees and the high-powered Saints, who proved last week they have a defense of their own. The Jets can’t keep up with the Saints on the scoreboard, so their defense will need to keep it close. If the Saints get above 24 points, you can almost lock in a win. 

Dallas Cowboys (2-1) at Denver Broncos (3-0) 

After beating the Bengals, Browns and Raiders, this will be the first true test for the 3-0 Denver Broncos. Their defense may be improved from last year’s disaster, but they haven’t exactly shut down juggernauts through three weeks. Dallas should come in and run all over Denver’s D, or there will be another crisis week in Big D. 

San Diego Chargers (2-1) at Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) 

Could you have seen a legitimate chance the Super Bowl Champs would be 1-3 after the first quarter of the season? Well see it now, because the Chargers are equipped to take advantage of Troy Polamalu’s continued absence in the Steeler secondary. Philip Rivers excels in throwing the deep ball, which is where a safety’s coverage skills are tested. While San Diego’s defense isn’t at full speed, Pittsburgh’s running game will struggle for another week. Mike Tomlin will have to rely on Big Ben’s arm to get a second victory. 

Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Minnesota Vikings (3-0) 

Can this hype get any bigger? Brett Favre’s former flame comes to town to face their old quarterback and his newfound Minnesotan lover. Aaron Rodgers should be just fine, Brett’ll hand off to Adrian Peterson quite a bit, but I wonder how Green Bay will play on defense? Daring Favre to beat you by stacking the line of scrimmage may work, but it might result in public backlash if Favre throws the Vikes to victory. Either way, I’m sitting down Monday night and rooting for Green Bay as hard as I can.

Have fun watching week four of the NFL! Stay tuned for my Bears preview!