Best NFL Matchups: Week 4
A Breakdown Of Week 4's Best Games
Critical Week 3 matchups
It's a week that holds a few matchups with improtant implicationsin the divisional standings.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh
For both teams, it has to be looked upon as a must-win divisional game, but for Pittsburgh especially, it is a huge contest. On top of trying to avoid falling to 2-2, Pittsburgh has to prove its offense can work. In their last two games, Pittsburgh has scored a combined 16 points and amassed a mere 388 yards of offense while giving up 12 sacks. Ugly stuff. Add to that the team is without Willie Parker and the task in front of the Steelers is no small one against a very physical, very good Baltimore defense. The Ravens have a chance to go 3-0 and take control of the division, but their offense has hardly been stellar behind Joe Flacco. They key to this game for Baltimore will be how well the running back committee of Willis McGahee, Le'Ron McLain and Ray Rice fares against an excellent Steelers run defense. If you're expecting a shootout, this is not the game for you. If you're looking for physical, hard-nosed football, you've hit the jackpot.
Washington at Dallas
Dallas has had one heck of a stretch here, having to play three divisional games in a row in the toughest division in football. Washington has been somewhat of a surprise, rebounding after a difficult Week 1 loss that had Clinton Portis questioning the offensive game plan. Since then, they have gone 2-0. However, this is the game that will prove whether they are for real or not. Dallas is not Arizona or New Orleans. Dallas is one of the top-scoring teams in the league and will be a tremendous test for the Washington defense. Marion Barber could be a key to this game as the Redskins have not been the strongest against the run and the defense has the personel that could keep Terrell Owens in check again. Dallas, contrastly, has shown that the way to get to them is through the air, so Jason Campbell needs to get not only Santana Moss, but Antwaan Randle-El and Chris Cooley involved to keep the ball moving.
Philadelphia at Chicago
A loss this week could make it very tough for the Eagles to recover in the chase for the NFC East crown. If Philadelphia falls to the Bears and Dallas wins, that would put them at a huge disadvantage. However, Philadelphia most likely has the formula to defeat the Bears this Monday, even without Brian Westbrook. Chicago's secondary has not played will so far this year and with DeSean Jackson and Hank Baskett, the team has a good vertical passing threat. Chicago has to figure out how to get more than just Brandon Lloyd - who will be covered by Asante Samuel - involved in the offense if they expect to have a chance. So far, Matt Forte is tied for the team lead in receptions, which is not good news.
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