Week 4 NFL: 10 Teams, Players Positioned for Biggest Bounce Backs

After two fairly decisive losses in Weeks 2 and 3, the Dallas Cowboys desperately needed a bounce-back performance. They got it with a 20-15 win over the New York Giants on Thursday night.

While Dallas' victory wasn't a dominant one, it signaled the return of the good Cowboys defense we saw in Week 1. The Giants were held to just 26 rushing yards and failed to reach the end zone on their five scoring drives.

Dallas isn't the only team poised to rebound in Week 4. Several more squads and individual players who have struggled in the early 2024 season face advantageous matchups that can help right the proverbial ship.

Here, we'll examine five teams and five players primed to bounce back this weekend.

Atlanta Falcons

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Falcons QB Kirk Cousins

Unlike the rest of the teams on our list, the Atlanta Falcons didn't exactly have a bad game in Week 3. They dropped a five-point game to the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs and may have been hurt by a late pass-interference call that wasn't made against Kansas City.

Still, the loss dropped Atlanta to 1-2, and the Falcons could easily be 0-3. Their comeback win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2 only happened after Saquon Barkley dropped a would-be game-sealing fourth-down pass.

Atlanta could use a statement win, and it might just be able to get one against the rival New Orleans Saints this week.

While five of Bleacher Report's eight NFL experts picked the underdog Saints to cover a two-point line against the Falcons, a few things are working in Atlanta's favor.

For one, the Falcons are at home, where they recorded a nine-point victory over the Saints last season. Atlanta should also be able to lean on its prolific ground game against a New Orleans defense that has been susceptible to the run (20th in yards per carry allowed).

The Saints were dealt a major blow in Week 3 when center Erik McCoy suffered a groin injury that will require surgery. Guard Cesar Ruiz has also been out of practice this week with a knee injury.

New Orleans has looked like a legitimate contender through the first three weeks, but the Falcons match up with their rivals well and are catching them at a vulnerable time.

Cincinnati Bengals

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Bengals QB Joe Burrow

With a healthy Joe Burrow under center, the Cincinnati Bengals were widely expected to be Super Bowl contenders in 2024. That may still happen, but the Bengals must overcome a brutal 0-3 start.

Like the Falcons, the Bengals nearly did enough to beat the Chiefs, but their Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots was a stunner. So was last Monday's defensive disaster against rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders.

Cincinnati racked up 436 yards of offense and 33 points but couldn't slow Washington's offense—which scored on every single possession that didn't end with a kneel-down.

"We didn't envision ourselves in this spot but here we are," head coach Zac Taylor said, per Jeff Wallner of the Associated Press.

Cincinnati desperately needs to get into the win column, and it has an opportunity to do so this week against the Carolina Panthers. While the Panthers did get a big offensive boost from quarterback Andy Dalton in Week 3, their defense remains suspect.

Carolina ranks dead-last in points allowed and 25th in both net yards per pass attempt and yards per carry allowed.

With Burrow healthy, Ja'Marr Chase in rhythm and Tee Higgins back in the lineup, Cincinnati should replicate last week's offensive success in Carolina on Sunday. Unless Dalton shockingly has the sort of nearly flawless performance that Daniels (21-of-23, 254 yards, 2 TDs) had on Monday, that should be enough to emerge with a win.

Five members of B/R's NFL panel picked the Bengals to win by at least five points.

Houston Texans

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Texans WR Nico Collins

The Houston Texans have a 2-1 record but haven't played particularly well over the past two weeks. Houston survived a sloppy Week 2 outing against the Chicago Bears before getting blasted 34-7 by the Minnesota Vikings last Sunday.

Houston's offensive line was a liability against the Vikings, and the Texans may be without running back Joe Mixon (ankle) and receiver Tank Dell (rib) this Sunday. However, the reigning AFC South champions should rebound against the rival Jacksonville Jaguars.

The Jaguars remain winless and were humbled on Monday night by the surging Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence (75.1 passer rating) hasn't played well, but he's far from the only issue in Jacksonville right now.

The Jaguars have performed like a poorly coached team. They imploded early in each of the past two weeks and squandered a Week 1 lead with self-inflicted mistakes. Schematically, they're struggling to find things that work on either side of the ball.

While Houston's defense collapsed against Minnesota last week, it boasts a capable pass rush (13 sacks) that can keep Lawrence out of a rhythm for the fourth consecutive week. The Texans offense, meanwhile, can find its groove against a Jags defense that has been among the league's worst in most metrics—it ranks 30th in passing yards allowed, 27th in yards allowed and 30th in points allowed.

Six of Bleacher Report's eight NFL experts picked the Texans to win by at least six points in this one.

Miami Dolphins

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Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill

The Miami Dolphins have lost two in a row and, more importantly, have lost starting quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a concussion.

Skylar Thompson got the start in Week 3, but he failed to spark the offense during Miami's 24-3 loss to the Seattle Seahawks. Thompson also exited the game with a rib injury and may not be available on Monday night.

The Dolphins may roll with either Tim Boyle or recent addition Tyler Huntly, neither of whom was with the team during training camp. Head coach Mike McDaniel has, naturally, been coy about his quarterback decision.

"I have in my mind what I think, how it could play out, however it's a little premature for a multitude of reasons and the very last being the competitive advantage piece," McDaniel said, per Isaiah Smalls II of the Miami Herald.

Despite the quarterback uncertainty, the Dolphins have a great chance to get their second win at home against the Tennessee Titans. With playmakers like Tyreek Hill, De'Von Achane and Jaylen Waddle, Miami should be able to function offensively with middling QB play.

Tennessee ranks 24th in points allowed.

The Dolphins defense—which ranks 11th in yards allowed but 22nd in points allowed—should also rebound against a struggling Titans offense and a quarterback who can't get out of his own way.

The Titans rank 29th in total offense and have watched Will Levis commit at least two turnovers in each game.

Five members of B/R's NFL panel expect the Dolphins to pick up win No. 2 this week.

San Francisco 49ers

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49ers QB Brock Purdy

The San Francisco 49ers came within a few plays of winning the Super Bowl last February, and they were widely expected to be title contenders again in 2024. However, the 49ers sport a 1-2 record, in part, because of injuries.

San Francisco didn't have Christian McCaffrey Deebo Samuel or George Kittle in Week 3, and it likely lost defensive tackle Javon Hargrave for the season to a torn triceps in that game.

Even if Samuel and Kittle suit up on Sunday, the 49ers will be short-handed—McCaffrey remains on injured reserve with his ankle/Achilles injury.

After suffering road losses against the Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, however, San Francisco will be back home for a favorable matchup against the New England Patriots. While the majority of B/R's NFL experts expect New England to lose by fewer than 10 points, it's hard to envision the Patriots actually winning this one.

The Patriots have a defense that is good enough (10th in points allowed) to keep the game competitive for a while. However, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan and quarterback Brock Purdy have shown that they can get plenty out of fill-in players like running back Jordan Mason and wideout Jauan Jennings while some of the bigger stars are out.

Mason has racked up 344 scrimmage yards this season, while Jennings caught 11 passes for 175 yards and three scores in Week 3.

The Patriots offense, meanwhile has nothing it can hang its hat on. The offensive line has been problematic (11 sacks allowed), the passing game lacks playmakers, and Jacoby Brissett has yet to throw for 150 yards in a game.

If the 49ers can't win and win convincingly, it may be time to close the door on their 2024 title hopes.

Dolphins RB De'Von Achane

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MIAMI GARDENS, FL - SEPTEMBER 12: De'Von Achane #28 of the Miami Dolphins looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on September 12, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

The Dolphins can find a way to win this week without Tagovailoa, due in no small part to the presence of Achane.

Miami's second-year running back continues to be a potent dual-threat and one of the Dolphins' biggest playmakers. He tallied 265 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns over the first two weeks. However, he disappointed fans—and fantasy managers—in Week 3.

Against an improved Seattle defense, Achane had just 11 carries and three receptions for a total of 58 scrimmage yards. He averaged just 2.7 yards per carry, as the Seahawks focused on stopping the run and forcing Miami's quarterbacks to beat them.

There are a couple of reasons why Achane can get back over 100 yards against the Titans. For one, McDaniel has had another week with which to adapt his offense. Finding success without Tagovailoa's accuracy and quick release was always going to take time.

Secondly, the Titans defense simply hasn't been very consistent against the run. Tennessee did a decent job of limiting Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (43 rushing yards) in Week 3 but has struggled against the run overall.

The Titans rank 18th in yards per carry allowed and 21st in rushing yards allowed.

Tennessee has been solid against the pass (third in yards allowed), which could force the Dolphins to lean on the ground game and shorter passes to outlet options like Achane. Expect the 22-year-old to secure a handful of receptions in Week 4 while accumulating plenty of yards.

Cardinals RB James Conner

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GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 22: James Conner #6 of the Arizona Cardinals looks on during an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Like Achane, Arizona Cardinals running back Jame Conner had two great weeks to start the 2024 season before largely disappearing in Week 3.

Conner tallied three receptions and 83 scrimmage yards to go with a touchdown in Week 1. In Week 2, he rushed for 122 yards and found the end zone for the second time on the season. In Week 3, however, Conner only logged nine carries for 17 yards to go with an eight-yard catch.

No, the Cardinals haven't moved Conner out of the game plan.

Arizona was up against a terrific Detroit Lions run defense in Week 3, and it also fell behind early in the second half. A pair of field goals made the 20-13 final score respectable, but the Cardinals were down 20-7 late in the third quarter.

The flow of the game dictated Arizona's approach against the Lions, and it was pass-heavy. The Cardinals carried just 18 times as a team, while quarterback Kyler Murray attempted 34 passes.

Things should be much more balanced this week against the Washington Commanders.

While Washington's secondary is a liability, the Commanders have been susceptible to the run. They've allowed an average of 5.1 yards per carry this season, a rate that ranks 30th in the league.

Murray, who has been fairly steady as a fantasy QB this season, should be in line for another big day. Along the way, Conner should have his bounce-back performance.

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - SEPTEMBER 22: Quarterback Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts after a two-point conversion against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome on September 22, 2024 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)

The Eagles are 2-1 and have gotten mostly good play from quarterback Jalen Hurts. However, Hurts had an underwhelming game against the Saints in Week 3. He threw for 311 yards but only picked up 25 yards on the ground and had no touchdowns with an interception.

Of course, Philly was without No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown (hamstring) and lost No. 2 receiver DeVonta Smith to a concussion during the game.

While Smith won't play in Week 4, Brown returned to practice on Friday and could be back. Additionally, the Eagles will face a Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense that won't have two of its key players.

Tampa's pass defense has been an issue with star safety Antoine Winfield Jr. sidelined. The Buccaneers have also struggled to contain opposing rushers or get after opposing quarterbacks.

The Bucs rank 25th in rushing yards allowed and 24th in passing yards allowed. As a team, Tampa has recorded just two sacks through three games.

In last year's playoffs, the Buccaneers derailed Hurts and the Eagles offense, largely by blitzing early and often. They're not exactly equipped to repeat that formula, especially with Barkley now in Philly's backfield.

Tampa may still have the talent needed to win at home in Week 4, but Hurts should have an impressive statistical performance.

Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - AUGUST 24: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks warms up prior to an NFL preseason football game against the Cleveland Browns at Lumen Field on August 24, 2024 in Seattle, Washington. The Seahawks defeated the Browns 37-33. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)

Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a solid rookie season in 2023 (628 yards, 4 TDs) but has been quiet in two of his three outings this season.

While Smith-Njigba had 12 catches for 117 yards in Week 2, he had just two receptions for 19 yards in Week 1 and three catches for 39 yards last Sunday. The Ohio State product has an excellent chance to return to his Week 2 production against the Lions this week.

Last week, Seattle got out to an early lead over the Dolphins and maintained a fair bit of offensive balance (34 pass attempts, 23 rushing attempts. The Seahawks will likely be much more pass-heavy against Detroit, which will open up opportunities for Smith-Njigba.

While the Lions rank fourth in both yards per carry allowed and rushing yards allowed, they rank 15th in net yards per pass attempt allowed and 19th in passing yards surrendered. Detroit has also had some difficulty corralling opposing slot receivers.

Greg Dortch had just three catches for 35 yards against the Lions in Week 3, but Chris Godwin and Cooper Kupp combined for 21 catches, 227 yards and a touchdown in games for the Buccaneers and Rams, respectively, against Detroit.

With DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett likely to command much of Detroit's defensive attention —and with a close game quite likely—Smith-Njigba should be targeted early and often on Monday night.

Texans QB C.J. Stroud

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MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - SEPTEMBER 22: C.J. Stroud #7 of the Houston Texans warms up prior to game between the Minnesota Vikings and Houston Texans at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 22, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Getty Images)

With Mixon's status still uncertain, the Texans may need to lean heavily on second-year quarterback C.J. Stroud to beat the rival Jags this week.

While Stroud has shown that he's a player whom the Texans can trust, he hasn't had the best individual performances over the past two weeks. Against Chicago, he threw for 260 yards and just one touchdown. Against Minnesota, he threw for just 215 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions.

Even with Dell likely out, though, Stroud should be much better against Jacksonville. For one, Houston head coach DeMeco Ryans is determined to give his quarterback better protection.

"One of our No. 1 keys to success was protecting our quarterback," Ryans said, per ESPN's DJ Bien-Aime. "We didn't do that, and we didn't win the game."

Secondly, Jacksonville's pass defense has been borderline horrendous this season. The Jags rank 28th in net yards per attempt allowed, 30th in passing yards allowed and 23rd in passing touchdowns allowed.

The Jaguars have also recorded only five sacks this season and have yet to snag an interception.

In his two games against Jacksonville last season, Stroud averaged 292 passing yards and two touchdowns with no interceptions. With Nico Collins and Stefon Diggs still at his disposal, Stroud should have similar numbers in this meeting.