NFL Preseason Schedule 2012: Most Intriguing Week 4 Games to Watch

Rick WeinerJun 2, 2018

Crazy as it sounds, we are just over a week away from the start of the NFL regular season.

While we aren't likely to see anything but a token appearance by the starting units for teams during the fourth and final week of preseason action, that doesn't mean that there is a lack of intriguing matchups or storylines to follow.

Here's what's on tap as we draw closer to the start of meaningful play on the gridiron.

TOP NEWS

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Bleacher Report1w

Wed. Aug. 29: New England Patriots vs. New York Giants, 7:00 PM ET

We start our final week off with a repeat of Super Bowl XLVI as the Patriots and Giants come together in what very well could be a preview of Super Bowl XLVII.

Twice in the past five years, the Giants have defeated the Patriots in the biggest game of the season, and you can be sure that neither Bill Belichick nor Tom Brady has forgotten that.

Look for emotions to be running high as reserves and fringe players look to make a name for themselves; it certainly wouldn't be a shock to see things get away from the replacement officials in this one.

Thur. Aug. 30: Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions, 7:00 PM ET

We might as well call this the Kellen Moore Game.

Moore, college football's all-time leader in wins under center, has been the subject of heated debate as to whether he belongs on Detroit's 53-man roster, either as Matthew Stafford's primary backup or the third quarterback on the roster.

Should Detroit decide to go with three quarterbacks, Moore will be the pick considering that the Lions released R.J. Archer, the only other quarterback in camp.

What could ultimately decide whether Moore sticks with the team out of camp or lands on the practice squad is how Detroit's health holds up in Week Four action.

If the Lions are able to escape the game relatively unscathed, Moore likely starts the season on the sidelines in Detroit. However, if the Lions suffer injuries to any starters or key reserve players, the team may have no choice but to move Moore off the active roster for the time being and risk him getting signed off of the practice squad by another team.

Thur., Aug. 30: Denver Broncos vs. Arizona Cardinals, 10:00 PM ET

This has more to do with the questions surrounding the Cardinals than anything to do with the Broncos.

Who is Arizona's starting quarterback, Kevin Kolb or John Skelton? Will either player show that they have even the slightest grasp on the playbook and what coach Ken Whisenhunt is trying to do on offense?

Can either D'Anthony Batiste or Bobby Massie serve as capable replacements for injured left tackle Levi Brown, giving whoever is under center at least a second or two to try and get the ball to Larry Fitzgerald?

With as many questions on offense as the Cardinals have, it's fair to say that they are one team who wishes that there was another preseason game to come after this. They certainly do not look like a group that is ready for prime time.

Full Week 4 NFL Preseason Schedule (all times Eastern)

Wed. Aug. 29

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Washington Redskins, 7 PM

New England Patriots vs. New York Giants, 7 PM

Miami Dolphins vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:30 PM

Thur. Aug. 30

Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 6:30 PM

New York Jets vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 6:35 PM

Kansas City Chiefs vs. Green Bay Packers, 7:00 PM

Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions, 7:00 PM

Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans, 7:00

Baltimore Ravens vs. St. Louis Rams, 7:00