NFL Scores Week 4: Teams That Impressed with Victories over Division Rivals

Week 4 of the 2012 NFL season featured several showdowns between division rivals, and these games produced impressive winners.

Each battle against a division opponent is of vital importance in the NFL as they often have implications in tight playoff races at the end of the year. 

While each game carries a significant amount of weight, these matchups are just that much more pivotal to a team’s success.

Here are the teams that came through with big wins over division rivals.

Atlanta Falcons 30, Carolina Panthers 28 

The Falcons have been extremely successful this season, and it is difficult to maintain such a high level of play in the NFL. 

In Atlanta’s first game against an NFC South opponent, they finally looked vulnerable, allowing the Panthers to take a late lead. But key qualities in elite teams are being able to win late and pulling out victories while struggling. 

With a last-minute field goal, the Falcons won the game and proved that this year, they have both of these qualities. 

New England Patriots 52, Buffalo Bills 28 

The Patriots had their fans worried during the first half of this game. But after Buffalo took a 21-7 lead in the third quarter, New England responded with five consecutive touchdowns.

The scoring onslaught buried the Bills and ensured that Pats would avoid a catastrophic 1-3 start. 

The team’s ability to fight through adversity and come back for a victory was certainly impressive.

Minnesota Vikings 20, Detroit Lions 13

If the Chicago Bears are unable to get a victory in a difficult matchup at the Dallas Cowboys, then the Vikings will sit atop the NFC North by themselves with a quarter of the season gone. 

Minnesota’s success is certainly one of the most surprising developments of this season and the team continued to run the ball effectively and play excellent defense.

If the Vikings are able to do those two things as well as they have the past two weeks, then their success will continue.

San Diego Chargers 37, Kansas City Chiefs 20

The San Diego offense was able to put points on the board with three touchdowns and three field goals.

But it was the defense that was the driving force behind this victory, snatching three interceptions and taking one back for a touchdown.

San Diego’s opportunistic defense confused and intimidated Kansas City’s Matt Cassel, and whenever a group is able to pick off the opposing quarterback three times, it gives its team an excellent chance to win a game.

St. Louis Rams 19, Seattle Seahawks 13

The Rams intercepted Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson three times, and yes, they too won their game. 

Seattle’s defense had been receiving attention after an impressive performance on Monday Night Football, even if it was overshadowed by the officiating in that game.

But St. Louis showed that the entire NFC West is committed to playing tough defense, and their ability to create turnovers led to an important victory in the division.

Houston Texans, 38, Tennessee Titans 14 

Houston became the first team this season to top ESPN’s weekly power rankings and win their game. 

There was nothing about their performance to go against the argument that they are currently the best team in football. 

With elite playmakers at the skill positions and a defense that ranks among the top units the league, Houston remains the team to beat in the NFL after moving easily past the Titans.

Denver Broncos 37, Oakland Raiders 6 

Peyton Manning looked like, well, Peyton Manning in this AFC West showdown.

After a rough start to his career as a Bronco, Manning torched the Raiders and completed 30 of 38 passes for 380 yards and three touchdowns, while the Raiders put up just 237 yards in total offense.

Consistency has been a problem for both of these teams, but Denver proved that it is extremely dangerous when its new quarterback is in rhythm.