NFL Preseason Schedule 2013: Viewer's Guide to Top Week 4 Matchups

Week 4 of the 2013 NFL preseason promises to be an exciting one. It marks the final game before real football starts and the last chance for a number of players to make the roster.

For both reasons, starters who are secure in their jobs will hardly play. However, the quality of play may be the highest of the preseason, as most of the players on the field will be fighting for their NFL lives.

Let’s take a look at where and when you can catch the final week of exhibition contests, highlight a few must-see contests, point out some positional battles and much more.

A complete schedule of contests for Week 4 can be found here.

 

New York Giants vs. New England Patriots

Where: Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass.

When: Thursday, Aug. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET

Watch: NFL Network

Any time these bitter rivals take to the gridiron, it’s worthwhile to tune in.

Unfortunately for fans in New England, the rivalry has been a bit lopsided—even in the preseason.

The G-Men have won the last five matchups in a run that includes two preseason contests, one regular-season game and two Super Bowls.

If the Pats are going to put a stop to that nasty streak, the reserve players will need to step up and deliver—especially Tim Tebow.

The beleaguered backup didn’t see the field for a single snap against the Detroit Lions in Week 3, but he should be in the game Thursday so head coach Bill Belichick can evaluate whether he should keep a third quarterback on the roster.

With starter Tom Brady and backup Ryan Mallett locked in, Tebow still has to prove he can provide some value with his arm if the hooded genius is going to take a chance on him.

On the other side of the field, the Giants have ironed out most of their personnel issues and seem ready to forge ahead into the new season.

With David Wilson all but officially beating out Andre Brown for the starting running back spot, there is much hope for Big Blue in the future at the position.

If he can hang on to the ball and avoid boneheaded mistakes, he’s definitely the future in the Big Apple.

 

San Francisco 49ers vs. San Diego Chargers

Where: Qualcomm Stadium, San Diego, Calif.

When: Thursday, Aug. 29 at 10 p.m. ET

Watch: NFL Network

This week’s other nationally televised contest should also be a solid one. A handful of great players will be on display, and even more potential stars will be duking it out for the right to stay with their respective teams.

Perhaps the most cutthroat competition will be at wideout for the 49ers, as a handful of extremely talented young men are vying for a spot in the receiving corps.

Anquan Boldin is projected to start, and Jon Baldwin—who was recently acquired from Kansas City—likely isn’t going anywhere, but that’s about all the Niners know.

Kyle Williams and Marlon Moore look to be in the best shape in terms of earning a spot and contributing across from Boldin.

Quinton Patton, Kassim Osgood, Austin Collie, Lavelle Hawkins, Chad Hall, Ricardo Lockette and Chuck Jacobs will all be digging deep to prove their worth to head coach John Harbaugh.

The most interesting battle for the Chargers seemed to be at left tackle, but King Dunlap’s Week 3 performance against the Arizona Cardinals all but decided that. Barring injury, the former Philadelphia Eagles player will likely be tasked with protecting Philip Rivers’ blind side.

All eyes will be on Manti Te'o, especially if he manages to shake off his foot sprain and take the field against San Fran.

The controversial linebacker from Notre Dame is going to be counted upon this season to make plays and anchor the San Diego defense, but he’s off to a rough start.

Hopefully he can pick things up and put the Chargers in a position to win.