NFL Preseason Week 4: Biggest Problems Still Facing Contending Teams

There's still one more game left in the NFL preseason, but that doesn't mean we can't talk about some early teams that could presumably contend for the Super Bowl. I don't necessarily make those rules—we can thank the boys in Vegas for that.

The odds have already been drawn for the early Super Bowl favorites, and those brave enough still have time to throw down some shekels.

But while predictions can fun, it's usually better to let the play on the field do the talking. All of the early favorites to contend for the Super Bowl still have some problems that could be fixed heading into the regular season.

Ahead is a list of some of those contending teams and how they can address some of those problems in the games on Thursday night. Of course, they can't solve all the problems because not all the starters will play.

The list isn't necessarily ranked in order of what team will win the Super Bowl but in the early odds for each team winning the Super Bowl, which can be found here.

If your favorite team isn't included in these eight teams, blame Vegas. 

Pittsburgh Steelers

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Carolina Panthers at Pittsburgh Steelers

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) WCCB-CW 18; (Home) KDKA-CBS 2 

Will the Pittsburgh Steelers offense have to carry the defense this season? Time will tell what both sides will do.

Pittsburgh's defense will feature some new faces under new defensive coordinator Keith Butler, who takes the reins from Dick LeBeau. On offense, the Steelers will be without injured center Maurkice Pouncey for much of the season and will miss running back Le'Veon Bell for two games because of a suspension.

That said, keep an eye on Josh Harris and Jawon Chisholm in the backfield for much of Thursday night's game. DeAngelo Williams is slated to start in Week 1, but the last thing the Steelers need is for him to get hurt against the Panthers. And obviously, he won't be getting all of the carries in Week 1.

Harris missed the preseason opener, left the second game and missed the third with a foot injury. Pittsburgh may keep him on the field for much of Thursday night because of that.

Also, kickers are athletes, too. The Steelers will be looking at their third kicker in Josh Scobee after losing Shaun Suisham to a torn ACL and Garrett Hartley to a hamstring injury. Maybe the ball boy will do most of the kicking—just to make sure Scobee stays healthy.

Denver Broncos

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Arizona Cardinals at Denver Broncos

Time: 9 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) KNXV-ABC 15; (Home) KTVD-My 20

One of the biggest questions for the Denver Broncos this season is if their offensive line will be able to protect one of their most valuable assets. The line will also be at the forefront of a running attack that new head coach Gary Kubiak plans to implement.

However, you're not going to see Peyton Manning Thursday night. Instead, you'll get backup quarterback Brock Osweiler, who may be playing for his future in Denver. He will be a free agent at the end of this season, and the Broncos will have to decide if he's the future of the franchise.

That future could be a problem once Manning hangs up his spikes. Osweiler needs to continue to play good football if he wants to be the next starting quarterback with the Broncos.

Speaking of the running game, keep an eye on the backfield Thursday night. C.J. Anderson will take the reins in Week 1, and Ronnie Hillman will most likely follow as his backup. Could Montee Ball find a way to prove himself?

Dallas Cowboys

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Houston Texans at Dallas Cowboys

Time: 8 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) KTRK-ABC 13; (Home) KTVT-CBS 11

What will the Dallas Cowboys offense do without DeMarco Murray? Time will tell, but losing a franchise-record rusher to the division rival Philadelphia Eagles has to hurt a little.

Luckily for the Cowboys, having the best offensive line in football could make an average running back look stellar.

And in one of the worst segues you'll see in these slides, Lucky Whitehead will be a player to keep an eye out for in Thursday's game. Cole Beasley might be the one returning punts, but the rookie Whitehead did catch a touchdown from Tony Romo last week and is in the hunt to make the roster.

Obviously, pay attention to the Dallas running backs. Also, have a look at the cornerback position, as the Cowboys will now have to fill the void that Orlando Scandrick's torn ACL left behind.

Philadelphia Eagles

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Philadelphia Eagles at New York Jets

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) WCAU-NBC 10; (Home) WCBS-CBS 2, NFL Network

Sam Bradford and the Philadelphia Eagles looked amazing last week. Granted, Philly fans would prefer to read that sentence in Week 16 of the regular season than in Week 3 of the preseason.

Still, excitement is slowly growing in Philly, and outscoring preseason opponents 86-17 in the first half in three preseason games is pretty impressive.

The third quarterback spot is still up for grabs. Matt Barkley is slated to start the game, but Tim Tebow will get his shot at proving that he belongs in the NFL.

Philly will be in trouble should either Barkley or Tebow end up having to start, but it's still an important part of a depth chart. After all, the Eagles might be in for some blowout games with that offense.

New England Patriots

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New York Giants at New England Patriots

Time: 7:30 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) WNBC-NBC 4; (Home) WBZ-CBS 4

Surprisingly, the New England Patriots did not forfeit Thursday night's game in favor of celebrating Tom Brady's four-game suspension getting overturned, per NFL.com.

The absence of Brady was the biggest worry for Patriots fans heading into the season—until now. Does that mean we'll see a lot of Brady on Thursday night? No. And Jimmy Garoppolo has already played well enough to have been decent in the first four weeks (#FreeJimmy).

That said, the focus in this game will be on the guys Brady will be throwing the ball to who are not named Rob Gronkowski. Brandon LaFell will miss time with an injury, and Brandon Gibson's season is already over with a torn ACL. Julian Edelman won't see the field Thursday night, and new acquisition Reggie Wayne will need some time to adjust to his new team.

That said, become familiar with the other receivers because you might see more of them as the season rolls on. Also, look for the battle of running backs to continue, as Jonas Gray and James White try to prove that they can be more than one-game players.

Indianapolis Colts

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Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) WKRC-CBS 12; (Home) WXIN-Fox 59

Much like the Eagles, the Indianapolis Colts will be more than fine on the offensive end. That is, at least as far as the skill positions are concerned.

There haven't been too many position battles in Colts camp this preseason. Whether that's good or bad remains to be seen, but keep an eye on the offensive and defensive lines on Thursday night.

The O-line will need to protect Andrew Luck in that offense, while the D-line needs to pressure the quarterback and help the run defense. But don't just focus on the defensive line. Last year's Colts defense ranked 11th in yards allowed per game and 21st in interceptions. Can this year's iteration be better?

Seattle Seahawks

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Oakland Raiders at Seattle Seahawks

Time: 10 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) KTVU-FOX 2; (Home) KCPQ-Fox 13

The Seattle Seahawks will spend the entire season with a sour taste in their mouth after losing last year's Super Bowl. That will certainly serve as enough incentive to get back the championship game for a third straight season, but questions still remain on the offense and defense.

What role will Jimmy Graham have in Seattle's below-average passing game? Can the Legion of Boom remain one of the league's best defenses? The latter is a good focus for Thursday night, specifically at the cornerback position.

Tharold Simon, Mohammed Seisay and Will Blackmon are all slated to get in decent work while they try to make the roster. On the offensive end, enjoy the speed of Tyler Lockett, and be sure to take one drink every time Marshawn Lynch is caught eating Skittles on the sidelines.

Green Bay Packers

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New Orleans Saints at Green Bay Packers

Time: 7 p.m. ET

TV: (Away) WVUE-Fox 8; (Home) WGBA-NBC 26

We already know the blow that the Green Bay Packers were dealt after losing Jordy Nelson for the season. On top of that, Randall Cobb is dealing with an injury of his own and may be iffy for Week 1.

Thankfully, the Packers have Aaron Rodgers under center. Much like Peyton Manning in his Colts days, Rodgers has a knack for turning unknown receivers into household names (at least in Wisconsin).

Though Rodgers is unlikely to play on Thursday night, several receivers who he may end up throwing to will. That list includes the rookie out of Stanford, Ty Montgomery, and others who are further down the depth chart: Jared Abbrederis, Jeff Janis and Myles White.

Also keep an eye on the defense. Much like several teams in this list, the offense won't be the reason why the Packers lose many games this season. Watch the defensive backs and the inside linebackers in pass coverage as the game moves on to see if the Green Bay pass defense will be up to snuff.