NFL Week 4: A Game-By-Game Preview Of The Weekend's Premiere Matchups

A lot has changed already in the young 2010-2011 NFL regular season. Young Eagles' stud QB Kevin Kolb was injured and quickly lost his job to the opportunistic Michael Vick. The Patriots sent former first round pick Laurence Maroney packing and told him to take his low pain tolerance with him. And, Ladanian Tomlinson, fueled by competition from another promising young back, has seemingly regained most of his Pro-Bowl form.

The most surprising revelation, however, of all the personnel and coaching changes in the offseason is the apparent parody between 80 percent of the league's teams. Just five winless teams remain and the tight scores and highlight finishes have kept fans tuned in.

Week 4 should provide NFL fans with even more excitement and jubilation as there are some great games this weekend. The games provide both old rivalries renewed and new ones born. One thing is for sure: we'll all have something to talk about Monday morning... 

The Throwaways

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CHICAGO - SEPTEMBER 27: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers reacts against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 27, 2010 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Now while there are plenty of exciting games lined up for Sunday and Monday, the schedule is bound to have games that provide less than ideal showdowns. Week 4 is no exception and there should be no surprises in these games:

S.F. @ Atlanta

NY Jets @ Buffalo

Detroit @ Green Bay

Carolina @ New Orleans

Indianapolis @ Jacksonville

Arizona @ San Diego

Houston @ Oakland

Ravens @ Steelers

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TAMPA, FL - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Rashard Mendenhall #34 of the Pittsburgh Steelers tries to out run defenders Cody Grimm #35 and Ronde Barber #20 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the game at Raymond James Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Tampa, F

This rivalry is filled with bad blood. The Ravens took out Hines Ward and the sentiment was returned quickly. The Steelers have had the upper hand of late, eliminating the Ravens from the playoffs a couple years ago.

Pittsburgh comes into this game on the heels of a 38-13 romping of the previously undefeated Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And, despite not having any of the first three quarterbacks on the depth chart available, they still threw the ball efficiently with Charlie Batch under center. Rashard Mendenhal racked up 143 yards on the ground, which allowed the Steelers to control the clock all day. The defense looks as good as ever, they are getting after the ball, sacking the quarterback and shutting down routes the way they did in championship seasons.

Baltimore is also coming into this game looking like Super Bowl contenders. Joe Flacco backed up a sub-par performance against the Bengals with his most solid game of the season. Flacco found his new favorite target, Anquan Boldin, three times for touchdowns as the Ravens rolled over Cleveland. The defense had nothing to complain about this week and took care of business on their side of the ball. 

These two teams have seen quite a bit of each other in recent years and know more or less what to expect. Joe Flacco will be under fire all day, which will disrupt an already suspect passing offense. Ray Rice's injury may prevent him from playing, but even if it doesn't, he will be less than 100 percent against a tough front seven. The Baltimore defense should keep this one close as Charlie Batch has not seen pressure like this in a long time. My guess is that the Steelers do eventually break through even without "Big Ben" and take this one 13-7

Redskins @ Eagles

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ST. LOUIS - SEPTEMBER 26: Donavan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins passes against the St. Louis Rams at the Edward Jones Dome on September 26, 2010 in St. Louis, Missouri. The Rams beat the Redskins 30-16. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)

Donovan McNabb will play a road game in the same place he had called home for the past 11 NFL seasons. His tenure in Philadelphia was by any other city's standards a massive success. Donovan was a six-time Pro Bowler, went to four NFC title games, and got the Eagles within another Tom Brady drive of their only Super Bowl win. That didn't fly in Philly, however, as McNabb was unwelcome from day 1, when Eagles' fans booed his selection at the draft. He had an up-and-down relationship with the fans and now he comes in looking for some payback against a team that thought so little of him as to trade him within their own division.

The 'Skins are coming off an embarrassing defeat at the hands of the lowly St. Louis Rams. They may have been looking ahead to this week a bit, but that does not excuse the lack of continuity they displayed on offense this past Sunday. At times, they looked simply lost. Clinton Portis seemed frustrated and unhappy with his role and Donovan forced unnecessary throws that led to turnovers. The defense still looked sharp, but there's only so much they can do against a short field for the majority of the day.

The Eagles are reaping the benefits of a new and improved Michael Vick. He appears to not only have regained his All-Pro form of a few years back, but has also picked up what many refer to as a "pocket passing game", which he was always famously criticized for not having. The running game, as usual, is almost nonexistent with the exception of Vick's fantastic scrambles. The D looks fast and intimidating and should provide some tough looks for their old teammate. 

This is going to be a very emotional, back-and-forth game. Despite the bad lost last week, the Redskins still have enough talent and motivation to take this game in Philly. And, how long can Michael Vick scramble around behind a suspect offensive line before getting popped like Kolb did? Even with their obvious shortcomings, I still don't see Donovan and his 'Skins losing this game. Redskins win 31-27 on a last second TD pass.  

Patriots @ Dolphins

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FOXBORO, MA - SEPTEMBER 26: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots directs the offensive line against the Buffalo Bills in the first half at Gillette Stadium on September 26, 2010 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Jim Rogash/Getty Images)

Hello rivalry! Tom Brady and company ride into Miami once again to take on those pesky Dolphins on Monday night. The 'Phins first showcased the Wildcat formation in an absolute beat down of the Pats and the two have had compelling games since. Even when they're great, the Patriots and their mastermind Bill Belichick, who with his patented hoody on bears a striking resemblance to emperor Palpatine, just cannot seem to take care of the Dolphins. The result is usually a very entertaining contrast of styles.

The Pats offense looks as good as ever. Brady is back and healthy at last as his numbers are reminiscent of his MVP season. Moss and Welker provide the league's best combo of over the middle and deep threat receivers. Even former Hard Knocks subject Danny Woodhead has crossed the goal line for the Brady Bunch. The defense is a different story. They just cannot seem to stop any kind of passing attack, having given up large passing numbers to Carson Palmer, Mark Sanchez, and Ryan Fitzpatrick. Let's just say if those are your fantasy QBs, you're in trouble.

The Dolphins look like the old adage of a "Puncher's chance" in boxing. They fight and fight until you're both bloody and then they try for the knockout punch. They are going to try to run the Patriot defense all over the field with runs, end arounds, and the patented Wildcat formation. Their defense was god enough to stifle the Vikings a couple weeks back and allow the team to pick up a surprise win.

Due to the past that these teams share. This game should be predictably unpredictable except for one crucial thing, it will be close. They always play tight games and from the looks of both teams coming in, this will be no exception. I have seen the past repeat itself in this rivalry too many times to go another direction. Dolphins win 35-31