NFL Week 3 Recap and Week 4 Predictions!
After I was 0-3 with my predictions for week two, I bounced back in a big way by going 4-0 last week during the third week of the 2023 NFL season.
But before we look at each game of the 1:00 P.M. slate today, let’s rewind a little bit and review week three.
Dolphins have a historic showing
The Dolphins were the biggest story in the NFL last week, as they scored 70 points while totaling 726 yards against the Broncos. The Dolphins scored the second most points in an NFL game since Washington set the record with 72 points in a single game.
Miami’s 726 yards was the most total yards in an NFL game and the first time a team went over 700 yards since 1951.
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has looked unbelievable this season and threw for 309 yards along with four passing touchdowns.
The Dolphins running backs led the way in this game and were dominant from the start. As a team, they ran the ball for 350 yards and five touchdowns.
Rookie RB De’Von Achane was the star of this running back group as he totaled 233 yards and four touchdowns. He looked like a star and this Dolphins team has a great running game along with their star pass duo with Tua and Tyreke Hill.
Bills blowout the Commanders
After a tough loss in week one for the Bills, they have come back each of the past week and looked like their former dominant self.
Stefon Diggs had 8 catches for 111 yards while rookie James Cook had nearly 100 rushing yards. The Bills’ defense also did a great job getting to the quarterback as they had nine total sacks against Sam Howell.
Chargers win the battle of winless teams
Heading into this week, both of these teams still have not won a game through the first two weeks of the season and both needed a victory to keep their playoff hopes alive.
It was a back and fourth close game throughout but Justin Herbert’s excellent play pushed the Chargers to the finish line. Herbert completed 40/47 passes for 405 total yards with three touchdowns.
Keenan Allen had 18 receptions for 215 yards while Mike Williams caught 7 passes for 121 yards with a touchdown. Late in the game, Mike Williams suffered a season-ending torn ACL.
That is a huge loss for one of the Chargers’ best playmakers. Young receivers Josh Palmer and Quentin Johnson are now going to have to step up.
The 49ers and Eagles stay perfect
To me, these have been the two best teams in the NFC throughout the past year and that doesn't seem to be changing anytime soon.
The 49ers had a big win over the Giants on Thursday night football where we saw Brock Purdy have his best start of the season. He threw for 310 yards with two touchdowns.
Christian McCaffrey once again had over 100 total yards with a touchdown while we saw Deebo Samuel have a big game of 129 yards and a touchdown.
On Monday night we saw the Eagles win 25-11 in Tampa Bay. The Story of this game was Philadelphia establishing their running game early and continuing to use it throughout the game. They had 201 rushing yards as a team with D’Andre Swift leading the way with 130 yards on only 16 carries.
TNF Recap: Lions the new class of the NFC North?
We saw the Lions beat the Packers in Green Bay 34-20 and move to 3-1 on the season. I believe that this Lions team is the real deal. They now have won games in Kansas City and Green Bay, two of the toughest environments in the NFL to play in.
David Montgomery was the star of this game as he ran the ball 32 times for 121 yards with three touchdowns.
Packers QB Jordan Love had a rough game after having a good start to the season. He had two interceptions in this contest.
Week 4 Predictions:
Miami Dolphins at Buffalo Bills - 1:00 P.M. - CBS - BUF -2.5 - 0/U 53.5
To me, this is the best game of this Week 4 NFL slate. The Dolphins have been the most dominant team in the NFL but the Bills have led the AFC East during the past few seasons.
I think this will be a high-scoring game and the first real test for this record-setting Dolphins team. I think the Bills will struggle to contain the Dolphins rushing attack.
The Bills offense finally looks like it is clicking and everyone is on the same page. I believe this game will be a shootout and I’m going with the home because the Bills are very good in front of their passionate Buffalo crowd.
Prediction: Bills 37, Dolphins 35
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles - 1:00 P.M. - PHI -8.5
The Eagles have looked good during certain points in their games this season but still haven't had a true elite performance this year.
I think this is the week that Jalen Hurts gets back on track after being sick last week and shows everyone why he deserves the big contract that he received and still is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.
Sam Howell has shown that he isn't reliable and I believe he will continue to struggle against an elite Eagles defensive front.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Commanders 7
Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns - 1:00 P.M. - Even Line
This is a great division matchup with two teams that are both 2-1. The Ravens lost last week in overtime to the Colts but I still believe that they are a good team and will bounce back.
I think the Browns are a little bit above average this season. Their defense is very good led by Myles Garrett but Watson has to be more consistent before I can fully trust them.
Watson has been ruled out for this game due to a shoulder injury. Rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson will make his first NFL start in this game.
To me, the Browns defense will keep them in the game during the first half but Lamar will put the Ravens over the top at the end.
Prediction: Ravens 28, Browns 17
Minnesota Vikings at Carolina Panthers - 1:00 P.M. - MIN -5
Last week the Vikings were in the battle of 0-2 teams with the Chargers, now they are in a game with another winless team.
Bryce Young is back but the Vikings offense will overpower this weak Carolina defense. Kirk Cousins has been decent this season but I think he will do enough to get the victory this week.
Prediction: Vikings 27, Panthers 21
Denver Broncos at Chicago Bears - 1:00 P.M. - DEN -3
This game features two more teams that are in desperate need of a win. Denver being the favorite in a game after losing by 50 points last week is unreal but then again they are playing the Bears.
I think this will be a low-scoring game between two of the bottom five teams in the NFL but I will give the edge to the Bears just because they are home.
Prediction: Bears 21, Broncos 17
Cincinnati Bengals at Tennesse Titians - 1:00 P.M. - CIN -2.5
Joe Burrow is still trying to regain his superstar form this season but he did enough to give the Bengals a 19-16 win on Monday night against the Rams.
The Titans have looked very bad as of late as they only scored three points last week against the Browns. The quarterback play has been brutal and is hurting the team this season.
I think the Bengals are establishing themselves as one of the best teams in the league today with a huge victory.
Prediction: Bengals 31, Titians 14
LA RAMS AT Indianapolis COLTS - 1:00 P.M. - LAR -1
The Colts have surprised me a lot this season as I thought they would be a bottom-five team in the league this year as they have a rookie quarterback.
Richardson was out last week when they won in overtime but he's back this week and I believe he will have his best game as a professional today.
The Rams have had a few unknown wide receivers step up this season as they have been without Cooper Kupp, but Staford has just not been consistent enough to get them across the finish line.
Prediction: Colts 24, Rams 21
Tampa Bay Bucs AT New Orleans Saints - 1:00 P.M. - NO -4
Derek Carr will play in this game after injuring his shoulder but he just hasn't looked comfortable in this Saints offense. The good news is star RB Alvin Kamara is back, so they will most likely lean on the running game with Carr hurt.
The Bucs didn't look great against the Eagles on Monday but that game was closer than you think. Mike Evans who has been one of the most consistent WRs in the league dropped three catchable passes.
Baker Mayfield and the Bucs thrive as underdogs and I think they will win a tough division game on the road today.
Prediction: Bucs 23, Saints 17
Pittsburgh Steelers at Housten Texans - 1:00 P.M. - PIT -3
CJ Stroud has looked great this season so far and had a huge upset last week when they went into Jacksonville and beat them by 20 points.
But this week, they face one of the best defenses in the NFL in the Steelers and I think they will be too much for the rookie QB. The Steelers are on a nice two-game win streak and no matter how poorly Kenny Pickett plays, their defense keeps them in the game.
Prediction: Steelers 27, Texans 21