Unbeaten Underdogs: Colts Aim to Upset Rams in Week 4 Clash
As the NFL heads into Week 4, six teams remain unbeaten. The Philadelphia Eagles and Buffalo Bills were among those anticipated to maintain their pristine records, while the Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were not major surprises either. However, the Indianapolis Colts have emerged as the unexpected contender, catching many off guard with their undefeated start.
With the stage set for Week 5, the question looms: which of these teams will still be standing without a loss? A matchup between the Eagles and Buccaneers could hint at a potential NFC championship game, especially as Baker Mayfield has made a name for himself, orchestrating three fourth-quarter game-winning drives and remaining interception-free. If he leads the Buccaneers to victory over the defending Super Bowl champions, his MVP candidacy could gain serious traction.
Week 4 Matchup Previews
The Bills, 49ers, and Chargers enter Week 4 as favorites, leaving the Colts as underdogs on the road against the Rams. The intrigue intensifies as the Colts face a Rams team that has been less dominant than expected, raising eyebrows at the prospect of an afternoon game featuring teams with a better overall record than the Chiefs and Ravens.
Current Standings and Predictions
As the NFL’s season progresses, the current standings offer a glimpse into the competitiveness of the league.
Straight up: 32-15 (10-5 in Week 3)
Against the spread: 22-23-2 (9-6 in Week 3)
The odds for Week 4, according to Caesars, suggest an exciting slate of games ahead.
Notable Matchups This Week
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
Thursday, 8:15 p.m., Prime Video*
Seattle, standing at 2-1 with Sam Darnold under center and a healthy Kenneth Walker III, faces a tough challenge against a Cardinals defense that has allowed only 76.3 rushing yards per game. With Seattle having won their last four in Arizona, this matchup promises to be tightly contested.
Pick: Seahawks 21, Cardinals 20
Minnesota Vikings at Pittsburgh Steelers
Sunday, 9:30 a.m.; NFL Network*
Both teams are coming off a Week 3 where they forced five turnovers. Protecting the football will be key, especially for the Vikings, who aim to disrupt Aaron Rodgers after he was not sacked last week. Minnesota’s success in the NFL International Series adds to the pressure on Pittsburgh.
Pick: Steelers 24, Vikings 21
Washington Commanders at Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS*
Quarterback uncertainties loom large as both teams may be without their starters. Washington has performed well as an away favorite, but their 1-2 record against the spread complicates predictions.
Pick: Commanders 29, Falcons 22
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS*
After a tough division rival matchup, the Bills look to cover a hefty spread against the Saints, who are reeling from a blowout loss. Buffalo’s run defense will be tested, but they should prevail.
Pick: Buffalo 31, Saints 16
Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox*
With a strong defensive showing last week, the Browns face a Lions team that thrives at home. Expect the Lions to lean into their aggressive passing game while trying to contain Quinshon Judkins.
Pick: Lions 27, Browns 14
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox*
Having recently shut out their opponents, the Panthers look to assert their momentum on the road. However, New England’s stout run defense will challenge Carolina’s offensive strategy.
Pick: Patriots 21, Panthers 19
Los Angeles Chargers at New York Giants
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS*
The Chargers’ run game and solid defense face off against the Giants, who are struggling to protect their quarterback. Expect the Chargers to maintain their edge.
Pick: Chargers 24, Giants 14
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Sunday, 1 p.m., Fox*
With the Buccaneers looking to upset the Eagles, Baker Mayfield’s performance will be pivotal against a high-powered Eagles offense.
Pick: Eagles 30, Buccaneers 24
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans
Sunday, 1 p.m., CBS*
Both teams search for their first win of the season. The Titans’ struggles against the run could play into Houston’s favor as they aim to capitalize.
Pick: Texans 23, Titans 20
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., Fox*
The Colts surprise at 3-0, led by Jonathan Taylor’s impressive rushing stats, but face a formidable Rams defense. The potential for an upset exists if the Colts can withstand the pressure.
Pick: Rams 33, Colts 23
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., Fox*
With Brock Purdy’s return still uncertain, Mac Jones may take the reins against his former team. The 49ers’ defense could prove overwhelming for the Jaguars.
Pick: 49ers 28, Jaguars 21
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS*
The Chiefs face mounting pressure as they struggle to find their rhythm. Meanwhile, the Ravens look to capitalize on their previous experiences against elite offenses.
Pick: Ravens 24, Chiefs 21
Chicago Bears at Las Vegas Raiders
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., CBS*
With Caleb Williams having a standout performance last week, he faces a tough challenge against a Raiders defense that will seek to disrupt his momentum.
Pick: Bears 22, Raiders 17
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, 8:20 p.m., NBC*
As Micah Parsons returns, the Packers must regroup after a narrow loss. The matchup between Jordan Love and the Dallas defense will be crucial.
Pick: Packers 27, Cowboys 16
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins
Monday, 7:15 p.m., ESPN*
In a matchup of winless teams, both look to turn their fortunes around. With turnover struggles on both sides, the outcome could hinge on who can execute better.
Pick: Dolphins 23, Jets 20
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos
Monday, 8:15 p.m., ABC/ESPN*
The Bengals face a tough road matchup after a disappointing loss, while the Broncos aim to maintain their home advantage against a struggling pass defense.
Pick: Broncos 25, Bengals 18
As the season unfolds, the stakes are high, and surprises abound. The Colts’ ability to defy expectations against the Rams could redefine their standing in the league.
