Matthew Ross
Week 4 of NFL football was one of those weeks where you felt like you knew something about the league when it was over. I mean, are we now referring to the Bills as a contending team? Is the reign of the Patriots atop the AFC East over? What about the Saints? Do they finally have a defense? And can the Rams keep up this historic offensive pace? Let’s dive in.
2017 NFL Week 4 Betting Recap
– Green Bay may have to use a different running back or receiver from time to time. But as long as AROD is behind center then they will contend.
-What the? I know Jay Cutler isn’t great, but zero points for Miami against the Saints D? Huh? Goodnight Dolphins, enjoy a great draft pick next spring.
-The Falcons can’t win every game. While Buffalo is much improved on both sides of the ball, I feel like Atlanta took them lightly on Sunday.
-The Ravens can’t protect Joe Flacco. And their D isn’t creating turnovers like in the first two weeks. And yes, there was the Le’Veon Bell we expected. Pittsburgh looks to have finally sorted out the offensive line issues.
-The Bengals were due to bust out, especially against a young Browns D. Now, can they keep up this level of play and get back into the divisional race? Too soon to tell.
-The Rams have a very good head coach and it’s paying dividends. As game film continues to be developed on Jared Goff he’ll have to adjust and adapt. I don’t think L.A. will be this good, but it is alarming for the Cowboys nonetheless. Teams are stacking the box and making Dak beat them, and isn’t doing it.
-Deshaun Watson is for real. The Texans are for real. The Titans are not yet ready to take the next step.
-The Lions are well coached and Matthew Stafford is bucking the trend – he’s actually playing smarter and better since he signed his big contract. As for the Vikings, they have to sort out the QB position before they can do anything this season. That, and now have to replace the amazing Dalvin Cook.
-At some point the second half, something clicked for Cam Newton and the Panthers. Sure, the Patriots can’t play D right now. But Carolina was impressive on Sunday in Foxboro. A team to watch moving forward.
-The Jaguars wet the bed. Every time we think that they are ready to be respectful, they take a step back and show that they aren’t.
-As I said last week, the Niners have heart, just not enough talent right now. Arizona? Well, they have talent but not enough execution. Still, they did win.
-Carson Wentz and the Eagles are piling up competitive performances and wins. I don’t think many had them winning the NFC East, but they should now. They’re my favorites.
-Oh Giants, you will be the death of New Yorkers, won’t you? You will compete all season and barely lose time and time again.
-Denver’s D is outstanding at home. But let’s see what they do on the road after their bye week. As for the Raiders? Yeah, if Carr is out for any period they are screwed.
-Seattle is better than the limited Colts. That’s all we learned on Sunday night.
Matthew Ross is a sports commentator and a radio host on TSN 690 Radio in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Follow him @MatthewWords.
