Sep
Two more days, and most NFL teams will hit the quarter pole of a 16-game season. Six bye weeks leave this weekend’s slate a little lighter than previous weeks, but there’s still plenty of Week 4 action to obsessively watch.
Divisional rivalries and an in-state shootout headline our top games to watch in this week’s edition of The DVR Report. Sunday Ticket owners with an abundance of choices and those who have the bad fortune of being away from a TV this week, press record for the following must-see games.
Washington at Dallas, 4:15 p.m. EST
The best team in football, led by the three-headed monster of Tony Romo, Terrell Owens and Marion Barber, will host division rival Washington Sunday afternoon. Every game in this all-time series provides 60 minutes of intense, significant action, and this one features a slew of top 15 fantasy producers going at it.
Baltimore at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m. Monday EST
An undefeated Ravens team heads into the Steel City to try and kick the Steelers while they are down. With Willie Parker sitting this one out and Big Ben banged-up after getting mauled by the Eagles last week, the Steelers will have to come out fighting. Watching Joe Flacco’s first game against a real defense will add to the excitement.
Cleveland at Cincinnati, 1 p.m. EST
After the epic gun fight that was their Week 3 battle in 2007, this contest for supremacy in Ohio is billed to keep you interested. A lack of defensive ability on both sides allows for each offense to go deep at will and could result in many of Week 4’s top plays. Plus, if Derek Anderson drops the ball early, Brady Quinn could be called upon to make his highly anticipated ‘08 debut.
Green Bay at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. EST
A matchup of intriguing quarterbacks highlights Week 4’s Battle of the Bays. Aaron Rodgers will make his second road start, and veteran Brian Griese will look to build upon his 400 yard, two touchdown performance last week. After eking out an overtime win against Chicago, Tampa Bay will surely look to take advantage of Green Bay’s replacements on defense after star corner Al Harris (spleen) went down last week.
Philadelphia at Chicago, 8:15 p.m. EST
The Birds are fired up after a hard-fought win over in-state rival Pittsburgh last week. With Pro-Bowl running back and top fantasy producer Brian Westbrook listed as day-to-day with a high ankle sprain, Philly may have to turn to some more unlikely heroes to win its second straight. For Chicago, rookie running back Matt Forte continues his campaign for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Denver at Kansas City, 1 p.m. EST
Denver’s offense is flat-out exciting to watch this year. Jay Cutler looks more and more like John Elway every time he takes the field, and Brandon Marshall is backing up his pre-season prediction to have one of the NFL’s most productive seasons ever by a wide receiver. Kansas City is in a world of hurt right now, and the Broncos potent offensive will take to the air and showcase some strengths on the road in Week 4.
Atlanta at Carolina, 1 p.m. EST
Rookie QB Matt Ryan will look to engineer another Falcons victory against the division-rival Panthers on Sunday. The real story here, though, is Michael Turner who, with seven rushing touchdowns in the first three weeks of actions, is sure to put on quite a show for all tuning in. Combine that with potential for more last-second heroics by Carolina QB Jake Delhomme, and you’re sure to get a game worth watching.
San Francisco at New Orleans, 1 p.m. EST
Drew Brees leads the NFL in passing yards, and he’s sure to win the race to 1,000 yards in the first quarter of Week 4. Add the excitement that Reggie Bush brings on every play, and the Saints could provide some serious offensive entertainment. On the other side, quarterback J.T. O’Sullivan is maturing in his first year as a starter, and running back Frank Gore is looking an awful lot like Mike Martz’s new Marshall Faulk.
San Diego at Oakland, 4:05 p.m. EST
Phillip Rivers is the best statistical quarterback heading into Week 4 action, leading the NFL with nine touchdown passes and a 124.8 rating. Oakland can’t seem to do anything right, but after dropping a heart-breaker to the Bills last week, Darren McFadden and company will come out eager for a second win. Look for Rivers to throw for multiple touchdowns and Antonio Gates to come up big with L.T. ailing and the Raiders secondary keying on the San Diego wideouts.
Arizona at New York Jets, 1 p.m. EST
This game will entertain due to the sheer drama of the situation brewing in New York. Brett Favre and coach Eric Mangini let a Week 2 game against the Pats slip through their fingers and got it handed to them by the Bolts last Monday. They’ll look to avoid a tailspin by picking up a much needed Week 4 win at home. Arizona’s Kurt Warner comes in heavily armed, leading a passing attack that is the signature of the upstart Cardinals.

