NFL Week 4 Preview: Key Matchups and Storylines
The first three weeks of the NFL season have exposed flaws in contenders and left struggling teams fighting to survive. NFL Week 4 preview brings urgency across the league, with several franchises already facing must-win situations. From winless starts to heavyweight clashes, here are the biggest takeaways heading into the weekend.
Texans Searching for Answers
The Houston Texans entered 2025 with optimism around C.J. Stroud, but the offense has stalled behind what may be the league’s worst offensive line. Stroud has faced constant pressure, the run game has been ineffective without Joe Mixon, and the Texans have struggled to sustain drives. Rookie running back Woody Marks has flashed in limited action and could see a bigger role against Tennessee. A divisional win against the Titans would stop the bleeding, but until the offensive line improves, Houston will remain stuck in neutral.
New York Teams on the Brink
Both New York teams sit at 0-3, and Week 4 brings brutal matchups. The New York Giants face the red-hot Los Angeles Chargers, who look like legitimate Super Bowl contenders. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart gets his first start following the benching of Russell Wilson. His mobility and big-play ability could provide the spark New York desperately needs. The New York Jets, meanwhile, draw a desperate Miami Dolphins team that fell just short against Buffalo last Thursday. Questions remain about Justin Fields’s status, but regardless of who starts, the offense must improve, or a 0-4 start becomes likely. Both New York franchises are already in danger of losing control of their seasons.
Dolphins Fighting
The Miami Dolphins entered 2025 with expectations of competing for the division, but inconsistency has raised doubts. Tua Tagovailoa has struggled with turnovers, and the defense has been leaky against explosive plays. The coaching staff is under pressure to steady the ship, and this game against the Jets carries major implications for the entire organization. Falling to 0-4 would intensify coaching staff decisions and the direction of the team.
Eagles and Buccaneers Clash at 3-0
Two unbeaten teams meet when the Philadelphia Eagles face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Tampa Bay will be without Mike Evans, though Chris Godwin is expected to return. Philadelphia’s balanced attack and strong defensive front will test Baker Mayfield, who has started the season hot. Both teams have looked like NFC contenders, and this game could serve as an early playoff preview.
Chiefs vs. Ravens: Game of the Week
The matchup of Week 4 features the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens, two teams not expected to be sitting at 1-2. By Sunday night, one of them will be 1-3. The Chiefs offense has looked shaky without Xavier Worthy and Rashee Rice, while the Ravens defense has struggled to stop the run and prevent big plays. With tough schedules looming, a 1-3 start is never ideal, especially in a crowded AFC, but both teams have the ability to climb back into contention. It is the most important game of the week and a rare moment of desperation for two perennial contenders.
Micah Parsons Returns to Dallas Headlines NFL Week 4 preview
Superstar Micah Parsons makes his return to Dallas as a member of the Green Bay Packers since the trade that shocked the NFL world. Green Bay is coming off a tough loss to Cleveland and needs a statement performance to stay on track. Parsons will look to make an immediate impact against his former team, adding intensity to an already emotional matchup.
Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin
NFL Week 4 preview sets the stage for separation across the league. Contenders must prove they can handle adversity, while winless teams fight to keep hope alive. The season is still young, but the stakes are already high.
Main Photo: [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union] – Imagn Images
