It was a high-scoring Week 4 in the NFL, and here are some reflections and things we learned as a result.
Prop Bet Analyzer: View top-rated props and historical prop performance by player >>
Footy'
The international audience loves kicking, and those in attendance got their money’s worth. Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins nearly confused this game for prime-time, but Minnesota was able to gut out a three-point win thanks in part to the reincarnation of the ‘double-doink.’
Minnesota remains atop the NFC North, but this outcome leaves much to be desired of the Vikings.
As for the Saints, it is hard to critique when the team lacks so many important players on offense. Hopefully, this team can get healthy sooner than later because the window may be open in the NFC South.
I Don’t Believe the Boxscore
Falcons QB Marcus Mariota completed seven passes in this game, and Atlanta quite literally bulldozed their way to a win. This is exactly what the Falcons want to be: offensively ungovernable. The team’s usage of TE Kyle Pitts and WR Drake London can be annoying, but any frustrations are certainly remedied by a surprising 2-2 start.
The Browns helped Atlanta win this game, but the Falcons are weirdly good. Expect the team’s unique offensive attack to give lesser teams fits all season.
No Plan in DC
The Cowboys’ defense continues to shine, and Washington fans continue to grow restless. The Commanders quickly descended to the bottom of the NFC hierarchy, and the team’s incompetence is inexcusable.
Quarterback Carson Wentz deserves criticism, but so does the team’s personnel department. This offense is exactly what it was built to be: one of the worst units in the NFL. Brace for a long season in D.C.
One of the Best Shows on TV'
It is as though the Lions are perpetual 4-point underdogs, with their only purpose being to cover a backdoor spread.
Detroit struggled early, and rightfully so. The offense was missing its two most crucial playmakers in RB D’Andre Swift and WR Amon-Ra St. Brown. Regardless, any initial optimism surrounding the Lions is surely dwindling. The team’s defense is Swiss-cheese, and their lone win versus Washington grows less stellar by the week. As former Lions QB Dan Orlovsky tweeted: ‘If the Lions had a bad defense, they’d be 3-1.’
Notwithstanding the team’s disappointing start, the Lions are one of the best shows on TV. I’ll be betting their over for the remainder of the season.
Quitting the Colts
Any goodwill the Colts had following their surprising victory versus the Chiefs is surely gone. This team is really bad. The offensive line is supposed to be the team’s strength, but they have perpetually failed at protecting veteran QB Matt Ryan and at opening up rushing lanes for RB Jonathan Taylor.
Furthermore, the Colts’ offense continually stalled in opposing territory, as it has done so consistently this season. Schematically, what are the Colts to do to ignite this offense? The team has arguably the weakest receiving corps in the NFL, an immobile QB, and a struggling O-Line. It may be time to give up on Indianapolis.
Cool Uniforms
Aesthetically, this game was very pleasing… But watching it had to be miserable.