The NFL did not need long for quarterback controversies to start and preseason favorites to face withering questions about whether they’re for real. In the case of the former, Case Keenum’s position in Washington is under question, while the Cleveland Browns are scrambling to justify the preseason hype. They’re storylines worth watching, but there are plenty of other games worth paying attention to.
Here are 15 key questions to be answered in NFL Week 4.
1. Can the Atlanta offense finally hit its stride?
This isn’t actually a great matchup for the Falcons’ offense, as the Tennessee Titans have been a very solid defensive unit this season. Atlanta and quarterback Matt Ryan have been inconsistent, mixing moments of brilliance with some real slogs during a 1-2 start. The key might be turning to Devonta Freeman and the run game here, with Tennessee’s run defense looking a bit vulnerable. Atlanta’s run game hasn’t really gotten going all year, and this may be the game to do it.
2. Has the Browns’ offense learned any lessons after Week 3?
After some disastrous playcalling and a terrible Week 3 performance, the Browns are facing a whole lot of questions and scrutiny that they haven’t had to deal with before. Unfortunately for them, things do not get any easier with a matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. With the Bengals a non-factor and the Steelers floundering, this is a chance for someone to set down an AFC North marker. The Browns really need it, especially offensively. The offensive line must find some way to play better and give Baker Mayfield time. We’ll also see if Freddie Kitchens has learned any lessons after having to resist questions about giving up offensive playcalling duties.
3. Are the Bills about to get a reality check against New England?
The Bills are 3-0 and feeling good, but the New England Patriots tend to provide a reality check in moments like this. This is easily the best defense Buffalo will have seen this season, and Josh Allen did not do much when he saw the Patriots last season. This will be a grind-it-out game, and will demonstrate a lot about where the Bills stand at this moment. If they can win this one, they can really be looked at as a contender.
4. Will the Lions’ defense pose any problems for Patrick Mahomes?
Believe it or not, this is the first time Mahomes will be playing in a dome. In theory, that should help him. There is, however, an element of uncertainty here, and Detroit’s defense has been surprisingly sturdy in a lot of moments in 2019. Mahomes usually finds a way, and the Ravens didn’t really put him off in Week 3, but seeing how he plays indoors will be intriguing. 1,1195 yards and 10 passing touchdowns this season suggest nothing can really bother Mahomes.
5. Can Kyle Allen prove himself against a better team?
With Cam Newton still out, Allen will get the nod in Week 4 again, this time against a tough defensive opponent in the Houston Texans. That said, Houston’s secondary has issues, and Allen might just be able to exploit that and turn in another solid game. If he can do it, at the very least, it should help establish him as a legitimate NFL quarterback, even if his future is murky when Newton comes back.
6. Can the Raiders cope with another brutal away game?
In his second stint as coach of the Raiders, Jon Gruden is 1-8 in away games. Add in another 1 p.m. East Coast start and this trip to Indianapolis is not really coming at an ideal time. The Colts have been playing fairly well, and to be blunt, the Raiders haven’t. That road record is really bad and often the result of a ball-control team falling behind and being unable to manage the game. It’s hard to see it turning around here in unfavorable circumstances, with the Raiders looking headed for another lost season.
7. Is a season-high in points attainable for the lowly Dolphins?
The Dolphins scored 10 points in Week 1 and haven’t made it into double digits since. They’re probably going to lose to the Chargers, if we’re being honest, so this is a case of where they will have to set their own goals. One would be to get more than ten points. There are no weapons here, but Josh Rosen is trying, and they’ll have to do it at some point. Why not this week?
8. Will Case Keenum make it through this one?
Keenum is going to play through injury and start against the New York Giants, a sign of just how dedicated coach Jay Gruden is to the veteran right now. Of course, at a certain point, it becomes impossible to ignore the medical reality of the situation. The only good news is that the Giants have a weak defense and aren’t likely to overwhelm Keenum with pressure, but the guy hasn’t been a good quarterback even when healthy. One has to wonder at this point what it would take to get Keenum benched.
9. Can Chris Carson hold on to the football?
Carson has lost three fumbles in three games and while the Seahawks are publicly standing by him, doubts have to be growing. Rashaad Penny’s injury status may save him, but with Penny a very viable option, Carson needs to get it together or risk losing carries. The Cardinals are a weak defense that should give up yards. If Carson makes another error in this one, the Seahawks may be left with no choice but to sideline him on big plays.
10. Is Tampa’s vulnerable defense the antidote to Jared Goff’s road woes?
Goff’s issues away from home are well documented at this point as he travels to Tampa Bay. However, the Buccaneers were shredded by Daniel Jones a week ago, and that could be a sign of things to come for this unit. Goff showed positive flashes in a Week 3 win over Cleveland, and the talent around him seems to be coming into its own. That could open the door to a sturdy road performance, which Goff badly needs.
11. Which defense will reign supreme in the Bears-Vikings game?
This one should be ugly, with two offenses that have had issues and two quarterbacks that are regarded as game managers squaring off. In other words, this one could come down to defense, and who can do a better job. The Bears may be better on paper here, and they’ve been outstanding defensively this season. However, a key mistake or major turnover could be the deciding factor.
12. How will Gardner Minshew fare in his toughest defensive test yet?
Everybody loves Minshew right now, and with good reason. However, he hasn’t seen personnel like Denver’s yet. The Broncos’ lack of big plays on defense has been noted, but they’ve done a fine job of shutting down opposing offenses. With the talent Denver has on that side of the ball, it feels like a defensive breakout is inevitable. Minshew will be determined to make sure he isn’t the victim of it.
13. Is Alvin Kamara capable of carrying the Saints against Dallas?
Along with two big moments on special teams and defense, Kamara was basically the offense for the Saints against Seattle in Week 3 in Drew Brees’ absence. Expect Kamara to get a similar workload against the Cowboys, which will be a heavier lift, especially if the Dallas pass game gets off to a quick start. Kamara had enough help to get the Saints a win last week, but things will only get tougher from here.
14. Is this the week for Mason Rudolph to show what he’s really capable of?
The Steelers will be hoping that Rudolph’s first start isn’t the best he can do. The good news is the Bengals aren’t great defensively and don’t put a lot of pressure on opposing quarterbacks, so he should have an easier time of it this week. This is an excellent opportunity for the Steelers to get back on track and Rudolph to get a win under his belt. If he looks shaky again, the Steelers will probably grow worried.
15. What does Daniel Jones have in store as a follow-up?
Jones electrified the Giants — and the league — with his comeback win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers a week ago. This week, he’ll face the struggling Washington Redskins. There’s a caveat, however, as he won’t have the help of the injured Saquon Barkley in this one. Jones has talent and Week 3 definitely woke some people up, but he actually has the opportunity to build up some momentum here. If Jones can make it two wins in two games, the hype will only grow.
