X-Factors for each Week 4 NFL Game

It can be difficult to keep track of all the action that takes place in an NFL game with 22 players on the field at once. There are so many individual matchups and schemes that unfold on each play that drive the final outcome. We’ll help orient fans ahead of Week 4 to watch certain players that have a chance to make a huge difference.

Detroit head coach Dan Campbell has overseen a Lions defense that has improved every year that he’s been there. Former top pick Aidan Hutchinson is starting to prove why he was taken so high in the 2022 NFL Draft. Bakhtiari has been battling a knee injury, but will need to be effective against Hutchinson, who posted two sacks last week against the Atlanta Falcons.

For better or worse, Atlanta is a very predictable team when it comes to their offensive philosophy. They’re going to want to run the football with Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier. As a result, Jacksonville is going to need to control the line of scrimmage. Walker will need to absorb blocks as well as provide a pass rush during this contest.

The Dolphins had a historic day on offense in Week 3, and Mostert was right in the middle of it. The running back has also played well against the Bills, gashing them for 136 yards on the ground last December. Even though De’Von Achane also showed out in Week 3, Miami will likely give the majority of touches to Mostert in the near future.

Theilen has an opportunity to show his former team what they’re missing out on. It’s a good matchup for the veteran, as he will look to take advantage of a Vikings defense that surrendered a big day to Keenan Allen last week. With Andy Dalton under center in Week 3, Theilen erupted for 11 catches and 145 yards, and will look to keep it going against Minnesota.

There aren’t many positives to take out of Week 3 for the Denver Broncos, as they’ll need to refocus after an embarrassing defeat. The defense will need to look themselves in the mirror, and Singleton will be one of the keys to a bounce back week. He’ll need to keep an eye on Chicago Bears quarterback Justin Fields, who has supreme talent scrambling outside the pocket.

At long last, it appears as if Cleveland has found a way to unlock the Deshaun Watson to Cooper connection. The wide receiver caught seven passes for 116 yards and a touchdown, and it could’ve been an even bigger day if not for a questionable call. The Browns will need to lean on their passing attack with running back Nick Chubb out for the season.

Houston surprised a lot of fans last week by thrashing the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road. It was a nice win for the rebuilding Texans, who have received encouraging performances from rookies C.J. Stroud and Tank Dell. They’ll need to continue to give Stroud time to throw, and Tunsil will need to be on his “A” game against T.J. Watt in Week 4.

NFL offensive coordinators hate game planning against the Rams because of the disruption DT Aaron Donald causes. Indianapolis is dealing with an injury to center Ryan Kelly, which is not ideal heading into this game. However, Nelson is an All-Pro and is as well equipped to deal with Donald anyone in the NFL.

Winston has been the definition of a wild card throughout this professional career. It seems likely that he’ll get the start with Derek Carr nursing a shoulder injury he suffered against the Green Bay Packers. Winston will need to protect the football against his old team, and reingratiate running back Alvin Kamara, who returns from his three game suspension.

Not that long ago, it seems like Washington DE Chase Young would be the generational talent that would reign supreme in the NFC East. It’s not crazy to think that Carter has now stolen the spotlight after his impressive game against Tampa Bay on Monday night. The former Georgia defender has a motor that keeps him in most plays.

Cincinnati was able to show signs of life against the Rams on Monday night, which has temporarily assuaged concerns about their demise. The Bengals displayed flashes of the explosiveness they have come to be known for. Tennessee will have to put points on the board to remain competitive, which is something Tannehill and the offense has struggled to achieve so far in 2023.

Los Angeles’ wide receiver depth took a notable hit last week, as wide receiver Mike Williams was lost for the season with an ACL injury. However, Keenan Allen is coming off a tremendous game last week, and the Chargers still have confidence in Josh Palmer and rookie wideout Quentin Johnston. Peters and the rest of the Raiders secondary cannot afford to let their guard down.

Dallas made the decision this offseason to part ways with running back Ezekiel Elliott in order to hand the keys of the offense over to Pollard. The latter has not disappointed, showing the level of burst that allowed the Cowboys to have so much confidence in him. Sunday will be a tougher test for him though, as New England’s defense has been strong at stopping the run.

This is one of the biggest mismatches of the weekend on paper, but so was the Arizona-Dallas game last weekend. The Cardinals didn’t get the memo that they were supposed to lose. San Francisco will need to fight human nature against a team that has much less talent. Veterans like Kittle will need to set the tone in order to put Arizona away early.

Travis Kelce’s name has been in the news this week for his football talent, and his relationship with one of the most famous singers of the generation. Whitehead, a safety for the Jets, will need to rain on Kelce’s parade a little bit by being physical with him at the line of scrimmage. Kelce is too athletic for a linebacker to cover him one on one.

New York is hoping to get healthier ahead of this game with the Thursday night football to Monday night football extended layoff. In their last game, the Giants tried to feed Waller the ball, but the tight end was not able to come down with several passes. He’ll need to secure those opportunities against a potential Seattle team.