In September, I postulated that the key to the NFL playoffs is the schedule. But teams that have notched easy wins are about to start playing tougher matches — starting Sunday.

Photo by KeithJJ on Pixabay 

After beating up on three teams (with a combined record of 1-8), the Cowboys visit a contender — the Saints (2-1) — on SNF. While Dak certainly has the knack, I expect Teddy will continue being a bridge over the Saints’ troubled waters (until Drew Brees returns).
 
The Eagles will not hit the “easy” part of their schedule until late November. Thursday, the Eagles — with a 1-2 record (and a lot of injuries) — enter the loud, packed playpen of the unbeaten Packers.
 
The AFC East is one of just two divisions with two unbeatens — but again, not for long.  The Patriots and Bills, having feasted on three weaklings, will vie to see which team will ring the register at 4-0 — and which team will get the bill.  
 
If the Chiefs’ scoring machine is going to have an unexpected wreck somewhere, the Motor City is as good a bet as any, because the Lions are underrated.
 
An old-fashioned southern duel will also make sparks fly, with the Titans and Falcons (both 1-2) hungry for a win. We also witness the first showdown between the Browns and Ravens for control of the AFC North, now that the Steelers and Bengals are both dented and tame (they the meet on MNF to get someone out of the winless column). 
 
The NFC South teams (with at least two contenders inside the division) are playing the league’s toughest schedules.  Those teams compete against each other, obviously, plus strong teams in the AFC South — the AFC’s toughest division — and the NFC West (currently holding a combined 8.5 wins).
 
Before Week One, I opined that the NFC North is now the strongest division. Currently, they sport an amazing 9.5 wins. I expect big defensive plays when the Vikings and Bears (both 2-1) clash.  The Vikes will need better offense on the road if they are to get their first division win. The NFC North teams do have very winnable games against the NFL’s weakest division — you know, the one containing the Dolphins and Jets.
 
 
Here are the Week Four contests — and my picks.
 
      Away           Home            My Pick

1.  Eagles        Packers           Packers
2.  Titans         Falcons           Falcons
3.  Redskins    Giants             Redskins
4.  Chargers    Dolphins          Chargers
5.  Raiders      Colts                Colts
6.  Panthers    Texans            Texans
7.  Chiefs         Lions               Lions
8.  Browns       Ravens            Ravens
9.  Patriots       Bills                 Patriots
10. Bucs          Rams              Rams
11. Seahawks Cardinals         Seahawks
12. Vikings      Bears               Bears
13.  Jaguars    Broncos           Broncos
14. Cowboys   Saints              Saints
15. Bengals     Steelers           Steelers
 
It’s amazing to talk about “desperation” already, but that is what some fans are feeling.  With so much at stake in just Week Four, we are reminded why pro baseball and basketball are no match for the NFL’s every day, every game excitement.  Enjoy!