NFL Week 4 closes the month of September with a packed schedule and several matchups that will shape the early playoff race. The action begins on Thursday night in Arizona and ends with a Monday night doubleheader.
One game will be played in Dublin, Ireland and multiple teams face real pressure to keep their seasons on track.
This guide gives clear predictions and short analysis for all sixteen games, based on current form, early-season trends and key injuries.
NFL Week 4 Game-by-Game Predictions
Thursday Night Football – Sept. 25, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video)
Seattle Seahawks at Arizona Cardinals
Seattle is trending up after back-to-back wins with Sam Darnold settling in. The defense held the Saints under 14 points in Week 3 and has generated steady pressure off the edge.
Arizona lost both the game and star running back James Conner last week and now must rely almost entirely on Kyler Murray’s arm. The short week and missing Conner make it tough for the Cardinals to keep pace.
Pick: Seahawks
Sunday, Sept. 28 – Dublin, 9:30 a.m. ET (NFL Network)
Minnesota Vikings vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The NFL takes its first regular-season game of the year overseas. Minnesota’s defense was dominant against the Bengals in Week 3 and leads the league in takeaways.
Pittsburgh is getting steady veteran play from Aaron Rodgers, but pass protection remains an issue. Early kick and international travel can slow offenses, giving the stronger pass rush the edge.
Pick: Vikings
Sunday Early Games – 1:00 p.m. ET
Washington Commanders at Atlanta Falcons (CBS)
Washington scored 41 points with a backup QB last week and continues to get consistent pressure from its defensive front. Marcus Mariota has shown he can manage the offense if Jayden Daniels is not ready.
Atlanta has yet to find a rhythm with rookie QB Michael Penix Jr. and was shut out by Carolina in Week 3. Washington’s defensive line can control the game.
Pick: Commanders
New Orleans Saints at Buffalo Bills (CBS)
Buffalo is 3-0 and rested after a Thursday game. Josh Allen has thrown for over 300 yards in consecutive weeks and the Bills average more than 30 points per game.
The Saints’ offense has sputtered and they may consider a quarterback change if struggles continue. Buffalo’s secondary should limit big plays and the home crowd makes this a tough trip for New Orleans.
Pick: Bills
Cleveland Browns at Detroit Lions (FOX)
Cleveland shocked the Packers last week and rookie RB Quinshon Judkins gives the run game a boost. The Browns defensive front can pressure Jared Goff, but Detroit’s offense remains among the NFC’s best when it protects the ball.
Playing at home with a more consistent passing attack, the Lions should survive a close, physical game.
Pick: Lions
Tennessee Titans at Houston Texans (CBS)
Both teams enter 0-3 and desperate. Houston’s offense has stalled, but its defense has been better than the record suggests. C.J. Stroud needs a clean game to stop the slide.
Tennessee has been undisciplined and ranks near the bottom in points allowed. The Texans’ front seven should create enough stops to earn their first win.
Pick: Texans
Carolina Panthers at New England Patriots (FOX)
Carolina has outscored opponents 49-0 since the second half of Week 2 and forced three turnovers in a shutout of Atlanta. Bryce Young is getting more comfortable, while the defense is regaining form.
New England lost four fumbles in Week 3 and must tighten ball security. If the Panthers sustain their defensive surge, they can win on the road.
Pick: Panthers
Los Angeles Chargers at New York Giants (CBS)
The Chargers survived a brutal opening stretch against division rivals and remain unbeaten. Justin Herbert leads an offense averaging over 28 points per game and the pass rush is heating up.
The Giants’ offense has scored 15 points or fewer in two of three games and pressure is mounting on Russell Wilson to hold the starting job.
Pick: Chargers
Philadelphia Eagles at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (FOX)
This matchup of unbeatens is one of the week’s best. Philadelphia has beaten the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Rams but now faces a stingy Buccaneers defense that has forced key turnovers in all three wins.
Baker Mayfield has spread the ball effectively and Tampa’s home crowd gives them an emotional lift. Expect a tight contest decided by a late field goal.
Pick: Buccaneers
Sunday Late Games
Indianapolis Colts at Los Angeles Rams – 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX)
The Colts are the AFC’s surprise 3-0 team with Daniel Jones efficient and Jonathan Taylor in top form. The Rams, stung by a late loss to the Eagles, boast a top defensive front and will be eager to respond.
The combination of home-field energy and defensive pressure should hand the Colts their first loss.
Pick: Rams 28
Jacksonville Jaguars at San Francisco 49ers – 4:05 p.m. ET (FOX)
San Francisco continues to win despite injuries. Mac Jones has proved a strong fit in Kyle Shanahan’s system and Christian McCaffrey remains a game-breaker.
Jacksonville’s defense is solid but will have trouble containing McCaffrey for four quarters.
Pick: 49ers
Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs – 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
A marquee AFC showdown. Kansas City snapped its early skid with a road win but is still seeking consistency. Baltimore’s balanced offense led by Lamar Jackson and deep receiving corps can challenge the Chiefs secondary.
If the Ravens defense limits Patrick Mahomes’ big plays, they can steal a crucial road win.
Pick: Ravens
Chicago Bears at Las Vegas Raiders – 4:25 p.m. ET (CBS)
Caleb Williams threw four touchdown passes in a win over Dallas and the Bears offense finally showed its potential.
The Raiders have surrendered 41 points to Washington and continue to struggle against speed. Chicago’s young playmakers can take advantage.
Pick: Bears
Sunday Night Football – 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Green Bay Packers at Dallas Cowboys
Micah Parsons faces his former team after the blockbuster preseason trade. The Packers need a bounce back after their loss to the Browns, and their defense has been strong in late-game situations.
Dallas has been inconsistent and allowed too many explosive plays. Parsons and Green Bay’s pass rush tilt the game late.
Pick: Packers
Monday Night Football Doubleheader
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins – 7:15 p.m. ET (ESPN)
Miami is desperate to avoid an 0-4 start and plays with extra rest. The Jets defense has allowed 31 points per game and Tua Tagovailoa should find rhythm early.
Pick: Dolphins
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos – 8:15 p.m. ET (ABC)
Denver has lost two heartbreakers despite never trailing in the fourth quarter. Home altitude and an aggressive pass rush create problems for Jake Browning, who has struggled with turnovers.
Pick: Broncos
Quick Picks Recap
This recap gives a quick look at every pick and predicted score for NFL Week 1.
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | Predicted Winner | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Thu, Sept 25 | Seahawks at Cardinals | 8:15 PM | Seahawks | 24–17 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Vikings vs Steelers (Dublin) | 9:30 AM | Vikings | 24–21 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Commanders at Falcons | 1:00 PM | Commanders | 31–17 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Saints at Bills | 1:00 PM | Bills | 34–16 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Browns at Lions | 1:00 PM | Lions | 23–20 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Titans at Texans | 1:00 PM | Texans | 20–17 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Panthers at Patriots | 1:00 PM | Panthers | 24–20 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Chargers at Giants | 1:00 PM | Chargers | 30–20 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Eagles at Buccaneers | 1:00 PM | Buccaneers | 27–24 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Colts at Rams | 4:05 PM | Rams | 28–20 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Jaguars at 49ers | 4:05 PM | 49ers | 24–21 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Ravens at Chiefs | 4:25 PM | Ravens | 30–23 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Bears at Raiders | 4:25 PM | Bears | 24–23 |
| Sun, Sept 28 | Packers at Cowboys | 8:20 PM | Packers | 30–24 |
| Mon, Sept 29 | Jets at Dolphins | 7:15 PM | Dolphins | 24–23 |
| Mon, Sept 29 | Bengals at Broncos | 8:15 PM | Broncos | 30–17 |
You can download our Printable NFL Week 4 Pick’em Sheet to add your picks, write the scores and share it with friends.
Week 4 Storylines to Watch
- International stage in Dublin: Early kick and long travel test both the Vikings and Steelers.
- Ravens vs Chiefs showdown: A potential AFC playoff preview with seeding implications.
- Buccaneers prove it: Tampa can confirm its contender status with a win over the defending champions.
- Micah Parsons returns to Dallas: All eyes on the Packers star facing his former team in prime time.
- Desperate Dolphins: Miami tries to avoid a disastrous 0-4 start under intense pressure at home.
NFL Week 4 brings international action, prime-time showdowns and early playoff stakes. These predictions highlight the matchups that will shape the race as October begins.
