The NFL just wrapped one of its wildest weeks in recent memory — Week 3 matched the league record for one-score games — and after the Browns’ shock win over the Steelers on Thursday, Week 4 looks like it will keep the chaos going as October arrives and the first month of the season closes out.
With busy lives and work getting in the way, it’s easy to miss key developments: there was a notable midweek trade that sent cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Pittsburgh to Dallas, and Sunday’s slate includes an early kickoff in London when the Commanders face the Colts. To help you prep for another full Sunday of football and any bets you might make, here are last-minute Week 4 predictions and the top plays to consider. (Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook; many games stream on Fubo.)
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles — Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Both teams are coming off discouraging road losses. Matthew Stafford’s Rams, with Puka Nacua back, feel better positioned to bounce back than the Eagles, who got torn up by Case Keenum on Monday and now face a short week. Philly’s been a poor bet as a home underdog under coach Sirianni (0-5 SU, 1-4 ATS since 2021), and this offense has struggled early — no first-quarter points this year and a very high three-and-out rate — while the defense hasn’t created turnovers or pressured quarterbacks much. With DeVonta Smith sidelined (hamstring), expect the Rams to go up early and hold on. Projected score: Rams 26, Eagles 20. Pick: Rams -3.5.
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox)
This game matters for both clubs, but especially the Packers. Tampa is 0-3 and just lost Baker Mayfield (thumb), so an inexperienced Jalon Daniels could be under center. Jordan Love has struggled with accuracy and completion rate while facing heavy pressure; however, the Bucs generate one of the league’s lowest pressure rates, which could help Green Bay. Tampa’s also in a huge ATS drought (12 straight non-covers). Projected score: Packers 27, Buccaneers 20. Pick: Packers -3.5.
Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans — Sunday, 1 p.m. (Fox)
Houston is 0-3 again, and its offensive line remains a glaring problem — among the NFL leaders in pressures and sacks allowed, and weak on the ground. Dallas’ defense hasn’t been great either, but the Cowboys’ offense is efficient this season (highest drive-scoring rate), so if they jump out to a lead Houston will be forced to throw, bringing rookie QB C.J. Stroud into matchup situations with new Cowboys corner Joey Porter Jr., who could debut after the trade. Also consider the possibility of a big Cowboys turnout in Houston. Projected score: Cowboys 27, Texans 23. Pick: Cowboys +3.
Los Angeles Chargers at Seattle Seahawks — Sunday
Take Seattle getting seven points. The Seahawks look like one of the NFL’s best teams and have their Super Bowl-winning QB back; Sam Darnold had a mixed return but showed big passing volume and should be cleaner at home. The Chargers are disorganized offensively (averaging under 15 points per game) and struggle to move the ball, while Seattle’s defense under Mike Macdonald is stingy — among the best in points and yards allowed. Projected score: Seahawks 33, Chargers 20. Pick: Seahawks -7.
Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings — Sunday, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
The Dolphins are in rough shape — winless through three weeks and just lost their top running threat, De’Von Achane. Minnesota’s defensive coordinator Brian Flores, who previously coached Miami, leads a unit that blitzes at the highest rate in the league, which should trouble a Miami offensive line that’s been beat up and sacked often. Justin Jefferson is questionable (ankle) for the Vikings, but their recent form and matchup advantages point to a comfortable win. Projected score: Vikings 27, Dolphins 10. Pick: Vikings -10.5.
Other picks
– Colts at Commanders (London): Colts 30, Commanders 24 — Pick: Colts -4.5
– Cardinals at Giants: Cardinals 27, Giants 23 — Pick: Cardinals -2.5
– Jaguars at Bengals: Bengals 24, Jaguars 21 — Pick: Bengals -2.5
– Patriots at Bills: Bills 30, Patriots 20 — Pick: Bills -7
– Jets at Bears: Bears 27, Jets 24 — Pick: Jets +3.5
– Titans at Ravens: Ravens 33, Titans 16 — Pick: Ravens -11.5
– Broncos at 49ers: Broncos 23, 49ers 21 — Pick: Broncos +3
– Chiefs at Raiders: Chiefs 30, Raiders 24 — Pick: Chiefs -4.5
– Lions at Panthers: Lions 30, Panthers 27 — Pick: Panthers +3.5
– Falcons at Saints (Monday): Falcons 26, Saints 24 — Pick: Falcons +2.5
Fan Take: These Week 4 storylines matter because midseason trades, injuries and matchup shifts can quickly reshape which teams are real contenders and which are floundering — and that volatility makes every Sunday must-watch for fans and bettors alike. How teams respond to personnel changes (like Porter Jr.’s move to Dallas) and early setbacks will help define the narrative of the 2026 season.
Source: www.cbssports.com
