The NFL season is in full swing, and each week sets us up even more for the crucial matchups down the stretch. We are already into Week 4 of the new year, and it’s time to look at each game for this weekend.
But who wins? Luckily for you, Newsweek Sports has you covered with expert predictions for each matchup on the schedule.
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons believe that they should be better than their 1-2 record shows, keeping games close against the Kansas City Chiefs and Pittsburgh Steelers. But alas, they only finished one game with a victory. Taking on the Saints, who are coming off their first loss of the new year, sets up an exciting NFC South divisional matchup. Division seeding could be on the line here, giving us a potentially crucial early-season game.
Matt Levine: Falcons
Eva Geitheim: Falcons
Ricardo Sandoval: Falcons
Valentina Martinez: Saints
John Robinson: Saints
Jeremy Hanna: Saints
Cincinnati Bengals @ Carolina Panthers
The Bengals need a win in the worst way after falling to 0-3 to start the season. Cincinnati will be taking on its former quarterback, Andy Dalton, who seemingly got the Panthers back on track last week. The Bengals’ defense will be the key in this game, as they were torched by the Washington Commanders last week. If they can contain Dalton, they could pick up their first win. If not, the Bengals’ nightmare season will continue.
Matt: Bengals
Eva: Panthers
Ricardo: Panthers
Valentina: Bengals
John: Panthers
Jeremy: Bengals
Los Angeles Rams @ Chicago Bears
The Rams got a gutsy win over the San Francisco 49ers last week and will be looking to even their record up at 2-2. Heading out on the road to face a Bears team that has been struggling a little could be a recipe for success. However, Chicago’s offense looked much more fluid last week and that could spill into this game. Los Angeles has been dealing with some big injuries on both sides of the ball that could change how this matchup turns out.
Matt: Rams
Eva: Rams
Ricardo: Rams
Valentina: Rams
John: Rams
Jeremy: Rams
Minnesota Vikings @ Green Bay Packers
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – DECEMBER 31: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers dives for a touchdown during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 31, 2023 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Green Bay and Minnesota square off this weekend.
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images
Potentially the best game of the weekend, this NFC North showdown could have big ramifications down the line. Minnesota has looked like the best team in the NFL so far, thanks to quarterback Sam Darnold’s strong play. Green Bay will be looking to keep its winning ways going while defending its home field against a division rival. Despite it being an early-season game, playoff implications may be at stake within Lambeau Field this weekend.
Matt: Packers
Eva: Vikings
Ricardo: Vikings
Valentina: Vikings
John: Vikings
Jeremy: Vikings
Jacksonville Jaguars @ Houston Texans
Raise your hand if you saw the Jaguars starting the year 0-3. Naturally, not many people would have their hands raised. Jacksonville entered this season with high expectations but has since fallen completely flat. Having to play the Texans on the road won’t be any easier, especially with Houston coming off their first loss of the season. Things could get very ugly for the Jaguars if they can’t rally and earn a massive divisional win this weekend.
Matt: Texans
Eva: Texans
Ricardo: Texans
Valentina: Texans
John: Texans
Jeremy: Texans
Pittsburgh Steelers @ Indianapolis Colts
The Steelers come in on fire after winning their first three games of the new year. Behind strong defensive play, quarterback Justin Fields has been able to thrive under center. He has done just enough offensively to help this team win games. As for the Colts, they got their first win of the year last week against the Bears and will be looking for more. The turnover ratio will be the key in this game for both sides.
Matt: Colts
Eva: Steelers
Ricardo: Colts
Valentina: Steelers
John: Steelers
Jeremy: Steelers
Denver Broncos @ New York Jets
New York finally has some hope after a strong performance from Aaron Rodgers last week. The Jets have been waiting for this since they traded for him and the superstar delivered on primetime. As for the Broncos, they enter after taking down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the road last week. If their defense can step up once again, another upset could be pulled off by Denver.
Matt: Jets
Eva: Jets
Ricardo: Jets
Valentina: Jets
John: Jets
Jeremy: Jets
Philadelphia Eagles @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After an upset loss last week at home, the Buccaneers will be looking to avoid another loss. Quarterback Baker Mayfield didn’t have a great game, and it reflected in the team’s overall performance. Philadelphia will be coming in looking to get the offense going after a poor outing against the Saints last week. They came away with the win, but it was a lackluster performance for a team that has multiple talented pieces on the roster.
Matt: Eagles
Eva: Buccaneers
Ricardo: Eagles
Valentina: Eagles
John: Eagles
Jeremy: Eagles
Washington Commanders @ Arizona Cardinals
In what could end up being an explosive offensive game, the Commanders and Cardinals will battle it out. Washington is coming off a massive win on Monday Night Football over the Bengals and will look to win their third straight game. Arizona enters after a tough offensive day against the Detroit Lions last week. They will try to bounce back with a big win at home over Washington.
Matt: Cardinals
Eva: Cardinals
Ricardo: Commanders
Valentina: Cardinals
John: Cardinals
Jeremy: Commanders
New England Patriots @ San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have been dealing with all sorts of injuries and are coming off a bad loss last week to the Rams. San Francisco will be looking to get their season back on track following two straight defeats. Similar to the 49ers, New England is also looking to get things going again after losing two straight. Something has got to give in this game, with the 49ers looking like the clear favorites.
Matt: 49ers
Eva: 49ers
Ricardo: 49ers
Valentina: 49ers
John: 49ers
Jeremy: 49ers
Kansas City Chiefs @ Los Angeles Chargers
This game normally gets the blood pumping as these two teams don’t like each other very much. But an injury to Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert may put a damper on things just a little. If Herbert can’t go, the chances of Los Angeles staying close in this game drop exponentially. Kansas City will be looking to stay undefeated in the new season and they could pick up a big divisional win. This game may not end up being too exciting but it still counts in the standings.
Matt: Chiefs
Eva: Chiefs
Ricardo: Chiefs
Valentina: Chiefs
John: Chiefs
Jeremy: Chiefs
Cleveland Browns @ Las Vegas Raiders
Both of these teams come in reeling, with the Browns in a better place than Las Vegas. Cleveland will be favored entering this game and their defense should be able to take care of the Raiders offense. But Las Vegas has surprised people already this season by upsetting the Baltimore Ravens on the road. This game could come down to which defense can rise to the occasion on a higher level.
Matt: Browns
Eva: Raiders
Ricardo: Raiders
Valentina: Browns
John: Browns
Jeremy: Raiders
