NFL Week 4 Predictions 2024: Must-Watch Matchups, Upset Alerts & Fantasy Sleepers

NFL Week 4 Predictions 2024, As we enter the first quarter of the 2024 NFL season, Week 4 presents pivotal matchups that will separate contenders from pretenders. This 1,500+ word exclusive breaks down all 14 games with:

• Detailed analysis of 3 season-defining showdowns

• 5 under-the-radar players poised for breakout performances

• Updated betting lines and sharp money movements

• Fantasy football start/sit recommendations

• Injury impacts that could swing games

Game of the Week: Ravens vs. Bengals (Sunday Night Football)

Why This Matters

• AFC North supremacy at stake (both 2-1)

• Lamar Jackson vs. Joe Burrow: 4th career meeting

• Bengals desperate to avoid 1-3 start

Key Matchup

Ravens Secondary vs. Ja’Marr Chase

• Marlon Humphrey still out (foot)

• Chase averages 143 yards vs. BAL since 2022

• DC Mike Macdonald must choose: double Chase or bracket Tee Higgins

X-Factor

Mark Andrews – 28 catches in last 3 vs. CIN

 Ravens-Bengals historical trends

Upset Alert: Panthers (+3.5) Over Vikings

Why Minnesota is Vulnerable

• Justin Jefferson out (ankle)

• Jordan Addison faces Jaycee Horn shadow coverage

• Panthers defense allowing just 17.3 PPG (4th best)

Bryce Young’s Breakout?

• Facing Vikings’ 28th-ranked pass defense

• Adam Thielen revenge game narrative

• Play-action success vs. MIN blitz (48% completions allowed)

Betting Insight

80% of money on MIN, but line dropped from -4.5 to -3.5

Fantasy Football Goldmine: Cowboys vs. Saints

Start ‘Em

Sit ‘Em

• Derek Carr (Micah Parsons coming)

• Tony Pollard (Saints’ #1 run defense)

• Chris Olave (Trevon Diggs shadow)

Injury Impacts Changing Games

Devastating Blows

• Justin Jefferson (MIN): Out 4-6 weeks

• Nick Bosa (SF): Missing 2nd straight game

• Trevor Lawrence (JAX): Game-time decision

Surprise Returns

• Aaron Rodgers (NYJ): Back at practice

• Tristan Wirfs (TB): Protecting Mayfield’s blindside

• Chris Jones (KC): Ends holdout just in time

 Latest injury reports

Under-the-Radar Players Primed to Shine

1. Zach Charbonnet (RB, SEA)

• Kenneth Walker banged up

• Facing NYG’s 31st-ranked run defense

• Projected 20+ touches

2. Josh Downs (WR, IND)

• 87% route participation in Week 3

• LAR allows most slot yards in NFL

• Anthony Richardson’s safety valve

3. Will McDonald (EDGE, NYJ)

• Replacing Carl Lawson (IR)

• Facing struggling KC O-line

• 3-sack potential

Betting Market Breakdown

Biggest Line Moves

 Eagles -3 to -6 (Hurts healthy, ARI injuries)
Packers +1 to -2 (Love’s emergence)
Chiefs +3 to PK (Chris Jones effect)

Best Prop Bets

• Bijan Robinson over 78.5 rush yards (-115)

• Sam LaPorta anytime TD (+120)

• Justin Herbert INT (-140)

Coaching Decisions Under Microscope

Sean Payton’s QB Dilemma

• Stick with Russell Wilson after 2-INT half?

• When does Bo Nix get his shot?

• Broncos at risk of 0-4 start

Mike McCarthy’s Playcalling

• Too pass-heavy? (65% dropbacks)

• Not utilizing Tony Pollard correctly

• Facing angry Saints defense

Rookie Watch: Week 4 Spotlight

Caleb Williams (CHI)

• First true road test (at LAR)

• Facing Aaron Donald

• Can he stay perfect (0 turnovers)?

Marvin Harrison Jr. (ARI)

• Eagles’ banged-up secondary

• Kyler Murray’s favorite target

• 100-yard game incoming

Dallas Turner (MIN)

• Replacing Danielle Hunter

• Must contain Bryce Young

• 2-sack potential

Division Race Implications

NFC East

• Eagles can bury Cardinals

• Cowboys must keep pace

AFC West

• Chiefs can’t afford 1-3 start

• Chargers lurking at 2-1

NFC North

• Packers controlling destiny

• Lions face tough ATL defense

Weather Watch: Outdoor Games at Risk

Patriots at Packers

• 60% chance of rain

• Winds 15+ mph

• Ground game emphasis

Buccaneers at Saints

• Dome stadium (no concerns)

• But travel fatigue for TB

Read More: NFL MVP Race 2024: The 5 Leading Candidates After Week 3 and Their Path to Glory

Final Score Predictions

Why Week 4 Will Reshape the Season

These games will NFL Week 4 Predictions 2024:
✅ Expose flawed contenders (Vikings, Chiefs)
✅ Launch new stars (Charbonnet, Downs)
✅ Create must-win scenarios for 0-3 teams
✅ Separate MVP candidates from the pack

 Live Week 4 updates