Under The Radar Games: Week 4
Every week there are games that are on everyone’s “must watch” list. Then, there are the the “friends and family” games. You know, the ones that only matter to the friends and families of the players involved.
Well I say screw that logic! Often the games that only fans of the teams involved watch turn out to be some of the best games of the week, as we saw with Jacksonville vs. Indianapolis last week (Which was on my list of games to watch, thank you very much). So, without further ado, here are this week’s under the radar games.
Sept 24, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) rushes against the Green Bay Packers during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-US PRESSWIRE
Seattle Seahawks at St. Louis Rams:
Why Watch: Although the Seahawks won one of the most controversial games in NFL history on Monday, no one really remembers just how well Seattle played on Monday night. So, instead of people chatting about the coming out party for the Seahawks defense, they are just talking about Golden Tate’s (non) catch that won the game for Seattle over the Packers.
Seattle’s defense racked up nine sacks on Aaron Rodgers, eight of which came in the first half. I’ve been an advocate for the Seahawks defense since preseason, and the nation finally saw just how good they can be. This week they go against a suspect Rams offensive line, and although I don’t expect them to get nine sacks again, I would expect to see them get four or five, and continue their dominance.
It will also be interesting to see how Russell Wilson performs after such a big win early in his career. Despite how they won, a win is a win, and that can do the world for a young quarterbacks confidence. I could very well see a big game from the former Wisconsin Badger.
San Diego Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs:
Why Watch: The Chargers are coming off their first loss of the season, a blowout loss to Atlanta. The Chiefs are coming off an 18-point comeback win over the New Orleans Saints. One team has confidence that is through the roof while the other is fighting to not fall into a funk. It should make for a great game. Philip Rivers will want to prove that last week’s poor performance was just a fluke. The Chiefs and running back Jamaal Charles want to try and get on a roll to prove that they belonged in the playoff talks despite a poor start.
Plus, it’s a division match-up. What can get better than that?
Minnesota Vikings vs Detroit Lions:
Why Watch: The Vikings are coming off a surprising upset win over NFC favorite San Francisco. Now, they have higher expectations from fans and the media, and are playing a division game against a team that was projected to finish higher than them this season (the again, when you’re projected to finish last, everyone is ahead of you). The Vikings sit in first place in the NFC North in the early point of the season and would love nothing more than to knock the Lions down a few pegs while improving their record. And it should be a good quarterback match-up.
Christian Ponder has surprised many thus far this season, and he’s getting number one receiver Jerome Simpson back this week after a three game suspension. Matthew Stafford is still Matthew Stafford, and still has Calvin Johnson.
I’m expecting a high-scoring shootout that could be just as exciting as last week’s Lions/Titans game.