Tag: MNF

NFL power rankings: Are the Washington Commanders legit?

The Commanders are suddenly 3-1 and rising in NFL power rankings. Are they legit?

The Miami Dolphins (1-3) lost to the Tennessee Titans (1-3) 31-12 and the Detroit Lions (3-1) secured a big 42-29 victory over the Seattle Seahawks (3-1) in a Monday Night Football doubleheader tonight.

Elsewhere in the NFL this week, the Minnesota Vikings (4-0) stayed perfect with a 31-29 victory over the Green Bay Packers (2-2) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) remained winless with a 24-20 loss to the Houston Texans (3-1).

Following a 26-24 loss to the Atlanta Falcons (2-2), the New Orleans Saints (2-2) suddenly look a lot less intimidating than they did two weeks ago.

The Baltimore Ravens (2-2) made a statement with a 35-10 victory over the Buffalo Bills (3-1) and the Washington Commanders (3-1) look legit after a big 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals (1-3).

So, where does that leave us? Here are our latest NFL power rankings going into Week 5 of the 2024 NFL season.

NFL power rankings after Week 4

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
  2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
  3. Detroit Lions (3-1)
  4. Houston Texans (3-1)
  5. Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
  6. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
  7. Washington Commanders (3-1)
  8. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
  9. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
  10. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
  11. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
  12. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
  13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
  14. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
  15. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
  16. Denver Broncos (2-2)
  17. New York Jets (2-2)
  18. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
  19. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
  20. New Orleans Saints (2-2)
  21. Chicago Bears (2-2)
  22. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
  23. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
  24. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
  25. Los Angeles Rams (1-3)
  26. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
  27. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)
  28. New England Patriots (1-3)
  29. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
  30. Cleveland Browns (1-3)
  31. New York Giants (1-3)
  32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)

Week 5 will kick off on Thursday when the Falcons host the Bucs.

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First half highlights: Seahawks trail Lions 21-7 on Monday Night Football

First half highlights: Seahawks trail Lions 21-7 on Monday Night Football

The Seattle Seahawks went into Detroit facing their biggest challenge of the year, and they sure are feeling it right now. Absent some of their best defensive line players in Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams, Boye Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu, the Lions have had their way with the Seahawks defense rushing for 88 yards and three touchdowns in the first half.

Detroit got things going with a touchdown run from David Montgomery to take an early 7-0 lead. Seattle attempted to answer with a promising drive of their own, but DK Metcalf had a rather untimely fumble which was recovered by the Lions.

Once again, the Seahawks defense was put in a situation forced to defend their own red zone. Unfortunately, they did not have the success against Detroit the way they did against Denver or Miami. The Lions quickly scored to make it a 14-0 game.

Seattle did answer, by Kenneth Walker III plunging into the end zone for a touchdown himself. Of course, not before being set up by a huge reception from DK Metcalf who earned some redemption.

Detroit did not let the Seahawks off the hook, as they extended the lead to 21-7 on their ensuing drive. Seattle attempted to answer back, thanks to some exceptional trickery on third-and-long to convert for a first down.

Seattle, sadly, could not take advantage and had to punt shortly afterwards.

The Seahawks will get the ball to start the second half, and they are in need of serious work. Despite the return of Kenneth Walker and his touchdown, Seattle as a team has all of 18 yards on the ground, 12 of which have come from quarterback Geno Smith. Major adjustments on both sides of the ball are going to have to be done if the Seahawks have any hope of clawing their way back into this one.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

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Watch: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III’s incredible front-flip vs. Lions

Watch: Seahawks RB Kenneth Walker III’s incredible front-flip vs. Lions

The return of running back Kenneth Walker III is already making an incredible impact for the Seattle Seahawks. Playing in his first game since Week 1, Walker is back in the lineup to play the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football.

Walker’s first big “wow” play of the night came in the second quarter, not on the ground but through the air. Walker caught a pass from quarterback Geno Smith, and made this remarkably athletic move happen.

Four plays later, Walker found the end zone for the second time this season to give the Seahawks their first points of the night.

At the time of publishing, the Seahawks currently trail the Detroit Lions 21-7 towards the end of the second quarter, as the Lions are having their way with Seattle’s defense and quickly responded after Walker’s touchdown.

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 on Twitter for live updates, analysis and highlights during the game.

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Week 4 inactives: Jerome Baker and 6 others will not play on MNF

Week 4 inactives: Jerome Baker and 6 others will not play on MNF

The Seattle Seahawks are headed into a Monday Night Football showdown with the Detroit Lions rather shorthanded. They have already ruled out stud defenders Byron Murphy II, Leonard Williams and Boye Mafe. Unfortunately, it appears linebacker Jerome Baker will be joining them.

The Seahawks will have to face a Lions team desperate to keep pace with the surprisingly 4-0 Minnesota Vikings, and find a way to snap their losing streak to Seattle.

The full inactives list for both teams can be seen below.

Seahawks Inactives:

  • LB Uchenna Nwosu
  • LB Jerome Baker
  • G Sataoa Laumea
  • T Michael Jerrell
  • DT Byron Murphy II
  • DE Leonard Williams

Lions Inactives:

  • DB Brian Branch
  • OL Giovanni Manu
  • C Frank Ragnow
  • WR Isaiah Williams

Be sure to follow @TheSeahawksWire and @KoleMusgrove23 for live updates, analysis and highlights during tonight’s Monday Night Football showdown between the Seattle Seahawks and Detroit Lions.

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Monday Night Football schedule: Is there a ‘ManningCast’ tonight?

There are two Monday Night Football games on deck tonight, but there’s no ‘ManningCast’ in Week 4. Peyton and Eli will return in Week 5.

Peyton and Eli Manning have returned for a fourth season of the ManningCast with the two former quarterbacks set to provide commentary for 11 weeks of Monday Night Football games this fall.

The brothers released a funny 10-minute musical to promote the upcoming ManningCast season earlier this month. The 2024 slate takes a break tonight despite there being two MNF games on deck in Week 4. The brothers are set to return in Week 5.

Peyton and Eli will welcome new guests on the program each week there is a ManningCast, and Bill Belichick will be featured on every episode this fall.

In addition to 10 weeks of regular-season action, Peyton and Eli will also provide commentary for a Wild Card game in January.

Check out the full schedule below.

ManningCast 2024 Schedule

NFL Week Date Game TV
1 Sept. 9 Jets @ 49ers ESPN2, ESPN+
2 Sept. 16 Falcons @ Eagles ESPN2
5 Oct. 7 Saints @ Chiefs ESPN2
6 Oct. 14 Bills @ Jets ESPN2
7 Oct. 21 Ravens @ Bucs ESPN2, ESPN+
7 Oct. 21 Chargers @ Cards ESPN+
8 Oct. 28 Giants @ Steelers ESPN2, ESPN+
9 Nov. 4 Bucs @ Chiefs ESPN2
11 Nov. 18 Texans @ Cowboys ESPN2
12 Nov. 25 Ravens @ Chargers ESPN2
14 Dec. 9 Bengals @ Cowboys ESPN2, ESPN+
Wild Card Jan. 13 TBD ESPN2, ESPN+

The ManningCast is televised on ESPN2. The primary MNF broadcast will continue to feature Joe Buck, Troy Aikman and Lisa Salters on ESPN.

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Week 4 preview and prediction: Seahawks @ Lions

Week 4 preview and prediction: Seahawks @ Lions

The Seattle Seahawks are seeking their third 4-0 start in franchise history, and their first since the 2020 season. Standing in their way is a quality Detroit Lions team, hungry to end their current six-game losing skid to the Seahawks.

Since defeating Seattle 28-24 in the 2012 season, the Lions have struggled mightily against the Seahawks, especially at home, where they have lost the last two-straight games in each of the last two seasons. In both instances, Seattle outlasted Detroit in wild 48-45 and 37-31 (OT) shootouts. Offensive fireworks have defined the recent series, but on Monday, injuries seem to be taking the center stage.

For the Lions, they will be without their All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, which is a considerable loss to their offensive line. Unfortunately, the Seahawks may not be as able to take advantage as they would have even a week ago. Seattle has already ruled out defensive tackles Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II, as well as pass rushers Boye Mafe and Uchenna Nwosu. The Seahawks defense, particularly the pass rush, has been outright suffocating. Without some of the best players on their defensive front, Jared Goff and Co. may have more time than what quarterbacks this season who have played Seattle have enjoyed.

So the Lions offensive line is weakened, and the Seahawks defensive line is as well. It appears to be a battle between a movable object and a stoppable force. But in today’s NFL, take the side of a weaker offense vs. a weakened defense. Seattle has also shown vulnerabilities against the run, which has plagued this unit for years.

To win this game, the load is likely going to have to be shouldered by the offense. Fortunately for the Seahawks, this unit is getting Kenneth Walker III back into the fold after missing the two previous weeks. Having Walker be the primary ballcarrier, with Zach Charbonnet being able to come off the bench for a change of pace, will help give Seattle’s ground attack more teeth to threaten the Lions.

Geno Smith is also more than capable of performing against Detroit. In the last two games against the Lions, Smith has thrown for 648 yards and four touchdowns, as well as leading the game-winning drive in overtime last year. Smith’s statistics haven’t popped off the page in 2024, but he has been playing exceptionally well. Smith also has the most game-winning drives in the entire NFL since the 2022 season.

The Lions are healthier, more experienced, and more established with this current regime. They are coming off a year where they were two quarters of football away from reaching the Super Bowl. But I can’t help but lean towards the Seahawks in this one. Perhaps it is me leaning on recent history. Perhaps it is an intuition. Or perhaps it is the fact Monday night is Seattle’s night. The Seahawks own the best win percentage (.714) in NFL history on Monday nights, and have gone 3-0 in their last three outings on MNF… including a Week 4 road showdown last year.

Give me the Seahawks in another shootout, with more heroics from Smith late.

Prediction: Seahawks over Lions 38-35

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Denver Broncos 2024 Schedule

The Broncos will face the Jets on the road today. Here’s a look at their remaining 2024 schedule.

Welcome back, Denver Broncos football!

The Broncos will continue their 2024 schedule with a road game against the New York Jets in Week 4.

Denver will play eight home games at Empower Field at Mile High Stadium this year and nine games on the road. Because the league has an unbalanced 17-game schedule, the NFC and AFC rotate between having an extra home game. This year, the NFC gets a ninth home game.

The Broncos’ schedule is highlighted by a road contest against the New Orleans Saints, coach Sean Payton’s former team, on Thursday Night Football in Week 7. View the Broncos’ complete schedule below.

Denver Broncos 2024 Schedule

Week Date TV Opponent Time (MT) Broncos Tickets
1 9/8 CBS @ Seattle Seahawks 26-20 L
2 9/15 CBS  vs. Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6 L
3 9/22 FOX @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-7 W
4 9/29 CBS @ New York Jets 11:00 AM Tickets
5 10/6 FOX vs. Las Vegas Raiders 2:05 PM Tickets
6 10/13 CBS vs. Los Angeles Chargers 2:05 PM Tickets
7 10/17 Amazon Prime Video @ New Orleans Saints 6:15 PM Tickets
8 10/27 CBS vs. Carolina Panthers 2:25 PM Tickets
9 11/3 CBS @ Baltimore Ravens 11:00 AM Tickets
10 11/10 CBS @ Kansas City Chiefs 11:00 AM Tickets
11 11/17 FOX vs. Atlanta Falcons 2:05 PM Tickets
12 11/24 CBS @ Las Vegas Raiders 2:05 PM Tickets
13 12/2 ESPN vs. Cleveland Browns 6:15 PM Tickets
14 12/8 BYE
15 12/15 CBS vs. Indianapolis Colts 2:25 PM Tickets
16 12/22 FOX @ Los Angeles Chargers 2:05 PM Tickets
17 12/28 or 12/29 TBD @ Cincinnati Bengals TBD Tickets
18 1/4 or 1/5 TBD vs. Kansas City Chiefs TBD Tickets

The Broncos have not returned to the playoffs since their Super Bowl-winning season in 2015. Now entering his second season on the job, Payton will aim to snap the club’s eight-year playoff drought this fall.

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Seahawks rule Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams OUT for MNF, Kenneth Walker will play

Seahawks rule Byron Murphy and Leonard Williams OUT for MNF, Kenneth Walker will play

The Seattle Seahawks will face their biggest challenge of the season on Monday night when they take on the Detroit Lions. Seattle is 3-0, but they’ve faced the likes of Bo Nix, Jacoby Brissett, Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle to start the season. The Lions, led by Jared Goff and Co., will prove to be a considerably more difficult opponent.

Unfortunately, the Seahawks defense will be without four of their best players along the defensive front. Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy, Boye Mafe, and Uchenna Nwosu have all been ruled OUT for Monday. Detroit will be without their All-Pro center Frank Ragnow, but without Williams and Murphy, the Seahawks won’t have their best players to take advantage of the Lions’ potential weakness up front.

The silver lining is Seattle has defeated Detroit in the last three meetings without either Williams or Murphy, but not having them is going to be a legitimate blow to this defense.

Head coach Mike Macdonald said Boye Mafe hurt his knee against the Patriots in Week 2, but says it’s “nothing major.” It would appear Seattle is being cautious with one of their best pass rushers. The season is a marathon, not a sprint to be decided in Week 4.

The good news is running back Kenneth Walker III is going to play in his first game since Week 1. The Seahawks do not have him listed on the injury report, and Macdonald confirmed it as much himself on Saturday.

Linebacker Jerome Baker, who missed Week 3 vs. his former team in the Dolphins, is listed as QUESTIONABLE. Given how depleted Seattle’s defense is, hopefully Baker will be good to go.

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Happy birthday to Seahawks WR Tyler Locket!

Happy birthday to Seahawks WR Tyler Locket!

Happy birthday to one of the best Seattle Seahawks of all time! On Saturday, wide receiver Tyler Lockett turned 32 years old. It’s wild to think we’re talking about Lockett as an old veteran these days. It seems only yesterday he was a third round pick in the 2015 NFL draft. Since then, he has established himself as one of the best wide receivers in Seahawks franchise history.

It is not an exaggeration to suggest Lockett is No. 2 all time at the position, behind only the legendary Steve Largent. All-time, Lockett is No. 2 in receptions (625), yards (8,132) and touchdowns (59). While he may not quite reach the lofty marks set by Largent (819 receptions, 13,089 yards and 100 touchdowns) he is going to remain near the top of the leaderboards for quite some time.

Lockett has been a reliable weapon for years, and one of the most underrated players in football. From 2019-2022 Lockett eclipsed 1,000+ yards receiving, and was close in both 2018 (965) and 2023 (894). So far this year, Lockett has 13 receptions for 138 yards… and caught the game-sealing reception on third down to ice the victory over the Denver Broncos in Week 1.

Now, Lockett and the Seahawks will play the Detroit Lions in Week 4 on Monday Night Football. The last time Lockett was in Detroit, he caught the game-winning touchdown pass from Geno Smith.

Wherever Lockett is today or whatever it is he has planned, we at Seahawks Wire hope he is celebrating in style with friends and family.

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Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet has a chance to make history on Monday

Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet has a chance to make history on Monday

The Seattle Seahawks are 3-0 to start the 2024 season and will look to improve to 4-0 for only the third time in franchise history. They will attempt to do so against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football. However, improving to 4-0 isn’t the only bit of franchise history that could be made.

Quietly, second year running back Zach Charbonnet actually leads the team in total touchdowns. He had a receiving one in Week 2, rushed for another against the Patriots, then added two more to topple the depleted Miami Dolphins. Four touchdowns in three games, not bad.

But what happens if he scores another – either rushing or receiving – in the Motor City? Well, he would etch his name into a unique page of Seahawks lore. Should Charbonnet find the end zone, he will become only the fourth player in franchise history to have a touchdown in each of the first four games. He would also be the first to do it since the legendary Marshawn Lynch did it during the 2014 season.

The 2014 season was a special one for Lynch and the Seahawks. Lynch bulldozed his way into the end zone 13 times that year, which was a career best. He also caught four receiving touchdowns as well.

So far, Charbonnet has been almost the exclusive ballcarrier in the absence of Kenneth Walker III. Even if Walker, who has been limited at practice this week, is able to suit up on Monday, it is almost certain Charbonnet will be featured extensively by Seattle. Considering how committed the team is to establishing the run and how dynamic the offense gets when they do so, Charbonnet will surely get some opportunities to reach this exclusive club.

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