Tag: NFL Week 4

NFL assigns John Hussey to referee Week 4’s Saints-Falcons game

Referee John Hussey and his crew have been assigned the Saints’ Week 4 matchup with the Falcons. New Orleans is 20-5 with him on the field, and 9-2 as head referee:

The New Orleans Saints referee assignment for Week 4 against the Atlanta Falcons has been set, and this time it will be John Hussey, per Football Zebras. Hussey most recently refereed a game for the Saints late in the 2023 season with their Week 18 matchup against the Atlanta Falcons. In that game, his crew threw eleven penalty flags for 90 yards, eight of which came against the Saints for 75 yards.

It is worth noting that Hussey has a slight favor for away teams through three weeks, calling 17 penalties against the home teams and 12 against the visiting teams. This season he has called 29 total for 288 yards, three of which were declined and two of which were offsetting. His 29 penalties are the third-fewest of any referee crew this season, and his 288 yards are the ninth-fewest of any crew this season as well.

As for his history with the Saints all-time, Hussey has helped 25 games for the team, and in those matchups the Saints have a whopping 20-5 record. For the games he has refereed between the Saints and Falcons, the Saints are 3-0. Hussey was promoted from line judge to referee in 2015 and the Saints are 9-2 since then (and 2-0 against Atlanta). Overall, it is a good sign that the Saints have had a shot with him leading this week’s officiating crew, so we will see if that translates in Week 4 or has any implications.

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Seahawks to wear all-white uniforms for Monday Night Football vs. Lions

Seahawks to wear all-white uniforms for Monday Night Football vs. Lions

The all important uniform news for the Seattle Seahawks is finally upon us. On Wednesday morning it was announced by the team via their official Twitter account they will be once again donning their all-white away alternates for their Week 4 game against the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football

This comes two days after learning the Lions will be debuting their black and blue “Motor City Muscle” alternates. Now, we know it will be a matchup between all black vs. all white. It actually ends up being a sort of quasi-role reversal for Detroit. Last week, they wore their all white uniforms against the Arizona Cardinals who wore all black. Now, they’re the team in black hosting a team in white.

Overall, the Seahawks have an all-time record of only 8-10 when wearing all-white uniform combo. Last year, they were 1-1 in the two games these threads were featured. Interestingly, the one win last season came in a 24-3 win over the New York Giants… in Week 4… on Monday Night Football.

This will mark the first time the Seahawks have been to Detroit without wearing their typical white jersey/blue pants away combo. Ever since this current uniform wardrobe was introduced in 2012, Seattle has made four trips to the Motor City, and all four times they wore the same uniform. Now, they are officially switching it up.

Unfortunately (for me) this does rule out my personal hopes of the Seahawks wearing their all-Action Green alternates. I feel like the bright neon green would contrast well against Detroit’s black and blue look. But alas, those uniforms will be saved for another day.

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Fantasy Football Rest of Season Rankings: Week 4

Forecasting where all of the notable players net out over the remainder of the season.

These fantasy football rankings track a player’s value for the remainder of the season and are intended to be used as a tool, not necessarily a definitive guide to player valuation.

The scoring system is performance PPR. There is no exact science behind season-long rankings, considering all of the variables and situational uncertainties at work.

Rankings key:
UP/DN is trending up or down from week’s ranking.
NR means the player wasn’t ranked last week.
UP/DN numbering shows where the player was ranked the prior week.

Fantasy football rest of season rankings

Quarterbacks
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Josh Allen, BUF 12
2 Lamar Jackson, BAL 14 45 runs/15 passes; he made it work, but BAL going ground heavy when they needed a win is a bit concerning
3 Jalen Hurts, PHI 5 DN2 Barkley is getting those short TDs that Hurts got in 2023
4 Patrick Mahomes, KC 6
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Dak Prescott, DAL 7 UP6 if DAL can’t get more out of their RBs, it’s all gonna rest on Prescott
6 Kyler Murray, ARI 11
7 C.J. Stroud, HOU 14 DN5 that passing game still isn’t clicking like people thought it would
8 Joe Burrow, CIN 12 UP10
9 Jordan Love, GB 10 missed 2 gms w/ a knee injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
10 Jayden Daniels, WAS 14 UP12
11 Brock Purdy, SF 9 minus CMC, Samuel & Kittle, he still put up 292 yds & 3 TDs
12 Anthony Richardson, IND 14 DN8 through 3 gms he’s not doing any of things fantasy owners were hoping he’d do
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
13 Jared Goff, DET 5
14 Caleb Williams, CHI 7 the numbers were better, but still 3 TOs and that offense looks shaky
15 Aaron Rodgers, NYJ 12 very encouraging performance vs NE
16 Sam Darnold, MIN 6 UP23 dodged a knee injury; he has exceeded all reasonable expectations thus far
17 Kirk Cousins, ATL 12
18 Baker Mayfield, TB 11 DN15
19 Geno Smith, SEA 10
20 Tua Tagovailoa, MIA 6 DN16 on IR w/ a concussion; he’s eligible to return in Wk 8
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
21 Matthew Stafford, LAR 6
22 Trevor Lawrence, JAC 12 DN18 did Urban Meyer secretly return?
23 Justin Fields, PIT 9 UP33 that’s gotta be his job now, right?
24 Derek Carr, NO 12 UP26
25 Justin Herbert, LAC 5 re-aggravated an ankle injury in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
26 Deshaun Watson, CLE 10
27 Daniel Jones, NYG 11 UP28
28 Andy Dalton, CAR 11 played well in his first start; we’ll see how sustainable it is
29 Bo Nix, DEN 14
30 Will Levis, TEN 5 DN25 the mistakes are piling up
31 Gardner Minshew, LVR 10 DN27 they’re already talking about a QB change in Vegas… yikes
32 Drake Maye, NE 14
33 Jacoby Brissett, NE 14 can we start the Drake Maye countdown, yet?
34 Russell Wilson, PIT 9 DN31 missed 3 gms w/ a calf injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
35 Tyler Huntley, MIA 6 NR
36 Aidan O’Connell 10 NR cue John Madden, if you have 2 QBs, you have no QB
Running backs
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Saquon Barkley, PHI 5
2 Breece Hall, NYJ 12 the emergence of Braelon Allen could undermine his value a bit
3 Jonathan Taylor, IND 14 looked very much like the focal point of the offense in Wk 3
4 Bijan Robinson, ATL 12 DN3
5 Kyren Williams, LAR 6 UP8
6 Alvin Kamara, NO 12 UP9
7 Jahmyr Gibbs, DET 5 the timeshare w/ Montgomery doesn’t seem to be changing
8 Josh Jacobs, GB 10
9 Derrick Henry, BAL 14 UP11 staring down a 0-3 start, BAL leaned on Henry
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
10 Christian McCaffrey, SF 9 on IR w/ an Achilles/calf injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 6
11 De’Von Achane, MIA 6 DN7 everything about MIA’s offense is in flux
12 Joe Mixon, HOU 14 DNP in Wk 3 w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
13 James Cook, BUF 12
14 Aaron Jones, MIN 6 UP19 MIN offense is better than expected; durability remains a concern
15 Travis Etienne, JAC 12 DN12
16 James Conner, ARI 11
17 Rhamondre Stevenson, NE 14 Wk 3 was a reminder that things can go south in a hurry w/ an offense like NE
18 David Montgomery, DET 5 UP24
19 Kenneth Walker III, SEA 10 missed 2 gms w/ an abdominal injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
20 Brian Robinson Jr., WAS 14
21 Jordan Mason, SF 9
22 J.K. Dobbins, LAC 5 UP27 he’s the guy in LA… for as long as he can stay healthy
23 Isiah Pacheco, KC 6 on IR w/ a leg injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 8
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
24 Najee Harris, PIT 9 UP26
25 Rachaad White, TB 11 DN17 feels like Irving is on the rise in that offense
26 Tony Pollard, TEN 5
27 Devin Singletary, NYG 11 UP34
28 Zack Moss, CIN 12
29 D’Andre Swift, CHI 7 DN22 CHI getting shut down by IND’s porous run D is very concerning
30 Zamir White, LVR 10
31 Tyjae Spears, TEN 5
32 Raheem Mostert, MIA 6 missed 2 gms w/ a chest injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
33 Braelon Allen, NYJ 12 UP52 he looks like he’s going to be a legitimate part of that offense
34 Javonte Williams, DEN 14 DN30
35 Bucky Irving, TB 11 UP44 continues to be more effective than White in the running game
36 Ezekiel Elliott, DAL 7 got less work than Dowdle in Wk 3
37 Carson Steele, KC 6 UP39
38 Gus Edwards, LAC 5 only 3 carries in Wk 3; that bears watching
39 Jerome Ford, CLE 10 back to being the clear RB1 in Wk 3 w/ 13 touches to 2 for Foreman
40 Austin Ekeler, WAS 14 suffered a concussion in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
41 Zach Charbonnet, SEA 10 UP42 had a big game in Wk 3; will it lead to a larger role when Walker returns?
42 Antonio Gibson, NE 14 UP45
43 Jaylen Warren, PIT 9 DN33 not getting much done; role might be shrinking
44 Chase Brown, CIN 12
45 Jonathon Brooks, CAR 11 on the PUP/NFI list w/ a knee injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 5
46 Chuba Hubbard, CAR 11 played well in Wk 3, but it still feels like he’s keeping the spot warm until Brooks is ready
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
47 Rico Dowdle, DAL 7 had 11 touches in Wk 3 to 4 for Elliott
48 Ty Chandler, MIN 6
49 Trey Benson, ARI 11
50 Emanuel Wilson, GB 6 UP65 keeps making things happen when given the chance
51 Tyler Allgeier, ATL 12
52 Justice Hill, BAL 14 UP56
53 Nick Chubb, CLE 10 on the PUP list w/ a knee injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 5
54 Ray Davis, BUF 12
55 Jaylen Wright, MIA 6
56 Alexander Mattison, LVR 10 UP60
57 Blake Corum, LAR 6 DN49 has no current role in LA’s offense
58 Jaleel McLaughlin, DEN 14 DEN RB room is a mess; will Tyler Badie have a role in Wk 4?
59 D’Onta Foreman, CLE 10 DN50
60 Tank Bigsby, JAC 12
61 Tyrone Tracy Jr., NYG 11
62 Dameon Pierce, HOU 14 missed 2 gms w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
63 Roschon Johnson, CHI 7 NR a dozen touches in Wk 3
64 MarShawn Lloyd, GB 10 DN59 placed on IR w/ an ankle injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 7
65 Audric Estime, DEN 14 on IR w/ an ankle injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 6
66 Khalil Herbert, CHI 7
67 Kendre Miller, NO 12 DN58 on IR w/ a hamstring injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 5
68 Miles Sanders, CAR 11
69 Samaje Perine, KC 6 NR
70 Jamaal Williams, NO 12 DN64
Wide receivers
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 CeeDee Lamb, DAL 7 secondary receivers got a lot of targets in Wk 3
2 Justin Jefferson, MIN 6 MIN passing game looks more legit each week
3 Amon-Ra St. Brown, DET 5
4 Ja’Marr Chase, CIN 12
5 A.J. Brown, PHI 5 missed 2 gms w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
6 Tyreek Hill, MIA 6 DN4 w/o Tagovailoa, Hill might have real problems delivering
7 Marvin Harrison Jr., ARI 11
8 Malik Nabers, NYG 11 UP17 he’s the go-to guy in that offense
9 Nico Collins, HOU 14
10 DK Metcalf, SEA 10
11 Rashee Rice, KC 6 UP23 sure seems like he’s replaced Kelce as the No. 1 option
12 Davante Adams, LVR 10 DN7 hard to like what’s happening in Vegas
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
13 Garrett Wilson, NYJ 12 Rodgers is spreading the ball around more than anticipated
14 Mike Evans, TB 11 DN8
15 Cooper Kupp, LAR 6 UP19 DNP in Wk 3 w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
16 Drake London, ATL 12
17 Deebo Samuel, SF 9 DNP in Wk 3 w/ a calf injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
18 Chris Olave, NO 12
19 Puka Nacua, LAR 6 DN13 on IR w/ a knee injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 7
20 DeVonta Smith, PHI 5 suffered a concussion in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
21 Stefon Diggs, HOU 14
22 Chris Godwin, TB 11
23 Brandon Aiyuk, SF 9 DN22 w/ Samuel & Kittle out, it was Jauan Jennings that stepped up, not Aiyuk
24 DJ Moore, CHI 7 lots of yds from CHI through the air but no balance; still some concerns there
25 Jaylen Waddle, MIA 6 DN18
26 Zay Flowers, BAL 14 DN24
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
27 Jayden Reed, GB 10 a dynamic playmaker w/ huge potential when Love returns
28 Amari Cooper, CLE 10 UP31
29 George Pickens, PIT 9
30 Michael Pittman Jr., IND 14 DN27 I think we’re at the worrying stage w/ the IND passing attack
31 Calvin Ridley, TEN 5
32 Tee Higgins, CIN 12 returned after missing 2 gms w/ a hamstring injury
33 Jameson Williams, DET 5
34 Christian Watson, GB 10 in a holding patten rankings wise until Love is back
35 Terry McLaurin, WAS 14
36 Jaxon Smith-Njigba, SEA 10 DN34 far from clear JSN’s usage is going to be reliable in 2024
37 Tank Dell, HOU 14 suffered a hand injury in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
38 Xavier Worthy, KC 6
39 Jordan Addison, MIN 6 missed 2 gms w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
40 Rome Odunze, CHI 7 UP46 nice game in Wk 3 but not completely sold on his role since Allen was out
41 Jakobi Meyers, LVR 10
42 DeAndre Hopkins, TEN 5 UP45
43 Khalil Shakir, BUF 12 UP54
44 Keenan Allen, CHI 7 DN38 missed 2 gms w/ a heel injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
45 Courtland Sutton, DEN 14
46 Diontae Johnson, CAR 11 UP49 need to see more from CAR offense to make big adjustments
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
47 Christian Kirk, JAC 12
48 Darnell Mooney, ATL 12 UP58 showing some real chemistry w/ Cousins
49 Tyler Lockett, SEA 10
50 Jerry Jeudy, CLE 10
51 Brian Thomas Jr., JAC 12
52 Romeo Doubs, GB 10 anxious to see what he does when Love returns
53 Ladd McConkey, LAC 5 had twice as many targets (6) as anyone else for LAC in Wk 3
54 Andrei Iosivas, CIN 12 UP72
55 Quentin Johnston, LAC 5 UP63 3 TDs in the last 2 gms for Johnston
56 Mike Williams, NYJ 12 still working his way back
57 Adam Thielen, CAR 11 UP67 suffered a hamstring injury in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
58 Rashid Shaheed, NO 12 5 targets, 0 receptions; he’s still that weekly lottery ticket
59 DeMario Douglas, NE 14 UP61
60 Gabe Davis, JAC 12 DN52
61 Brandin Cooks, DAL 7 DN55
62 Keon Coleman, BUF 12
63 Wan’Dale Robinson, NYG 11 UP68
64 Dontayvion Wicks, GB 10
65 Jalen Nailor, MIN 6 UP75 3 gms, 3 TDs
66 Marquise Brown, KC 6 on IR w/ a shoulder injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 7
67 Alec Pierce, IND 14
68 Rashod Bateman, BAL 14
69 Josh Downs, IND 14 returned after missing 2 gms w/ an ankle injury
70 Michael Wilson, ARI 11 NR
71 Jalen Tolbert, DAL 7 UP79
72 Curtis Samuel, BUF 12
73 Darius Slayton, NYG 11 suffered a thumb injury in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
74 Ja’Lynn Polk, NE 14 DN64
75 Greg Dortch, ARI 11 DN66
76 Tyler Boyd, TEN 5
77 Demarcus Robinson, LAR 6 DN70
78 Allen Lazard, NYJ 12 NR
79 Joshua Palmer, LAC 5 DN71 DNP in Wk 3 w/ a calf injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
80 Ricky Pearsall, SF 9 on NFI list w/ a chest injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 5
Tight ends
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 Sam LaPorta, DET 5 suffered an ankle injury in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
2 Travis Kelce, KC 6 it’d be good if Kelce & Mahomes could get back on the same page swiftly…
3 Brock Bowers, LVR 10 UP8
4 Trey McBride, ARI 11 suffered a concussion in Wk 3; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
5 Dalton Kincaid, BUF 12
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
6 George Kittle, SF 9 DNP in Wk 3 w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
7 Jake Ferguson, DAL 7 UP9 returned after missing 1 gm w/ a knee injury
8 Mark Andrews, BAL 14 DN5
9 Evan Engram, JAC 12 missed 2 gms w/ a hamstring injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
10 Kyle Pitts, ATL 12
11 David Njoku, CLE 10 missed 2 gms w/ an ankle injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
12 Dallas Goedert, PHI 5 had a huge game in Wk 3, though Brown was out and Smith got hurt
13 Cole Kmet, CHI 7 UP17
14 Pat Freiermuth, PIT 9
15 Hunter Henry, NE 14 in 3 gms, Henry has one big day and two complete duds
16 Tyler Conklin, NYJ 12 UP20
17 Taysom Hill, NO 12 DNP in Wk 3 w/ a chest injury; his status for Wk 4 is TBD
18 Zach Ertz, WAS 14 UP24
Rk Fringe plays/roster depth Bye Up/Down Notes
19 T.J. Hockenson, MIN 6 on PUP list w/ a knee injury; he’s eligible to return in Wk 5
20 Tucker Kraft, GB 10 he’s not doing much right now, but there’s something there; keep an eye on him
21 Isaiah Likely, BAL 14 DN14 has done little since Wk 1
22 Mike Gesicki, CIN 12
23 Dalton Schultz, HOU 14 DN16 not enough footballs to go around
24 Cade Otton, TB 11 UP26
25 Chigoziem Okonkwo, TEN 5
26 Noah Fant, SEA 10
27 Juwan Johnson, NO 12
28 Jonnu Smith, MIA 6
29 Colby Parkinson, LAR 6
30 Luke Musgrave, GB 10 DN28
Defensive teams
Rk Never leaves lineup Bye Up/Down Notes
1 New York Jets 12 feasting on lesser QBs; up next in Wk 4, Bo Nix
2 San Francisco 49ers 9 injuries are an issue
3 Baltimore Ravens 14 DN1
4 Pittsburgh Steelers 9 UP7 they’ve allowed just 26 pts this season
Rk Lineup regulars Bye Up/Down Notes
5 Buffalo Bills 12 UP11
6 Cleveland Browns 10 DN4 struggling, but I haven’t lost faith just yet
7 Chicago Bears 7
8 Green Bay Packers 10 UP14 ultra aggressive, currently leading the NFL w/ 9 takeaways
9 New Orleans Saints 12
10 Minnesota Vikings 6 UP19 playing great ball
11 Kansas City Chiefs 6 DN5
12 Houston Texans 14 DN8
Rk Weekly matchup plays Bye Up/Down Notes
13 Dallas Cowboys 7 DN5 they’ve looked legitimately bad the last 2 gms
14 Miami Dolphins 6
15 Denver Broncos 14 NR
16 Seattle Seahawks 10 UP20 good numbers, albeit vs some pretty bad QBs
17 Philadelphia Eagles 5 DN12 not doing much of anything thus far
18 Los Angeles Chargers 5 NR
19 Detroit Lions 5
20 Arizona Cardinals 11 NR

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Announcers set for Patriots vs. 49ers Week 4 game

The announcers are set for the Patriots-49ers game

The announcers for the New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers Week 4 matchup on Sunday have been set.

Joe Davis will take the play-by-play spot, and he’ll be joined by Greg Olsen for analysis. Pam Oliver is set to take over the sideline duties, as the Patriots look to get back into the win column against a stout San Francisco 49ers team.

The 49ers are coming off a 44-27 upset loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3. Meanwhile, the Patriots are still reeling from a 24-3 loss at the hands of the New York Jets.

This will be the first meeting between the two teams since 2020. The 49ers were victorious in the matchup that year by a 33-6 margin.

The Patriots will certainly have their work cut out for them with uncertainty on the offensive side of football. A strong showing against San Francisco could be a building block for the rest of the season and get them back to a .500 win percentage.

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The Huddle’s Blitzed Fantasy Football Podcast: Episode 215

Talking NFL news, fantasy lineups, and more!

In this episode, Steve and Harley bring you NFL news, “Panic or Patience,” and “DFS Pay-ups, Stay-aways and Value Plays.” So Huddle up, tune in, and get Blitzed!

Or, click here to listen

Lions to debut blue and black alternate uniforms vs Seahawks in Week 4

Lions to debut blue and black alternate uniforms vs Seahawks in Week 4

The Seattle Seahawks will be headed to the Motor City of Detroit to play the Lions on Monday Night Football to conclude Week 4. Monday will mark the fourth-straight season these teams have clashed, and the third-straight game at Ford Field. However, this time, the Lions will have something new to show the Seahawks, and the rest of the country.

This past offseason, Detroit had a bit of a uniform revamp. For the most part, it does not look too terribly different. It was more of a cleanup/modern update. But one area where they did go all out for a new look is their black and blue alternate threads. On Monday night, the Lions will wear these new uniforms for the very first time.

https://twitter.com/Lions/status/1838337555517050977

https://twitter.com/fashion_nfl/status/1838338378976366983

Personally, I think these new uniforms are rather slick. They are also a considerable upgrade to the all-gray pajamas the Lions used to wear as an alternate with the blue helmet. Mercifully, this particular look has been retired.

Now the question remains… what will the Seahawks wear? In the last two meetings, Seattle has donned their typical white jersey/blue pants combo, as it is their standard away uniform. However, if you’re like me, you see the all black as a perfect opportunity to wear…

…the all-Action Green uniform. Think about it, black and neon, with dashes of College Navy and Honolulu Blue to break it up. This has the makings of an all-time uniform matchup.

Not to mention the Seahawks typically perform well in the Action Green alternates. They have a record of 8-3 with those jerseys, and 5-2 when it’s all-green.

We at Seahawks Wire will be sure to let folks know when the team makes their uniform decision.

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Falcons may be without starting OL Kaleb McGary, Drew Dalman vs. Saints

The Falcons could be without starting right tackle Kaleb McGary and center Drew Dalman for their Week 4 matchup with the Saints:

A couple of key Atlanta Falcons offensive linemen could miss Week 4’s game with the New Orleans Saints. Right tackle Kaleb McGary went down in Week 3’s matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs with what is believed to  be  a sprained MCL, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The severity of that knee injury is to be determined, but McGary’s status for next week’s game against the Saints is very much in doubt.

That’s also true of Falcons center Drew Dalman, who Rapoport reports is going to miss some time with a high-ankle sprain. So that’s two starters down from an offensive line tasked with protecting Kirk Cousins, one of the least-mobile quarterbacks in the NFL this year. Who could replace them?

Backup tackle Elijah Wilkinson filled in for McGary on the right side in Sunday night’s loss, however McGary is a premier player and will most definitely be missed if he ends up sitting out on a few games. So far this season he only allowed one sack and five pressures with no penalties against him, which is pretty impressive given he played against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles.

As for the center? It was Ryan Neuzil stepping in for Dalman. The fourth-year pro has only started four games at the NFL level, so that could be a matchup Bryan Bresee and the Saints’ interior rotation can take advantage of. The Falcons will be hoping to lean on Bijan Robinson just like the Eagles relied on Saquon Barkley against thee Saints, so it’s vital that Dennis Allen’s defensive line win their battles up front, no matter who is in front of them.

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How every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 5

Jonathan Taylor’s return and more…How every Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 4:

Week 4 of the 2023 NFL season is mostly complete, pending a Monday Night Football contest between the Packers and the Raiders.

Wisconsin Badger fans had a bit of interest in the action this weekend, as star running back Jonathan Taylor returned to the Indianapolis Colts’ backfield. Unfortunately, it still became the Zack Moss show despite Taylor’s healthy status.

But there were great performances from former Badgers in the league. Steelers OLB T.J. Watt continued his dominant start to the season, Dolphins OLB Andrew Van Ginkel is still turning heads in Miami and Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson looks to be a significant part of the team’s passing game.

Here is how every former Wisconsin Badger performed in NFL Week 4:

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans says Falcons QB Desmond Ridder is surrounded by playmakers

Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans acknowledges Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder is surrounded by effective skill players on offense.

The Atlanta Falcons may be on a two-game losing skid, but DeMeco Ryans is not overlooking a fellow 2-2 squad.

The Houston Texans face Atlanta Sunday at 12:00 p.m. Central Time at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Week 5. Although the Texans held second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett and the Pittsburgh Steelers to 225 yards total offense last week, Ryans is not banking on the same fortune with Desmond Ridder.

“With Ridder, I think just how he’s operating the offense, still a young player who is getting comfortable,” Ryans told reporters Oct. 4. “I think he just still needs time to grow and improve, but he’s doing a really good job of putting the ball where it needs to be and getting it into his playmakers hands.”

Distribution is what has helped Ridder lead the offense. Whether rookie Bijan Robinson or Tyler Allgeier, the Falcons have options in the backfield. Downfield there are also choices with tight end Kyle Pitts and receiver Drake London, both former first-round picks.

“What they’ve done there in Atlanta is they’ve surrounded him with a ton of playmakers, so it’s not just on the quarterback, there’s a lot of playmakers he can get the ball to,” said Ryans. “Tight ends, wide receivers, the backs — a lot of dynamic playmakers that surround Ridder, and they’ve done a really good job.”

The Falcons are coming off a 23-7 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London in Week 4.

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Patriots’ top 10 defensive players in Week 4, per PFF grades

Ranking the Patriots’ defensive players with the top-10 PFF grades in Week 4

The New England Patriots defense was put in an impossible position in the Week 4 loss to the Dallas Cowboys.

Not only was the unit battered with injuries, but it was handcuffed to an offense that turned the ball over three times and consistently put them in bad field position.

It was in no way a great performance for the defense, but they also didn’t look nearly as bad as the 38-3 score indicates. In fact, it’s surprising the score didn’t get even worse with the offense giving up two defensive touchdowns to the Cowboys.

The defense also lost two of their best players with cornerback Christian Gonzalez and linebacker Matthew Judon both going down with injuries. They’ll have their work cut out for them when attempting to bounce back in Week 5 against the visiting New Orleans Saints.

Let’s take a look at the top-10 defensive players, per Pro Football Focus grades, in the loss to Dallas.