NFL Week 4 Preview

Published: Thursday, September 25, 2025

by Matt Nazario

Rivalry Renewed in Primetime: Seattle Seahawks (2-1) at Arizona Cardinals (2-1)

Seattle is flying high as they demolished the New Orleans Saints 44-13 in week three, possessing a 38-6 lead at halftime off of incredible play on all ends of the field. Rookie Tory Horton had himself a career day with two touchdowns, including a 95-yard punt return in the Seahawks’ 21-point first quarter.

Despite injuries to Devon Witherspoon and Julian Love, it was yet another strong defensive performance for the Seahawks who find themselves second in points allowed (15.7 points per game) and first in touchdowns allowed (4) through three games.

In addition, ever since Sam Darnold’s mediocre week one start against the San Francisco 49ers, he has dialed in alongside star receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Arizona, following a 2-0 start to their season, lost a tough divisional matchup against the 49ers in week three. As great as the 49ers defense was, the Cardinals offense looked lost and were unable to capitalize on big plays, including a disastrous drop by Marvin Harrison Jr.

Paired with a season-ending injury to running back James Conner, the so far lukewarm Cardinals’ offense took an even deeper hit. The defense, which has been incredibly stout through three games, will look to control a red hot Seattle offense. Calais Campbell in particular, despite 2025 being his 17th season, has been a tremendous contributor for the Cardinals defense.

Although it is only week four, this NFC West matchup will prove to be incredibly crucial for both squads to establish themselves as true contenders for the division.

Philly Flies to The Bay: Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-0)

The Eagles are coming off of a spectacular comeback victory over the Los Angeles Rams, as they erased a 26-7 deficit to eventually win 27-26. Philadelphia continues to find ways to win no matter the circumstances, which is as impressive as it is terrifying for the rest of the NFL.
Jalen Hurts (226 passing yards and 3 touchdowns) and AJ Brown (100 receiving yards, 1 touchdown) finally were in the rhythm Eagles fans hoped they would reach, proving to be key to the comeback effort.

Tampa Bay is coming off of a heart-racing victory of their own over the New York Jets. Despite a 23-6 lead in the third quarter, strong offensive drives from the Jets as well as a blocked field goal returned for a touchdown had the Bucs’ backs against the wall late in the game.

Baker Mayfield led yet another game winning drive as he continues to build quite a case for early MVP, while rookie Emeka Egbuka made clutch catches down the stretch to set up a game winning field goal for Tampa.

Fans are in for an excellent battle between two of the NFC’s best, and potentially an NFC Championship preview based off of the way these teams look early in the season.

The Flock Travels to the Kingdom: Baltimore Ravens (1-2) at Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

The Ravens are certainly no strangers to adversity, however something about their start to 2025 feels all the more alarming than normal. A primetime loss to the Detroit Lions in week three, which included yet another disastrous fumble from Derrick Henry, was a dagger to the heart of the Ravens faithful.

Baltimore has been first in many offensive statistics such as points per game (37) while ranking near the bottom of the league in almost every defensive metric, including allowing 32 points per game.

The defensive issues which many saw forming following the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald in 2024 have only been exasterbated, and have overshadowed the offensive firepower Lamar Jackson and the offensive unit have been able to provide.

Similarly, Kansas City has been off to a slower start than desired. However, Chiefs Kingdom’s initial concerns were quelled for the time being with their victory over the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football in week three.

A bounceback victory was certainly what the doctor ordered as Kansas City now returns to GEHA field Sunday looking to get back to a .500 record.

But still, there are many question marks surrounding the Chiefs moving forward. Can the offense find a rhythm? Can the defense continue their strong play? Is the sideline confrontation between Travis Kelce and Head Coach Andy Reid something to remain concerned about?

Fans have become accustomed to seeing both of these squads at the top of the AFC year in and year out, but with their respective seasons off to rough starts, the Ravens and Chiefs will battle it out in hopes of not losing their reputation of being regular AFC Contenders.

The Micah Parsons Revenge Game: Green Bay Packers (2-1) at Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Green Bay’s dominant performances from the first two weeks of this season came to a screeching halt in week three with a bizarre 13-10 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Despite this, the Pack look to be one of the top teams in the NFC and will enter Dallas motivated to shake off the week three mishap.

One man in particular, Micah Parsons, will have even more of a reason to bludgeon the Cowboy offense as he will get his shot at revenge against his former team.

Dallas’ season is already in jeopardy following a week three loss to the Chicago Bears. Not only with the injury to CeeDee Lamb, but just how disjointed the team as a whole looked in week three raised many concerns for them moving forward.

Dak Presscott’s two untimely interceptions proved to be fatal, while the defense gave up four passing touchdowns to Caleb Williams.

The storyline of Parsons and Jerry Jones’ issues coming full circle writes itself, but there is even more at stake than we may realize. The Cowboys find themselves in a must win situation to prevent yet another lost season, while the Packers look to further solidify themselves as one of the best the NFC has to offer.

Matt Nazario can be reached at matthew.nazario@student.shu.edu 

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