NFL Week 4: Crucial NFC North clash & why Panthers have a chance
Vikings look to improve on Lions Head-to-Head
There’s a full programme of NFL games this weekend, but the pick of the bunch is surely the NFC North grudge-match between Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions.
The Vikings are looking to end a sequence of two successive defeats to their divisional rivals. They’ve started the season in strong form, with Quarterback Sam Bradford nigh-on unstoppable in the opening weekend.
That clash features in Coral News trio of NFL Week 4 storylines, as well as a potential upset for Carolina Panthers, and a look at whether Kansas City Chiefs’ 100% record will survive the weekend.
Vikings’ home form points to Lions triumph
With the Chicago Bears unlikely to finish the season with anything close to a winning record, it’s a three-way tussle for supremacy in the NFC North. Two of those three face off on Week 4, as Detroit Lions head to U.S. Bank Stadium to face Minnesota Vikings.
The Lions came out on top in both of last year’s meetings, but could struggle against a Vikes side looking strong on their own patch. Quarterback Sam Bradford threw for 346 yards and three Touchdowns in their home opener against New Orleans Saints.
Having also breezed past Tampa Bay Buccaneers (34-17) in Minneapolis, they’re looking tough to overcome here. With the Lions outfought in Atlanta last weekend, the Vikings look good in the Money Line at 4/5.
Solid Panthers could cause problems for patchy Pats
Despite last season’s incredible Super Bowl triumph, New England Patriots have started this season in indifferent form. After a home defeat to Kansas City Chiefs (27-40), they impressed in New Orleans, before an unconvincing and fortuitous 36-33 defeat of Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium.
It’s perhaps a stretch to say the Pats have been poor, but they have underperformed. And that’s something Ron Rivera’s Carolina Panthers could take advantage of.
They’ve been very solid in the early weeks, giving up just three points against each of Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers. Defeat to the Saints last weekend was a minor blip, but Brady and co. could well find their visitors tough to break down.
With the Panthers impressing in defence, the Panthers +5.0 handicap looks good value at 9/5.
Can KC ace Hunt break down resilient Redskins?
One of only two sides in the entire NFL to currently boast a 100% win ratio, Kansas City Chiefs owe a great deal of that success to Running Back Kareem Young.
The rookie has chalked up an incredible 401 rushing yards so far, 119 more than the league’s next best (Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook). Combined with a number of impressive receptions, he’s already chalked up four Touchdowns for the Chiefs.
His balance and agility could prove key against a Redskins defence who boast some impressive stats. Jay Grunden’s side (2-1) have already forced six interceptions, and gave up just 10 points against Oakland Raiders last weekend, in a 27-10 win.
So, will Hunt produce another game-winning display, or can the imposing and well-drilled Redskins nullify his threat?
All Odds and Markets are correct as of the date of publishing
