Week 4 was a chaotic cocktail of thrilling ties, blocked kicks, and quarterbacks doing quarterback things (for better or worse). From Dak Prescott shredding one of the NFL’s best defenses to the Eagles flexing their muscle in Florida, the NFC continues to be a rollercoaster. Let’s break down the key action with an eye on what it means for your bets moving forward.
The Dallas Cowboys walked out of a 40-40 tie with Green Bay, but don’t let that scoreline fool you, this was a statement game for Dak Prescott. Dak lit up the Packers without star wideout CeeDee Lamb and did so behind a patched-up offensive line that gave up just one sack. That’s not just impressive, it’s borderline miraculous against a defense featuring Rashan Gary and Quay Walker.
This tie might be the most satisfying draw in Cowboys history. It was a redemption game wrapped in a trust-the-process bow. Micah Parsons didn’t get to feast the way he’d hoped (sorry, Micah’s family in the suite), but Dallas kept Green Bay’s offense in check when it mattered. The oddsmakers had Dallas as slight underdogs, so covering the spread and walking out with a tie shows they’re righting the ship after a rocky start.
From a betting angle, Dallas is trending up. The offense is clicking even without top weapons, and if the O-line can hold against elite pass rushers, upcoming matchups look juicy. Keep an eye on spreads moving forward, the Cowboys could be undervalued in the next few weeks.
The Philadelphia Eagles did what they do best: start fast, get creative, and grind out a win even when it’s not pretty. They beat the Bucs 31-25, moving to a clean 4-0. The game had everything, push-tush touchdowns, shuttle passes to tight ends, and Jalen Hurts doing enough to keep the chains moving. While the offense hasn’t hit full gear yet, the Eagles' defense and special teams continue to make game-changing plays.
For bettors, this Philly team might be the best example of a squad that wins ugly but covers the spread. Despite red zone struggles and a few head-scratchers from Hurts, the Eagles are cashing in. Their defense has been the real MVP, forcing turnovers and setting up short fields. Until the offense catches up, the under might be worth a look in tighter matchups. But when they face teams like the Bucs who can’t quite finish drives, Philly’s defensive edge keeps them in control.
Baker Mayfield had his usual witching hour magic, but it fizzled late thanks to a brutal pick and a failed fourth-down pass. Tampa's defense just couldn’t keep up with Philly’s layered offense. The Bucs are scrappy, but not quite ready for primetime. Keep fading them against top-tier opponents.
The Rams outlasted the Colts in a 29-23 overtime thriller that showed off just how good this Los Angeles team can be when Matthew Stafford is cooking. And let’s talk about Puka Nacua. The rookie wideout is playing like someone swapped his jersey with Cooper Kupp’s. Thirteen catches, 170 yards, and the game-winning touchdown? That’s triple crown-level stuff.
Indianapolis played tough and had a chance to win, but turnovers and penalties (looking at you, Adonai Mitchell) were their downfall. Still, they’re tied for the division lead and look better than expected. Betting-wise, the Colts are a live dog in most spots, especially if they clean up the mistakes. The Rams, meanwhile, are looking like a consistent and dangerous team. Don’t be afraid to back them in pick’em or short spread situations, they’ve got the look of a playoff sleeper.
Chicago’s 27-24 win over the Raiders was more than just another W, it was a blocked-kick walk-off party that sent them into the bye at 2-2. Caleb Williams (yes, him again) showed why people are excited about his future, and Roman Dunez continues to be a walking highlight reel. Ashton Gentry went back to his old stance and looked like a brand-new player, running wild on a stunned Raiders defense.
The Bears are a team to watch. They’ve been underdogs in most games, and they just proved they can win on defense and special teams alone. That’s not sustainable long-term, but it’s enough to consider them for moneyline sprinkles when they’re priced as big dogs. The Raiders, on the other hand, are spiraling. Geno Smith is struggling, and the offense can’t find any rhythm. Fade them until further notice.
Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury could sideline him for months, severely impacting the Bengals’ playoff chances and betting lines. Without Burrow, Cincinnati’s offense may struggle, making their upcoming schedule a daunting challenge. Backup quarterbacks are overvalued, and receivers’ prop bets could drop. Meanwhile, the Vikings, Falcons, and Jaguars present contrasting betting dynamics amid injuries and inconsistent play, emphasizing live betting and injury monitoring as key strategies.
The NFL season kicks off with surprising storylines: the undefeated Colts’ explosive but possibly unsustainable offense, Baker Mayfield’s clutch leadership for the Buccaneers, and defensive stars like Myles Garrett dominating the field. Rookie Cam Ward shines emotionally, while the Lions and high-scoring Bills-Dolphins matchup highlight betting opportunities. Live bets, overs, and player props are key angles for savvy bettors navigating the early season twists.
Week 4 NFL features a crucial showdown between struggling playoff contenders Chiefs and Ravens, both fighting to avoid a 1-3 start. Injury woes and shaky offenses create a high-stakes, tempo-controlling battle. The NFC West surprises with all four teams above .500, and betting angles abound in games like Seahawks vs Cardinals and Vikings vs Steelers in Dublin.
The Jaguars pulled off a 26-21 upset over the 49ers as 3.5-point dogs, and it was all about turnovers. San Francisco gave the ball away four times and couldn’t get a single pick or fumble recovery in return. Brock Purdy quietly threw for over 300 yards, but most of it came on short stuff to Christian McCaffrey, who continues to be a fantasy PPR darling but is struggling to produce on the ground. The Niners had zero first downs on 20 early-down runs. That’s a stat worth remembering.
Jacksonville’s defense deserves major props. Devon Lloyd was everywhere, sacks, picks, run stops, you name it. If the Jags keep forcing turnovers at this pace, they’re going to be a problem. Don’t overthink it: this team is a turnover machine, and turnovers win games (and cover spreads). The Niners, meanwhile, are hobbling into a short week against the Rams. With key injuries on both sides of the ball, they’re a risky bet right now.