NFL Week 4 arrives with explosive matchups and high stakes, setting the tone for the entire 2025 season. As two powerhouse teams aim to keep their perfect 4-0 records intact and others fight to avoid a devastating 1-3 start, our expert panel weighs in with comprehensive NFL Week 4 picks. This deep dive synthesizes insights from top analysts to deliver invaluable game previews, exploring critical injuries, historical trends, and strategic matchups that could define the weekend.
From the monumental clash between the Eagles and Buccaneers to the must-win showdown for the Ravens and Chiefs, Week 4 promises drama. Dive into our expert predictions to inform your betting analysis and understand the biggest narratives unfolding across the league.
The Undefeated Dilemma: Eagles vs. Buccaneers Battle for 4-0
The marquee event of Week 4 pits two NFC titans, the Philadelphia Eagles and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, against each other in a thrilling battle for a pristine 4-0 record. Both teams arrive at Raymond James Stadium boasting unblemished starts, making this the sole game featuring two unbeaten NFC contenders. The stakes couldn’t be higher.
Expert consensus for this game is notably split, reflecting the finely balanced talent on both sides. However, critical injury news provides a significant boost for Tampa Bay. As reported on September 28, 2025, quarterback Baker Mayfield, despite a right biceps injury, is officially active and ready to lead the charge. Even more impactful, veteran wide receiver Chris Godwin is slated to make his season debut after recovering from a dislocated ankle suffered in Week 7 of the 2024 season. Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs also returns after knee surgery, fortifying the offensive line. While star receiver Mike Evans is sidelined with a hamstring injury, the return of Godwin and Wirfs is a major win for the Buccaneers, as highlighted by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport’s reports.
Many analysts, including Matt Ehalt, favor the Buccaneers (+3.5) against the spread. Ehalt points to Tampa Bay’s strong historical performance against Jalen Hurts’ Eagles, with the Bucs winning four of five matchups, including two blowout victories in Tampa. The South Florida heat and the Eagles’ inconsistent offense in the early parts of games are also cited as factors. SI.com’s Matt Verderame echoes concerns about Philadelphia’s passing game, which ranks 29th, and a rushing attack led by Saquon Barkley that averages a modest 3.3 yards per carry, partly due to offensive line issues. This contrasts sharply with the Buccaneers’ stout run defense, which is tied for fifth-best, anchored by nose tackle Vita Vea. The return of Godwin to complement rookie Emeka Egbuka, who has impressed with 181 receiving yards and three touchdowns, could further stretch the Eagles’ secondary.
Avoiding the Abyss: Ravens and Chiefs Fight for Survival
In another high-profile clash, the Baltimore Ravens face the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Incredibly, one of these perennial contenders will plummet to a disappointing 1-3 record after this Week 4 encounter. The pressure is immense.
Analysts are also divided on this game, but a strong case is made for the Baltimore Ravens (-2.5). Matt Ehalt notably picks against Patrick Mahomes at home, arguing that the Chiefs are currently “not a good football team.” Their Week 3 victory was attributed more to the Giants’ and Russell Wilson’s struggles than to any dominant Kansas City performance. The Chiefs’ offense, described by NFL.com’s Gennaro Filice as “constipated,” has struggled to fulfill its offseason promise of an “aerial renaissance,” lacking sufficient playmakers and a potent running game (Isiah Pacheco averages just 3.7 YPC).
However, the Ravens also face significant challenges. SI.com’s Matt Verderame calls Baltimore’s defense an “abomination,” allowing a league-high 415 yards per game. Key defensive injuries, including All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) and edge rusher Kyle Van Noy (hamstring), severely weaken their pass rush and front seven. The expected return of Chiefs receiver Xavier Worthy, alongside other speedsters like Marquise Brown, could expose Baltimore’s vulnerable secondary, which has surrendered the second-most passing yards (798). Despite the Chiefs’ historical dominance over the Ravens (5-1 since 2018), a highly motivated Baltimore squad, fresh off two tough losses to strong opponents, might catch Kansas City at the “right point” in the season.
Unanimous Verdicts: Where Experts Agree
While some matchups offer compelling arguments for both sides, several NFL Week 4 picks from our panel of experts were unanimous, signaling strong consensus on specific outcomes.
Packers Expected to Dominate Shorthanded Cowboys
The Green Bay Packers vs. Dallas Cowboys game stands out with a unanimous prediction for Green Bay. The Cowboys’ defense is surprisingly struggling, ranking last in passing yards allowed, pass yards allowed per attempt, and third-down conversion rate. This dramatic decline is largely attributed to the trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Packers four weeks prior, as highlighted by NFL.com’s Dan Parr. Dallas also finds itself without key offensive weapons CeeDee Lamb and Tyler Booker due to injuries. SI.com’s Matt Verderame further notes Dallas’s offensive line injuries (guards Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker sidelined for a month), setting up an ideal scenario for the Packers’ formidable pass rush, led by Rashan Gary and the newly acquired Parsons, to exploit. Expect a dominant Green Bay victory.
Vikings Set to Outduel Struggling Steelers in Dublin
Another unanimous selection sees the Minnesota Vikings defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers in their international showdown at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland. The Steelers’ 2-1 record appears deceptive; they were outgained in total yardage in their two wins and their offense has yet to reach 300 yards in any game this season. Pittsburgh’s run game is particularly anemic, ranking second-to-last in rushing yards per game and averaging a mere 2.8 yards per carry, according to NFL.com’s Dan Parr. This plays directly into the strengths of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, whose aggressive defense ranks sixth overall in yards per play allowed and boasts a high blitz rate of 32.7%. Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has a history of struggling against Flores’s defensive schemes, making this a challenging Week 4 assignment.
Chargers Cruise Past Giants with Rookie QB Debut
The Los Angeles Chargers are also a unanimous pick against the New York Giants. Giants coach Brian Daboll has made a switch at quarterback, benching Russell Wilson for rookie Jaxson Dart, who is set to make his first NFL start. Unfortunately for Dart, Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh holds an impressive 8-2 career record against rookie quarterbacks. With an MVP-candidate signal-caller and a “suffocating defense,” the Chargers are well-positioned for a convincing road victory at MetLife Stadium. This matchup highlights the challenges faced by young quarterbacks entering the league against veteran coaching and strong opposing rosters.
Critical Defensive Shifts: Seahawks and Woolen Watch
The Seattle Seahawks, coming into Week 4 with strong momentum, are a unanimous expert pick to defeat the Arizona Cardinals. Seattle boasts a top-five ranking in both scoring offense and defense, with an impressive 8-1 road record since 2024. Sam Darnold has settled in nicely, building rapport with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and rookie Tory Horton, leading an efficient passing attack.
However, a significant storyline to monitor within the Seahawks’ defense involves cornerback Riq Woolen. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Tom Pelissero, and Mike Garafolo report that other NFL teams are actively monitoring Woolen as a potential trade target. This comes amid a notable decline in his performance this season, particularly after a rough Week 1 showing where he conceded major plays. His overall defensive PFF grade stands at 40.4 (151st out of 158 cornerbacks), and he has already accumulated six penalties. The expected return to full health of fellow cornerback Devon Witherspoon could further impact Woolen’s playing time. While the Seahawks are currently focused on their successful 3-1 start rather than immediate roster changes, a “change of scenery” could emerge as a beneficial option for all parties involved closer to the November trade deadline if his struggles continue.
Other Intriguing Week 4 Matchups
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins (Monday Night Football): This game features two 0-3 AFC East cellar-dwellers, yet experts are split. Both defenses are suspect, but the Dolphins return from a mini-bye, potentially rejuvenated. If Miami’s running backs, De’Von Achane and Ollie Gordon II, can get going, Tua Tagovailoa might finally connect on explosive plays.
Denver Broncos at Cincinnati Bengals (Monday Night Football): The Broncos are a unanimous pick, with many experts believing quarterback Bo Nix will finally “get right” at home against a “Burrow-less” Bengals team struggling on both sides of the ball. Nix’s slow starts in September, documented in both his rookie 2024 and sophomore 2025 seasons, are a narrative to watch.
Buffalo Bills vs. New Orleans Saints: The Bills are heavily favored. While New Orleans faces an uphill battle against Josh Allen, the Bills’ defense has shown vulnerabilities against the pass, especially when blitzing, and on quick throws. However, Buffalo rarely blitzes, making it tough for the Saints to exploit these small sample-size weaknesses.
Detroit Lions vs. Cleveland Browns: The Lions are unanimous victors against a Browns team with an elite defense but a struggling offense. Cleveland ranks first in rush yards allowed but tied for 27th in yards per play, making it difficult to keep pace if Detroit can put up points.
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans: The Texans are a unanimous pick against a Titans team that has struggled significantly, with quarterback Cam Ward taking an NFL-high 15 sacks. Despite some defensive bright spots for both teams, Houston feels “overdue for a win” in a divisional home game.
New England Patriots vs. Carolina Panthers: The Patriots are a unanimous choice, with optimism around Christian Gonzalez’s potential return to limit Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan. Coach Mike Vrabel should have his team highly motivated to avoid a bad home start.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most anticipated matchups in NFL Week 4, and what are the key storylines?
NFL Week 4 features several high-stakes matchups. The most anticipated is the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where both teams enter with perfect 3-0 records, vying to remain undefeated. Another critical game is the Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs, as both teams fight to avoid a damaging 1-3 start. Key storylines include the impact of returning players for Tampa Bay (Mayfield, Godwin, Wirfs), the struggles of the Chiefs’ offense, and the Cowboys’ defensive woes after trading Micah Parsons to Green Bay.
Which teams are considered unanimous picks by experts in Week 4, and what are the reasons?
Several teams are unanimous expert picks for NFL Week 4. These include the Green Bay Packers over the Dallas Cowboys (due to Dallas’s struggling defense and offensive injuries), the Minnesota Vikings over the Pittsburgh Steelers (citing Pittsburgh’s anemic run game and a challenging matchup against Brian Flores’s defense), and the Los Angeles Chargers over the New York Giants (as the Chargers face a rookie QB making his debut). The Seattle Seahawks are also a unanimous pick against the Arizona Cardinals, given Seattle’s strong overall performance and momentum.
What injury updates are crucial for betting analysis in Week 4, especially for the Eagles-Bucs game?
For the Eagles-Buccaneers game in Week 4, critical injury updates significantly influence predictions. Tampa Bay quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Chris Godwin, and left tackle Tristan Wirfs are all active and expected to play, providing a substantial boost. However, Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans is out due to a hamstring injury. These player statuses are pivotal, as the return of Godwin and Wirfs greatly enhances Tampa Bay’s offensive capabilities against a strong Eagles defense, which factors heavily into the betting lines and expert picks.
Conclusion
NFL Week 4 is poised to be a pivotal point in the 2025 season, presenting thrilling undefeated clashes, desperate battles to avoid early season collapse, and unexpected upsets. Our in-depth NFL Week 4 picks and expert insights illuminate the complex dynamics at play, from crucial injury returns to historical performance trends. Whether you’re a fantasy football enthusiast or a keen bettor, understanding these nuances is key to navigating the unpredictable landscape of professional football. The outcomes of these games will undoubtedly shape the narrative for weeks to come, adding another compelling chapter to this exciting NFL season.
