[Editor's Note: There are plenty of intriguing and meaningful matchups on the NFL Week 4 schedule. Two of the most important games to be played on Sunday -- before Favre-Packers madness on Monday night -- are the Jets at the Saints and the Ravens at the Patriots.
Matt Noonan, one of MSF's NFL writers, previews and predicts these two pivotal early season matchups.]
New York Jets (3-0) at New Orleans Saints (3-0)
- Jets-Saints Date: Sunday, October 4th
- Jets-Saints Kickoff Time: 4:05 ET
- Jets-Saints TV: CBS
- Jets-Saints Announcers: Greg Gumbel and Dan Dierdorf
- Jets-Saints Point Spread: Saints -6.5
- Jets-Saints Over-Under: 45.5
Did anyone imagine by week 4 of the 2009 season the New York Jets be 3-0?
I certainly did not, but it seems that rookie head coach and quarterback, Rex Ryan and Mark Sanchez are all smiles these days because they know how good their squad is compared to other AFC opponents. So far this season the Jets have looked great on offense, averaging 21.3 points per game, but have relied heavily on their crucifying defense, which ranks second in points allowed.
This week, the Jets defense will be tested, but they are clearly up for the challenge.
As for the New Orleans Saints, this squad looks unbelievable on offense. Who can stop them?
In just the first month of play, Drew Brees has thrown nine touchdowns and has his Saints offensive unit leading the league in points and yards per game. Putting up points against the Jets may indeed be difficult, but with possible injuries in the Jets secondary, Brees may indeed show off how great a quarterback he truly is by putting points on the board and receiving loads of cheers from the hometown crowd.
In order to win this game, both teams need to create opportunities on offense while controlling time of possession. Look for a great running attack to emerge from the Jets side, while the Saints should get some help from Pierre Thomas and company, but primarily attack through the air.
In the end, the Saints will keep on marching in the direction of starting 4-0, which has not happened since 1991 when Bobby Hebert was the quarterback and Jim Mora was walking the sidelines.
Jets-Saints Prediction: New Orleans Saints 28 |Â New York Jets 18
Baltimore Ravens (3-0) at New England Patriots (2-1)
- Ravens-Patriots Date: Sunday, October 4th
- Ravens-Patriots Kickoff Time: 1:00 ET
- Ravens-Patriots TV: CBS
- Ravens-Patriots Announcers: Jim Nantz and Phil Simms
- Ravens-Patriots Point Spread: Patriots -2.5
- Ravens-Patriots Over-Under: 44.5
There was a sense of relief leaving Gillette Stadium last week as the New England Patriots felt they got back on track after ruining Matt Ryan’s homecoming to the Boston area; but now their sights are set on a very good Baltimore Ravens team, which ranks second in the NFL in points scored.
Patriots QB Tom Brady clearly may not be back to his old form, but after tossing ten passes for 116 yards in the direction of Randy Moss, one can only hope lighting can strike more than once between these two teammates come Sunday.
This Baltimore Ravens team is terrific. Â They are athletic, physical, and just downright scary at times. In week 2 against the San Diego Chargers, the Ravens showed every NFL fan why they were one game away from the big dance in Tampa Bay last February. Led by a thrilling defensive performance by linebacker Ray Lewis, who recorded ten tackles and forced a fumble, both the offense and defense proved to the Chargers and their fans that the Ravens are for real this fall.
The multi-dimensional Ravens offense is an incredibly tough opponent to stop between their running and passing ability. Joe Flacco has been on-target for the past few games, throwing for an average of 280 yards along with tossing  six touchdown passes on the young season.
While the Ravens may not always have the flashy “name” receivers, such as Moss and Welker for the Patriots, the running game, featuring Ray Rice, Willis McGahee, and Le’Ron McClain, will be on display, which is something the Patriots defense needs to stop.
As for the Patriots offense, look for running back Fred Taylor to receive a great deal of attention, especially after last week’s 105 yards of rushing, which included a touchdown. Don’t expect too many fireworks from either of these teams, as smash mouth football will be on display following the opening kick-off.
I expect Tom Brady to improve his accuracy and lead his Patriots to their 3rd victory of the season.Â
Patriots-Ravens Prediction: New England Patriots 17 | Baltimore Ravens 14
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* – Drew Brees photo credit: The Campus Socialite
* – Joe Flacco photo credit: AP photo via Lehigh Valley Live
