Week 4 preview

We’ve reached the first Sunday that a few teams will have the week off. Bummer for fans in Dallas, Kansas City, Minnesota and Tampa Bay (Although considering the blackouts going on in Tampa, I doubt anyone is really too upset.) And it’s really too bad that the other three have this week off since they seem to all have some moment after last week.

As for the teams that will be on the field, there are some interesting storylines to follow. How about the debacle in San Francisco? Division title expectation have turned into 0-3 and staring 0-4 in the face as they head to Atlanta. But that’s not the worst part. Starting SS Michael Lewis decided that it was a better option for him to not get on the plane and simply ask for his release. This coming on the heals of former 1st rounder Kentwan Balmer going MIA in training camp and demanding a trade. Heck, Glen Coffee didn’t even bother asking for a trade, he quit football all together. What happened to everyone wanting to play for Mike Singletary?

Donavan McNabb returning to Phily, with Michael Vick as the Eagles starting QB. How will the fans react to McNabb? All those wins, all those playoff wins, the trips to the NFC title games. Will those matter or will Phily fan live up to their reputation? As for Vick, this is a huge game. He’s always been an incredible talent, including having stretches where he’s looked out of this world. But the issue was always his inability to string a group of these games together. Will he return to that inconsistent QB that he’s always been, or will this be game #3 in a row that showcases Vick’s unbelievable ability? We’ll find out soon!

I’ll tell you, I feel bad for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers are tying to see what they have in QB Jimmy Clausen, and the Saints are coming off a tough loss to the Falcons. I can see Drew Brees and his folks putting up a huge number against the struggling visiting Panthers.

Detroit has played some really good football so far this year (if you can say that about a 0-3 team) and it has been without Calvin “Megatron” Johnson at his best and backup Shaun Hill taking the snaps. It doesn’t get any easier as the Lions head to Lambeau to take on a Packers team that should be pretty ornery after their loss on Monday Night Football.

I’d look for another team to get back on track this week, the San Diego Chargers. San Diego should get on track this week at home against the Cardinals.

Fantasy Alert – Maurice Jones-Drew may have a shot at having a good day. Even though the Jags should be crushed, the Colts run defense isn’t very good and MJD may have a chance to get on track this week. Which would be helpful considering his lack of production and his most likely high first round selection.

Same can be said for Shonn Green. The Jets are a run-oriented team and they are going against the Bills, an opportunity to get healthy if I’ve ever heard it.

And this may be the week that T.O. and Ochocinco finally do something as they go against their cross-state rival Browns.