Fansided

5 most interesting NFL matchups to watch Week 4

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 04: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on from the sideline during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at Gillette Stadium on January 04, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 27: Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles reacts against the Cincinnati Bengals at Lincoln Financial Field on September 27, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

4. Philadelphia’s injury-riddled line tries to stop San Francisco’s front

When the season schedule was released this looked like a potential glamour matchup in Week 4. Unfortunately, the Eagles haven’t lived up to their preseason hype. Doug Pederson’s ridiculous decision to punt the ball late in overtime last week doomed Philadelphia to an 0-2-1 start to the 2020 season.

Some of the Eagles’ struggles can be attributed to mediocre play from their offensive line. Losing Brandon Brooks and Andre Dillard before the season reduced their talent level considerably. The team has struggled to run the ball efficiently through three games. Perhaps more importantly, they’ve not been able to give Carson Wentz a clean pocket to work from.

The 49ers’ defensive coaching staff will be licking their chops to take advantage of that weakness in Week 4. Their defensive line has also been ravaged by injury. Nick Bosa and Soloman Thomas will both miss the season due to injury. That doesn’t leave San Francisco without quality pass rushers though. Arik Armstead, Dee Ford, and Javon Kinlaw can all give Philadelphia fits if they’re ready to play.

Expect the winner of this game to be the team that’s able to dominate the line of scrimmage. San Francisco needs to keep Philadelphia’s offense in neutral in the first quarter. Building on the Eagles’ anxiety is the best way for the 49ers to score a straightforward victory. If Philly’s offensive line can hold up, this could turn into a surprise victory for Wentz and his offense.

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