The last week of September for the NFL could bring some of the most unpredictable games we’ve seen this season.

In the opening weeks, we’ve witnessed several unexpected outcomes, yet many of the matchups seemed to have a clear favorite. This weekend, however, the YSL News Sports panel has varied opinions on several games. While most experts lean towards the five remaining undefeated teams, they should remain cautious.

With all this in mind, we asked the team of NFL writers and columnists at YSL News Sports for their daring predictions for Week 4. Here’s what they think:

Aaron Rodgers will throw for over 300 yards against the Broncos for the first time since 2021

This is a key moment for A-Rod to finally achieve his first 300-yard game as a Jet. With the Broncos visiting the Meadowlands, it’s likely Rodgers will want to make a statement. Recall last year’s events when Sean Payton criticized the Jets and Nathaniel Hackett? Rodgers labeled Payton as “insecure” and suggested he keep Hackett’s name out of his comments. It’s clear that he remembers the disrespect.

Rodgers has previously referred to Hackett, Payton’s predecessor, as his “favorite” coach. This connection likely contributed to Hackett joining the Jets for a reunion after their time together in Green Bay. What better way for Rodgers to show his support for Hackett than delivering a standout performance against Payton and the Broncos?

It’s been quite a while since the four-time NFL MVP has surpassed 300 yards. The last time was in December 2021, when he dominated the Bears with 341 yards and 4 TDs—marking the last of three consecutive games over 300 yards. Since that moment, he’s played 25 games (including a playoff loss) without hitting the 300-yard mark. It’s noteworthy that during his last season with the Packers in 2022, he didn’t register a single 300-yard game across 17 starts. He is due for one. Moreover, his early-season trend this year shows rising yardage each game—from 167 in the season opener at San Francisco, to 176 in Week 2 at Tennessee, and then 281 against the Patriots last Thursday night. Now, he’s up against the Broncos. You can bet he’s eager for this matchup.

— Jarrett Bell

At least three unbeaten teams will lose in Week 4

This may not be the boldest prediction, but the weekend shapes up to be challenging for the NFL’s five 3-0 teams. All of them are playing away, with the Buffalo Bills facing the Baltimore Ravens and the Seattle Seahawks going against the Detroit Lions in primetime. On the other hand, the Pittsburgh Steelers will face a tough challenge against the Indianapolis Colts, and the Minnesota Vikings can hardly expect an easy victory at Green Bay’s Lambeau Field, regardless of who’s under center for the Packers. The Kansas City Chiefs should manage to beat the undermanned Chargers and might remain the only 4-0 team by the end of Monday night.

— Nate Davis

Jayden Daniels will emerge as the frontrunner for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year after Week 4

Rookie Jayden Daniels was recognized as the NFC Offensive Player of the Week for his outstanding performance in Week 3, completing 21 out of 23 passes for 254 yards and two touchdowns. He achieved the highest completion percentage by a rookie in NFL history in such a game (with a minimum of 20 attempts). Only two other rookie quarterbacks have earned this award in the last five years.

What can we expect from Daniels next?

I anticipate Daniels to have a standout performance against the Cardinals, solidifying his status as the early favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. He will be extra motivated as this game serves as a sort of homecoming, having played at Arizona State before transferring to LSU.

Daniels will throw for over 300 yards and rush for more than 50 yards, helping Washington achieve its third consecutive victory. The Commanders haven’t accomplished three wins in a row since the 2022 season.

— Tyler Dragon

The Steelers offense is primed for a breakout

The Pittsburgh Steelers have proven to be tough opponents so far this season, primarily due to their solid defense. However, this upcoming game might be when their offense finally clicks. Currently, the team ranks 24th in total yards per game (289), 29th in passing yards (158.3), 28th in rushing yards per carry (3.63), and 24th in scoring with 17 points per game. Fortunately, this matchup could work in the Steelers’ favor.

The Colts’ defense has faced its share of injuries this season, resulting in inconsistent performance. With a middle-of-the-pack ranking in scoring defense (14th at 20.3), they’ve allowed several big plays. Indy’s defense ranks second to last in total defense (398.3) and rushing defense (179). This scenario suggests that offensive coordinator Arthur Smith could let quarterback Justin Fields take charge and utilize his speed effectively. While the Steelers have asked Fields to run less—leading to an average of only 30 yards rushing per game (the lowest of his career)—this game presents the perfect opportunity for him to reclaim his rushing prowess, while also opening the passing game.

On the upside, Fields is also experiencing his best completion percentage at 73.3%, a significant increase from last year’s average. He’s become more efficient, but this matchup is calling for him to step it up on the ground to exploit the weak defensive line, subsequently benefiting the passing attack.

— Lorenzo Reyes

Nick Herbig will surpass T.J. Watt as the Steelers’ sack leader

This situation isn’t as surprising given that Herbig has already secured two sacks, while Watt has three in the initial stretch of the season. However, it would have been difficult to predict that the Steelers could end September with a different player than Watt or Alex Highsmith at the top of the sack leaderboard. Herbig took over for Highsmith after he sustained a groin injury late in the recent victory against the Los Angeles Chargers and made an impressive entry with two sacks in only 19 snaps. One standout moment was when he sprinted past Chargers’ left tackle Rashawn Slater during a second-and-10 in the third quarter, leading to a strip sack of Justin Herbert.

Repeating that performance will be challenging, particularly against Anthony Richardson, the 6-4, 244-pound quarterback, who has only been sacked four times in three games. This is especially true for Herbig, who stands at 6-2 and weighs 240 pounds. Nevertheless, the Steelers boast a strong run defense, ranking second by allowing just 3.5 yards per carry, which should force the Colts into more passing situations. It’s clear that the main focus for Indianapolis will be on Watt, who has faced additional blocking 44% of the time, as reported by Pro Football Focus. Herbig has already shown that he’s prepared to take advantage of any openings, a trend that could carry on into Sunday’s game.

— Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz

Josh Allen is expected to rush for more yards than Lamar Jackson

In the first three games of the season, Josh Allen hasn’t relied much on his legs within the Bills’ offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s system, which aims for an inclusive distribution of the ball (17 rushes, 85 yards). While his throwing has been notably effective, a critical match against the Ravens will likely require Allen to tap into all his skills to help the Bills remain unbeaten at 4-0.

Conversely, Lamar Jackson, the quarterback for the Ravens, hasn’t performed up to his usual running standards against the Bills. His highest rushing total against them is 73 yards, which occurred during his only regular-season defeat to the Bills in 2022. In a 2019 matchup, he rushed 11 times for just 40 yards, and during their first meeting in Week 1 of 2018 – when Jackson entered the game in a blowout – he managed seven carries for 39 yards.

— Chris Bumbaca