Players to watch in Week 4 in the NFL:
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes is on a pace to throw more than 65 touchdown passes this year after setting a record with 13 in his first three games,. Obviously, he’s not going to throw 65. But when is he going to cool off or have an off game? He plays his first division game Monday night in Denver. The Denver defense gets a crack at slowing him down.
Khalil Mack and Mitch Trubisky
Mack has helped turn the Bears defense into one of the best in the league and enabled Trubisky to get credit for a 3-0 start. But Trubisky has been overshadowed by Patrick Mahomes. And he keeps getting reminded the Bears traded up to get him and passed on Mahomes. Will he play better against Tampa Bay, or will the defense continue to carry the team?
Clay Matthews
Mathews has been a focal point of the controversy over the roughing-the-passer penalties because he’s been called for one each week, even though his hits have seemed to be textbook to anyone not employed in the NFL officiating department. This week he gets a shot at Buffalo rookie Josh Allen, and it will be no surprise if he sacks him. But will he be penalized again?
Baker Mayfield
The first pick in the draft had a storybook night against the New York Jets last Thursday night as he came off the bench and ended Cleveland’s string of 635 days without a victory. Now he goes to Oakland, and things will become more difficult. Sam Darnold struggled after having a big game in the opener for the Jets. The spotlight will be on Mayfield when he makes his first start.
Blake Bortles
Bortles may be the most inconsistent quarterback in the league. He was mediocre in the opener against the New York Giants, but the defense helped carry the Jacksonville Jaguars to the victory. Then he was lights out against New England, only to stumble against the Tennessee Titans and put up just two field goals on the board. The Jaguars are heavily favored against the Jets, and Bortles is due for another good game. But the Jaguars never know which Bortles will show up.