Just three weeks into the 2022 NFL season, some surprises have emerged across the league.
A few teams that were expected to contend for the Super Bowl are struggling, while a couple of teams that people had questions and concerns about are undefeated.
Most of the season still lays ahead of us, but unlike in Major League Baseball or the NBA, every game is extremely meaningful.
Therefore there are a few teams that find themselves in a virtual must-win situation going into Week 4, at least in relation to the expectations they have had.
If any of these three teams lose in the coming days, there will be lots of concern and finger-pointing to go around in their home markets.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders looked strong on paper going into this season, especially with the addition of superstar wide receiver Davante Adams and capable pass rusher Chandler Jones.
Quarterback Derek Carr was coming off arguably his best statistical season.
In fact, many figured he would prove himself as a truly elite QB this year.
Instead, Las Vegas is 0-3 and Carr ranks just 18th in passer rating.
They will face the Denver Broncos at home on Sunday.
Although Denver is 2-1, they have some concerns, mainly on the offensive side of the football.
The Raiders have way too much talent to allow themselves to fall to 0-4 on the season, especially after blowing a 23-7 fourth-quarter lead during Week 2 in comical fashion to the Arizona Cardinals.
Yes, Hunter Renfrow and Josh Jacobs are ailing, but if the Raiders’ defense does its job against Denver’s anemic offense, they should get into the victory column.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers have what appears to be a championship-caliber roster, but they sit at just 1-2 after a painfully poor showing in Week 3 against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The biggest culprit has been injuries, as several key Los Angeles players on both sides of the ball are hurt and unable to play as of now.
So to recap for #Chargers…
• QB: fractured rib cartilage
• All-Pro center: knee injury
• All-Pro LT likely to miss season with torn biceps
• No. 1 receiver has strained hamstring
• Top pass rusher has groin injury
• Top CB not responding as expected from ankle surgery— Daniel Popper (@danielrpopper) September 26, 2022
In an ultra-competitive AFC West, neither the Chargers nor the Raiders can afford to drop games they should’ve won.
In Week 4, L.A. will take on the Houston Texans, a team that’s largely devoid of talent.
One would think the Chargers should prevail without too much trouble.
However, given how much disappointment and bad luck is par for the course when it comes to the Bolts, perhaps no one can make any safe predictions regarding this upcoming contest.
San Francisco 49ers
Regardless of whether they stuck with Jimmy Garoppolo or moved on to Trey Lance under center, most expected the 49ers to be in the championship hunt this season.
But they lost an ugly 11-10 contest against the Broncos on Sunday night, and as is the case with the Chargers, the injuries are piling up for San Francisco.
San Francisco will play the Los Angeles Rams on Monday Night Football this coming week.
Although the Rams are the defending world champs, the 49ers have had plenty of success against them in the regular season over the past three years.
Oddly enough, the Niners, as of now, are slight favorites over Matthew Stafford and crew.
How are the 49ers a 2.5 favorite over the Rams lmao pic.twitter.com/epixLwt0uz
— Andres 🇲🇽🎃 (@MdgAndres10) September 26, 2022
A San Francisco victory would go a long way in calming the frayed nerves among Niners faithful and the calls for head coach Kyle Shanahan to be fired.
NEXT: There Is Good News On The Injury Front For The Chargers
