October is here and the NFL season is in full force.
While it may still be early, some teams have already jumped out to surprising starts.
Others, meanwhile, still have a lot to prove.
This week features some major storylines revolving around teams with a lot to prove.
Let’s take a look at three NFL teams in particular who can say a lot with a win in Week 4.
3. Denver Broncos
The Denver Broncos are feeling good after jumping out to a 3-0 start.
Yet they have a lot to prove considering all three of their wins are against teams who remain winless in 2021.
The Denver Broncos opponents are now 0-10
— MGII (@MGII_) October 1, 2021
The schedule starts to get really tough now and Week 4 features a showdown at home against the Baltimore Ravens.
Vic Fangio’s group wants to prove they are truly an AFC contender.
Well, here is the opportunity.
They can defend their home field and dispatch of the Ravens to improve to 4-0, sitting atop the AFC West.
Even if they don’t win, a hard-fought loss in a close game would still prove they are here to compete.
2. New England Patriots
Mac Jones taking down Tom Brady in primetime would be quite the statement.
The national media is fixated on Brady returning to take on the New England Patriots.
Bucs’ HC Bruce Arians today: “A hell of a week of practice. You could really feel the difference in intensity this week. It doesn't have a damn thing to do with [Tom] Brady, it has to do with losing.”
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 1, 2021
All the team should be focusing on is avoiding a 1-3 start.
The Patriots do have the home crowd behind them and while Brady will get plenty of cheers, fans would love nothing more than to see him lose as a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
That would be the first signature win of Jones’ NFL career and would allow the Patriots to start focusing on a return to the postseason.
While this would not doom Brady’s season, it would be a fitting passing of the torch if this is his last time playing in New England.
1. Los Angeles Rams
The Los Angeles Rams are suddenly Super Bowl contenders with Matthew Stafford at quarterback.
But they also have some other top contenders within their own division, including the Arizona Cardinals.
Both the Rams and Cardinals are 3-0 and are meeting up Sunday in a battle for NFC West supremacy.
If the Rams want to truly be atop the NFC, taking down teams like the Cardinals, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks will be the first step.
The Rams did take down Tampa Bay in Week 3, so the momentum is there as they remain at home this weekend.
Stafford is off to a great start and Sean McVay looks like a genius again.
A win over Arizona would turn the early hype into reality.
NEXT: Bears Waiting Until Sunday To Name A Starting QB
