It’s Brocktober! Previewing Week 4

Summary of It’s Brocktober! Previewing Week 4

by ESPN, Omaha Productions, Mina Kimes

1h 29m•October 1, 2026
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Overview of It’s Brocktober! Previewing Week 4

Mina Kimes and Sheil Kapadia previewed Week 4 of the NFL season with a strong focus on quarterback play, offensive line concerns, and how injuries are shaping matchups across the league. The conversation centered on whether early-season breakouts are real, which teams are benefiting from creative coaching, and where matchup edges could decide close games. They also made their weekly picks, with a few notable disagreements late in the slate.

Biggest Week 4 Storylines

Veteran quarterbacks are driving several key games

  • Aaron Rodgers looked rejuvenated in Week 3, but Sheil expects regression on a short week against a tougher Browns defense.
  • Patrick Mahomes is operating with a very short average depth of target, yet Kansas City is still generating explosive plays through scheme and yards after the catch.
  • Brock Purdy has been excellent against the blitz this year, a big reason Denver-San Francisco stood out as one of the best games of the week.
  • Michael Penix Jr. showed real flashes in Atlanta’s win, but the hosts were split on whether that performance is sustainable.

Injuries and backup QBs are reshaping the slate

  • Jayden Daniels’ injury status for Washington created uncertainty, but both hosts leaned toward Indianapolis if Marcus Mariota had to start.
  • Caleb Williams’ injury situation in Chicago made the Jets-Bears game murky.
  • Justin Jefferson and Puka Nacua injury updates mattered for Vikings-Dolphins and Rams-Eagles, respectively.
  • Tyler Shough got a closer look in Saints-Falcons, with New Orleans’ offensive line becoming a major issue.

Coaching and scheme are a major part of the discussion

  • Mina and Sheil repeatedly emphasized how much creative play-calling and matchup manipulation matter early in the season.
  • They praised offenses that are using motion, bunch, play action, and YAC-friendly concepts well.
  • Several defenses were judged on whether they could handle motion, blitzes, and explosive-pass prevention.

Game-by-Game Takeaways and Picks

Steelers at Browns

  • Key question: Was Rodgers’ Week 3 breakout real?
  • The Steelers’ offense looked more creative than expected, but both hosts think Cleveland’s defense and the short week make this tougher.
  • Pick: Steelers

Colts at Commanders

  • Key question: Can Washington run the ball effectively and support a likely compromised Jayden Daniels/Mariota situation?
  • Both hosts were skeptical of Washington’s ability to control the game on the ground.
  • Pick: Colts

Cardinals at Giants

  • Key question: Can Arizona’s run game punish New York’s depleted front?
  • The Cardinals’ offense continues to look coordinated and efficient, while the Giants’ defense is undermanned.
  • The Jaxson Dart/Jameis Winston conversation was framed as a “take a swing at quarterback” move, not a major commitment.
  • Pick: Cardinals

Cowboys at Texans

  • Key question: Can Dallas attack Houston vertically and create explosives?
  • The Texans’ defense has been forcing opponents into mistakes and short drives.
  • With Nico Collins back in the mix, Houston’s offense has more upside than Mina gave it credit for.
  • Pick: Texans

Packers at Buccaneers

  • Key question: Can Tampa Bay’s pass rush finally show up against Green Bay’s battered offensive line?
  • Green Bay’s line struggles have become a full crisis, prompting unusual veteran additions.
  • Mina trusted Green Bay to stabilize more than Tampa Bay’s offense with its backup QB situation.
  • Pick: Packers

Bengals at Jaguars

  • Key question: Can Travis Hunter/Jacksonville’s secondary handle Chase and Higgins, and can Trevor Lawrence attack the middle of the field?
  • This was one of the best matchups of the week: Bengals explosive passing game vs. Jaguars’ balanced, well-coached roster.
  • Both hosts were impressed by Jacksonville’s offense and defense.
  • Pick: Jaguars

Rams at Eagles

  • Key question: Can Philadelphia fix its early-down offense and handle motion/blitz pressure?
  • The Eagles’ under-center run game and play-action game have not clicked.
  • The Rams’ motion-heavy approach could stress Philadelphia’s communication again.
  • Mina and Sheil both leaned Rams.
  • Pick: Rams

Patriots at Bills

  • Key question: Can Drake Maye simplify the offense with quick game?
  • The Patriots’ turnovers have made the offense look worse than its underlying success rate suggests.
  • Buffalo’s defense has been vulnerable, but not enough to sway them off the Bills.
  • Pick: Bills

Jets at Bears

  • Key question: Which backup QB situation is more stable, and can Chicago’s coaching edge matter?
  • The Bears’ matchup was complicated by Caleb Williams’ injury.
  • Both hosts were intrigued by the Jets’ skill players and Geno Smith’s play, but still leaned Chicago.
  • Pick: Bears

Titans at Ravens

  • Key question: Is Cam Ward progressing fast enough?
  • Mina remains unconvinced by Tennessee’s coaching and offensive scheme, though she noted some small signs of improvement.
  • Baltimore’s explosiveness and Lamar Jackson’s efficiency made this an easy call.
  • Pick: Ravens

Dolphins at Vikings

  • Key question: Can Kyler Murray / the Vikings offense look more comfortable?
  • The big concern was Minnesota’s offense after a rough outing, even though the team is 3-0.
  • The hosts agreed the Vikings still have a path to the division if the offense settles in.
  • Pick: Vikings

Broncos at 49ers

  • Key question: Can Denver run the ball and keep Bo Nix from getting the “zoomies” in the first half?
  • Mina’s “zoomies” theory for Bo Nix became a running joke: he starts too amped up, then settles down later.
  • San Francisco’s passing game, coaching, and matchup advantages still won out.
  • Pick: 49ers

Chargers at Seahawks

  • Key question: Can Seattle control personnel packages and exploit Los Angeles’ defensive tendencies?
  • Seattle’s 12-personnel offense was praised as a strong matchup tool.
  • The Chargers’ 0-4 danger and brutal upcoming schedule were noted.
  • Lean: Seahawks

Chiefs at Raiders

  • Key question: Can Las Vegas tackle in space and limit Kansas City’s YAC-heavy offense?
  • Mahomes’ average throw depth is unusually short, but the Chiefs are still creating explosives through scheme and YAC.
  • The Raiders were praised for coaching and Brock Bowers’ emergence.
  • Pick: Chiefs

Lions at Panthers

  • Key question: Can Carolina’s injured corners survive against Detroit’s weapons?
  • With J.C. Horn and Mike Jackson out, the Panthers’ secondary is a major liability.
  • Detroit’s offense and run game were too much for Carolina to handle.
  • Pick: Lions

Falcons at Saints

  • Key question: Can Atlanta’s run game and pass rush travel into New Orleans?
  • Mina liked Bijan Robinson and Atlanta’s offensive form.
  • Sheil liked the Falcons’ defensive improvements, especially pressure generation.
  • They split here.
  • Picks: Mina = Saints, Sheil = Falcons

Final Takeaways

  • Week 4 is defined by injury uncertainty, backup quarterbacks, and coaching matchups.
  • The hosts were especially bullish on teams with:
    • better run-game structure
    • reliable play-action systems
    • quarterbacks who can punish blitzes and motion
  • Their biggest confidence teams this week: Rams, Jaguars, 49ers, Ravens, Chiefs, and Lions.