Three key matchups to watch in NFL Week 4 games

NFL games are not just matchups of two complete teams. They are also a series of individual one-on-one matchups that can ultimately help decide the outcome.

Every Friday, we are going to take a look at three potentially significant individual matchups that will be taking place in Sunday's and Monday's games.

Here are the matchups we are looking at for the Week 4 games. 

Puka Nacua (WR, Los Angeles Rams) vs. Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Philadelphia Eagles)

One of the marquee games of the week is in Philadelphia where the Eagles host the Rams in a battle of potential NFC contenders. 

While the Rams defense is dealing with significant injuries to Myles Garrett and now Aaron Donald, they are getting a massive boost on offense with the return of their No. 1 wide receiver. 

That could produce one of the best wide receiver vs. cornerback matchups of the week in Nacua vs. Mitchell. 

Both players were first-team All-Pros in 2025 and are among the best at their positions. When these two teams played a year ago, they did not see much of each other, but given how much the Rams might need to lean on Nacua, and how good Mitchell is, there could be more opportunities for the two to go head-to-head. 

At 1-2 the Rams desperately need a win in what is sure to be a highly competitive NFC West race, and the offense might have to carry a lot of the load given the defensive injuries. 

Joey Porter Jr. (CB, Dallas Cowboys) vs. any Houston Texans wide receiver

After being acquired in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, Porter seems poised to make his Cowboys debut and his 2026 season debut. It will be a welcome addition for the Cowboys. Not only because Porter Jr. can be an upgrade to the secondary, but also because the Cowboys defensive backfield has been ravaged by injuries.

The question is how much can be reasonably expected of Porter?

Not only is he entering a new defense, a new system and a new team, but he also has not played any meaningful football since the 2025 season. How much of an adjustment will there be? How will he be used? Is there something the Texans can potentially exploit?

All big questions for both teams going into what is a must-win game for the Texans. 

Kahlil Benson (tackle, Kansas City Chiefs) vs. Maxx Crosby (edge, Las Vegas Raiders)

It is not only a game for sole possession of first place in the AFC West, it is also the only matchup between 3-0 teams in the NFL this week. It is probably not a surprise, or at least not much of one, that it involves the Chiefs. It is probably a huge surprise that it involves the Raiders, who can already top their 2025 win total for the season. 

The big matchup to watch here will be Chiefs rookie tackle Kahlil Benson, an undrafted rookie free agent, going up against Maxx Crosby. 

Benson has more than held his own so far, but he is going to get an absolutely massive test against one of the most disruptive and high-energy defensive players in the league.