By EssentiallySports,Pritish Ganguly

Copyright yardbarker

Some numbers in the NFL are bigger than just fabric on a jersey. Think about 32, Jim Brown, O.J. Simpson, Franco Harris — legends who turned it into a symbol of running back greatness. Then there’s 88. Dallas turned that into a badge of honor for wide receivers. But the one that truly stands apart is 12. Six Hall of Fame quarterbacks already wore that number. And soon, that number will grow when Tom Brady and Aaron Rodgers join that group without debate. So why does this matter in Week 4?

Because the spotlight is squarely on quarterbacks again. And no better way to dig into it than through 12 storylines that could swing the season, especially this Week 4. Let’s explore them.

Patrick Mahomes vs Lamar Jackson

Both the Ravens and Chiefs enter Week 4 at 1-2, sitting at the bottom of their divisions. That’s not the script anyone expected. So, now, eventually, this matchup feels like a must-win for both Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson. Last season’s Week 1 clash came down to the final seconds. The Chiefs survived only after Isaiah Likely’s would-be game-winner was ruled out of bounds. This one has the same kind of drama written all over it.

Giants Turn to Dart

The Jaxson Dart era starts sooner than planned. In the offseason, the Giants wanted him to learn behind Russell Wilson. But after a rough outing against the Chiefs, especially Wilson’s two interceptions in the game, Brian Daboll decided it was time. Dart will now play his first regular-season NFL snap as a starter against the undefeated Chargers.

Micah Parsons’ Dallas Return

Parsons doesn’t need extra motivation, but he’s about to get it. Just three games into his Packers run, he heads back to Dallas as an opponent. The split already reshaped two defenses. The Cowboys sit near the bottom with a rough 49.7 grade, while Green Bay has climbed into the top tier with 80.0. Dallas fans at AT&T Stadium won’t be happy to see what they lost if the Cowboys lose the game.

Vikings Abroad

The Vikings keep packing their bags for international football, and they keep winning. According to the NFL, they hold the best record (4-0) in the league while playing abroad, including last year’s tight 23-17 win over Rodgers’ Jets. Now, this trip to Dublin against the Steelers will be their fifth regular-season game outside the U.S.

Broncos vs Bengals

Monday night brings a matchup of quarterbacks searching for answers. Jake Browning has filled in for Joe Burrow, but the situation hasn’t been pretty. He has thrown five interceptions in just 1.5 games. On the other side, Bo Nix has his own issues, ranking near the bottom in accuracy at 22.5% uncatchable throws. Both teams need stability and fast action before their seasons sink deeper.

Browns vs Lions

In week 4, there will be a heavyweight showdown. The Lions are currently the NFL’s top offense with an 82.1 grade. And the Browns counter with the best defense, with an 88.0 grade. Both also defeated playoff contenders last week, the Browns defeating the Packers & the Lions defeating the Ravens. So, it’ll be strength vs strength. And yes, the winner might just set the tone for the rest of the season.

Eagles vs Bucs Clash

Only three NFC squads are still unbeaten. Two of them are squaring up this weekend. The Eagles just pulled off a wild comeback against the Rams, storming back from a 19-point deficit and sealing it with a blocked field goal return. That’s the kind of win that builds swagger. On the flip side, the Bucs survived the Jets despite being banged up. Now, with Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs’ potential return, the Bucs will be ready for the Eagles.

Falcons Kicking Gamble

Just recently, Atlanta waived longtime kicker Younghoe Koo. Parker Romo took the charge and looked steady early, scoring on all five of his Week 2 attempts. But he slipped in Week 3, missing both attempts. With the Falcons’ offense sputtering, they can’t waste points.

Jones vs Rams Test

Daniel Jones has the Colts off to a 3-0 start, something fans in Indy haven’t seen since Peyton Manning’s days. But now comes the real check: the Rams. LA is angry after blowing a late one to the Eagles, and they bring firepower on both sides. Both offenses rank in the top three in PFF grades, so this one could turn into a shootout at SoFi Stadium.

49ers Injury Pile

The 49ers can’t catch a break. Nick Bosa went down in Week 3, adding to a list of stars already sidelined. Four of their eight highest-paid players are out. However, San Francisco remains unbeaten. So, Kyle Shanahan needs help as soon as possible. Now, the good news is Brock Purdy is on track to return after missing just two games. That’s a big boost for the 49ers.

Brady in the Spotlight

The Bears and Raiders are already an interesting matchup with Caleb Williams facing a shaky Raiders secondary. But Tom Brady added another wrinkle. With his roles as a Fox Sports analyst and part-owner of the Silver and Black, questions about conflicts popped up. However, Brady didn’t hold back, saying those critics are “paranoid and distrustful.”

Daniels Pushes to Play

Jayden Daniels, who suffered a knee injury in the Week 2 loss, doesn’t want to sit again. The Commanders’ quarterback practiced this week and made it clear how he feels. “It’s up to the doctors. That’s not my decision,” Daniels said. “I feel good.” Washington fans at Mercedes-Benz Stadium would love to see him under center, but the final call rests with team doctors.