NFL Week 4 Shocks and MLB Wild Card Showdowns: Ravens’ Dominance, Mets-Braves Drama, and NBA Trade Impact

NFL Week 4 Surprises: Baltimore Ravens’ Rising Dominance

In Week 4 of the NFL season, underdogs continued to make waves, going 8-4-1 on Sunday and 9-4-1 overall for the week. One of the biggest surprises was the Baltimore Ravens' complete dominance over the Buffalo Bills. Scott Seidenberg and Mackenzie Rivers discussed the Ravens’ resounding victory on Straight Outta Vegas AM, with Seidenberg leading off by praising Baltimore’s performance.

Mackenzie broke down the numbers (2:06–2:52), pointing out that the Ravens’ 271 rushing yards mirrored the Cowboys’ previous success on the ground. The Ravens, however, made it look even easier. Baltimore opened the game with an 87-yard untouched run by Derrick Henry, setting the tone for what would be a one-sided contest. Mackenzie admitted that he had underestimated the Ravens, expecting a closer game against the Bills, who were fresh off a blowout win over Jacksonville.

Seidenberg (4:06–5:46) emphasized that Baltimore might now be the most complete team in the NFL. While they lost to Kansas City earlier in the season by a narrow margin, the Ravens have since rebounded with impressive wins over top-tier teams like the Cowboys and Bills. Even their loss to the Chiefs came down to a single play, showing how competitive Baltimore has been against the best in the league.

Baltimore’s defense also deserves praise. The Ravens shut down Buffalo’s offense, allowing Josh Allen just one touchdown, which came on a miraculous throw as he was about to be sacked. Aside from that, Buffalo struggled to move the ball effectively. Mackenzie argued that Baltimore’s defensive line, despite losing key players, performed at a high level and could potentially be one of the top defenses moving forward.

The Ravens' Super Bowl odds have shifted to 8-1, making them the third favorite behind the Chiefs and 49ers. Mackenzie suggested that Baltimore’s odds might represent strong value for bettors, given how well-rounded the team looks heading into the midseason stretch.

MLB Wild Card Showdowns: Mets vs. Braves Doubleheader Drama

While the NFL dominated headlines, Major League Baseball’s Wild Card race also took center stage. Scott Seidenberg broke down (42:35–46:59) the stakes of the crucial doubleheader between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, which would determine which teams secured Wild Card spots. Both the Mets and Braves were fighting for their playoff lives, and the outcomes would also affect the Arizona Diamondbacks, who were on the bubble.

Seidenberg laid out the scenarios: if the Mets and Braves each won one game in the doubleheader, both teams would clinch playoff spots. However, if one team swept the other, the Diamondbacks could potentially secure a Wild Card spot at the expense of the losing team. Seidenberg pointed out that the losing team from Game 1 would have a clear advantage in Game 2, as the winner of the first game would likely rest key players in preparation for the playoffs.

Seidenberg recommended betting on the team that loses Game 1, predicting that they would likely win Game 2 due to their desperation and the fact that the other team would already have secured their playoff spot.

For the Braves, the stakes were particularly high. A win in Game 1 would guarantee them the 5-seed, ensuring they wouldn’t have to worry about the outcome of Game 2. If the Braves swept the doubleheader, the Mets would be eliminated from the playoffs, giving Atlanta a crucial advantage heading into the postseason.

Chicago Bears and DeAndre Swift’s Breakout Performance

Turning back to the NFL, Seidenberg and Rivers also highlighted DeAndre Swift’s standout performance in the Chicago Bears’ win over the Rams (8:33–10:07). Swift, who had been struggling with the lowest yards-per-carry in the league, broke out with 93 rushing yards on 16 carries and added 72 receiving yards on seven catches. This marked a significant turnaround for Swift, whose performance had been hindered by the Bears’ porous offensive line.

Mackenzie pointed out that Swift’s breakout was especially important given the Bears’ offensive struggles throughout the season. Chicago’s inability to protect their backfield had contributed to Swift’s early-season woes, but his performance against the Rams gave the Bears a much-needed boost.

Despite the Rams’ strong defense, Swift’s ability to make plays in both the run and passing game helped Chicago secure a key win. Seidenberg also noted the importance of this performance for Swift’s confidence, as he had been underperforming for much of the season.

NFL Analysis: Atlanta Falcons’ Gritty Win

The Atlanta Falcons also caught attention with their gritty 26-24 win over the New Orleans Saints (6:24–7:46). While the Falcons' special teams and defense played crucial roles in the victory, the team’s inconsistency at quarterback remains a concern. Kirk Cousins threw for just 238 yards with no touchdowns and one interception, and his 29.0 QBR highlighted his struggles.

Mackenzie analyzed the Falcons’ strength of schedule, noting that Atlanta has faced one of the toughest slates in the NFL this season. Despite their challenges, the Falcons have managed to stay competitive, thanks in part to their defense. However, Mackenzie warned that Atlanta’s long-term success is limited by Cousins’ inconsistent play. Without improvement at the quarterback position, the Falcons may struggle to maintain their competitiveness throughout the season.

NBA Trade News: Carl Anthony Towns Joins the Knicks

In the NBA, the major news of the weekend was Carl Anthony Towns being traded to the New York Knicks (48:30–50:51). Seidenberg and Rivers discussed the impact of the trade, with Mackenzie highlighting the potential benefits and drawbacks for both teams.

Towns brings elite shooting to the Knicks, especially for his size. Mackenzie pointed out that Towns is one of the best shooting big men in NBA history, alongside legends like Dirk Nowitzki. His ability to stretch the floor should complement Julius Randle, who often needs to handle the ball and create plays. However, concerns about Towns' personality and toughness remain, with some critics labeling him as "soft."

Despite these concerns, Mackenzie believes the Knicks made a smart move in acquiring Towns. His addition improves the team’s odds of contending for an NBA title, with their betting odds improving from 10-1 to 7.5-1. The Knicks’ offense should be much more potent with Towns in the lineup, especially with Jalen Brunson and other key players on favorable contracts.

On the flip side, the Minnesota Timberwolves made the move to free up cap space and build around Anthony Edwards, their young superstar. Mackenzie explained that the Timberwolves' long-term strategy focuses on giving Edwards the space and resources to become the face of the franchise, while moving away from Towns' hefty contract.

Conclusion: NFL and MLB’s Playoff Picture Takes Shape

In Week 4 of the NFL season, the Ravens emerged as a legitimate Super Bowl contender, while the MLB Wild Card race headed into a dramatic conclusion with the Mets and Braves fighting for their playoff lives. Meanwhile, in the NBA, the Knicks made a bold move by acquiring Carl Anthony Towns, signaling their intention to contend for a championship.

The excitement of the NFL, MLB, and NBA seasons offers no shortage of thrilling storylines, with playoff implications, trade news, and standout performances shaping the future of each sport. As the seasons progress, fans and bettors alike will be keeping a close eye on these developments.