Nate Tice dives deeper into these ... let's call them "preseason non-favorites" and identifies what they've shown already that can impact the big road games they all have in Week 4.

Also turning heads: Nico Collins entering the next tier of top wideouts, Jim Harbaugh's Chargers and the Commanders turning the tempo up with a rookie QB.

Stroud is overcoming a slacking run game and poor offensive line play to keep the Texans humming. And could LSU's Garrett Nussmeier be QB1 in the 2025 NFL Draft?

The defenses Williams has faced have gotten easier, yes. But there's no denying the combination of smarts, physical talent and trust he has from the Bears' staff. This is a franchise quarterback.

How have the Commanders built such an explosive offense around their rookie QB, and how will it hold up against a surging Eagles defense? Nate Tice breaks down a fascinating clash.

Early downs. Turbo-charged Justin Herbert. Derrick Henry screen pass wrinkles. Lamar Jackson advantages vs. the Chargers' defense. Nate Tice breaks down one of the biggest games of Week 12.

Between the Seahawks' rapidly improving defense, the Cardinals' efficient offense and the Rams' relentless pass rush, this is the NFL's most fascinated division.

A highly anticipated rookie WR class hasn't fully lived up to the hype, while a couple of running backs have risen up and a loaded class off offensive and defensive linemen have delivered.

The Eagles are great, and the Lions are still the betting favorite to win the conference. But Nate Tice is a firm believer in what two other teams from the NFL's black-and-blue division are doing.

How Brian Flores evolves his game plan after the Lions and Jared Goff found answers the first time around will be key. Every blitz and passing down could wildly swing this game.

Jim Harbaugh's defense appears to have an ideal set of answers for C.J. Stroud. The Ravens' much-improved pass defense can smother the Steelers' main path to scoring points. And you will not believe how often the Bucs blitz on late downs.

Three teams are at least six-point underdogs this weekend, which is uncommon for the divisional round. But there's a path to victory for each - as well as the Bills, in Sunday's headliner against the Ravens.

Everyone knows how important Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Saquon Barkley and Jayden Daniels will be on Sunday. This week's Playbook takes a deep dive into the role players who will matter most.