It was bound to happen.

Mark Sanchez couldn’t continue to play like he was Joe Montana week after week without suffering a setback. The Saints proved to be Sancehz’s setback on Sunday by constantly harassing the rookie into three huge mistakes in the New Orleans’ 24-14 victory at the Superdome.

Sanchez’s first mistake came early in the second quarter when Darren Sharper intercepted his pass on the goal line, then returned it 99 yards for a touchdown. Two possessions later while backed up to his own end zone, Sanchez held onto the ball too long on a 2 and 7 from the 5-yard line and was sacked by Will Smith. Remi Ayodele recovered the fumble in the end zone to give the Saints a 17-0 lead early in the second.

Down 14 points with about five minutes remaining, Sanchez made his final mistake on a desperation fourth down play in which he was once again intercepted by Sharper. For as much swagger as Sanchez had played with throughout the year, he looked like a beaten rookie on Sunday.

This loss doesn’t fall squarely on the shoulders of Sanchez, though. New York offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer didn’t do the rookie any favors by failing to offer him max protection when the Saints proved early in the game that they could generate a pass rush with only their four down linemen. On multiple occasions, Charles Grant came off the edge untouched and forced Sanchez to scramble in attempt to make something happen.

It’s great that the Jets have confidence in Sanchez to make plays in the passing game, but Schottenheimer’s play-calling was atrocious and he should re-visit how he plans on protecting his quarterback in future weeks.

For the Saints, this win further proved their elite status in the NFL. Drew Brees and the passing game was held in check throughout the game, but Pierre Thomas and the Saints’ rushing attack racked up 153 yards and often kept the chains moving. Hopefully Sean Payton was paying attention to how hard Thomas ran throughout the game, so he doesn’t continue to leave the talented back on the sidelines in short-yardage situations.

The Saints defense has improved dramatically this season. Sharper has played like a man possessed and veterans like Roman Harper and Jabari Greer have stepped up in the secondary. New Orleans’ front four is as good as anyone in the league, too.

The NFC South is the Saints to lose, if not the conference.

Here are quick-hit previews for all the games in Week 4 of the NFL.

Ravens (3-0) at Patriots (2-1), 1:00PM ET
Baltimore must pressure Tom Brady more than Atlanta did last week if it wants to leave Foxboro with a victory today. It would be wise for the Ravens to stay balanced offensively and grind down a New England defense that looked good for the first time last week. The Pats did a great job establishing the run in their win over the Falcons. If they can do that again, things will open in the passing game and Brady can take advantage of a Baltimore secondary that has not played well so far.

Lions (1-2) at Bears (2-1), 1:00PM ET
Fresh off their first victory in nearly 20 tries, the Lions look to pull off an upset in Solider Field. Detroit could be without running back Kevin Smith, so look for the Lions to throw early and often to take advantage of a suspect Chicago secondary. The Bears will look to establish the ground game with Matt Forte, although Jay Cutler should make more than enough plays in the passing game against a brutal Detroit defense.

Bucs (0-3) at Redskins (1-2), 1:00PM ET
Jim Zorn’s team has a lot to prove this week after losing to the Lions last Sunday. They’ll take on a Bucs team that they can dominate as long as Zorn doesn’t get conservative with his play calling. Washington needs to throw the ball vertically against a brutal Tampa secondary or else they’ll once again give an inferior opponent a chance to win. The Bucs will start Josh Johnson at quarterback and the O-line must give him time to throw or else his inexperience will shine through. It would be nice if Kellen Winslow and Antonio Bryant (who is questionable to play) could step up and help the young man out.

Titans (0-3) at Jaguars (1-2), 1:00PM ET
Will Jeff Fisher’s team fall to 0-4 a year after they started 10-0 and had the best record in the AFC? Keys to victory for the Titans are to run the ball offensively, stuff the box with eight defenders to stop Maurice Jones-Drew, and to get better in a hurry in pass coverage. If they can force David Garrard to beat them throwing the ball, they should be fine. Offensively, however, they need to get Chris Johnson and the running game going to take pressure off Kerry Collins.

Raiders (1-2) at Texans (1-2), 1:00PM ET
Will the real Texans please stand up? Houston has enough talent to make the playoffs, but their inconsistent play so far this season is maddening. They have a prime opportunity to earn another win today, as Oakland continues to struggle moving the ball offensively. The Texans can’t allow Darren McFadden to run wild because that will take pressure off quarterback JaMarcus Russell and the passing game. If Houston can establish its run game early, take shots down field in the passing game with Matt Schaub and Andre Johnson, then they should control this contest from the onset and take home a victory.

Bengals (2-1) at Browns (0-3), 1:00PM ET
Cincinnati needs to continue to play with the raw energy it displayed in its first three games. The Browns have had major offensive issues, but will start Derek Anderson over Brady Quinn today in hopes of generating a spark. Anderson is turnover-prone, but he has a stronger arm than Quinn and can move the ball vertically. The Bengals can’t fall asleep in this one and think that they have an easy win. They need to shut down Cleveland’s poor running game and force the Browns to become one-dimensional. If they do that, Anderson should make a mistake or two to turn the game in Cincinnati’s favor.

Seahawks (1-2) at Colts (3-0), 1:00PM ET
It doesn’t appear that any defense can slow down Peyton Manning and the Colts’ offense, which is a troubling sign for a Seattle defense that has struggled the past two weeks. Without Matt Hasselbeck, the Seahawks need to try and control this game by wearing down Indy’s front seven. If they can keep the ball out of Manning’s hands, they’ll have a shot, but it’s going to be hard without a dominating running game and Seneca Wallace starting under center. Things could get ugly in a hurry at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Giants (3-0) at Chiefs (0-3), 1:00PM ET
The Chiefs could take advantage of a banged up Giants defense if they can protect Matt Cassel. New York has terrorized opposing quarterbacks so far this season and if KC can’t keep Cassel upright, then they don’t stand a chance. The Giants do a great job of mass-protecting Eli Manning, but the Chiefs still need to send extra defenders in hopes of disrupting his timing. If not, Manning will pick their KC’s defense apart as it continues to struggle with adjusting to the 3-4.

Jets (3-0) at Saints (3-0), 4:05PM ET
How great will this matchup be? The Jets will use multiple defensive fronts in hopes of disrupting Drew Brees’ timing in the passing game. Rex Ryan will use confusion to hide where extra defenders are coming from in attempt to slow this explosive Saints’ offense down. New Orleans has an outstanding offensive line, but received a huge blow earlier this week when Jammal Brown was placed on IR. Can the Saints establish a running game and protect Brees? Or will he be another QB that falls victim to Ryan’s aggressive game planning?

Bills (1-2) at Dolphins (3-0), 4:05PM ET
The Dolphins are in crisis mode after falling to 0-3 and losing Chad Pennington to a season-ending shoulder injury. Chad Henne will start in his place and if Miami can’t establish the run against a banged up Buffalo defense, then they’re going to have issues moving the ball offensively. The Bills need to find a way to get T.O. more involved in the offense before he strangles Trent Edwards in the huddle. If Buffalo can take advantage of the T.O.-Sean Smith matchup, they could flourish today at Land Shark Stadium.

Cowboys (2-1) at Broncos (3-0), 4:15PM ET
The Broncos will get their first real test of the year after earning wins over the Bengals, Browns and Raiders to start the season. The offense hasn’t taken shape under Josh McDaniels, but it has shown signs of improvement and this might be the game everything comes together against a Dallas defense that has been inconsistent in all phases. Tony Romo needs to limit the mistakes against a Broncos defense that is allowing less than a touchdown a game. Tashard Choice is expected to see the majority of the carries today as Marion Barber and Felix Jones battle through injuries. Can Choice carry the full rushing load?

Rams (0-3) at 49ers (2-1), 4:15PM ET
The 49ers will be without Frank Gore in this matchup, but rookie Glen Coffee had a great preseason and if he can build off his success he’ll lead San Fran to victory today. The Rams are bad in all phases of the game, although Kyle Boller arguably gives them more offensive firepower than Marc Bulger did. If St. Louis can get Steven Jackson going early, the Rams might have a shot at their first victory. But that’s going to be tough against a stingy Niners’ defense.

Chargers (2-1) at Steelers (1-2), 8:20PM ET
It’s amazing to think that the defending champs may fall to 1-3 on the year with a loss tonight against the Bolts. But that’s exactly what will happen if the Steelers can’t establish their running game. Without safety Troy Polamalu, the Chargers need to attack the middle of Pittsburgh’s secondary. Fortunately for them, they have a tight end in Antonio Gates who excels in that area. Pittsburgh has had trouble creating turnovers so far this year, so San Diego can’t give the Steelers opportunities. With the Charger running game struggling to produce, the Steelers need to stay back in coverage and take away Philip Rivers’ vertical game. This will be an interesting matchup to see unfold, because the Steelers are desperate for a win.

Packers (2-1) at Vikings (3-0), Monday, 8:30PM ET
Brett Favre’s last-second heroics in a win over 49ers last week have set the stage for the Vikes’ clash with the Packers on Monday. Favre recently said that revenge isn’t what he’s after, but he also stated last year that he wanted to stick it to Green bay GM Ted Thompson. Favre is going to be motivated to come away with a victory and the Packers would love to put the 39-year-old on his back early and often. But they must slow down Adrian Peterson and Minnesota’s running game and protect Aaron Rodgers first and foremost, or else they’ll be watching Favre celebrate at the end of this one.

Ravens (3-0) at Patriots (2-1), 1:00PM ET
I still can’t get over the Falcons’ game plan (if you can call it that) to defense Tom Brady and the Patriots last week. Atlanta decided to drop seven defenders into coverage and allow Brady time to find open receivers, read The Great Gatsby cover to cover and figure out a way to help turn around the economy. Brady won’t be afforded that kind of time this week against the Ravens, who will no doubt bring extra defenders and use multiple fronts in efforts to confuse the New England QB. Baltimore isn’t going to allow the Pats to control the game on the ground either, and although the Ravens still have issues in their secondary, I like them pulling off an upset in Foxboro. For anyone who thought the Pats resolved their issues last week in a win over the Falcons, this game should prove otherwise.
Odds: Patriots –2.
Prediction: Ravens 31, Patriots 30.

Titans (0-3) at Jaguars (1-2), 1:00PM ET
The Titans are like that hot ex-girlfriend that dumped you three times but you foolishly keep going back to her hoping she’s changed. I’ve picked Tennessee to win the last two weeks and have been let down both times. Yet, here I am again, waiting to get my stomach kicked in. Jeff Fisher’s team is too good to fall to 0-4 and lose to an average Jacksonville team right? Right?! I think the Titans will play inspired this week, won’t make as many stupid mistakes as they did last Sunday against the Jets and will force David Garrard to beat them through the air by taking away Maurice Jones-Drew. If Tennessee losses this week, I promise not to pick the Titans the rest of the year. (Until she calls me at two in the morning drunk and looking for a place to stay…then I’ve got to let her in, right? Right?!)
Odds: Jaguars –3.
Prediction: Titans 20, Jaguars 17.

Jets (3-0) at Saints (3-0), 4:05PM ET
I know the marquee matchup of the week is the Monday night game between the Packers and Vikings. But to me, this the most intriguing game on the Week 4 schedule based on the Saints’ high-powered offense and the Jets’ ability to make opposing quarterbacks want to rip their hair out. Sean Payton vs. Rex Ryan is as good as it comes and I’m interested to see how New York game plans to stop Brees, who is off to a MVP-like start. The key to will be Pierre Thomas and the Saints’ running game. Believe it or not, the Jets want Brees and the Saints to throw the ball 40-plus times because that means they’ve become one-dimensional and New York’s front four can pin their ears back and rush the passer. But if NO can strike an offensive balance early, they’ll be fine offensively and then it’ll be up to the defense to stop red-hot rookie Mark Sanchez. I like the Saints to win, but the Jets to cover.
Odds: Saints –7.
Prediction: Saints 24, Jets 20.

Cowboys (2-1) at Broncos (3-0), 4:15PM ET
I don’t trust either of these teams. The Cowboys beat a bad Bucs team (by allowing 21 points), were defeated by the Giants at home and got an ugly, uninspiring victory over the Panthers last Monday night. The Broncos, meanwhile, are 3-0 with wins over such NFL juggernauts the Bengals (which was a gift thanks to Leon Hall), the Browns and the Raiders. But regardless of whom they were playing, Denver’s defense has been freaking outstanding. They’re limiting opponents to only 5.3 points per game, 214.7 yards per game and lead the NFL in total defense. While their offense is stagnant right now, Kyle Orton and company should only improve week to week under Josh McDaniels. Tony Romo hasn’t played well since Tampa, while running backs Marion Barber and Felix Jones are dealing with injuries. I like the Broncos to win straight up as home underdogs.
Odds: Cowboys –3.
Prediction: Broncos 27, Cowboys 23.

Season Totals:
Straight up: 5-3
Against the Spread: 2-6 (Fade! Fade!)

NFL Week 4 Point Spreads & Over Under Totals.

Along with the odds and over/under totals, here’s a look at some of the marquee matchups for Week 4 in the NFL.

Jets (3-0) at Saints (3-0), 4:05PM ET
Perhaps the most anticipated match up on this week’s schedule (outside of the Monday night game, that is) will be played at the Superdome when the 3-0 Saints host the 3-0 Jets. Both teams are playing with tons of confidence on both sides of the ball and this game will be a great test for each team. How will Drew Brees and the explosive New Orleans offense handle Rex Ryan’s aggressive defense? Can Mark Sanchez and the Jets offense keep pace with Brees and company if they start lighting on the scoreboard? This should be a great game from start to finish.
Odds: Saints –7.

Ravens (3-0) at Patriots (2-1), 1:00PM ET
Although the Patriots soundly beat the Falcons last week, they still have some issues to resolve. Tom Brady didn’t play particularly well (especially in the first half), but he also didn’t face much of a pass rush. Baltimore won’t make the same mistake Atlanta did and allow Brady to sit back in the pocket and pick them apart underneath. The Ravens also have a better run defense than the Falcons do, so the Pats shouldn’t be able to control this game on the ground like they were able to do last week. Baltimore has its issues as well, particularly in the secondary. If Brady is on, he could have some success moving the ball against the Ravens’ pass defense. It’ll be interesting to see how New England’s defense handles Joe Flacco and a running game that already looks like it’s in midseason form.
Odds: Patriots –2.

Chargers (2-1) at Steelers (1-2), 8:20PM ET
Is this a must win for the defending champs? The lack of a running game is killing the Steelers right now because they can’t nurse leads late in games. If Willie Parker and Rashard Mendenhall can’t get going against a beat up San Diego front seven, then the onus will once again be on Ben Roethlisberger and the defense to win the game for Pittsburgh. The Chargers know what it’s like to play in Pittsburgh since they made the trip twice last year, which resulted in a 11-10 regular season defeat and a 35-24 loss in the Divisional Round of the playoffs. Consistency has been an issue for Philip Rivers and company, but the Steelers are primed for the taking. Will Pittsburgh fall to 1-3 or can it right the ship this Sunday night?
Odds: Steelers -6.

Packers (2-1) at Vikings (3-0), Monday, 8:30PM ET
Did the schedule makers nail this one or what? Brett Favre will host his former team a week after producing some of the late game heroics that made him an icon in Green Bay. The football world is abuzz with Favre’s game-winning touchdown pass to Greg Lewis last Sunday, which helped the Vikings edge the 49ers and remain undefeated. The Green Bay offensive line must do a better job protecting Aaron Rodgers, especially with Jared Allen ready to provide consistent pressure for a great Minnesota defensive line. Rodgers will have to make plenty of plays in the passing game, since Ryan Grant isn’t likely to find much running room against the Williams Wall. Can Rodgers outshine his predecessor or will Favre teach the young quarterback a thing or two about playing in primetime?
Odds: Vikings –3.5.

NFL Week 4 Point Spreads and Over/Under Totals:

Oakland Raiders +9 Over 42
Houston Texans –9 Under 42

Titans –3 Over 41.5
Jaguars +3 Under 41.5

Ravens +2 Over 44.5
Patriots –2 Under 44.5

Bengals –5.5 Over 38
Browns +5.5 Under 38

Giants –9 Over 42
Chiefs +9 Under 42

Lions +10 Over 39
Bears –10 Under 39

Bucs +7 Over 37
Redskins –7 Under 37

Jets +7 Over 45
Saints –7 Under 45

Bills –2 Over 37
Dolphins +2 Under 37

Rams +10 Over 37
49ers –10 Under 37

Cowboys –3 Over 42.5
Broncos +3 Under 42.5

Chargers +6.5 Over 43
Steelers –6.5 Under 43

Packers +3.5 Over 45.5
Vikings –3.5 Under 45.5

Check out updated odds on Week 4 at Bullz-Eye.com.