Week 4 Warmup: Defenses take center stage in Vikings-Broncos showdown

The Week 4 Warmup takes an in-depth look ahead at the most intriguing storylines surrounding the NFL's weekend slate of games.

A Sunday afternoon contest between the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos is easily the most compelling of Week 4, but not necessarily for the reasons that would have highlighted such a matchup even one year prior.

With Peyton Manning slowly appearing more comfortable in his new-look offense, and Adrian Peterson regaining his form after nearly a year away from the game, each team has a future Hall of Famer as an offensive centerpiece.

Despite the presence of each - who are more than capable of single-handedly carrying their team to a win - it's the emergence of two dominant defenses that make this the week's most fascinating game.

Denver boasts the NFL's top-ranked unit against the pass through three games, featuring both a ferocious pass rush and a group of cornerbacks capable of slowing down the league's best receivers.

The run defense has been just as stingy, surrendering an impressive 3.5 yards per carry despite offseason personnel losses leaving the interior front undersized.

While similarly impressive yardage totals aren't part of the equation for the up-and-coming Minnesota defense, the unit is among the NFL's most productive where it matters most.

Giving up just up 16.7 points per game, the Vikings are keeping opponents off the scoreboard at a rate that has them ranked among the NFL's top five.

Look for both defenses to continue their early-season success, resulting in a low-scoring battle that could fittingly be decided by a fourth-quarter turnover.

Denver will have the advantage in unleashing a stout defense on a young quarterback, but consequently, a strong Minnesota secondary should give Manning and the Broncos passing game everything they can handle.

What to watch

• The Falcons aren't without their share of concerns, but an incredibly productive passing game, led by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones, has carried them to an impressive 3-0 start. If that tandem can shine against the Texans, where a thin offensive line is severely outmatched trying to slow down a J.J. Watt-led pass rush, there may not be an opponent that can contain them.
• Tyrod Taylor has been one of the NFL's best stories through three games, giving the Bills a dynamic playmaker under center not long after general manager Doug Whaley conceded the team was approaching quarterback purgatory. The best may still be ahead for Taylor and the Buffalo offense, as they host the Giants and their league-worst pass defense.
• Miami heads into its early-season London game with coaching jobs at stake for a second consecutive year. Unlike last season, however, the odds of a complete turnaround don't seem promising. The offense has fallen well short of expectations, and going up against a dominant Jets defense could result in its most disappointing effort yet. Wholesale changes may be on the way sooner rather than later.

Must-see matchups

Colin Kaepernick vs. Packers defense

This game will be passed off by many as an easy blowout, but don't rule out the possibility of a close finish if Green Bay's defense can't figure out a way to stop Kaepernick on the ground. The 49ers quarterback, for all his faults as a passer, has made a habit of torching Dom Capers' defenses.

Given Kaepernick's recent struggles, which came to a head in last week's four-interception performance, the 49ers' best bet is a gameplan based exclusively upon he and Carlos Hyde running the ball. Last year's efforts to make Kaepernick a pocket passer were the opposite of productive.

Chiefs pass rush vs. Bengals O-Line

Kansas City's defensive front will have to generate some consistent pressure if the secondary is to have any hope of slowing down a suddenly potent Bengals passing attack.

While Justin Houston and Tamba Hali have long established themselves as one of the NFL's best pass-rush tandems, the Bengals' offensive front presents them with the toughest opponent they'll face this season. Andy Dalton and A.J. Green will be in for another strong week if the pass protection unit continues its rock solid play.

Calvin Johnson vs. Richard Sherman

One of the league's most dominant and physically imposing receivers takes on the world's best cornerback Monday night, giving football fans a head-to-head matchup made for prime time.

Sherman has occasionally seen snaps in the slot this season, indicating he may no longer be relegated to the left side. Fans can only hope the Seahawks take that development one step further this week and allow him to shadow Johnson throughout the game.

Upset of the Week

Browns over Chargers

Philip Rivers has proven more than capable of winning in even the most unfavorable circumstances, but there's just too much working against the Chargers this week. With San Diego potentially missing four of five offensive line starters, and once again dealing with injuries in the secondary, the Browns are poised to take advantage and come away with their second win.