NFL Week 4: Top 5 NFL teams with most to prove, 49ers must rebound

49ers QB Colin Kaepernick has struggled to get the offense going last two weeks.

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The 49ers were a well-oiled machine in 2013, smacking around just about every opponent that didn’t play in Seattle. But whether it is the distraction of Ray McDonald’s domestic abuse controversy or the increasing rumors that head coach Jim Harbaugh might be heading back to college for a lucrative head coaching job, they just have not looked like the same team.  The only win so far was against a Cowboys team that just couldn’t get out of its own way and committed turnover after turnover – but two straight weeks they have either blown the lead or lost to a former backup QB.  The 49ers need to right the ship if they want to keep pace with the Seahawks, or even the Cardinals for a spot in the playoffs.

Here are the top 5 teams with the most to prove in Week 4:

San Francisco 49ers – At 1-2 with a home game against the high-octane Eagles offense, this is probably the best shot the 49ers have to silence all the critics before the end of September.

New York Jets – More specifically QB Geno Smith, who needs to prove that he has improved and will not continue to make the same boneheaded turnovers that plagued his predecessor (and the fans) for years.

Miami Dolphins – QB Ryan Tannehill is reportedly on the outs with the coaching staff, while the coaching staff is reportedly on the outs with the ownership.  A poor performance against the hopeless Raiders could cause the owners to blow up the team.

New England Patriots – The Patriots have not looked sharp on offense through the first three weeks, so they will need a typical Patriots blowout or comeback win over the Chiefs to prove they aren’t on the decline.

Green Bay Packers – With the offense struggling, a win over the arch-rival Bears in a game that will likely have future playoff implications will be a must-have this week.