Ellington

Several NFL teams' seasons might be over before October. In fact, some might be done before week four.

Thursday, Sept. 26

NFL (7-11 p.m., NFL Network): A key NFC West matchup sees the St. Louis Rams host the San Francisco 49ers in a game both teams need to win to keep pace with the Seattle Seahawks.

Friday, Sept. 27

College football (8-11 p.m., ESPN/ESPN U): Flip back and forth between a pair of college football games: San Jose State hosts Utah State, and Middle Tennessee travels to BYU.

Saturday, Sept. 28

College football (5:30-9 p.m., ESPN): Ole Miss hopes to show the Rebels are a contender by upsetting top-ranked Alabama on the road. ... College football (9 p.m.-midnight, ESPN U): Southern Miss looks to end its 16-game losing streak in a match with Boise State.

Sunday, Sept. 29

NFL (7-11 p.m., NBC): The New England Patriots hope to stay perfect as they travel south to take on the Atlanta Falcons who need a win after losing to Miami.

Monday, Sept. 30

NFL (7:30-11 p.m., ESPN): The undefeated Miami Dolphins come to the Superdome to face the undefeated New Orleans Saints in a marquee match just four weeks into the NFL season.

Tuesday, Oct. 1

MLB (Time TBA, TBS): In the National League Wild Card game, two wild-card teams from the NL meet, and the loser goes home for good.

Wednesday, Oct. 2

MLB (Time TBA, TBS): The American League Wild Card game uses the same format as the NL version: the winner moves on the playoffs, and the loser's season is over.

Seven NFL teams are currently 0-3 to start the season including surprises such as the New York Giants, Washington Redskins and Pittsburgh Steelers. Since 1978, only five teams have made the playoffs after a 0-3 start.