Cavan will look to clinch promotion with a win over Antrim this weekend, while four teams are still in the hunt for promotion to Division 2, while Longford and Tipperary are in must win situations.
Antrim V Cavan, Saturday March 18th, Corrigan Park, 2pm
Cavan can secure promotion if they can make it six wins from six as they travel to face Antrim.
Cavan have impressed every week and as the Saffrons shipped 31 points to Westmeath last time out, the home side will be brimming with confidence that they can secure promotion this weekend.
With just one win from five matches Antrim sit a point above the relegation zone, after that drubbing to Westmeath they need to dust themselves off and try to escape the drop.
Tipperary V Offaly, Saturday March 18th, FBD Semple Stadium, 2pm
Offaly still have an outside chance at promotion but will feel points are on offer as they meet strugglers Tipperary.
Tipp need a win here as they cannot afford another defeat or they drop to Div 4 next season, they have four defeats and a draw in their five matches so far, a win is crucial for survival.
Offaly join Westmeath and Down in a battle for an outside shot at promotion, all are on six points two behind Fermanagh, can Offaly who have had a torrid week secure a big win with more at stake in this tie than points.
Fermanagh V Westmeath, Saturday March 18th, St Josephs Park, 3pm
With promotion on both their minds, a win here is crucial for both teams to stamp their bid for promotion.
Fermanagh are currently second on eight points with four wins from five, they have been the surprise package of Div 3 and will be looking for a big performance this weekend to overcome Westmeath.
Their opponents meanwhile sit in third ahead of that scrimmage of the teams locked on six points, that win over Antrim will give them confidence of getting another win this time out.
Down V Longford, Saturday March 18th, Páirc Esler, 7pm
Down could overtake Wesmetah into third spot if they can secure the win to bottom placed Longford.
Down have three wins and two defeats in their five encounters and are out to keep their hunt alive for promotion, they lost last time out to Cavan but will look to put that behind them for this meeting.
Longford put in a spirited showing to fall to a one point defeat to Offaly, if they can perform that well this weekend they will feel they can try and secure safety, but it will not be easy as Down know what is at stake.
Diarmuid Kearney
Diarmuid Kearney is a freelance Sports Journalist based in Co Kerry. He has more than 5 years experience covering domestic and international soccer for different media organisations, while also working for local and national print and digital organisations covering GAA.