Week 4 provides teams around the NFL an opportunity to prove whether they're included among the haves or have nots as the 2026 campaign makes it way around the quarter bend.
A lot can be ascertained through the early portion of the season, though last year's Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans reminded everyone that no certainty exists after reversing their early-season starts.
Entering the weekend slate, five teams were undefeated and five teams were winless. The five 0-3 teams all fell to 0-4, while the San Francisco 49ers, Kansas City Chiefs, and Minnesota Vikings are the only undefeated teams left.
Bleacher Report NFL analysts Brent Sobleski, Kris Knox, and Moe Moton will follow all of the action and then break down each contest, provide takeaways and ask the most pressing questions.
KC vs. LV | DEN vs. SF | LAC vs. SEA | MIA vs. MIN | TEN vs. BAL | ARI vs. NYG | DAL vs. HOU | NYJ vs. CHI | GB vs. TB | IND vs. WAS | JAX vs. CIN | NE vs. BUF | LAR vs. PHI | PIT vs. CLE | ATL vs. NO
Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints
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Falcons 45, Saints 24
Falcons' Backfield Tandem Could Be a Problem for the Rest of the NFC
The Falcons moved to 2-2 on Monday night, so it's still a bit too early to consider them Super Bowl contenders. However, now that Atlanta is getting respectable quarterback play from Michael Penix Jr., the Falcons are equipped to continue stringing together wins and be a potential problem in the offseason.
Penix certainly deserves credit for Atlanta's two-game winning streak, as does Jeff Ulbrich's defense. However, it's the backfield tandem of Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. that should worry other playoff hopefuls.
Bijan Robinson has been a special back since entering the league, and he showed that on Monday, racking up 145 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Brian Robinson Jr. chipped in with 62 rushing yards and three scores.
The Falcons' ability to rotate backs and continue running it well gives them the ability to support Penix, take pressure off of the defense, sustain drives, control the tempo, and practically drain the will from the opposition.
When Will Kyle Pitts Get More Involved?
The Falcons' backfield is great, and Drake London has looked every bit like a true No. 1 receiver with Penix behind center. However, Atlanta could benefit from a strong second option in the passing game.
Most expected Pitts to be that guy following last year's 928-yard campaign and in a Kevin Stefanski offense that has traditionally used tight ends heavily. However, the sixth-year pass-catcher has largely been an afterthought. He had just two catches through the first three games. He was largely invisible on Monday, too, before a big fourth-quarter completion pushed his total to three catches and 47 yards.
The Saints' Short-Handed Defense Simply Couldn't Keep Pace
Atlanta's two talented backs mesh perfectly with the wide-zone rushing scheme favored by Stefanski and offensive coordinator Tommy Rees. That combination is tough to stop, even for a fully healthy defense, which New Orleans didn't have.
The Saints ruled out linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Kaden Elliss, along with defensive end Carl Granderson. Depth players like Tyree Wilson—who recorded his first sack as a Saint—played admirably, but New Orleans never got a chance to set the tone defensively and spent the entire night playing catch-up.
What Can New Orleans Do to Boost Its Ground Game?
With their defense struggling to corral the Falcons, the Saints needed everything to go right offensively to keep pace against their division rivals. Unfortunately, they were forced into a one-dimensional offensive game plan by the scoreboard and an inability to run the ball effectively.
New Orleans came into Week 4 ranked 23rd in yards per carry, and it just placed Travis Etienne Jr. on injured reserve. Alvin Kamara ran for two touchdowns on Monday but briefly left with a knee injury and totaled just 23 yards on seven carries. Kendre Miller logged just nine yards on six carries and lost a fumble.
Things aren't likely to get any easier next week against the Minnesota Vikings, and if the Saints hope to turn around their 1-3 start, they have to figure out ways to spark their ground game. Whether that's more of undrafted rookie C.J. Donaldson, more designed runs by Tyler Shough, or a trip to the trade market, something has to change.
Detroit Lions at Carolina Panthers
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Panthers 32, Lions 26
Carolina Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan Doesn't Need Any Help
Tetairoa McMillan wasn't exactly a one-man band Sunday against the Detroit Lions, but he might as well have been considered one.
The Carolina Panthers' depth at wide receiver has taken significant hits over the last two weeks. Jalen Coker and Xavier Legette are both on injured reserve. As a result, quarterback Bryce Young fed his favorite target, and McMillan ate well.
The reigning NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year caught a career-high 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns. He became only the second wide receiver in Panthers history, alongside Steven Smith Sr., to record at least 10 receptions, 150 yards and two scores in a single game, per NFL Researcher.
Carolina entered Sunday's contest with the league's best passing attack. Even down two of the team's top three wide receivers, McMillan's increased usage allowed the Panthers' offense to maintain the team's previous pace.
Panthers' Last-Ranked Run D Shows Signs of Life
Carolina featured obvious weaknesses on the front and back ends of its defense. One was excusable. The other wasn't.
The Lions threw for over 400 yards, because the Panthers didn't have either of their starting cornerbacks in the lineup. Carolina didn't have the same injury issues along its defensive front, which had struggled against the run. Previously, the Panthers ranked dead last against opposing ground games.
The Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs entered Sunday's contest as a top-five rusher. He averaged 3.1 yards per carry against Carolina's front.
Granted, Detroit trailed for the majority of the second half. Clearly, the Lions found success passing the ball. Even so, Gibbs is one of the game's most dynamic runners. Carolina held him in check.
Can Detroit Lions' D Get Any Worse?
Dan Campbell's defense is a disaster through the first four games. Over the last 40 years, the unit has averaged the third-most points per game allowed, according to NFL Researcher.
Detroit has surrendered 31.8 points per game. The Panthers amassed 445 yards and held a 6.5-minute time of possession advantage.
Despite high-end talent with Aidan Hutchinson and Jack Campbell, this unit simply isn't getting the job done. Injuries in the secondary to Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Rock Ya-Sin certainly don't help matters. But this unit has been floundering since Kelvin Sheppard took over last season as defensive play-player. The issues are far more pronounced now.
Campbell may have to make another midseason executive decision and address the defense this time.
Isaac TeSlaa Adds to Already Dynamic Detroit Passing Attack
The Lions' have been forced to feature a high-flying offense, because their defense can't slow anyone. Detroit has fielded an excellent offense for years. Now, Isaac TeSlaa provides another element.
The second-year wide receiver set a career-high Sunday with 95 receiving yards, including a 57-yard grab. His 6'4", 214-pound frame allows him to be an instant downfield and red-zone threat.
As TeSlaa's usage grows, he adds the perfect complementary piece alongside Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Detroit needs all three as it attempts to win shootouts every week.
Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders
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Chiefs 30, Raiders 27
Chiefs Offense Is Making Successful Transition to Run-First Attack
Known as one of the league's top quarterbacks, Patrick Mahomes has led the Kansas City Chiefs offense for most of his career, but for the first time since he took over as starter, the unit isn't overreliant on the passing game.
Kenneth Walker III ran for a career-high 177 yards and two touchdowns in Sunday's win. He's rushed for at least 113 yards in three of the Chiefs' four games and leads the league in rushing.
Mahomes is the biggest star on the Chiefs, but Walker is the engine of the team's offense.
Is It Time for a Reunion Between the Chiefs and Tyreek Hill?
Chiefs wide receivers Rashee Rice (hamstring) and Tyquan Thornton (ankle) suffered injuries. While Rice's status is uncertain, Thornton's injury looked far more serious.
Kansas City needs reinforcements at wideout, so it's a good time to reunite with Tyreek Hill, who posted, "It's almost time to get off the couch" on his X account last week.
Hill could find his way back in a familiar offense as the Chiefs' lead receiver.
Raiders Shouldn't Back Off Aggressive Approach
Because it didn't work out for the Las Vegas Raiders, many will question head coach Klint Kubiak's decision to extend a drive on fourth down instead of kicking a 41-yard field goal in the third quarter. Las Vegas turned the ball over on downs and eventually lost by three points.
In the NFL, aggressive teams usually come out on top, but those clubs also face backlash when execution falls short in critical moments.
Kubiak trusted his team to get the job done on 4th-and-2. Despite the negative result, he shouldn't regret that decision and needs to keep his foot on the gas pedal in big moments.
Are the Raiders a Good Team?
Some will say these are the same old Raiders, who found a way to lose because of Dareke Young's fumble on a kickoff return and poor run defense, but that's not the case.
Anyone who's watched the Raiders through four weeks can see this is a much-improved team that can hang with any opponent. Las Vegas battled until the end, but Young's late fourth-quarter turnover allowed Walker to capitalize with a touchdown run on a short field.
With the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, and Los Angeles Rams coming up, we'll find out whether the Raiders can contend for a playoff spot.
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Denver Broncos at San Francisco 49ers
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49ers 24, Broncos 14
The 49ers' Offensive Line Isn't Being Talked About Enough
The San Francisco 49ers got plenty of key contributions during Sunday's win over the Denver Broncos. Brock Purdy had another spectacular game at quarterback, while Deebo Samuel and George Kittle both delivered vintage performances. The defense got several key stops, while Siran Neal delivered a key third-quarter turnover on special teams that led to a 49ers touchdown.
However, the play of San Francisco's offensive line shouldn't go unnoticed. While Denver's defense hasn't looked quite as formidable as last year's group, it can still get after opposing quarterbacks. Yet, the 49ers' O-line recorded a clean sheet for the fourth straight game.
According to Pro Football Focus, San Francisco is the first team to surrender no sacks through the first four weeks of the season in the last 20 years. The 49ers' line is a big reason why Purdy has emerged as an early MVP candidate and why this can be a dangerous team in January.
Is this Finally The 49ers' Year?
On Sunday, Kyle Shanahan passed Bill Walsh for the most career games as the 49ers' head coach (167).
Walsh, of course, delivered three Super Bowl wins during his tenure in San Francisco. Shanahan has reached two Super Bowls but is still searching for his first Lombardi Trophy. Could this be the year that everything finally falls into place for Shanahan's squad? Through four weeks, it certainly feels possible.
Injuries have again been an issue for San Francisco, and Kyle Juszczyk exited with a knee injury on Sunday. However, the 49ers have looked like the best team in the NFC through four weeks, and it hasn't really been close. The Minnesota Vikings are the only other undefeated team in the conference, and they've been merely scraping by while the 49ers have been rolling.
Injuries Overshadow Denver's Loss
The Broncos fell to 2-2 on Sunday, and while losing stinks, Denver shouldn't be dismayed by losing to one of the top teams in football on the road.
The Broncos can, however, be disheartened by the critical injuries they suffered in San Francisco.
Star cornerback Pat Surtain II left with a non-contact ankle injury, while fellow corner Riley Moss left with a rib injury. Wide receiver Pat Bryant was carted off the field with a leg injury that appeared to be quite significant.
Naturally, fans should expect injury updates to be a big part of Denver's upcoming week.
What, Exactly, Is the Broncos' Identity in 2026?
Injuries aside, it hasn't been the most encouraging 2-2 start for the Broncos. They've mounted comeback wins against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Los Angeles Rams, but they've also been handed double-digit losses by the 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs. Along the way, they've failed to establish much of an identity.
The Broncos fielded an elite defense in 2025. However, they came into Week 4 ranked 29th in total defense and surrendered 358 yards to San Francisco. The offense also came in ranked 29th overall and is still searching for a rhythm under first-year playcaller Davis Webb.
After four weeks, we still don't know exactly where Denver can hang its proverbial hat, and things are even less certain after Sunday's injuries.
Los Angeles Chargers at Seattle Seahawks
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Seahawks 30, Chargers 23
Seahawks' Sloppy Play Mars Bounce-Back Win
Last week, the Seattle Seahawks lost their first game since Week 11 of the 2025 season, and their vaunted defense gave up 33 points. The Seahawks squashed any discussion that they've lost an edge following that defeat, but they have to be more disciplined against better teams.
The Seahawks throttled the struggling Los Angeles Chargers from start to finish, as many expected. That said, they committed 14 penalties that cost them 150 yards. They can get away with that against the winless Chargers, but they must tighten up for a divisional matchup against the San Francisco 49ers next week.
Do the Seahawks Need Joe Mixon?
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer (h/t Seattle Times reporter Bob Condotta), the Seahawks hosted Joe Mixon for a visit.
But in Sunday's win, Emanuel Wilson looked like a lead running back, racking up 120 scrimmage yards and two scores. Although the Seahawks placed Jadarian Price on injured reserve, they also designated Zach Charbonnet for return.
With Wilson playing well and Charbonnet back at practice, the Seahawks bringing in Mixon for a look may be due diligence.
Chargers Are Broken With No Hope in Sight
We can admit the football marriage between head coach Jim Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel isn't working, though it's not because they have a rift.
Harbaugh hired McDaniel to replace former Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman, and quarterback Justin Herbert has regressed significantly. The two-time Pro Bowl signal-caller looks uncomfortable in the new system, and the Chargers needed garbage-time points to score more than 16 for the first time this season.
By the way, wideout Ladd McConkey (foot) and left tackle Joe Alt (neck) exited early with injuries. The Chargers will come home to host the Denver Broncos, who, like the Seahawks on Sunday, look to bounce back from a loss.
Will Jim Harbaugh Fire Mike McDaniel Before Halloween?
Yes, it's that bad that this question is valid just four weeks into the season. The Chargers offense has been atrocious since Week 1, and it's shown little improvement. At some point, the team has to make drastic changes.
Harbaugh and Herbert probably aren't going anywhere any time soon. So if anyone loses their job in the coming weeks, it's McDaniel.
Miami Dolphins at Minnesota Vikings
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Vikings 15, Dolphins 10
T.J. Hockenson, Aaron Jones, Will Reichard Keep the Vikings Undefeated
It wasn't pretty, but the Minnesota Vikings survived the visiting Miami Dolphins.
The final score was probably closer than most expected, but the Vikings could probably have secured a double-digit victory here. Tight end T.J. Hockenson had a clear path to the end zone on Minnesota's final drive but chose to slide at the 2-yard line with two minutes to play, giving the Vikings the chance to kneel out the clock.
That was the 13th catch of the day for Hockenson (119 yards), who helped power Minnesota's passing offense with Justin Jefferson sidelined by an ankle injury. The Vikings also got a strong game on the ground from Aaron Jones and all 15 of their points from kicker Will Reichard.
Ugly wins are still wins, and the Vikings just picked up their fourth without their best offensive player.
How Long Can the Vikings Overcome a Lack of Offense?
The Vikings have been terrific defensively during their 4-0 start, and they surrendered just 198 yards to the Dolphins on Sunday. However, it's entirely fair to wonder just how long the defense can carry an offense that isn't doing nearly enough.
Kyler Murray hasn't been significantly better than Carson Wentz at quarterback, and Minnesota has just one offensive touchdown in its last three games. While Hockenson could have added a second, two touchdowns in three weeks isn't enough.
If the Vikings hope to be legitimate contenders in the NFC, they need to find a way to spark their offense. Getting Jefferson back in the lineup would certainly help.
Ollie Gordon II Can Power the Dolphins' Ground Game
Last week, the Miami Dolphins lost star running back De'Von Achane to a season-ending ACL tear. While backup Ollie Gordon II isn't the same sort of playmaking back that Achane is, he did plenty to keep Miami's ground game going on Sunday.
Against a Vikings defense that came in ranked sixth in yards per carry allowed, Gordon racked up 100 yards and a touchdown on only nine carries.
Will the Dolphins See a Jump from Malik Willis This Season?
The Dolphins gave quarterback Malik Willis a three-year, $67.5 million deal in free agency. However, that doesn't mean that Miami is committed to the 2022 third-round pick beyond this season. If the losses continue to mount, Miami will almost certainly consider its quarterback options in the 2027 draft.
For Willis to entrench himself as the long-term quarterback, he's going to have to make a significant jump at some point this season.
Willis came into Week 4 with an underwhelming 74.1 quarterback rating, and it quickly became clear that Miami wasn't going to lean on its quarterback against Brian Flores' defense. Willis went 9-of-17 for just 85 yards on Sunday and only logged a pair of rushes—though he did have a would-be touchdown pass to Chris Bell called back after it was determined that Bell had stepped out of bounds before the catch.
Tennessee Titans at Baltimore Ravens
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Ravens 24, Titans 18
Lamar Jackson Is Day-to-Day with Ankle Injury
The Baltimore Ravens held a 24-7 halftime lead Sunday against the Tennessee Titans and won 24-18 despite Lamar Jackson not playing during the second half.
Jackson suffered a high-ankle sprain, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The 29-year-old veteran is believed to be day-to-day, though the Ravens will likely be cautious with their star quarterback.
Tyler Huntley didn't make any mistakes in relief. However, the Ravens punted on four of their five possessions coming out of halftime.
If Jackson can play next weekend, Baltimore should be fine. If the two-time MVP misses any time, the Ravens are a completely different team and will likely be viewed as underdogs against their next few opponents.
Ravens LB Trenton Simpson Blossoms in Year 4
Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith are the heart and soul of the Ravens defense. How well the unit plays usually depends on the performances of those around Baltimore's playmakers. Trenton Simpson has emerged as a premium talent next to Smith.
The fourth-year linebacker, who lost his job last season to rookie Teddye Buchanon, is now playing his best ball.
Simpson led the Ravens Sunday with nine total tackles. He also snagged an interception thanks to an ill-advised shovel pass. A week earlier, Simpson registered seven tackles, two tackles for loss and a quarterback hit.
The former third-round draft pick clearly has a better feel for the game this fall, and it's showing up on the field.
Titans Rookie WR Carnell Tate Provides Hope, Dismay
The Titans selected Carnell Tate with this year's fourth overall draft pick. In doing so, the wide receiver was supposed to provide quarterback Cam Ward with a top target. Tate finally did Sunday. At the same time, the rookie produced significant concerns.
Tate caught nine passes for 145 yards. It's the most yardage by a Titans rookie over the last five-plus seasons. He also had a drop and fumbled twice.
All rookies deserve some grace, because they're going to make mistakes. Tate's increased usage and production are major positives for Tennessee. The first-year receiver must improve his ball security, though.
Tennessee's Second-Half Performance Misleading
Don't let the Titans second-half dominance against the Ravens serve as a moral victory.
Without Lamar Jackson in the lineup, the game's entire dynamic changed. Tyler Huntley didn't get first-team practice reps during the week. The Ravens offense wasn't on track. Cam Ward and Co. moved the ball during the third and fourth quarters, because the Ravens defense was on the field for too long. Baltimore's initial four possessions coming out of the half had a total of 16 plays.
Eventually, the Titans need to be more competitive and show legitimate growth against an opponent where excuses aren't necessary. The 0-4 Houston Texans are up next, which means it's the perfect opportunity to finally show something of substance.
Arizona Cardinals at New York Giants
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Giants 36, Cardinals 24
Giants Need to Be More Efficient in Run Game
To minimize Jameis Winston's miscues—because we know those will happen—the Giants must lean on their run game. In Sunday's win, Big Blue averaged just 3.1 yards per carry, and Najee Harris lost a fumble.
It's surprising that the Giants' physical ground attack didn't gash the Arizona Cardinals' 26th-ranked run defense, which allowed 162 and 140 yards in the last two weeks.
Winston engineered touchdown drives in the second and third quarters to maintain the Giants' lead, but this offense will be at its best when Cam Skattebo and Harris pick up chunk yardage on the ground.
How Long Can Giants Ride the Jameis Winston Rollercoaster?
In one game, Winston can throw for 250-plus yards, multiple touchdowns and interceptions, but how his team plays around him will ultimately decide the result.
On Sunday, the Giants defense helped out their turnover-prone offense, matching the team's giveaways with three takeaways. Cornerback Deonte Banks sealed the victory with a 98-yard pick-six.
The Giants scored two touchdowns off the Cardinals' turnovers, which tilted the outcome in their favor. Without those takeaways, we'd probably be having a bigger discussion about Big Blue's quarterback situation.
Buckle up, Giants fans, Winston is going to take you for a ride.
Cardinals Should Trade Marvin Harrison Jr.
Marvin Harrison Jr. had a strong start to this game, logging a 12-yard touchdown reception on the first drive, but that was the only play he made on Sunday.
Aside from drawing a defensive pass interference late in the fourth quarter to set up the Cardinals at the goal line, Harrison went quiet after his first touchdown of the season. He only caught one of his four targets.
Harrison is clearly behind All-Pro tight end Trey McBride and wideout Michael Wilson in the Cardinals' pass-catching pecking order. Despite being the No. 4 overall pick in 2024, he's an afterthought in Arizona's offense and needs a change of scenery.
How Long Does Jacoby Brissett Keep the Starting QB Job?
It's October, and the Cardinals have to start thinking about the future. In his age-34 term with a contract that voids at the end of this season, Jacoby Brissett isn't in the team's long-term plans.
Up until Sunday, Brissett has been a solid starter, but he's on a 1-3 team that needs a quarterback ahead of an intriguing draft that could produce a few franchise players.
Arizona doesn't need to bench Brissett for rookie third-rounder Carson Beck now, but the front office and coaching staff should set an expiration date on the journeyman's time as a starter in the coming weeks if the team keeps losing. He's good enough to play the Cardinals out of a top draft pick.
Dallas Cowboys at Houston Texans
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Cowboys 34, Texans 30
CeeDee Lamb Is Best WR in Dallas Cowboys History
The Dallas Cowboys organization has fielded some of the greatest receivers in NFL history. Michael Irvin, Drew Pearson and Terrell Owens are in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The franchise's all-time leading receiver, tight end Jason Witten, will follow one day. None of them had been as good as CeeDee Lamb was during Sunday's contest against the Houston Texans.
Lamb set a franchise record with 17 receptions. He produced 189 yards. Most importantly, the five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver caught the game-winning touchdown with 40 seconds left to play. In doing so, he became the first player in franchise history with at least 15 catches, 150 receiving yards and a score, according to NFL Researcher.
As of now, the Cowboys don't face another opponent with a winning record until Nov. 15, which means Lamb can continue his dominance and propel the Cowboys to bigger and better things.
Dak Prescott Presents MVP Case
As good as Lamb was Sunday, he couldn't have put up the numbers he did without Dak Prescott slinging.
Prescott cooked the Texans defense during the second half. He completed 20 of 25 passes for 248 yards. The Cowboys scored on four of their five possessions during the third and fourth quarters.
The Cowboys defense still isn't where it needs to be, even after the Joey Porter Jr. acquisition. The group surrendered 397 yards and allowed the Texans to score the go-ahead touchdown with under three minutes to play. The connection between Prescott and Lamb was simply too much for Houston to handle.
Is It Officially Time To Worry About Houston Texans' Defense?
The Texans' defense played at a Super Bowl-caliber level during the 2025 campaign. Ultimately, Houston's offense let the team down. Now, the inverse is happening.
Demeco Ryans' defense entered Sunday's contest as the league's 16th-best unit, allowing 325.3 yards per contest. Dallas amassed 399 yards. To reiterate, the Cowboys scored on all but one second-half possession. The Texans have too much defensive talent to allow such a performance, even against a good offense.
Even if this group starts to stiffen, it's likely too little, too late.
At 0-4, Texans Season Appears Lost
One one team in NFL history—the 1992 San Diego Chargers—have made the playoffs after starting the season with an 0-4 record.
The Texans have been notoriously slow starters since Ryans took over as the team's head coach. A season ago, Houston lost its first three games before putting everything together and earning a postseason berth. This year feels completely different.
Houston can't hang its hat on any particular part of its roster. A meeting with the Tennessee Titans next weekend will be a great opportunity for the Texans to finally notch a victory. Then, the Jacksonville Jaguars and New York Giants are next on the docket. They own a combined 6-1 record.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cincinnati Bengals
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Jaguars 22, Bengals 27
The Jaguars Have A Dangerous Collection of Pass-Catchers
The Jacksonville Jaguars moved to 3-1 with a big win over a quality Cincinnati Bengals team. During Sunday's win, it became quite clear that opposing defenses will have a difficult time trying to corral all of Jacksonville's pass-catchers this season.
The Jags didn't have a huge day offensively. However, they regularly found ways to move the ball through the air during a game in which new No. 1 receiver Parker Washington (3 targets, 1 catch) effectively disappeared. Brian Thomas Jr. caught a touchdown pass, Josh Cameron topped 40 yards, Jakobi Meyers caught a trio of passes, and tight end Brenton Strange (7 catches, 95 yards) created mismatches throughout the game.
Washington will get going again, and at some point, Travis Hunter could be an offensive factor, too.
Can the Jaguars Clean Up Their Mistakes Moving Forward?
This game could have easily gone differently for Jacksonville, which played an extremely sloppy brand of football, especially in the first half. The Jaguars were flagged 10 times before intermission. They finished with 13 total penalties for 125 yards.
The Jags won in Cincinnati, but they're not going to win many games against playoff-caliber teams with that many mistakes.
Cincinnati's Other Receivers Do Nearly Enough
The Bengals' comeback fell just short when Chase Brown was tackled after nine yards on 4th-and-10 in the red zone. A sure tackle by Rayuan Lane III ended Cincinnati's hopes of a comeback, but the Bengals were fortunate to even be in that position.
The offense lost No. 1 receiver Ja'Marr Chase early in the game to a concussion. No. 2 receiver Tee Higgins was on the sideline late. The Bengals still came close to overcoming two Joe Burrow interceptions and stealing this one late.
Cincinnati flashed its receiver depth, as players like Mike Gesicki, Mitchell Tinsley, and former CFL receiver Dohnte Meyers made plays. Burrow threw for 428 yards, and the Bengals had a chance to win it on their final drive.
How Long Will Chase and Higgins Be Sidelined?
The Bengals didn't steal this one, and their attention now turns to the health of Chase and Higgins. Chase is in the concussion protocol, and Higgins suffered an adductor injury, according to ESPN's Ben Baby.
If there's a silver lining on the injury front, it's the fact that Cincinnati has a winnable game against the Miami Dolphins next week and will have a Week 6 bye before facing the rival Baltimore Ravens.
New York Jets at Chicago Bears
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Bears 23, Jets 12
Bears HC Ben Johnson Is a QB Wizard
Take your time in recovery, Caleb Williams. Last Monday, 38-year-old third-string quarterback Case Keenum led the Chicago Bears to a dominant 27-7 win. On Sunday, Tyson Bagent had his best outing as a pro.
Keenum took the Bears' first offensive snap, and then Bagent completed 25 of 34 passes for 268 yards and threw an interception.
If Kyle Monangai hadn't run wild for 146 yards and two touchdowns on the Jets defense, Bagent would've probably had a touchdown pass or two. Still, he looked his best in a backup role and was efficient.
Will Colston Loveland's Production Continue to Trend Up?
After a strong rookie campaign, hauling 58 passes for 713 yards and six touchdowns, Colston Loveland has had a quiet start to the season. In the first two weeks, he caught just one of five targets for three yards.
Last Monday, Loveland hauled in all four of his targets for 31 yards. He followed up with six catches for 57 yards against the Jets.
Loveland's production isn't where it was last year, but he's seen more volume in the previous two games. The second-year pro just needs more explosive gains in the passing game, which may come back once Williams returns from injury.
Jets Offense Needs a Reset
After a solid offensive start to the season, the Jets offense has been wildly inconsistent.
Since Week 2, Gang Green has had slow starts, forcing the team to try to pull off second-half comebacks. On Sunday, the Bears constantly pressured Geno Smith, and his receivers dropped passes.
Without running back Breece Hall, who's out with a quad injury, the Jets need to refresh their offense and be more efficient with their possessions.
Should Aaron Glenn Be Coaching for His Job?
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has drawn criticism for his time management. Now, his team has dropped three straight games—this one a blowout loss.
If the Jets continue in this direction, you have to wonder whether Glenn's seat is heating up.
Green Bay Packers at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Packers 17, Buccaneers 14
Packers Still Need a Reliable Running Back
The Green Bay Packers had their best rushing performance of the season, racking up 86 yards on the ground, but two of their running backs struggled to hold onto the ball.
Kaleb Johnson led Green Bay's ground game with 42 yards, but he fumbled in the red zone. MarShawn Lloyd also fumbled, but he didn't lose possession. Meanwhile, Chris Brooks logged four carries for 30 yards.
Despite the Packers' minimal strides in the run game, it's not nearly enough to balance their offense. On the commissioner's exempt list, Josh Jacobs is out indefinitely. Green Bay should consider bringing in other running backs.
Should the Packers Host Joe Mixon for a Workout?
According to Fox Sports' Jay Glazer, running back Joe Mixon visited the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday (h/t Seattle Times reporter Bob Condotta).
With ball-security issues in the Packers' backfield, they should also be interested in Mixon, who's trying to make a career comeback.
Mixon hasn't played since his 2024 Pro Bowl year, but he would clearly be the Packers' best running back if healthy.
Buccaneers' 2026 Season Is Already Off the Rails
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are winless, with undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels throwing two interceptions in Sunday's loss to the Packers.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Buccaneers' starting quarterback Baker Mayfield will miss "anywhere between three and six weeks" with a dislocated thumb.
Barring a quarterback switch, Tampa Bay must work with Daniels through his growing pains, but he'll have a quick turnaround on a short week against the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday. The Buccaneers are staring at an 0-5 start to the season.
Can Jalon Daniels Add Dynamic Wrinkle to Buccaneers Offense?
Quarterbacks must eventually learn to win from the pocket, though in their early developmental stages, they often rely on natural playmaking ability.
In his first career start, Daniels went 19-of-27 passing for 148 yards, a touchdown and two interceptions. He also ran for 55 yards. The undrafted rookie can provide another layer to the Buccaneers' ground attack.
Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson should feature that part of the Daniels' skill set as the young signal-caller develops in the pocket.
Indianapolis Colts at Washington Commanders
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Colts 30, Commanders 13
Indianapolis Colts' DT DeForest Buckner Dominates
The Indianapolis Colts' defensive woes over the last season-plus are well-documented. In fact, Lou Anarumo's unit entered Sunday's contest as the league's worst. The group's best player, DeForest Buckner, had enough and dominated against the Washington Commanders.
The former All-Pro interior defender officially registered four total tackles, a tackle for loss, a deflected pass and three quarterback hits. He was a constant presence in Washington's backfield.
The Colts defense desperately needed someone to dictate terms and derail offensive possessions. At 32 years old and coming off last season's neck surgery, those days seemingly passed Buckner. Negative. He's been dynamite to help turn around a unit that started poorly.
Indiana Jones and the Forbidden Turnovers
While the Colts have won two straight games, concern over Daniel Jones' decision-making have become a serious issue. Specifically, Jones' ball security has been highly questionable.
During Indianapolis' opening drive, left tackle Bernhard Raimann stepped on Jones' foot and the quarterback coughed up the ball as he went to the ground. The next three series ended with punts. During the Colts' fifth possession, Jones threw an interception. He was on his back foot and simply lobbed it up for cornerback Rasul Douglas to undercut the pass.
Jones has seven turnovers through four games, including five during the last two contests. Indianapolis faces a favorable schedule over the next two weeks. Jones must protect the football in order to facilitate a potential three- or four-game winning streak.
Washington Commanders Down to QB3
Marcus Mariota left Sunday's contest and didn't return due a knee injury. Without Mariota and Jayden Daniels recuperating from a dislocated elbow, seventh-round rookie Athan Kaliakmanis took the offensive reins.
Kaliakmanis played relatively well considering the circumstances.
The first-year signal-caller wasn't perfect by any means, but he came into the contest, played fearlessly and gave Washington a chance, especially with his ability to drive the ball down the field. In fact, the game would have been tied at 20 in the third quarter if not for an illegal shift that prevented an 87-yard touchdown connection with fellow rookie Antonio Williams.
Jayden Daniels is expected back next weekend against the rival New York Giants. Though it's not a given. The idea of Kaliakmanis being in the lineup is less of a concern now after what he showed Sunday when thrust into his first NFL game.
Start Buying Stock in Commanders Rookie WR Antonio Williams
As mentioned, Williams made what should have been a huge game-tying play. He escaped the grasp of Colts safety Camryn Bynum and raced 87 yards for a score. Unfortunately, the play was called back. It shouldn't be forgotten, though.
Williams is dynamic, particularly when he's working in the open field. Ultimately, the third-round rookie finish the contest with three catches for 21 yards. The stat line isn't overly impressive. At the same time, the Commanders are looking to actively integrate the third-round draft pick.
With Terry McLaurin currently nursing a hamstring injury, Williams' usage should continue to increase. He's deserving of it.
New England Patriots at Buffalo Bills
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Patriots 29, Bills 26
Drake Maye Rebounds to Put Patriots Back in AFC East Mix
Through the first three weeks of the season, quarterback Drake Maye was one of the biggest problems for the New England Patriots. Last year's MVP runner-up regressed in a big way, posting a passer rating of only 58.6 during New England's 1-2 start.
However, the Patriots saw the return of MVP-caliber Maye in time to battle the rival Buffalo Bills. Maye did have his seventh interception of the season, though this one came off a bobbled ball and was definitely not his fault. Maye also torched the Bills defense for 269 passing yards, three touchdowns, and 54 rushing yards.
The Patriots still trail in the AFC East, but the head-to-head win over Buffalo—coupled with a strong performance by Maye—should hand a lot of hope back to the New England faithful.
Will the Patriots Offense Explode Upon A.J. Brown's Return?
Maye has been playing without No. 1 receiver A.J. Brown, who landed on injured reserve with an ankle sprain in Week 1. He'll be out for at least one more week, but after this performance, it's fair to wonder how good the Patriots' offense could look upon his return.
The Patriots got strong performances from pass-catchers like Romeo Doubs, Mack Hollins, Hunter Henry, and Efton Chism III while racking up 405 total yards and 29 points.
Bad Josh Allen Appears In Time to Burn Bills
Josh Allen continues to be one of the best quarterbacks in football, but he's also one equally capable of taking over a game or costing his team in any given moment.
In Week 3, Allen turned the ball over three times, but Buffalo survived. On Sunday, Allen essentially handed New England a win with one of the most head-scratching picks of the season so far. Facing 2nd-and-6 on a potential go-ahead drive, Allen inexplicably heaved the ball deep into double coverage, leading to an interception and giving the Patriots an opportunity to run out the clock on offense.
Can Keon Coleman String Together Strong Games?
Third-year man Keon Coleman is still looking to establish himself as a reliable receiving threat, but he's off to a very strong start. He came into Week 4 with eight catches and 101 yards, and he looked like one of the best players on the field on Sunday.
D.J. Moore exited with a shoulder injury, and when the Bills needed someone to step up, Coleman delivered. He caught six passes for 115 yards and made a terrific grab on Allen's only touchdown pass of the day. He was one of the few bright spots on an otherwise dreary day for Buffalo.
Los Angeles Rams at Philadelphia Eagles
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Rams 24, Eagles 20
Rams Manage to Stave off Panic Mode with Late Rally
The Los Angeles Rams lost a heartbreaker against the Denver Broncos in Week 3, and on Sunday afternoon, it looked like the preseason Super Bowl favorites could be headed toward a 1-3 start to the season. However, the Rams were on the right side of a stunning finish this time, putting up 14 points in the fourth quarter and scoring the go-ahead touchdown with just over one minute remaining in regulation.
The win should keep the Rams and their fans from panicking, though Los Angeles' 2-2 start to the season is still a bit concerning. Los Angeles' offense has been uncharacteristically mistake-prone, and a defense that didn't have Myles Garrett, Aaron Donald, or Jaylen Watson on Sunday has looked nothing like a championship-caliber unit.
Where Did the MVP Version of Matthew Stafford Go?
Matthew Stafford and the Rams offense did enough to get the win, but Stafford's performance won't settle fears of a significant regression. The reigning MVP was nearly unstoppable in 2025 but hasn't looked like the same quarterback in 2026.
The 38-year-old has too often looked uncomfortable behind Los Angeles' offensive line, and he was pressured early and often by the Philadelphia Eagles' defense. The pressure resulted in multiple errant throws and played a role in Stafford's fifth and sixth interceptions of the year.
Stafford threw just eight interceptions all of last season.
The Eagles Let One Slip Away
There's no getting around the fact that the Eagles had a shot at a massive Week 4 win and let the Rams off the proverbial hook.
Philly overcame the absence of wideout DeVonta Smith and the departure of Saquon Barkley (hamstring) to carry a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter. However, it lost all of the momentum when Jalen Hurts threw incomplete on 4th-and-goal from the Rams' 2-yard line. The defense collapsed after that, while their offense stalled, and the Eagles exited with a 2-2 record.
Nick Sirianni carried a 4-0 record against Sean McVay into this matchup, and he has to be kicking himself for not leaving it at 5-0.
How Serious Are Philadelphia's Injuries?
The Eagles did an admirable job of replacing Smith and Barkley in the offense. However, Philadelphia has several other injury situations to overcome. Dallas Goedert missed his second straight game with a knee injury, while pass-rusher Jonathan Greenard exited with a knee injury, and cornerback Quinyon Mitchell suffered a knee injury.
How healthy will the Eagles be when they head to Jacksonville to face the Jaguars next week? That's a massive question as Philly suddenly finds itself trailing in a tight NFC East race.
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns
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Browns 27, Steelers 24
Rookie WRs Highlight Surging Cleveland Browns Offense
The quarterback position has been at the forefront of every conversation regarding the Cleveland Browns for so long that the amount of young talent currently found on the roster has been overshadowed. After Thursday's victory and Deshaun Watson playing well for three straight games, everyone else is going to get far more attention.
General manager Andrew Berry drafted wide receivers KC Concepcion and Denzel Boston 15 selections apart , but they have already showed they're high-end targets in their first year. So much so, Jerry Jeudy has become an afterthought.
Concepcion and Boston combined for 153 yards Thursday as Cleveland's top two receivers. The former provides significant juice to create after the catch, while the latter, who led all rookies in receiving yardage entering Week 4, is a legitimate big-bodied target as an X-receiver.
Watson may be playing better than expected, but he's getting a lot of help from two talented, young pass-catchers.
Injury Derails Mason Graham's Ascent to Superstardom
Last year's fifth overall draft pick had been nearly unblockable during the first three weeks of play. Unfortunately, he left Thursday's contest after getting his left leg rolled up and didn't return.
Graham's potential absence, regardless of its length, will reshape Cleveland's defensive front. With Myles Garrett no longer in the lineup, the second-year interior tackle has been a consistently disruptive presence. Maliek Collins and Mike Hall Jr. both made plays throughout the night, but Graham has performed at an elite level to begin the campaign.
Any absence will also place a brighter spotlight on Jared Verse, who has yet to record a sack and failed to settle in as the squad's defensive tone-setter.
Aaron Rodgers Needs Help From His WRs
The wide receivers' inability to create easy throws for 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been common theme through the Pittsburgh Steelers' first four games.
Almost everything in their passing game has been difficult to generate, because the team's targets lack explosive traits.
Outside of DK Metcalf, whom opposing defenses are keying on, the Steelers are searching for another player capable of making plays. Pittsburgh's offense had the same problem last season. General manager Omar Khan added veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and drafted Germie Bernard to rectify the situation. Those two combined for 26 yards against Cleveland.
As Sumer Sports' Sam Bruchhaus noted after three quarters of play, the Steelers' receivers created separation on only 14.7 percent of their routes. Rodgers is basically asked to make a perfect throw every time he drops back to pass.
RB Jaylen Warren Remains a Bright Spot
As bad as the Steelers' passing game is at times, Pittsburgh's running game has been impressive, particularly over the last two games.
Jaylen Warren always had spring in his step, with the ability to create after contact and produce chunk plays. The 27-year-old ball-carrier followed last weekend's 127-yard outing with 93 against the Browns' stingy defense. Warren averaged 5.5 yards per carry.
The Steelers couldn't really stick to their run game, because they trailed for most of the second half. Even so, Warren should clearly be the team's offensive focal point as the season progresses.
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