Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The NFL season is underway with Week 4 officially in the books! The week featured plenty of wild storylines, close games, and surprising results. Although it’s a small sample size at this point, here’s how all 32 teams stack up against one another.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)
Imagn Images
Things are going to be changing in Jacksonville very soon. An 0-4 start is bad enough. But, when you factor in how the Jaguars finished last season — losing six of seven and giving away the division lead — it’s a surprise there hasn’t been a major shakeup already. Trevor Lawrence is playing some of the worst football of his career, and the offense — while littered with talent — isn’t producing. HC Doug Pederson and OC Press Taylor are firmly on the hot seat.
31. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Imagn Images
The Panthers couldn’t recreate the magic of their Week 3 win over the Raiders, but the offense still looked competent under Andy Dalton. The defense couldn’t hold up their end of the bargain. Tackling was a serious issue for Carolina’s group, especially on the 63-yard catch-and-run by Bengals WR Ja’Marr Chase. It doesn’t seem like a Cinderella run to the postseason is in the cards, but Carolina has vastly improved since benching former No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young. It will be interesting to see if Young gets another shot with the Panthers or if he’s headed elsewhere before the trade deadline.
30. New England Patriots (1-3)
Imagn Images
The Patriots never stood much of a chance in this one. Their first four possessions ended in a punt, fumble, pick-six, and a turnover on downs. They faced a 20-0 deficit in the first half. Their running game — which looked so good through the first two weeks — has disappeared. They managed just 3.0 YPC in this one. QB Jacoby Brissett fumbled three times and was sacked six times. Is it time for Drake Maye to take over in New England?
29. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Miami’s season appears to be on the brink of utter disaster. For the third week in a row, the Dolphins looked like one of the worst teams in the NFL. The offense continued to struggle without Tua Tagovailoa, to say the least. Trailing 22-6, Miami scored its first touchdown of the game with 3:36 remaining — it was the first offensive TD since the first quarter of Week 2. The Dolphins have scored 25 points during their three-game losing streak.
28. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images
Tennessee picked up its first win of the season in an easy victory over the lifeless Miami Dolphins. After throwing an interception on the opening drive of the game, Will Levis injured his shoulder on Tennessee’s second possession and was replaced by Mason Rudolph. Rudolph wasn’t good on the night — 9-of-17 for 85 yards — but the defense did more than enough to earn the victory. The Titans held Miami to 184 total yards and kept the Dolphins out of the end zone until less than four minutes remained.
27. Cleveland Browns (1-3)
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
This is the kind of loss that can end a team’s season. Cleveland went into Vegas desperately needing a win after a 1-2 start. The Raiders were fresh off a blowout loss to the Carolina Panthers, and were without their two best players — Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby — in this one. The Browns jumped out to a 10-0 lead, but slowly gave the game away. Their lone score for the remainder of the game was on a fumble recovery that went for a touchdown. Deshaun Watson looked completely lost and was sacked on a 4th & 3 from Vegas’ 9-yard line to seal the loss. They’ll try and get back on track against one of the hottest teams in football next week, the Washington Commanders.
26. New York Giants (1-3)
Julian Guadalupe-NorthJersey.com
The Giants kept it close, but ultimately couldn’t get over the hump Thursday against the Cowboys. WR Malik Naber shined once again — 12 receptions, 115 yards — but exited the game late with a head injury. Some Giants fans are starting to call for backup Tommy DeVito to take over, but the problems within this team go far deeper than at QB. The star-studded pass rush broke out with eight sacks on Deshaun Watson in Week 3 but was nonexistent versus Dallas. Dak Prescott was brought down just once and had his way with New York’s defense.
25. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
The Bengals finally got into the win column with a victory over the Panthers. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase linked for a touchdown for the second-straight week, and Cincinnati’s run game was efficient. Chase Brown rushed for 80 yards and two scores, while Zack Moss added 51 yards. Week 5 presents a major opportunity for Cincinnati. A win over the Ravens would be enormous for the AFC North race.
24. Los Angeles Rams (1-3)
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
The Rams were able to overcome injuries in a shocking win over the 49ers last week but were unable to provide an encore in Week 4. Matthew Stafford did all he could, but a costly interception on the game’s final drive ultimately sealed LA’s fate. Having a win over San Francisco is helpful, but the Rams are still staring up at the 49ers and Seahawks in the NFC West. They play Green Bay in Week 5 and then get a much-needed bye week to get healthy.
23. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Just when you think the Raiders are down and out, they rise to the occasion. Not many were giving them a chance to pull out a win with both Davante Adams and Maxx Crosby out against the Browns. They fell into an early 10-0 hole, and it seemed like the team was prepared to roll over. Instead, the defense stepped up and the running game finally showed signs of life. Deshaun Watson was sacked three times — including on the game’s final play — and picked off by Raiders’ safety Tre’von Moehrig. WRs Tre Tucker and DJ Turner scored on end-around rushes. Vegas is now 2-2 with two comeback victories. Next week, they get the Broncos who they’ve defeated eight straight times.
22. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
Imagn Images
This was a rough showing for a Cardinals team that some considered a playoff dark horse. Arizona went into Week 4 with a 1-2 record that included a blowout victory over the Rams and two close losses to Super Bowl hopefuls — Bills and Lions. They simply had no answer for the visiting Commanders in this one. Rookie Jayden Daniels tossed the ball all over the yard, and the Arizona offense simply could not keep up. After scoring a touchdown on the opening drive, the Cardinals were outscored 42-7 over the remainder of the contest.
21. Denver Broncos (2-2)
Imagn Images
Sean Payton was brought to Denver to fix an offense that has struggled for nearly a decade. But, it’s the Broncos. defense that looks to be one of the best units in football. After holding Tampa Bay to just 7 points a week ago, the Broncos limited the New York Jets to just three field goals in a 10-9 victory. A crucial goal-line stand in the second quarter set the tone for the game. Bo Nix had just 60 passing yards in this game on 30 dropbacks, and the Broncos were still able to hold on to the victory.
20. Chicago Bears (2-2)
Matt Marton-Imagn Images
While the overall numbers aren’t eye-popping, the Bears’ offense showed signs of life in a win over the Rams. Offseason signing D’Andre Swift had his best game with the team totaling 165 total yards, seven receptions, and a TD. WR DJ Moore caught his first touchdown of the season on a perfect pass to the back of the end zone from Caleb Williams. As expected, the defense came to play and held tough at the end of the game. Safety Jaquan Brisker sealed the win with an interception of Matthew Stafford to secure the win.
19. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
Imagn Images
Is it happening again? A starting quarterback went down, and Joe Flacco was ready to save the day. Could Flacco lead the Colts to a playoff spot, just a year after he led the Cleveland Browns to the postseason? Taking over in the first quarter, Flacco tossed a pair of touchdowns and helped defeat the previously unbeaten Steelers. Starter Anthony Richardson said that he’s unsure of his potential availability for next week’s game against the Jaguars.
18. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
The bye week could not come sooner for the Philadelphia Eagles. Perhaps a week off is exactly what this team needs to reset and prepare for the rest of the season. After pulling out a late victory versus the Saints, things seemed to fall into place for the Eagles. Week 4 was another wake-up call. The Eagles found a 24-0 deficit just halfway through the second quarter against the Buccaneers. They cut the lead to 10 early in the third, but Jalen Hurts’ fumble ended a potential scoring drive. Hurts has turned the ball over in every game this season. The team hopes they’ll have WR AJ Brown back when they return to play in Week 6 for a home date with the Cleveland Browns.
17. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Julian Guadalupe-NorthJersey.com
The Cowboys broke a two-game skid on Thursday, picking up a much-needed victory over the rival New York Giants. However, that game might serve as another reminder that Dallas’ streak of three-straight playoff appearances may be in jeopardy. In previous years, the Cowboys beat down inferior opponents. A five-point win over a 1-3 Giants team is nothing to write home about. No weak opponents are upcoming either. Dallas’ next seven games are against teams that are at or above .500 currently. Making matters worse, Micah Parsons suffered an injury versus the Giants and is in jeopardy of missing the first game of his NFL career next Sunday.
16. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Close but no cigar. The Chargers had an opportunity to hand Kansas City its first loss of the season and pull even in the AFC West, but instead, they squandered a 10-0 lead and fell to 2-2. The defense forced turnovers on the first two possessions of the game and the offense capitalized by scoring 10 points. While the defense played a good game overall, the offense failed to score after the first quarter — and turned the ball over on downs at Kansas City’s 3-yard line with the game tied in the fourth quarter.
15. New York Jets (2-2)
Imagn Images
Talk about an ugly loss. Playing in poor conditions throughout the game, New York failed to produce offensively. The line couldn’t protect Aaron Rodgers — five sacks, 14 QB hits — Garrett Wilson lost a fumble, the team committed 13 penalties and Greg Zuerlein missed a field goal as time expired. The chatter around Robert Saleh’s job security is getting louder with each loss. Rodgers and Saleh not seeing eye-to-eye is not a good look for the coach.
14. Washington Commanders (3-1)
Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Washington Commanders have won three in a row and sit atop the NFC East entering Week 5. Less than a week after Jayden Daniels and the rest of the offense put together a nearly perfect night, the Commanders had another sensational performance against Arizona. Daniels finished the game 26-of-30 with two total touchdowns and one interception. Brian Robinson Jr. rushed for 101 yards and one score, while backup Jeremy McNichols added 68 yards and two TDs on eight carries. Washington scored on all but two possessions — the interception and one punt.
13. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Imagn Images
Jordan Love’s return to the field following a two-week absence couldn’t have started any worse. Hosting the rival Vikings, Green Bay surrendered a touchdown on the first possession, missed a field goal on its first drive, and fell behind 14-0 on Minnesota’s next drive. The Pack had their second drive end thanks to a Love interception and quickly trailed 21-0. Following Love’s second INT, the Pack trailed 28-0. 22 points in the fourth quarter made the final score (31-29) look more respectable, but Minnesota was the better team all day.
12. New Orleans Saints (2-2)
Dale Zanine-Imagn Images
New Orleans won its first game by 37. It won game two by 25. The past two weeks? The Saints have lost two games by a combined five points. On Sunday, the team lost to the rival Falcons despite not allowing an offensive touchdown. After forcing a punt on the first series of the game, New Orleans muffed the catch and Atlanta recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. With a 14-10 lead in the second quarter, Derek Carr threw a pick-six. Alvin Kamara scored the go-ahead touchdown with 1:00 remaining in the game, but a costly PI allowed Atlanta kicker Younghoe Koo to drill a 58-yard field goal to win the game.
11. Houston Texans (3-1)
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Despite throwing for nearly 350 yards against a winless team, C.J. Stroud and the Texans needed all 60 minutes to earn their third win of the season. The Jaguars held a 20-17 lead entering the fourth quarter and maintained their advantage until the closing seconds of the game. Crucially, the Texans stopped Jacksonville on the 1-yard line on the first play of the fourth. After forcing a three-and-out with three minutes left, Houston put together a 69-yard drive to win the game with 18 seconds on the clock.
10. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
Imagn Images
If you told the Falcons that they’d beat the rival New Orleans Saints without scoring an offensive touchdown, they would likely not believe you. As we discussed earlier, Atlanta won its second game of the year thanks to a muffed punt, a pick-six, and some heroics from Younghoe Koo. Once released by the Los Angeles Chargers, Koo has become one of the league’s best kickers. Against New Orleans, Koo went 4-for-4 including the game-winning 58-yarder.
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
Imagn Images
The Steelers’ undefeated run to start the season came to an end in Indianapolis. Despite going against Joe Flacco for most of the game following an injury to starting QB Anthony Richardson, the Steelers found themselves playing from behind after allowing 17 points on Indy’s first three drives of the game. A pair of rushing scores from Justin Fields — and a late touchdown pass — made it a three-point game, but the Steelers were unable to mount a comeback on their final drive.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
This was more like the team we saw the first two weeks. Tampa Bay opened the year with wins over Washington (now 3-1) and Detroit, but it was pummeled at home by the Broncos in Week 3. On Sunday, Tampa Bay took Philadelphia’s will early on and never looked back. The Bucs raced out to a 24-0 lead as a result of dominating all three phases of the game. Tampa outgained the Eagles 445 to 227 and won the turnover battle 2-0. Next, the Bucs have a pivotal stretch which includes trips to Atlanta and New Orleans, respectively, before returning home to face the Ravens and Falcons.
7. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
Imagn Images
Ravaged by injuries, the Niners entered Week 3 with a surprising 1-2 record. With Deebo Samuel and George Kittle back in the lineup, San Francisco looked more like itself in an easy win over the overmatched Patriots. With an early 3-0 lead, the defense forced back-to-back turnovers — the second of which was a Fred Warner pick-six — and the lead quickly grew to 13-0. New England cut the lead to 20-3 with a 63-yard field goal to end the first half and briefly closed to within 10 points, but the result was never in doubt.
6. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
The Bills could do no wrong against Jacksonville last week, and they could do little right Sunday night in Baltimore. Following a game-opening punt, the Bills allowed an 87-yard touchdown run on Baltimore’s first snap of the night. Trailing 21-3 at halftime, Buffalo appeared to change the momentum early in the third quarter. Two three-and-outs on defense bookended a touchdown, and the Bills had a chance to cut the deficit to 21-17. Instead, an ill-advised trick play resulted in a fumble recovery for Baltimore, and any chance the Bills had evaporated instantly.
5. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
Imagn Images
Seattle’s defense had zero answers for Detroit’s offense Monday night. The Seahawks entered the contest 3-0 but quickly put themselves behind the eight ball after an early fumble led to Detroit taking a 14-0 lead. After forcing a punt on Detroit’s first possession, Seattle allowed touchdowns on six of the next eight possessions. Despite a big game from Geno Smith — 395 yards — the team couldn’t generate enough stops to improve to 4-0.
4. Detroit Lions (3-1)
Imagn Images
It is going to be difficult to beat Detroit this year, but it is nearly impossible to knock the Lions off when Jared Goff plays a perfect game. Goff finished 18-of-18 for 292 yards and two touchdowns in the 42-29 win over Seattle and his only blemish was being taken down for a safety late in the game. Second-year back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 78 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries and five different players finished with 40+ receiving yards — led by Jameson Williams (80).
3. Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
How do you bounce back from a 0-2 start? Feed Derrick Henry the rock. In Baltimore’s Week 3 win over the Cowboys, Henry rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Sunday night, Henry took his first carry of the game 87 yards to the house. In addition to scoring a touchdown through the air, Henry gashed the Bills for 199 yards on 24 carries — only a fumble at the goal line prevented Henry from topping 200 yards. The Ravens will be a Super Bowl favorite if they continue to rely on Henry.
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
Imagn Images
The Vikings cannot be overlooked anymore. Not only are the Vikings 4-0, but they own victories over three of the Super Bowl favorites entering the season — San Francisco, Houston, and Green Bay. Sam Darnold’s hot start continued as he threw for 275 yards and three scores. Former Packer Aaron Jones returned to Lambeau and rushed for 93 yards and hauled in four passes for 46 yards. Before allowing 22 points in the fourth quarter, the defense dominated the game — forcing four turnovers on the day.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Chiefs are 4-0 but they suffered another big loss this week. Seconds after throwing an interception, Patrick Mahomes took out Rashee Rice while trying to make a tackle. Rice is feared to have torn his ACL and his season is in jeopardy. Kareem Hunt looked good in his return to KC — 69 yards on 14 carries — but the team must figure out a way to thrive without Rice and starting running back Isiah Pacheco.
