NFL Week 4 Recap: What We Learned About Every Team, Game by Game

October is here, and with it, the crux of the NFL Week 4 schedule.

The Jaguars and Falcons kicked off Sunday’s action at London’s Wembley Stadium, with Jacksonville evening its record at 2–2.

Then, in the early window, the Bills sent a message with a 48–20 win over the previously unbeaten Dolphins, while the Ravens went into Cleveland and dominated from the start. Browns rookie quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson made his first NFL start in place of Deshaun Watson, and tossed three interceptions.

In the late window, the Raiders and Chargers mixed it up at SoFi Stadium, with rookie Aidan O’Connell throwing a late interception to spoil Las Vegas’ comeback bid, while Ezekiel Elliott and the Patriots were rolled by the Cowboys, earning quarterback Mac Jones time on the bench.

Finally, the Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes wrapped up Sunday by holding off the Jets and Zach Wilson. 

Sunday

Chiefs 23, Jets 20

Chiefs coach Andy Reid tied former Cowboys coach Tom Landry for the fourth-most regular-season wins in NFL history after recording his 250th against the Jets on Sunday night. 

Robert Deutsch/USA TODAY Sports

• What it means for Chiefs: Ugly, ugly, ugly … but a win. The real concern isn’t the defense getting beaten up by Zach Wilson, but the receivers. Kansas City only had seven catches for 65 yards by its wideouts. That’s not going to work against better teams. The Chiefs (3–1) lead the Chargers in the AFC West, but Kansas City has to start making some plays on the perimeter.
• What it means for Jets: There are no moral victories in the NFL, but this is close. New York (1–3) should be thrilled about the performance by Wilson, who completed 28-of-39 attempts for 245 yards and two touchdowns, outplaying Patrick Mahomes. If Wilson plays like this, New York is a playoff contender.

49ers 35, Cardinals 16

• What it means for Cardinals: Arizona (1–3) isn’t going to win many games, but it’s showing real fight. The Cardinals were overwhelmed in all areas against San Francisco, and yet Arizona was within five points at the start of the fourth quarter. Jonathan Gannon deserves real credit in his first year as the team’s coach.
• What it means for 49ers: It might be time to start talking about Brock Purdy in a different way. Yes, he’s surrounded by incredible talent and he plays in a perfect scheme. Still, to be 20 of 21 for 283 yards and a touchdown is tremendous. He’s not just a passenger for the Niners (4–0), but a big part of an undefeated team.

Cowboys 38, Patriots 3

• What it means for Patriots: It’s time to start grinding tape on quarterbacks in the 2024 draft. New England (1–3) can’t move forward with Mac Jones, who was benched for Bailey Zappe during Sunday’s blowout. Whether Bill Belichick goes back to Jones or not is irrelevant. The Patriots can’t win anything of note until they upgrade at the most important position.
• What it means for Cowboys: Dallas (3–1) showed its strength after losing to the Cardinals last week. The defense scored two touchdowns while Dak Prescott completed 28-of-34 passes for 261 yards and a pair of scores. The Cowboys also ran for 124 yards and a touchdown, something we should expect more of as the line gets healthier.

Chargers 24, Raiders 17

• What it means for Raiders: The offensive line is a mess. Las Vegas (1–3) allowed seven sacks, directly leading to three fumbles (two lost). Also, The Raiders have to figure out how to gain yardage when not targeting All-Pro receiver Davante Adams or handing off to Josh Jacobs.
• What it means for Chargers: There were a few noteworthy individual performances, most notably Khalil Mack’s six sacks against his former team. However, Los Angeles (2–2) has clear issues. The Chargers only gained three first downs in the second half. Once again, coach Brandon Staley went for a fourth-and-1 deep in his own territory late and turned the ball over on downs. It’s a win, but the Chargers need to clean up all kinds of issues during their upcoming bye.

Bills 48, Dolphins 20

Diggs had six receptions for 120 yards and three touchdowns against the Dolphins.

• What it means for Dolphins: The offense is incredible, but the defense is an issue. Miami (3–1) held down the punchless Broncos and Patriots, but gave up a combined 82 points against the Bills and Chargers. It’s been far too easy for opponents to throw downfield, getting chunk plays. The Dolphins have to figure out their passing defense soon.
• What it means for Bills: Josh Allen was flawless, and has largely been since his Week 1 debacle against the Jets (three interceptions). Against the Dolphins, Allen went 21 of 25 for 320 yards and five total touchdowns, leading Buffalo (3–1) to a blowout win and first place in the AFC East. When Allen avoids the hero-ball mistakes, Buffalo’s offense is as good as it gets.

Eagles 34, Commanders 31, OT

• What it means for Commanders: The offensive line continues to be a disaster for Washington. Sam Howell was sacked 19 times over the first three weeks, six more than anybody else. Against the Eagles, Howell was sacked five times while being hit on nine occasions. It’s become a crisis for the Commanders.
• What it means for Eagles: The play has been far from perfect for the defending NFC champs (4–0), and yet they’re leading the NFC East. Philadelphia finally got the passing game going, as Jalen Hurts threw for 290 yards and two touchdowns. If Hurts regains his 2022 form, the Eagles will once again have elite units on both sides of the ball.

Rams 29, Colts 23, OT

• What it means for Rams: When the Rams (2–2) get Cooper Kupp back, it’s going to be a scary tandem alongside rookie Puka Nacua. Nacua had another monster game after totaling 25 catches for 266 yards over the first two weeks, notching nine receptions for 163 yards on Sunday. Los Angeles needs to win quickly with the offensive line being a question mark, and that duo is capable of doing so.
• What it means for Colts: This offseason for Indianapolis (2–2) has to be about signing Michael Pittman and adding firepower on the outside. Rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson has talent, but he’s been limited in the passing game, throwing for 479 yards across three starts. A big part of the problem is a lack of targets, forcing him to take off or hold the ball far too often. 

Ravens 28, Browns 3

• What it means for Ravens: Lamar Jackson is playing fantastic football under new coordinator Todd Monken. Despite being without receivers Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr., Jackson threw for 187 yards and two touchdowns, while running for another 27 yards and two scores in the lopsided victory. Baltimore (3–1) is leading the tight AFC North, and Jackson is the biggest reason. The numbers aren’t eye-popping, but he’s doing it all for an injury riddled offense.
• What it means for Browns: The defense can’t always win the game. After three phenomenal performances which often masked a lackluster offense, Jim Schwartz’s unit had to be perfect. But it couldn’t hold up. Quarterback Deshaun Watson should be back quickly from a shoulder contusion, giving the Browns (2–2) a boost, but the offense has to pitch in.

Texans 30, Steelers 6

• What it means for Steelers: Pittsburgh (2–2) has to be concerned about both the health and growth rate of Kenny Pickett. After throwing for 689 yards on 6.6 yards per attempt in three games, Pickett struggled again in Houston. Against the Texans, Pickett was 9 of 14 for 35 yards and an interception in the first half, putting the Steelers in a 16–0 hole. Then, in the third quarter, Pickett was forced out with a knee injury. Hopefully, there’s good news coming.
• What it means for Texans: C.J. Stroud might be the answer for Houston (2–2) after years in the abyss. Stroud can make any throw and he’s showing excellent poise in the pocket. Expecting the No. 2 pick to be great every week is unrealistic, but of all the rookie quarterbacks, Stroud is clearly the best in the early going. He looks like a potential star.

Titans 27, Bengals 3

• What it means for Bengals: It’s time to rest Joe Burrow, who can’t drive the ball downfield, and Cincinnati (1–3) has three offensive touchdowns in four weeks. Burrow has been awful, throwing for 728 yards over that span, clearly limited by a calf injury sustained in July. The Bengals are in major trouble, but there’s no way they can get in playoff contention unless Burrow gets back to form.
• What it means for Titans: Tennessee (2–2) still has a winning formula when it gets a clean game from quarterback Ryan Tannehill. The Titans ran for 173 yards on 5.2 yards per carry, with Derrick Henry pacing the team at 122 yards and a touchdown. It’s not pretty or explosive, but coach Mike Vrabel knows his team can win if mistakes are avoided. 

Buccaneers 26, Saints 9

• What it means for Buccaneers: Tampa Bay should be thrilled with Baker Mayfield to this point. The Buccaneers (3–1) and Mayfield have only turned the ball over once in four games. With the defense allowing 17 points or fewer in each victory, Mayfield is being asked to play smart and make a few plays. He’s doing so, and Tampa Bay is all alone in first place in the NFC South.
• What it means for Saints: Safe to say Derek Carr shouldn’t have played through a shoulder sprain. He was miserable throughout against a tough Tampa Bay defense, throwing for 127 yards on 3.4 yards per attempt. New Orleans (2–2) finally allowed more than 20 points for the first time in 13 games, putting pressure on Carr to execute. He didn’t. Ultimately, the Saints are still in good position considering the division, but the offense must step up and get healthy.

Vikings 21, Panthers 13

• What it means for Vikings: Minnesota (1–3) got into the win column, and it was because the defense showed life after a hideous showing against the Chargers. The Vikings found five sacks, including three by safety Harrison Smith. The only downside of the day was quarterback Kirk Cousins, who threw a pick-six along with another interception. But Minnesota should be happy with the all-around showing.
• What it means for Panthers: Bryce Young needs support. Carolina allowed five sacks to a porous Minnesota defense, while scoring six offensive points. Young was 25 of 32 but for just 204 yards. At 0–4, the Panthers have to accept reality. This season isn’t about winning. It’s about developing Young. So far, Carolina has failed in that capacity.

Broncos 31, Bears 28

• What it means for Broncos: What a second half. It appeared Denver was done for the year, trailing 28–7. Instead, the Broncos found a miracle, scoring 24 unanswered points to win 31–28. The defense was a disaster for the most part, allowing Justin Fields to go 28 of 35 for 335 yards and four touchdowns, but the Broncos scored a touchdown and held Chicago scoreless on its last four drives, including a game-ending interception.
• What it means for Bears: Fields was 16 of 17 for 231 yards and three touchdowns in the first half, showing all of his talent. Then, a disaster. It’s time for Chicago to start selling any veteran worth something to a contender. Additionally, does coach Matt Eberflus survive another loss with the Bears playing on Thursday night against the Commanders? 

Jaguars 23, Falcons 7

Lawrence was 23-of-30 passing for 207 yards and a touchdown.

Kirby Lee/USA TODAY Sports

• What it means for Falcons: Throwing for 72 yards and two interceptions in the first half, Desmond Ridder took Atlanta out of the game early. At 2–2, the Falcons have to consider whether Taylor Heinicke is their best option in the hopes of making the playoffs. To this point, Ridder has made very few plays.
• What it means for Jaguars: Forget about the offense. This is the kind of defense Jacksonville needs to be a threat in the AFC. The Jaguars totaled four sacks (three by Josh Allen) and seven quarterback hits, harassing Ridder into key mistakes, including a pick-six. Next week, Jacksonville continues the International Series against the Bills, and the Jags will need to get home often against Josh Allen.

Thursday

Lions 34, Packers 20