But even on a day where Sam Darnold had two turnovers, the Vikes never seemed truly ready to cough up their fourth straight win.
Winner: The Bears’ run game Finally, some life on the ground in Chicago.
Winner: The Burrow-Chase connection The Cincinnati Bengals’ explosive duo was on display a week ago, but in a losing effort.
Loser: The Jets’ offense It didn’t take long for the magic of Aaron Rodgers to dwindle in gloomy weather against the Denver Broncos.
The slippery LSU product is clearly the front-runner for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
Another Sunday, almost complete with a full slate of NFL action. The most recent regular-season action was jam-packed with drama, as the Minnesota Vikings pulled off a huge comeback against the Green Bay Packers and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers once again defeated the Philadelphia Eagles.
These are a few of the biggest victors and defeaters from Week 4.
Winner: The mettle of the Vikings.
On Sunday, Minnesota fans saw it all as they first relished an early rout of the rival Green Bay Packers and then became more tense as Jordan Love swatted one last time to bring the game close. No, it wasn’t the purple contenders’ ideal game. However, the Vikes never appeared fully prepared to notch their fourth consecutive victory, even on a day when Sam Darnold committed two turnovers. As a whole, they still look impressive.
Losing combination: Jaren Hurts and Nick Sirianni.
The Eagles’ defense will be severely criticized for giving up 33 points to Baker Mayfield and company. missed tackles were once again a major problem, but the pair in charge of the ship is the greater worry. It’s painful to play without your two best wide receivers, especially when they’re among the best in the NFL, but Hurts has been inconsistent for the better part of his three plus seasons under Sirianni, whose offense still appears inconsistent and slow when it first starts games. The only player in Philadelphia who is playing well at the moment is Saquon Barkley, so it’s fortunate that this team will have an early bye in Week 5.
Winner: The run game by the Bears.
A little life down in Chicago, at last. To relieve rookie quarterback Caleb Williams of some of the pressure following three weeks of appalling work behind a dubious line, D’Andre Swift went off against the Los Angeles Rams. Further involved as a useful red-zone option was Roschon Johnson. Williams’ development and Matt Eberflus’ defense may both benefit greatly if the Bears can maintain their current level of success in this area.
A loser: The development of Anthony Richardson.
Even after just four games into the season, we still have no idea when the big man—a 2023 first-round pick—will be healthy enough to play. He is still a boom-or-bust talent on the field. After winning over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, the Indianapolis Colts may have bigger problems because many other players were hurt, but the young player has had trouble staying upright for the past two years.
The Burrow-Chase connection emerged victorious.
A week ago, albeit in a losing effort, the explosive tandem of the Cincinnati Bengals was on display. Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase were spot on on Sunday, but it showed on the scoreboard this time. Absolutely, the Bengals’ defense still has problems. However, this team, which depends on Burrow dishing to his playmakers, is in good shape after surrendering 34 points and receiving a home run from Chase out wide.
The offensive line of the Jets is the loser.
In overcast conditions, Aaron Rodgers’s enchantment quickly faded when facing the Denver Broncos. Following a tenacious yet encouraging two-game winning streak, Rodgers was considerably more human in an ugly, rain-soaked loss at the hands of an even more vile offensive line. Though his arm is still capable of leading a competitive team in the modern NFL, can A-Rod survive this setup at age 40 with his legs clearly injured?
Winner: The 49ers’ ability to compete.
It won’t blow anyone away to beat the New England Patriots, but how about Brock Purdy’s poised performance even when his weapons aren’t operating at full speed? Better yet, with the Rams losing to the Bears and the Cardinals having trouble keeping up with the Commanders, it doesn’t seem all that crazy to think San Francisco will win the NFC West.
The depth chart for the Chiefs is a loser.
After winning against the rival Los Angeles Chargers, Kansas City maintained its winning streak. Patrick Mahomes’ passes resulted in big plays for Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy. In no way. But wideout Rashee Rice went down with a potentially serious knee injury, forcing Andy Reid to reevaluate getting outside insurance for the starting offensive lineup. Additionally, Isiah Pacheco is out for good.
The chances for Jayden Daniels to win the award.
Even though the rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders is mostly used to short-area passes, he once again showed excellent accuracy and steady running during a 42-14 victory over the Cardinals on Sunday. The all-time favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year is without a doubt the slick LSU product.
