October is here, and for many NFL fans, the phrase “it’s still early” is being overused. Sure, there are still plenty of games to play, but eventually, your team has to start winning instead of just offering empty reassurances (sorry, Chargers fans).
Now, I’m back with another collection of takes that could either become insightful or sound completely foolish by this time next week. Perhaps that’s what makes it interesting? At least, that’s how I rationalize it.
Here’s what I took away from each game during Week 4 on Sunday.
Colts 30, Commanders 13
Takeaway: Jonathan Taylor is a standout player.
It’s tough to gather too much from a game that saw the Commanders playing with their third-string quarterback due to Marcus Mariota’s knee injury. Instead, let’s focus on Jonathan Taylor, who has six rushing touchdowns over four games. He really embodies that traditional running style we thought was fading away in the NFL. Thankfully, he and Derrick Henry are keeping it alive.
Giants 36, Cardinals 24
Takeaway: Jameis Winston is really entertaining!
Without Jaxson Dart, the Giants might not go far in the playoffs—if they even make it. But right now, it doesn’t matter too much. They’re sitting at 3-1, leading the NFC East. Plus, their next game is against the Commanders, who are facing their own quarterback issues. This early success is something Giants fans should relish.
Patriots 29, Bills 26
Takeaway: The NFL always surprises you.
Of course, the 1-2 Patriots, having looked terrible in Week 3, stroll into Buffalo and take down the previously unbeaten Bills as seven-point underdogs. This is what makes the NFL so compelling; just when you think you understand who’s good and who’s not, the league hits you with a twist.
Bears 23, Jets 12
Takeaway: Ben Johnson is a great coach.
I won’t overreact to the Bears beating the Jets, but you have to respect Chicago’s head coach Ben Johnson. He’s managed two wins with Case Keenum in Week 3 and Tyson Bagent starting in Week 4. Before this, neither had started an NFL regular-season game since 2023. The defense deserves credit, too. They’ve shown that with the right coaching, anything is possible—even scoring 50 points with these quarterbacks.
Cowboys 34, Texans 30
Takeaway: This could be a pivotal moment for both teams.
This win can really propel the Cowboys, especially with two easier games ahead against the Buccaneers and Packers. Coming back to score 28 points in the second half against one of the top defenses is the kind of momentum that can set the tone for the rest of the season.
On the flip side, I have no idea how the Texans rebound from this. They’re now 0-4 after blowing a double-digit lead in the second half. Only one team in NFL history has made the playoffs after starting 0-4: the 1992 San Diego Chargers. So, not only do they have to break a long-standing trend, but they’re doing so after one of the most gut-wrenching losses in recent memory.
Rams 24, Eagles 20
Takeaway: Tough loss for Philadelphia.
The Eagles have to feel pretty low after giving up a double-digit second-half lead and only falling to 2-2 instead of 0-4, unlike the Texans. But that’s small consolation. I’ve been saying it for weeks: the Eagles are imperfect, yet their earlier record suggested otherwise. Now, their 2-2 record seems a bit more fitting.
Packers 17, Buccaneers 14
Takeaway: These teams have issues.
This felt like a must-win for the Packers against a struggling Buccaneers team that had a backup quarterback. They got the win, but it wasn’t pretty, and they nearly blew it late in the game. Todd Bowles may not stay long in Tampa, but if Green Bay doesn’t improve, Matt LaFleur’s job could come under scrutiny soon.
Ravens 24, Titans 18
Takeaway: Not much to note.
Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury doesn’t seem serious, which is good. The Ravens won decisively, and it’s hard to blame them for being cautious. The game pretty much showed that the Ravens are better than the Titans, who are struggling. Still, kudos to Tennessee for putting up a fight until the end.
Jaguars 22, Bengals 17
Takeaway: Not a great game for either team.
The Jaguars might be happier after this win in Cincinnati, but they committed too many penalties. They almost let the Bengals make a comeback due to questionable decisions late in the game. The Bengals are focusing on the health of their top receivers, who both went down during the match.
Vikings 15, Dolphins 10
Takeaway: Are the Vikings an overrated 4-0 team?
Probably not the most fraudulent team ever, but they’re not as good as their record suggests. They’ve only beaten mediocre teams. It’s a funny situation; many would prefer this record to what they have right now.
Chiefs 30, Raiders 27
Takeaway: The Raiders could be solid.
The Chiefs are officially back at 4-0, but let’s take a moment for the Raiders. They held the lead in every quarter. Two crucial plays shifted the momentum late in the game, but overall, Las Vegas showed far more promise than in previous seasons. They’re different now.
Seahawks 30, Chargers 23
Takeaway: The Chargers are in a tough spot.
Seattle rebounded from a surprising loss last week, but they have a real test coming up against San Francisco. As for the Chargers, their season seems bleak at 0-4. They have a challenging schedule ahead, and if they don’t turn things around quickly, they could very well face an 0-9 start.
49ers 24, Broncos 14
Takeaway: The 49ers look like the best team in the league.
It’s not just because they beat the Broncos. San Francisco is 4-0 and winning decisively. They’ve dominated strong teams as well, giving them a remarkable point differential. They’re the team to watch in the league.
Panthers 32, Lions 26
Takeaway: Sometimes a benching can turn things around.
It’s remarkable to think that Bryce Young, who had struggled earlier in his career, just dominated against the Lions. Many had written him off after a rough start as a rookie. However, since being benched, he’s turned things around, leading his team to impressive performances recently. If he continues this way, his turnaround could be one for the record books.
