Every week this NFL season, we will break down the highs and lows—and everything in between—from the most recent slate of pro football. This week, we witnessed a mixed bag of performances, featuring Micah Parsons’s much-anticipated return to Dallas, struggles among several undefeated teams, and a revitalized performance from the Kansas City Chiefs. Jaxson Dart pulled off an impressive upset in his debut, and much more unfolded throughout the league. Welcome to our analysis of Winners and Losers from NFL Week 4.
Jerry Jones did not experience defeat this week, which must feel like a victory given the Dallas Cowboys' recent struggles. The Cowboys were poised for embarrassment during Micah Parsons’s much-hyped return to Dallas on Sunday Night Football but instead delivered a thrilling game that ended in an unsatisfying 40-40 tie. While ties may seem disappointing, this result felt like a win for the Cowboys, especially following their Week 3 loss to a mediocre Bears team.
Despite ongoing issues with the Dallas defense, it’s clear that Dak Prescott is back in form. Although he may not be a frontrunner for the MVP race, Prescott showcased impressive pocket management and downfield passing, even without star receiver CeeDee Lamb due to an ankle injury. George Pickens stepped up as a reliable WR1, recording 134 yards on eight catches, while Prescott effectively utilized multiple receiving options throughout the game.
Prescott's performance was marked by remarkable efficiency, finishing with 319 passing yards and three touchdowns on 40 attempts. He managed to keep the pressure on Parsons at bay, resulting in a low pressure rate. While the Cowboys' pass rush could have benefited from Parsons's presence, the overall performance from Prescott breathed new life into the Cowboys' season.
The Kansas City Chiefs showcased an exhilarating offensive performance this week, scoring 37 points against the Baltimore Ravens. This marked the end of a scoring drought, as they had not surpassed 30 points in a regular-season game since Week 12 of the previous season. Patrick Mahomes delivered a stellar four-touchdown performance, signaling a significant turnaround for a Chiefs offense that had been struggling.
With the return of Xavier Worthy, who led the team with 83 receiving yards, alongside strategic changes from head coach Andy Reid, including more under-center formations, there’s a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the Chiefs. However, Mahomes’s average of 6.75 yards per dropback highlights that there’s still room for improvement as they prepare to face a tough Jacksonville defense next week.
The Chiefs defense also shined, limiting Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson and keeping him uncomfortable in the pocket. Jackson struggled against pressure and ultimately left the game due to injury. If the Chiefs can maintain this level of performance, they could quickly become a formidable force in the league.
The Baltimore Ravens are facing a critical juncture as injuries pile up and performance declines. Key defensive players, including Nnamdi Madubuike and Jaire Alexander, were already sidelined before losing several more, including Lamar Jackson and Roquan Smith, during the game. Despite their injury struggles, the Ravens’ lack of consistent performance raises doubts about their ability to contend for a championship this season.
Defensive coordinator Zach Orr may find himself under pressure as the Ravens struggle to generate a pass rush and contain opposing offenses. Meanwhile, Jackson’s passing game has faltered, and with his own hamstring injury, the outlook for the Ravens is grim. They must navigate upcoming games carefully to stay competitive in the AFC North.
In a bold move, New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll benched starting quarterback Russell Wilson to start rookie Jaxson Dart, a decision that paid off handsomely in a 21-18 upset against the undefeated Chargers. This victory injected a dose of positivity into a struggling Giants team, with Daboll visibly overjoyed after the game.
Dart managed the game effectively, contributing not just through the air with 111 passing yards but also on the ground with 54 rushing yards. Daboll’s decision to leverage Dart’s athleticism in the run game proved successful, though concerns remain about his passing accuracy and decision-making under pressure. Nevertheless, this win could mark the beginning of a turnaround for the Giants.
Several previously undefeated teams, including the Chargers, Buccaneers, 49ers, and Colts, all suffered losses this week, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the NFL. The Eagles, while still undefeated after defeating the Buccaneers, displayed a concerning second-half performance, raising questions about their offensive consistency.
These teams combined for numerous turnovers, with the Colts and Buccaneers both struggling to capitalize on opportunities. While these losses may shake confidence, they also signify that the competition remains fierce, and the landscape of the league is wide open for teams looking to capitalize on each other's missteps.
The Pittsburgh Steelers delivered a quintessential performance against the Vikings, dominating in the trenches and controlling the game at both ends. The defense, led by a relentless pass rush, overwhelmed Minnesota’s offensive line, while the offense effectively utilized the ground game to set up Aaron Rodgers for success.
With the Steelers now leading the AFC North and a favorable schedule ahead, they appear to be gaining momentum as a team that resembles a classic Tomlin-coached squad. While it’s too early for a victory lap, the Steelers may be on the verge of a strong run in the coming weeks.
Baker Mayfield encountered his first major setback of the season, throwing his first interception in a game where Tampa Bay nearly completed an impressive comeback. Mayfield’s performance raised concerns as he struggled with turnovers and costly mistakes that could derail his impressive start to the season.
As the season progresses, Mayfield must improve his decision-making to maintain his effectiveness and avoid further regression. If he can manage to adjust his play and reduce turnovers, Tampa Bay could remain competitive in their division.
Brock Purdy faced scrutiny following a dismal performance against the Jaguars, where he recorded multiple turnovers. The pressure surrounding quarterback controversies is mounting as Purdy’s efficiency wanes compared to his earlier breakout season. If Purdy struggles to regain his form, the conversation regarding his starting position may intensify.
To silence critics, Purdy must return to executing the game plan effectively and regain his timing and accuracy. The stakes are high as he seeks to prove his worth following a significant contract extension.
Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Liam Coen celebrated a victory over the 49ers, cementing his position as a rising star in coaching. Coen’s offensive strategy has begun to pay dividends, with Trevor Lawrence showing promising signs of improvement. As the Jaguars continue to develop under Coen's leadership, they could emerge as a competitive force in the league.
With a top-ranking run game and an evolving defense, the Jaguars are quickly becoming a team to watch as they look to build on their recent successes and make a run at the playoffs.
