Week 4 NFL Recap: Scores and Highlights

Falcons Defeat Saints in NFC South Thriller: 26-24

In a nail-biting divisional clash, the Atlanta Falcons (2-2) secured a dramatic 26-24 victory over the New Orleans Saints (2-2) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Younghoe Koo emerged as the hero, drilling a 58-yard field goal with just two seconds remaining on the clock. The Falcons managed to win without scoring an offensive touchdown, relying instead on Koo’s four field goals, a muffed punt recovery in the end zone by KhaDarel Hodge, and a pick-six by Troy Andersen. The Saints’ self-inflicted wounds proved costly. Rashid Shaheed’s muffed punt inside his own 5-yard line gifted the Falcons an early touchdown. Derek Carr, despite throwing for 239 yards, had a pass deflected and returned for a pick-six. A crucial 30-yard pass interference penalty on Paulson Adebo in the final minute set up Koo’s game-winning kick.The Falcons’ offensive approach raised eyebrows, with Tyler Allgeier seeing increased usage in the second half at the expense of rookie sensation Bijan Robinson. This shift in strategy could be a trend worth monitoring in future games.

Vikings Stay Perfect, Topple Packers: 31-29

The Minnesota Vikings (4-0) continued their impressive start to the season, defeating their division rivals, the Green Bay Packers (2-2), at Lambeau Field. Sam Darnold showcased his arm talent with three touchdown passes, including one to All-Pro wide receiver, Justin Jefferson. The Vikings’ offense exploded in the first half, building a commanding 28-0 lead that left Packers coach Matt LaFleur visibly frustrated on the sidelines. Jordan Love, returning from a sprained MCL, struggled to find his rhythm early, throwing two interceptions before mounting a late comeback attempt. Minnesota’s defense bent but didn’t break in the second half, making crucial stops to preserve their perfect record. The Vikings’ balanced attack and improved defensive play under new coordinator Brian Flores have them looking like early contenders in the NFC North.

Chiefs Outlast Chargers in Defensive Battle: 17-10

The Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) continued their dominance of the AFC West with a hard-fought 17-10 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) at SoFi Stadium. Patrick Mahomes, making his 100th regular-season start, showcased his resilience and playmaking ability, completing 19 of 29 passes for 245 yards and a touchdown.The game started slowly for the Chiefs, as they found themselves in an early 10-0 hole. The Chargers capitalized on two Kansas City turnovers – a fumble by Carson Steele and Mahomes’ fifth interception of the season – to build their lead. However, the Chiefs’ defense tightened up significantly after those early miscues, shutting out the Chargers for the remainder of the game.The turning point came in the third quarter when Mahomes connected with rookie Xavier Worthy on a spectacular 54-yard touchdown pass. This play ignited the Chiefs’ offense and tied the game at 10-10. Kansas City took the lead for good in the fourth quarter when Samaje Perine punched in a 2-yard touchdown run.Travis Kelce, who had been relatively quiet in previous weeks, returned to form with a season-high seven receptions for 89 yards. In the process, Kelce surpassed Tony Gonzalez to become the franchise’s all-time receptions leader.The Chargers, led by a hobbled Justin Herbert playing through a high ankle sprain, struggled to maintain offensive consistency. Herbert completed 16 of 27 passes for 179 yards and a touchdown, but faced constant pressure from the Chiefs’ defense, including two sacks by Chris Jones.This victory marked Kansas City’s sixth straight win over the Chargers and their 11th consecutive road win against their division rival. The Chiefs’ ability to overcome early adversity and shut down a potent Chargers offense reinforces their status as one of the AFC’s top contenders.

Ravens Dominate Bills in Prime Time: 35-10

The Baltimore Ravens (2-2) made a statement on Sunday Night Football, thoroughly outclassing the Buffalo Bills (3-1). Lamar Jackson put on a show, passing for 156 yards and two touchdowns while adding 54 yards and one touchdown on the ground. The Ravens’ defense was equally impressive, stifling Josh Allen and the Bills’ high-powered offense, holding them to just 236 total yards and forcing one fumble. This dominant performance raises questions about the Bills’ consistency and elevates the Ravens as serious contenders in the AFC. Baltimore’s balanced attack and improved running game with new running back Derrick Henry have made them a more formidable threat this season.

49ers Bounce Back Against Patriots: 30-13

After two consecutive losses, the San Francisco 49ers (2-2) got back on track with a solid win over the New England Patriots (1-3). Brock Purdy silenced some of his critics with an efficient performance, throwing for 288 yards and one touchdown. The 49ers’ defense returned to form, sacking Jacoby Brissett four times and forcing three turnovers. This win helps steady the ship for San Francisco after a rocky start to the season, while New England’s struggles continue as they search for offensive consistency under Brissett.

Bengals Secure First Win Against Panthers: 34-24

The Cincinnati Bengals (1-3) finally got into the win column with a solid 34-24 victory over the Carolina Panthers (1-3) at Bank of America Stadium. Joe Burrow, showing signs of returning to his pre-injury form, led the charge with an efficient performance, throwing for 232 yards and two touchdowns.The game’s highlight came in the second quarter when Ja’Marr Chase turned a short pass into a spectacular 63-yard touchdown. Chase showcased his elite skills by breaking tackles, evading defenders, and outrunning the Panthers’ secondary to the end zone. This play energized the Bengals’ offense and set the tone for the rest of the game.Cincinnati’s ground game also came alive, with rookie Chase Brown rushing for 80 yards and two touchdowns. His second score early in the third quarter extended the Bengals’ lead to 28-14, providing a cushion they would not relinquish.Despite a solid effort from Andy Dalton, who threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns against his former team, the Panthers couldn’t overcome the Bengals’ balanced attack. Carolina’s Chuba Hubbard had a strong showing with 104 rushing yards and a touchdown, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Cincinnati’s offense.The Bengals’ defense made crucial stops when needed, including a key third-down stop late in the game that helped seal the victory. This win could serve as a turning point for Cincinnati, alleviating some of the pressure that had been building after their 0-3 start and potentially jumpstarting their season as they look to climb back into playoff contention.

Other Notable Results:

• Commanders 42, Cardinals 14: Washington (3-1) continued their surprising start with a narrow victory. Jayden Daniels showed growth, throwing for 233 yards and two touchdowns (1 passing, 1 rushing) while adding 47 rushing yards.
• Broncos 10, Jets 9: In a defensive struggle, Denver (2-2) edged out New York (2-2) in a game marred by offensive ineptitude on both sides.
• Colts 27, Steelers 24: Indianapolis lost quarterback Anthony Richardson to a hip injury.
• Buccaneers 33, Eagles 16: Tampa Bay (3-1) pulled off an upset over Philadelphia (2-2), with Baker Mayfield outdueling Jalen Hurts in a surprising outcome.
• Bears 24, Rams 18
• Raiders 20, Browns 16

As Week 4 concludes, the NFL landscape is taking shape with some unexpected contenders emerging and presumed powerhouses facing early challenges. The coming weeks will reveal whether these trends continue or if we’ll see further shifts in the league’s hierarchy.