Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season kicked off Thursday evening with an thrilling matchup between the Seahawks and the Cardinals. Arizona tied the rating at 20 with 28 seconds left within the fourth quarter, however Seattle drove down for a game-winning, 52-yard area objective by Jason Myers as time expired.
Sunday’s motion kicked off in Dublin, Eire, because the Steelers beat the Vikings 24-21 within the second worldwide sport of the season. Again in america, the Patriots and Falcons bounced again from Week 3 losses with victories over the Panthers and Commanders, respectively.
Our NFL Nation reporters reacted to all of the motion, answering lingering questions popping out of every sport and detailing the whole lot else it’s essential to know for each crew. Let’s get to it.
Soar to:
CLE-DET | TEN-HOU | CAR-NE
WSH-ATL | MIN-PIT | SEA-ARI
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
How does the Lions’ offense enhance from right here on out? Detroit’s explosive offense knew it might face a tough check towards the Browns’ defensive entrance, but it surely handed the check with ease. The Lions registered 277 yards of complete offense, which was their fewest because the Week 1 loss at Inexperienced Bay, however they managed the sport regardless of struggling to get a constant run sport going. Lions working again Jahmyr Gibbs logged 91 of Detroit’s 109 speeding yards off 15 carries and a landing, whereas David Montgomery struggled with 9 carries for 12 yards. Broad receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown additionally scored two touchdowns. Montgomery, a Cincinnati, Ohio native, needs to be extra of an element subsequent week in his return to his hometown to face the Bengals.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: Matching up towards one of many NFL’s stingiest run defenses, Lions quarterback Jared Goff tried to air it out with extensive receiver Jameson Williams, his high deep ball risk, however the connection wasn’t there early on. Williams was focused by Goff eight complete instances, however was capable of join solely twice, together with a dropped incomplete move that would have been an enormous achieve at 6:17 within the second quarter. Goff additionally threw an interception to Browns cornerback Denzel Ward whereas attempting to throw a deep proper move to Williams within the third quarter. Williams would lose one other three yards on an end-around carry within the fourth. — Eric Woodyard
Subsequent sport: at Bengals (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
How for much longer can the Browns follow Flacco and his turnovers? Flacco threw a pair of first-half interceptions and misplaced a fumble within the second half, rising his season complete to a league-leading eight giveaways. All of the turnovers haven’t been Flacco’s fault, however they contributed to 17 factors for the Lions and have been on the crux of Cleveland’s 1-3 begin. Flacco’s six interceptions are probably the most by a Browns quarterback by means of the primary 4 video games of a season since Baker Mayfield’s six in 2019.
Greatest gap within the sport plan: The Browns didn’t give their backup tackles assist towards Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson. Cleveland left Cornelius Lucas, filling in for injured proper deal with Jack Conklin, alone for all 17 of his matchups with Hutchinson, per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. Hutchinson made Cleveland pay, recording two sacks and 5 pressures when matched up towards Lucas. — Daniel Oyefusi
Subsequent sport: vs. Vikings (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. p.m. ET)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Is working again Woody Marks positioning himself to take over the RB1 function? Towards the Titans, the rookie had a profession day. He had career-highs in carries (17), general touches (21), offensive snaps (41), receiving yards (50) and touchdowns (two). Marks outperformed beginning working again Nick Chubb (11 carries for 47 yards) and received a bulk of the snaps and carries.
Turning level: Quarterback C.J. Stroud discovered wideout Nico Collins for a 37-yard achieve on second-and-33. At this level the sport, the rating was 6-0 with 4:06 remaining within the third quarter. However after Stroud discovered Collins down the sidelines, the Texans scored on three straight touchdowns drives. — DJ Bien-Aime
Subsequent sport: at Ravens (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
The place do the Titans go from right here? This Titans crew is a catastrophe 4 weeks in. There is no such thing as a rhythm on offense, and the protection continues to put on down on the finish. This was the fourth consecutive sport wherein Tennessee allowed an explosive run to the tip zone that was affected by missed tackles. The offense has gone with out a landing in two of its 4 video games, and kicker Joey Slye missed two area targets. It’s onerous to think about issues getting any worse for the Titans. However back-to-back street journeys to the West Coast, adopted by former coach Mike Vrabel and the Patriots at house, may spell catastrophe.
Stat to know: This was the primary time the Titans have been shut out within the first half below coach Brian Callahan. It was their first shutout in a full sport since Oct. 13, 2019, after they misplaced 16-0 to the Broncos. They’d solely been shut out twice in franchise historical past earlier than Sunday. Neither crew made it to the purple zone till the beginning of the fourth quarter, per ESPN Analysis. — Turron Davenport
Subsequent sport: at Cardinals (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Have the Patriots discovered their new working again snap distribution? One week after Rhamondre Stevenson misplaced two fumbles and backup Antonio Gibson misplaced one, the Patriots altered the snaps performed by working backs by lessening Stevenson’s workload with extra of a good break up. At halftime, Stevenson nonetheless led the best way with 11 snaps, adopted carefully by TreVeyon Henderson’s 10 and Gibson’s 5. The Patriots held a 28-6 lead at that time. Patriots working backs didn’t lose any fumbles this week, which may foreshadow an analogous strategy with snaps transferring ahead.
Turning level: Cornerback Marcus Jones’ 87-yard punt return for a landing within the first quarter modified the whole lot. The Patriots had one other gradual begin on protection by giving up an early landing, then went three-and-out on offense; that left no vitality in Gillette Stadium. Jones’ catch was spectacular, as he broke an preliminary deal with, took off up the left facet after which reduce within the center to cap it off. His 167 punt return yards are probably the most by a Patriots participant in a sport in franchise historical past. — Mike Reiss
Subsequent sport: at Payments (Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET)
What occurred to the chemistry between QB Bryce Younger and WR Tetairoa McMillan? They’d an virtually magical chemistry all offseason and thru Week 2. Nevertheless it has been off since. Earlier than this sport grew to become embarrassing, Younger missed an open McMillan down the left facet. And he later missed the rookie with room to run down the appropriate facet. McMillan had three catches for 40 yards earlier than Andy Dalton changed Younger. The offense wants that magic to maintain tempo.
Most shocking efficiency: Carolina’s particular groups unit. First, there was a missed PAT. Then, an 87-yard punt return allowed for a landing. Then, a badly missed 55-yard FG try. Then, a 61-yard punt return that nearly went for a landing. The particular groups group that was spectacular in final week’s 30-0 victory have been dreadful Sunday. — David Newton
Subsequent sport: vs. Dolphins (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Was this the actual Falcons offense all alongside? Operating again Bijan Robinson had a career-high 181 yards from scrimmage. Quarterback Michael Penix Jr. threw his first landing passes this season to a large receiver (Drake London) and tight finish (Kyle Pitts Sr.). Even working again Tyler Allgeier received in on the motion with a speeding landing. After being shut out by the Panthers final week, firing extensive receivers coach Ike Hilliard and transferring offensive coordinator Zac Robinson right down to the sector, the Falcons got here out firing in an encouraging win.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Penix hit London in stride on a deep shot within the second quarter that went for 43 yards, the longest move play to a large receiver of the season for the Falcons. That’s the type of throw and efficiency — greater than 300 yards passing — Atlanta anticipated out of Penix when it drafted him at No. 8 in 2024. — Marc Raimondi
Subsequent sport: vs. Payments (Oct. 13, 7:15 p.m. ET)
Was this only a unhealthy sport by the protection, or motive to be involved? With the offense banged up, the Commanders wanted their protection to play properly. As a substitute, the Falcons gained 15 or extra yards on 10 performs and had a season-high 436 yards general. Washington’s protection continues to have points when groups use movement, resulting in confusion and a free goal. The issue is the large performs have been allowed all season. Washington’s inconsistency towards the move — it had allowed 20 move performs of 15 yards or extra, tied for twenty seventh coming into the sport — would be the crew’s undoing if that doesn’t get mounted.
What to make of the QB efficiency: The Commanders lack explosion minus quarterback Jayden Daniels and injured receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown. The consequence was backup quarterback Marcus Mariota’s most pedestrian outing since signing with Washington forward of final season. He threw for 156 yards and had one ill-advised deep ball picked off, however did handle a complete of two touchdowns. Had Washington’s protection helped Sunday, that may have been ok. There may be hope that Daniels will return for Week 5, but it surely stays to be seen if McLaurin and Brown will do the identical. — John Keim
Subsequent sport: at Chargers (Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
Is that this model of the Steelers’ protection right here to remain? The Steelers’ protection put collectively its greatest exhibiting of the season, amassing six sacks and 10 tackles for loss towards QB Carson Wentz. The return of S DeShon Elliott was essential in thwarting RB Jordan Mason and the speeding assault, and Elliott additionally got here up with a giant second-quarter interception. LB T.J. Watt dramatically affected the sport, too, with a third-quarter interception when he deflected the ball on the line of scrimmage and grabbed it out of the air. Even DT Keeanu Benton, who had a troublesome begin to the season, received two sacks. Huge performs nonetheless got here again to chew the protection late, as Jordan Addison’s 81-yard catch-and-run arrange Jalen Nailor’s late fourth-quarter landing.
Most shocking efficiency: With beginning working again Jaylen Warren a shock inactive with a knee harm, the already woeful Steelers’ run sport appeared lifeless on arrival at Croke Park. However veteran Kenneth Gainwell shortly revived it with two touchdowns, averaging 5.2 yards on 19 carries for 99 yards to go along with six catches for 35 yards. The Steelers additionally used OL Spencer Anderson and TE Darnell Washington as additional blockers to assist unlock the run sport. — Brooke Pryor
Subsequent sport: at Browns (Oct. 12, 1 p.m. ET)
The place does the Vikings’ offense go from right here? The Vikings confirmed some life with two fourth-quarter touchdowns, however by the tip of Sunday’s sport, they have been taking part in with extra backup offensive linemen (three) than starters (two). And their outcomes mirrored it, with Wentz taking six sacks and dealing with strain for many of the sport. From a personnel perspective, there aren’t many reinforcements on the best way. QB J.J. McCarthy (ankle) has missed two consecutive weeks of observe, making his return in Week 4 a protracted shot. Left guard Donovan Jackson (wrist) goes to overlook no less than yet another sport, and it’s tough to undertaking both proper deal with Brian O’Neill (knee) or heart Ryan Kelly (concussion) to be prepared.
What to make of the QB efficiency: It was onerous to not evaluate the Vikings’ struggling offense with the Steelers’ offense, quarterbacked by Aaron Rodgers, whom the Vikings determined towards signing through the offseason. Rodgers’ almost excellent afternoon (18-of-22, 200 yards) got here totally on the type of timing-based, quick-pass offense that will work properly for a crew just like the Vikings, who’ve safety points. As a substitute, the Vikings have been left with Wentz, whom the Vikings signed final month as a backup for McCarthy. — Kevin Seifert
Subsequent sport: vs. Browns in Dublin, Eire (Sunday, 9:30 a.m. ET)
Atone for the motion: Field rating | Recap
The place does Jaxon Smith-Njigba rank among the many greatest receivers in soccer? Smith-Njigba received off to one of the best three-game begin in franchise historical past with 323 receiving yards — second most within the NFL this season to that time. It took him some time to get going towards Arizona on Thursday, however he completed with 4 catches for 79 yards, together with a 22-yarder that arrange the Seahawk’s successful area objective. Smith-Njigba, who additionally rushed for 11 speeding, was Seattle’s greatest receiver final season, even with DK Metcalf nonetheless within the fold. Now, Smith-Njigba has a case to be among the many greatest in soccer.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Sam Darnold has been getting it accomplished along with his arm and his legs. On this contest, his poise on key drives was an element, as properly. Along with the throw to Smith-Njigba that arrange the successful kick, Darnold (18-of-26, 242 yards, one TD) threw a dime to his No. 1 receiver on the earlier drive for 36 yards. Late within the first half, Darnold scrambled and hit rookie tight finish Elijah Arroyo for 32 yards; on the subsequent play, he discovered an open swath of turf and ran for twenty-four yards. That drive ended with a landing that put Seattle up 14-3 at halftime. — Brady Henderson
Subsequent sport: vs. Buccaneers (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)
How do the Cardinals repair their offense? It received’t be straightforward or fast, however the Cardinals want to handle a couple of points to their offense: the right way to get your complete scheme and key gamers in a rhythm early; the right way to cut back the variety of performs which are losses, no achieve or beneficial properties of a yard or two; and the right way to full “received to have it” performs on third down and within the purple zone. If they will enhance in these three areas, Arizona’s offense will look extra just like the one which scored two touchdowns within the fourth quarter towards Seattle.
What to make of the QB efficiency: Kyler Murray did what he may with what he had out there to him, ending along with his lowest adjusted QBR this season (27.8). Each of his interceptions have been on throws to Marvin Harrison Jr., and the extensive receiver was possible extra at fault for every of them. Nonetheless, after going 1-of-5 when focusing on Harrison within the first half, the duo was 5-of-5 for 58 yards and a landing within the second half. Murray completed 27-of-41 passing for 200 yards. — Josh Weinfuss
Subsequent sport: vs. Titans (Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET)