NFL Week 4 Recap: The Good, The Bad, and What's Next
NFL Week 4 Recap: The Good, The Bad, and What's Next
It’s been an adventurous start to the NFL season, and that trend continued in Week 4. This season has been all about extremes – thrilling highs and disappointing lows. Week 4 was another prime example, with incredible performances on the field and a wave of injuries and questionable coaching decisions off it. Here are our key takeaways from Week 4:
The Good
The Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota lost their top-ten pick, JJ McCarthy, before the season even started. But it seems like nobody told them. Kevin O’Connell has been masterful, making Sam Darnold look like one of the top quarterbacks in football. On Sunday, Darnold became the first Vikings QB ever to post a 100+ passer rating in each of the team’s first four games.
Jayden Daniels is Here
Not enough good things can be said about Jayden Daniels, who led the Washington Commanders to yet another road win on Sunday in Arizona. Daniels is now the odds-on favorite for Offensive Rookie of the Year and has led more scoring drives (23) than he has incomplete passes this season.
Nico Collins Continues to Ascend
Nico Collins has been a major bright spot for both fantasy managers and Texans fans. On Sunday, he shredded the Jaguars' man-heavy scheme, racking up 151 yards and a touchdown. Through four weeks, he leads the NFL in receiving yards and already has three 100+ yard games.
The Bad
Friendly Fire
It looks like we’ve lost another star player for the season. Rashee Rice left the game early on Sunday after taking a hit to the knee from his own quarterback, Patrick Mahomes, as they tried to chase down a defender after an interception. Rice was on pace for a career season, and the Chiefs are now down Isiah Pacheco, Hollywood Brown, and Rice – despite sitting at 4-0.
Stats Are For Losers
Kyle Pitts continues to frustrate fantasy managers, delivering another disappointing performance with zero catches and a season-low 58% route share. After the game, Falcons head coach Raheem Morris seemed unfazed, stating that “Stats are for losers,” and that he’s only focused on winning football games. Pitts’ fantasy outlook remains bleak.
What’s to Come
We’re lucky to have two more games on Monday night to close out Week 4. The Tennessee Titans are on the road in Miami, while the Seahawks travel to Detroit. Here’s what to watch for:
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are 0-3 and looking for answers. Will Levis has struggled this season, but they need him to show up tonight if they want their first win. Interestingly, Levis had one of his best games last year against the Dolphins, throwing for 327 yards in a win. This is also a homecoming game for Calvin Ridley, who grew up in Ft. Lauderdale.
Miami Dolphins
Tyler Huntley gets his first start as a Dolphin tonight. It will be interesting to see how he fares in Mike McDaniel's timing-based offense. Expect a big workload for De’Von Achane, with Raheem Mostert out once again. Fantasy managers will be hoping for big games from Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, who have been inconsistent so far this season.
Seattle Seahawks
New OC Ryan Grubb has breathed new life into Seattle's offense. This game is shaping up to be pass-heavy, especially with Detroit being tough against the run. Jaxon Smith-Njigba could have a big night, as Detroit has allowed the most fantasy points to slot receivers this season and will be without CB Brian Branch.
Detroit Lions
Detroit has leaned heavily on the run this season, especially against teams like the Rams and Cardinals. With Seattle's defense weaker against the run and missing several key players, expect another big night for David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs.