NFL Weekly Recap: Week 4
Author: Pro Pick'em Tue, Sep 30, 2025
Week 4 delivered a slate of tight finishes, a few one-sided performances and a truly unusual 40-40 tie, underscoring how quickly narratives can shift early in the season. Several defenses imposed their will while some high-powered offenses continued to find traction, producing a mix of expected outcomes and genuine surprises. Through the first month, teams that have found complementary football on both sides of the ball are separating themselves from clubs that still need answers.
Seattle Seahawks 23, Arizona Cardinals 20
Seattle edged Arizona in a one-score game that remained competitive throughout, with the final minutes determining the outcome. Both teams moved the ball in spurts, but defensive stands in crucial moments kept the scoring limited. The Seahawks were able to sustain a few timely drives late in the game to secure the win. Arizona stayed in it through the second half, but an inability to convert on late possessions proved costly. The result keeps Seattle steady while leaving Arizona searching for more consistent execution in close games.
Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Minnesota Vikings 21
Pittsburgh took a narrow victory over Minnesota in a contest decided down the stretch. The game featured several lead changes and both clubs showed the ability to score in the red zone. Pittsburgh's defense stepped up on key downs to limit Minnesota's late comeback attempts. Minnesota remained competitive to the final whistle but couldn't overcome a late surge by the home offense. The win gives Pittsburgh momentum, while Minnesota will want cleaner execution in late-game situations.
Atlanta Falcons 34, Washington Commanders 27
Atlanta outscored Washington in a fairly high-paced affair that featured multiple scoring drives by both teams. The Falcons' offense produced consistent yardage and enough big plays to keep a one-score cushion. Washington fought back repeatedly, keeping the game within reach, but Atlanta maintained the edge on the scoreboard. Key third-down conversions at pivotal stretches helped the Falcons preserve the lead. Washington showed resiliency but will need to tighten up in critical defensive moments.
Buffalo Bills 31, New Orleans Saints 19
Buffalo logged a solid win over New Orleans with a two-possession margin that reflected control for much of the game. The Bills balanced their attack and were efficient on scoring opportunities, building a lead they did not relinquish. New Orleans managed to move the ball at times but struggled to sustain drives consistently against Buffalo's defense. Turnovers and missed opportunities hampered the Saints' comeback chances. The result reinforces Buffalo's competency on both sides while the Saints must find more consistent offensive production.
Detroit Lions 34, Cleveland Browns 10
Detroit produced a decisive blowout of Cleveland, holding the Browns to a single-digit total while scoring multiple times. The Lions' offense was able to convert possessions into points, and their defense limited Cleveland's opportunities. Cleveland had few answers all afternoon and never mounted a sustained threat to cut into the margin. The one-sided nature of the game highlighted a mismatch in execution on that day. Detroit's statement win raises expectations, while Cleveland faces questions about offensive rhythm and defensive stops.
New England Patriots 42, Carolina Panthers 13
New England rolled to a convincing victory over Carolina, putting up a large point total while holding the Panthers in check. The Patriots were efficient and opportunistic offensively, turning possessions into scores throughout the contest. Carolina struggled to generate consistent offense and trailed for most of the game. New England's complementary play on offense and defense created separation early. The result gives the Patriots a standout win on the week and leaves Carolina searching for offensive answers.
New York Giants 21, Los Angeles Chargers 18
The Giants escaped with a close home win over the Chargers in a tight game decided late. Both teams had stretches of effective offense, but defensive plays at key moments swung momentum. The Giants managed enough timely third-down conversions to keep drives alive and grind out the clock. Los Angeles remained within striking distance but couldn't finish with the decisive play in the final possessions. The win is valuable for New York's confidence, while the Chargers will want to close tighter in late-game scenarios.
Philadelphia Eagles 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25
Philadelphia held off Tampa Bay in a competitive matchup that featured back-and-forth scoring and situational adjustments. The Eagles were able to sustain several scoring drives and made enough defensive plays to maintain a margin. Tampa Bay answered in stretches and forced pressure, but the Eagles' consistency ultimately proved decisive. Special teams and late possessions played a role in how both teams handled the closing minutes. The Eagles' win keeps their offense rolling, while the Buccaneers showed they can compete but need to finish stronger.
Houston Texans 26, Tennessee Titans 0
Houston recorded a dominant shutout of Tennessee, blanking the Titans while putting up multiple scores. The Texans' defense controlled the line of scrimmage and limited Tennessee's ability to move the ball throughout the game. Offensively, Houston capitalized on opportunities and converted enough drives to build a comfortable lead. Tennessee was unable to generate sustained offense or breakthrough plays to get on the board. The result is a statement defensive performance for Houston and a concerning offensive outing for Tennessee.
Los Angeles Rams 27, Indianapolis Colts 20
The Rams secured a one-score victory over the Colts in a contest decided by a single possession. Los Angeles found ways to produce scoring drives at critical moments, while the defense made important stops when necessary. Indianapolis remained in contention and challenged the Rams late, but could not complete the comeback. Key third-down situations and clock management factored into the closing sequence. The win helps the Rams maintain momentum, while the Colts will look to tighten late-game execution.
Jacksonville Jaguars 26, San Francisco 49ers 21
Jacksonville prevailed in a tight matchup against San Francisco, taking a modest lead into the final phase and holding on. The Jaguars' offense delivered in timely moments and converted enough scoring chances to stay ahead. The 49ers mounted pressure and had opportunities late but fell short of overtaking Jacksonville. Defensive plays in the fourth quarter helped the Jaguars preserve their advantage. The result suggests Jacksonville can compete with top-tier opponents, while the 49ers will search for finishing plays.
Kansas City Chiefs 37, Baltimore Ravens 20
Kansas City posted a convincing victory over Baltimore, scoring at a high clip while holding a comfortable edge. The Chiefs were able to sustain drives and capitalize in the red zone, creating separation in the second half. Baltimore managed to score but could not match Kansas City's offensive output. The game reinforced Kansas City's reputation as an efficient, high-scoring unit when in rhythm. The Ravens will examine ways to slow the Chiefs' momentum in future matchups.
Chicago Bears 25, Las Vegas Raiders 24
Chicago edged Las Vegas in a one-point contest that remained tense until the final whistle. The Bears produced enough stops and key conversions to keep the Raiders at bay in critical moments. Las Vegas stayed within striking distance and threatened late, but could not find the go-ahead score. Turnovers and situational play dictated several key swings in field position. The win gives Chicago a close triumph, while the Raiders rue missed opportunities in a tightly contested game.
Dallas Cowboys 40, Green Bay Packers 40
Dallas and Green Bay played to an unusual 40-40 tie, a rare outcome that showcased offensive fireworks on both sides. Both teams exchanged big plays and scoring drives throughout, with neither able to secure a decisive edge by the end of regulation. Defenses had difficulty containing explosive plays, and the game stayed high-scoring from start to finish. The tie preserves points for both clubs but leaves questions about closing out late-game situations. It's a notable early-season anomaly that will be discussed around the league.
Miami Dolphins 27, New York Jets 21
Miami held off New York in a one-possession game that featured back-and-forth scoring and strategic adjustments. The Dolphins manufactured enough successful drives to keep a narrow advantage late in the contest. The Jets responded in stretches and forced pressure, but ultimately came up short in the final phase. Key possession management and situational play favored Miami down the stretch. Both teams showed competitiveness, with Miami earning the edge in execution.
Denver Broncos 28, Cincinnati Bengals 3
Denver delivered a commanding win over Cincinnati, limiting the Bengals to a single-digit total while putting up multiple touchdowns. The Broncos' defense dominated at times and prevented Cincinnati from finding any sustained offensive rhythm. Denver converted opportunities into points and never allowed the Bengals to mount a serious comeback. The lopsided scoreline will be a concern for Cincinnati's evaluators, while Denver gains confidence from a complete performance. The result suggests the Broncos can be a disruptive force when all phases click.
Standout Performances of the Week
Houston's defensive unit merits recognition after a shutout performance that completely stifled Tennessee, holding the Titans without a score and setting the tone for a commanding win.
New England's offense deserves notice for a dominant output in their 42-13 victory, converting drives into points consistently and producing a comprehensive win.
Biggest Upsets / Surprises
Houston's 26-0 shutout of Tennessee stands out as a major surprise given the rarity of shutouts in today's league and the decisiveness of the victory.
The 40-40 tie between Dallas and Green Bay is an unexpected and highly unusual result for Week 4, producing a marquee box score that leaves both teams with an odd split in the standings.
Latest Predictions / outlook for top and struggling teams
Kansas City's convincing 37-20 win over Baltimore reinforces the view that the Chiefs remain an early-season standard-bearer; if they continue to execute on offense and make timely defensive plays, they'll be a favorite in the AFC race.
Teams that suffered lopsided losses this week - notably Cincinnati and Tennessee - will need to address consistency on offense and defensive execution quickly if they hope to stabilize their seasons before division play heats up.