2024 NFL Week 4 Winners and Losers: Vikings and 49ers look impressive while Eagles and Jets take big hits

Another Sunday, another full NFL action just around the corner. And boy, the final round of regular season action was full of drama, from the Minnesota Vikings surviving a big comeback from the Green Bay Packers to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeating the Philadelphia Eagles again.

Here are some of the biggest winners and losers from week four:

Winner: The Courage of the Vikings

Minnesota fans got to experience all the emotions on Sunday: They rejoiced in an early loss to the rival Green Bay Packers, then got even tougher when Jordan Love finished with the ball. Was it a perfect game for the purple competitors? No. But even on a day where Sam Darnold had two turnovers, the Vikes never really seemed ready to pick up their fourth straight win. They continue to impress as a whole.

Loser: The combination of Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts

The Eagles’ defense will be in over their heads for giving up 33 points to Baker Mayfield and Co., and missed tackles were once again a glaring problem, but the bigger concern is the duo leading the ship. It hurts to play without your two best wideouts, especially when those two wideouts also happen to be some of the best in the NFL, but Hurts has played in most of his three-plus seasons under Sirianni, whose offense continues to seem erratic and sluggish. just got lucky at the start of the games. Only Saquon Barkley is truly a standout in Philadelphia right now, so it’s good that this club gets an early bye in Week 5.

Winner: The Bears’ running game

Finally some local life in Chicago. After three weeks of gruesome work behind a questionable line, D’Andre Swift shined against the Los Angeles Rams, relieving rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Rosschon Johnson also came into the game as an effective red zone option. If the Bears can actually maintain momentum in this area, it could make a big difference for Williams’ growth and Matt Eberflus’ defense.

The big man remains a top talent on the field, but again, just four games into the season, we have to wonder when the 2023 first-round pick will be healthy enough to compete. The Indianapolis Colts may have bigger problems, and many others did in Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, but that’s two straight years where the youngster has struggled to stay upright.

Winner: The Burrow-Chase connection

The Cincinnati Bengals’ explosive duo was on display a week ago, albeit in a loss. On Sunday, Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase were on point, but this time it counted on the scoreboard. Do the Bengals still have defensive problems? Secure. But dropping 34 points and hitting a home run from Chase bodes well for this group that relies on Burrow to service its playmakers.

Loser: The Jets’ offense

It didn’t take long for Aaron Rodgers’ magic to fade in dreary weather against the Denver Broncos. Fresh off a tough but promising two-game winning streak, Rodgers appeared much more human in an ugly, rain-soaked loss behind an even uglier offensive line. He still has the arm to carry a contender in today’s NFL, but at 40 and admittedly with bad legs, can A-Rod survive this situation?

Winner: The 49ers’ status as a contender

Bashing the New England Patriots isn’t going to blow anyone away, but how about Brock Purdy’s sustained attitude to make the point even when his guns aren’t firing on all cylinders? Better yet, with the rival Rams outnumbered by the Bears and the Cardinals struggling to keep up with the Commanders, it suddenly doesn’t seem so crazy to think San Francisco will do just fine in the NFC West race.

Loser: The Chiefs depth chart

Kansas City remained undefeated by defeating the rival Los Angeles Chargers, and both Xavier Worthy and Travis Kelce had splash plays following passes from Patrick Mahomes. However, Rashee Rice, the No. 1 wideout, suffered a potentially serious knee injury, forcing Andy Reid to once again consider outside insurance for the offensive lineup. Isiah Pacheco is also out indefinitely.

Winner: Jayden Daniels’ prize odds

Although the Washington Commanders’ rookie relies primarily on short-range passes, he was once again accurate and as steady as a runner in a 42-14 win over the Cardinals on Sunday. The slippery LSU product is clearly the leading candidate for Offensive Rookie of the Year.