NFL Week 4 Preview: 5 Key Storylines as Teams Aim to Jump-Start Their Offense

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What’s going on with NFL offenses? This past Sunday, the Saints led the Eagles 3-0 heading into the fourth quarter. Teams like the Patriots, Texans, Browns, Bears, Buccaneers, Raiders, Dolphins, and Cowboys all scored fewer than seven points in the first three quarters of their games.

It’s been a struggle across the board. Is the lack of preseason to blame? Or could it be defenses playing deep safeties more often? Maybe Week 4 will see teams finally break through. Here are five things to watch out for:

1. Damar Hamlin's Milestone
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin celebrated his first career interception on Monday, September 23, against the Jacksonville Jaguars—just months after suffering cardiac arrest on the field in early 2023.

2. Sam Darnold's Breakout in Minnesota
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has led his team to a 3-0 start, including a dominant 34-7 win over the Texans. After struggling with the Jets and brief stints in Carolina and San Francisco, the 27-year-old has found his stride in Minnesota. With solid performances from both sides of the ball, the Vikings are looking like a real contender this season.

3. Bengals and Joe Burrow Facing Steep Odds
No team has ever started 0-3 and gone on to make the Super Bowl, and only six teams in NFL history have made the playoffs after starting 0-3. The Cincinnati Bengals face long odds, but with a favorable schedule ahead—including games against the Panthers, Ravens, Giants, and Browns—they could still turn things around. Joe Burrow remains optimistic about their playoff chances despite the slow start.

4. Game of the Week: Bills at Ravens
The Buffalo Bills have been an offensive juggernaut this season, leading the league with 112 points through three games. Quarterback Josh Allen has been firing on all cylinders, and the Bills will face a tough test against a Ravens team that’s desperate to get its season back on track after a rocky start.

5. Commanders’ Rookie QB Jayden Daniels Shines
Washington Commanders fans have plenty to be excited about. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, drafted second overall, is looking like a franchise cornerstone after an all-time great performance against the Bengals. Daniels completed 91.3% of his passes, setting a new rookie record, and led the Commanders to victory with two passing touchdowns and one rushing score.

Bonus: Another Monday Night Double-Header
For the second week in a row, fans will be treated to two Monday Night Football games. The Dolphins host the Titans, while the Lions take on the Seahawks. Seattle has surprised many with a 3-0 start, and their matchup with Detroit should be one to watch.

Full Week 4 Schedule:
Thursday:

• Dallas Cowboys (1-2) @ New York Giants (1-2) – 8:15 p.m. ET

Sunday:

• New Orleans Saints (2-1) @ Atlanta Falcons (1-2) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Cincinnati Bengals (0-3) @ Carolina Panthers (1-2) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Los Angeles Rams (1-2) @ Chicago Bears (1-2) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Minnesota Vikings (3-0) @ Green Bay Packers (2-1) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) @ Houston Texans (2-1) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) @ Indianapolis Colts (1-2) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Denver Broncos (1-2) @ New York Jets (2-1) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) – 1:00 p.m. ET
• Washington Commanders (2-1) @ Arizona Cardinals (1-2) – 4:05 p.m. ET
• New England Patriots (1-2) @ San Francisco 49ers (1-2) – 4:05 p.m. ET
• Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) @ Los Angeles Chargers (2-1) – 4:25 p.m. ET
• Cleveland Browns (1-2) @ Las Vegas Raiders (1-2) – 4:25 p.m. ET
• Buffalo Bills (3-0) @ Baltimore Ravens (1-2) – 8:20 p.m. ET

Monday:

• Tennessee Titans (0-3) @ Miami Dolphins (1-2) – 7:30 p.m. ET
• Seattle Seahawks (3-0) @ Detroit Lions (2-1) – 8:15 p.m. ET