Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season delivered a stunning mix of major upsets, defining defensive performances, and electrifying rookie debuts that have reshaped the early-season landscape. From the moment the first games kicked off, it was clear that no favorite was safe, as underdog teams leveraged turnover-heavy defense and breakout offensive performances to topple perennial contenders. The New York Giants shocked the Los Angeles Chargers, a major divisional tilt went down to the wire, and several rookies demonstrated why they were drafted highly, offering a dramatic shift in momentum for teams across the league.
The Stunning Upset Weekend: Giants and Bears Defy the Odds
The central narrative of Week 4 was the emergence of the massive underdog. No victory was more surprising than the New York Giants’ triumph over the Los Angeles Chargers. Despite entering the game as significant underdogs and dealing with the devastating loss of a star receiver to injury, the Giants offense showed a new vitality, led by rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart in his first career start. While his passing numbers were modest, Dart’s composure and mobility helped the Giants notch their first victory of the season, a result that sent shockwaves through the AFC playoff picture.
In a different close call, the Chicago Bears pulled off a thrilling, late-game comeback victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bears’ win, which saw the team successfully convert crucial opportunities, highlights a rising trend of parity in the NFL, where focused, aggressive play can overcome a perceived talent gap, especially on defense. These upsets demonstrated that no team has yet found a consistent, dominant stride, leaving the league wide open.
Dominant Divisional Showdowns and Defensive Sacks
Week 4 was also marked by several statement victories from playoff-caliber teams, often fueled by stifling defensive pressure. The Detroit Lions maintained their strong start by handily defeating the Cleveland Browns. The Lions’ defense, led by a relentless pass rush, completely overwhelmed the Browns’ offensive line, generating multiple sacks and forcing key turnovers that the offense converted into points. This defensive domination proved that the Lions can win even when their high-powered offense is momentarily slowed, a sign of a truly complete team.
The Pittsburgh Steelers secured a crucial international victory in a tough contest against the Minnesota Vikings. In a game that went down to the wire, the Steelers’ defense made a critical stop on the final drive to preserve a narrow lead. Meanwhile, the Seattle Seahawks also nearly squandered a large lead against the Arizona Cardinals, but managed to regroup and drive for a game-winning field goal, underscoring the high-stress, unpredictable nature of even games against struggling opponents.
The Running Back Report: Taylor and the Ground Game
As a key feature of the early season, the running back position continued to command attention in Week 4. Jonathan Taylor, the star running back for the Indianapolis Colts, continued his exceptional start to the season, leading the league in rushing yards per game and remaining a dominant fantasy force. His consistent production has been a cornerstone of the Colts’ surprising early-season success, proving his value as a true bell-cow back.
On the other side of the ledger, a breakout performance came from Carolina Panthers running back Rico Dowdle in a “revenge game” against his former team, the Dallas Cowboys. Dowdle delivered a punishing day, racking up a massive yardage total and personally willing the Panthers to an important victory. His physical style and ability to break tackles became the engine of the Panthers’ offense, showcasing a new player staking his claim as an elite performer in the league’s competitive backfield landscape.
Rookies and Quarterback Shifts
The newest crop of NFL talent is quickly changing the league’s dynamics. Beyond Jaxson Dart’s debut for the Giants, the New England Patriots’ rookie quarterback, Drake Maye, had one of his most efficient games to date, leading the team to a commanding win. Maye threw for over 200 yards with multiple touchdowns, showcasing both his arm talent and his ability to contribute in the running game, providing a much-needed spark for the Patriots’ offense.
Similarly, Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. had an impressive performance, throwing for over 300 yards and two touchdowns in a high-scoring victory over the Washington Commanders. The success of these first-year quarterbacks underscores the depth of talent entering the league and the pressure on veteran quarterbacks who are currently struggling. For teams like the Browns, questions are already beginning to surface about how long they will stick with veteran options as their rookie counterparts shine.
