A chaotic start to the regular season continued across the NFL on the Sunday of Week 4. The early window got the action started with plenty of upsets, as four underdogs won outright. The late window didn’t disappoint either, including a statement win from one of the hottest teams in the NFL.
PFN’s Playoff Predictor has been updated following several surprising results in Week 4. Now that we are nearly a quarter of the way through the regular season, here’s how the playoff picture looks in both the AFC and NFC.
Current NFL Standings After Sunday’s Week 4 Action
AFC Playoff Picture
1) Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
2) Houston Texans (3-1)
3) Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
4) Buffalo Bills (3-1)
5) New York Jets (2-2)
6) Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
7) Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
In the Hunt
8) Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
9) Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)
10) Denver Broncos (2-2)
11) Miami Dolphins (1-2)
12) New England Patriots (1-3)
13) Cleveland Browns (1-3)
14) Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
15) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)
16) Tennessee Titans (0-3)
NFC Playoff Picture
1) Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
2) Seattle Seahawks (3-0)
3) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
4) Washington Commanders (3-1)
5) Detroit Lions (2-1)
6) Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
7) New Orleans Saints (2-2)
In the Hunt
8) Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
9) Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
10) San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
11) Green Bay Packers (2-2)
12) Chicago Bears (2-2)
13) Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
14) Los Angeles Rams (1-3)
15) Carolina Panthers (1-3)
16) New York Giants (1-3)
Chiefs Reclaim the No. 1 Seed in the AFC
Despite dealing with several injuries on offense, the Chiefs outlasted the Chargers in Week 4. Kansas City improved to 4-0 through the first four weeks of the regular season, as the Chiefs take their place atop the AFC.
The Chiefs could be without three of the team’s top three offensive weapons for the foreseeable future after second-year wide receiver Rashee Rice suffered a potentially season-ending knee injury.
SEE MORE: NFL Injury Report
Patrick Mahomes reignited his connection with Travis Kelce in Week 4, as the star tight end hauled in seven receptions for 89 yards. Rookie wide receiver Xavier Worthy got in on the action as well with three receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown.
Vikings Are Here To Stay After Another Impressive Showing
After losing J.J. McCarthy for the year during the preseason, many counted the Vikings and backup quarterback Sam Darnold out. However, Minnesota remains undefeated after a convincing victory against the Packers.
While the Packers made a run late in the second half, Minnesota held a 28-7 lead at halftime. Darnold is playing like a legitimate MVP candidate, as he has completed 68.9% of his passes for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns, and just three interceptions.
Jets Remain in Playoff Race Despite Embarrassing Loss
The Jets were the second-biggest favorites on Sunday, as they were favored by eight points against the Broncos. Yet the Jets ran out of fuel in Week 4, while Denver traveled across the country and shocked New York with a 10-9 victory in a defensive battle.
Despite New York’s disappointing loss, the Jets remain firmly in the AFC’s playoff race as the current No. 5 seed. Things aren’t going to get any easier for the Jets moving forward, as they will travel to London to play the undefeated Vikings in Week 5.
Ravens-Texans Playoff Rematch Coming Soon?
After an 0-2 start to the regular season, it’s safe to say that the Ravens are officially back. Baltimore has made a statement in back-to-back weeks with impressive victories over the Cowboys and Bills.
With the Ravens entering the playoff race, they could face a familiar opponent in the Wild Card Round. If the postseason started today, the Ravens would face the Texans for the second consecutive year.
After defeating the Texans at home in the playoffs last season, the Ravens would have to travel to Houston this time around.
Commanders Steal Top Spot in the NFC East
The Commanders have won three games in a row, and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels is running away with the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year award. Washington’s offense, led by Daniels, has scored 80 points over the team’s last two games.
Although the Commanders hired a defensive-minded head coach in Dan Quinn, Washington’s offense is the talk of the NFL. The Commanders have punted just once in their last two games and will host the struggling Browns in Week 5.
Pro Football Network’s Theo Ash highlighted Daniels’ impressive performance in Week 4.
Jayden Daniels cutup
Great pass protection + pinpoint accuracy pic.twitter.com/85xZWPl2Y4
— Theo Ash (@TheoAshNFL) September 30, 2024
Eagles, Cowboys on the Outside Looking In
The NFC East was expected to be a two-team race between the Eagles and Cowboys. However, both teams have struggled to start the regular season while the Commanders have taken a one-game lead in the division.
While the Eagles will enjoy a much-needed bye week in Week 5, the Cowboys still have a tough road ahead of them. Dallas will face the Steelers, Lions, Niners, and Falcons over their next four games in five weeks.
Bengals Clinch First Win, Remain No. 14 Seed in the AFC
After an embarrassing 0-3 start, the Bengals finally earned their first win of the regular season with a victory over the Panthers. Things got interesting in Carolina, as the Panthers made it a one-possession game with nearly eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
While the Bengals surely won’t complain about a win, they still have a long way to go to make the playoffs. Cincinnati is currently the No. 14 seed in the AFC, as they face an uphill battle to make a legitimate playoff push this season.
Three NFC South Teams To Make the Playoffs?
While many believed the AFC North was supposed to be the powerhouse division with three potential playoff teams this season, the NFC South is coming for that title. If the playoffs started today, the NFC South would surprisingly send three teams to the postseason.
The Buccaneers, Falcons, and Saints would all make the playoffs right now. Despite a surprising loss to the Broncos in Week 3, the Buccaneers are building up quite a résumé. Tampa Bay is currently 3-1, including victories over the Commanders, Lions, and Eagles.
Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield was on fire against the Eagles in Week 4.
Baker Mayfield masterclass today:
347 Pass YDs | 3 TDs (1 Rush) 🔥@FedEx pic.twitter.com/XBzLIl9Qkz
— NFL (@NFL) September 29, 2024
Chargers Losing Energy After Hot Start
After a 2-0 start to the regular season, the Chargers have dealt with several injuries and are quickly running out of energy. Los Angeles is now 2-2 following consecutive losses to two of the top teams in the AFC over the last two weeks.
Despite the arrival of head coach Jim Harbaugh, he may not have enough juice to lead the Chargers to the postseason in his first season in Los Angeles. Justin Herbert is clearly bothered by his ankle injury as the Chargers are currently outside the playoffs and looking in.
All Bark, No Bite: Browns Are AFC’s Current No. 13 Seed
The Browns overcame several quarterback injuries and still finished with an 11-6 record last season. Despite the return of a healthy Deshaun Watson, Cleveland has struggled with a 1-3 record through the first four games of the regular season.
Cleveland’s offensive line has been decimated by injuries and Watson has failed to return to his old form. Watson has completed just 61.5% of his passes for 727 yards, four touchdowns, and three interceptions. Things won’t get any easier for the Browns in the fearsome AFC North.