📸 Image Credit: Buffalo Bills
Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season delivered everything fans crave—high-stakes drama, shocking upsets, breakout performances, and moments that could define the trajectory of the season. With the league’s early leaders beginning to distinguish themselves, only two teams remain undefeated heading into Week 5: the Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) in the NFC and the Buffalo Bills (4-0) in the AFC. As the dust settles on a weekend full of memorable matchups, let’s take a closer look at the storylines that defined the slate of action.
International Spotlight: Steelers Narrowly Defeat Vikings in Dublin
The NFL’s global expansion initiative took center stage in Dublin, Ireland, where the Pittsburgh Steelers eked out a 24-21 victory over the Minnesota Vikings in what was the league’s first overseas matchup of the 2025 season. While technically a neutral-site game, the atmosphere in Dublin resembled a home-field advantage for Pittsburgh, as the crowd vocally supported the Steelers and roared at every Vikings misstep.
Quarterback Justin Fields showcased his dual-threat capabilities, scrambling for critical first downs while delivering precise passes when it counted most. Pittsburgh’s defense rose to the occasion late, forcing a pivotal interception that effectively sealed the win. The Steelers improve to 2-2, snapping a sluggish start and reigniting hopes for a competitive season, while the Vikings fall to 1-3, leaving lingering questions about the effectiveness of their revamped secondary.
Despite the loss, rookie wide receiver J.J. McCarthy impressed with 280 passing yards, demonstrating poise and accuracy under pressure. The Dublin crowd provided an electric backdrop for the showdown, blending the NFL’s unique brand of high-octane football with international excitement. The success of this game signals that Europe will continue to be an exciting frontier for the league, with fans hungry for more transatlantic clashes.
NFC East Showdown: Eagles Extend Winning Streak Over Buccaneers
In one of the marquee matchups of Week 4, the Philadelphia Eagles maintained their perfect record with a 31-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Both teams entered the game unbeaten, making the clash a true test of composure, talent, and strategy.
Philadelphia’s defense played a decisive role, with Haason Reddick leading the charge by recording two sacks and forcing a fumble. The Eagles’ defensive line relentlessly pressured quarterback Baker Mayfield, resulting in three turnovers that the offense converted into 17 points.
On offense, Jalen Hurts delivered a commanding performance, throwing for 312 yards and three touchdowns. A 45-yard strike to DeVonta Smith in the third quarter was pivotal, flipping momentum and energizing the Eagles’ sideline. While the Buccaneers staged a late-game rally, Mayfield’s four-touchdown day wasn’t enough to overcome critical clock-management errors, ultimately sealing Tampa’s first loss of the season.
The Eagles now boast a 4-0 record with a +45 point differential, showing that their formula of dominant trench play combined with Hurts’ dual-threat ability is paying dividends. For the Buccaneers, the 3-1 record still keeps them competitive in the NFC South, but the game highlighted their vulnerability in late-game situations, an area they must address if they hope to contend for the postseason.
AFC West Shock: Giants Upset Chargers Behind Rookie QB
Week 4 also produced one of the biggest surprises in the AFC when the New York Giants, 6.5-point underdogs, toppled the previously unbeaten Los Angeles Chargers 27-20. Rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart, the Giants’ 2025 first-round selection, made his first career start and immediately justified the hype. Dart threw for 289 yards and two touchdowns while expertly managing a 12-play, 78-yard game-winning drive, finishing with a pinpoint pass to rookie tight end Theo Johnson for the decisive score.
The Chargers, who entered the game at 3-0, were plagued by turnovers, including three interceptions thrown by Justin Herbert. Their run defense also struggled, giving up 142 yards on the ground, which allowed the Giants to sustain long drives and control the clock. Los Angeles drops to 3-1, leaving questions about the coordination between offensive strategy and defensive execution.
For the Giants, now 2-2, Dart’s performance provides a silver lining in a season that had begun with uncertainty. His poise, accuracy, and ability to execute in high-pressure situations give Big Blue hope that they can be a spoiler for more than just the Chargers this season.
Other Week 4 Highlights: Rams, Jaguars, and Bears Make Headlines
Week 4 was a fertile ground for unexpected results beyond the top storylines. The Los Angeles Rams dismantled the Indianapolis Colts 28-17, with quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing for three touchdowns and running back Kyren Williams rushing for 110 yards. The Rams’ performance showcased a balanced attack and clock management that kept the Colts on their heels. Indianapolis, now 3-1, relied heavily on Anthony Richardson’s arm, but three sacks and a fumble returned for a score proved costly in the contest.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars edged out the San Francisco 49ers 24-21 in Santa Clara. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence recorded 310 total yards and a rushing touchdown, outdueling a Brock Purdy-led 49ers offense returning from injury. Jacksonville’s defense capitalized on two key interceptions, which proved decisive in a game that highlighted San Francisco’s ongoing struggles with injuries, including Nick Bosa’s ACL tear. The 49ers, once seen as Super Bowl contenders, now face a period of adjustment and lineup reshuffling.
In Chicago, the Bears claimed a thrilling 23-20 overtime victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams delivered a 40-yard scramble to set up a 28-yard game-tying field goal, forcing extra time. Kicker Cairo Santos then drilled a 52-yard attempt in OT to secure the win. The Bears improve to 2-2 and validated their young core’s grit and ability to perform under pressure.
The Last Undefeated Teams: Eagles and Bills Hold Firm
After Week 4, only two teams maintain perfect records: the Philadelphia Eagles and the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo eked out a 23-17 home win over the New Orleans Saints, with Josh Allen contributing 220 combined yards and the defense forcing two crucial turnovers. Both teams have demonstrated balance, resilience, and consistency—traits that make them early Super Bowl favorites.
While neither squad is without flaws—the Eagles’ secondary has shown occasional lapses, and the Bills’ running game ranks slightly below league averages—their steady performance separates them from a league full of parity. Other previously unbeaten teams, including the Chargers, Colts, Buccaneers, and 49ers, suffered setbacks, emphasizing the NFL’s unpredictable nature.
Standout Individual Performances
Week 4 also highlighted the emergence of young talent and established stars stepping up when it mattered most. Jaxson Dart’s first career start was a showcase of poise and precision. Trevor Lawrence continued his consistent high-level play, demonstrating dual-threat capabilities that keep Jacksonville in contention. Veterans like Matthew Stafford and Jalen Hurts confirmed why they remain key to their teams’ success, with Hurts’ dual-threat performance against Tampa Bay standing out as a blueprint for offensive efficiency.
Defensively, Haason Reddick anchored Philadelphia’s front, proving disruptive pass rush can decisively swing games. Pittsburgh’s late-game interception in Dublin also underscored the critical role of opportunistic defense in securing tight contests.
Looking Ahead: Week 5 Stakes
Week 4 served as a reminder that no lead is safe, no streak lasts forever, and every game can produce highlight-reel moments. International matchups, rookie heroics, and high-scoring shootouts defined the weekend, leaving fans eager for more drama in Week 5.
The undefeated Eagles and Bills will look to extend their perfect runs, while other teams like the Chargers, Buccaneers, and 49ers will attempt to rebound and reclaim momentum. With parity high across the league, any misstep could shift playoff positioning dramatically. Fans should expect more clutch performances, breakout rookies, and unexpected finishes as the season unfolds.
From the Emerald Isle to high-stakes primetime battles, Week 4 of the NFL proved why the league remains a spectacle of unpredictability, athletic excellence, and sheer entertainment. As teams prepare for the next slate of games, one thing is clear: in the NFL, no storylines are finished, and every team has a chance to create its own drama.
