As the NFL reaches the fourth week of its season, some teams are soaring while others stumble: the Bills and Eagles remain undefeated, while the Jets, Titans and Saints have yet to win a game. Fans and analysts alike are wondering, who will rise, who will fall, and who’s still on pace?
Injuries mount for the Ravens following their slow start:
The Ravens sit at 1-3 to start the season, an underwhelming performance in comparison to expectations. After losing in the divisional round last year to the Buffalo Bills, expectations were high for the Ravens heading into the 2025-2026 season. “I personally had them making the Super Bowl this year, or at least contending for a chip,” said Charlie Garner ’27. Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson hurt his hamstring during Sunday night’s blowout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, an addition to the extensive injury list for the team. Jackson’s injury was the most notable on a Sunday that saw multiple of the team’s key players go down. Offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley and defensive standouts Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey were also sidelined, adding to Baltimore’s obstacles this season. The team is surrendering 33.3 points per game, the most in the NFL this season, according to StatMuse. Despite a strong starting week, star running back Derrick Henry has struggled to find his rhythm since, rushing for a combined 145 yards in his last three games, according to ESPN. “He has really slowed down from last year,” Garner ’27 added.
Josh Allen and the Bills get off to a strong start:
Josh Allen is leading the Buffalo Bills to an undefeated start following his MVP season last year. History Faculty and football enthusiast Beth Eby stated, “I’m feeling good about their start…but it’s still early in the season.” The team’s offense, ranked third in points per game this season at 30.3 according to StatMuse, has been the dominant side of the ball thus far. Defensively, however, the team has demonstrated weaknesses that might be exploited as the season continues. “I think their biggest issue is the run defense,” Eby stressed. “It’s been a struggle for them for the last several years, and even though they spent some time in the offseason trying to address it, it just still hasn’t quite come together.” The Bills currently rank last in rushing yards allowed, 657 in four games, or six yards per carry, according to ESPN. Playoff contention isn’t a concern for the Bills, but a Super Bowl title remains elusive. The Bills have a 0-4 record in Super Bowl appearances, all in a row. “It’s kind of ingrained…I don’t believe they’re a championship team until they actually do it,” said Eby.
Bo Nix and the Broncos are on pace for another playoff berth:
The Denver Broncos are off to a two losses, two wins start putting them on pace for a potential playoff berth in a competitive American Football Conference (AFC) West, which includes the Chiefs, Raiders and Chargers. They currently rank third. Crushing the Bengals on Monday night, 28-3, Denver has fans confident in the team and their Sophomore quarterback, Bo Nix. “He’s continuing to improve,” said Lester Shamos ’27. “He may have started the season slow, but if you look at the start of the season last year compared to this, where he didn’t throw a touchdown until week four, I think he’s made a big improvement.” Denver’s offense is averaging a robust 24.0 points per game, and with nearly 400 rushing yards on the year, according to ESPN, their balanced attack gives them a credible shot at a playoff push. The Broncos, who struggled for much of the last decade, ended a long drought with a playoff appearance last season after their Super Bowl win in 2016.
As the NFL season unfolds, early trends are starting to take shape, but plenty of football remains to be played. With injuries, breakout performances and unexpected setbacks shaping each week, the drama of the NFL season has only begun.
