One optimistic improvement from every NFL franchise

NFC East

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.
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DALLAS COWBOYS (1-2-1) | Biggest optimistic: Dak Prescott’s high-level play | The Cowboys can be 0-4 if it weren’t for his or her No. 1 quarterback preserving them in video games late. Dallas leads the league in offense with 404.3 yards per recreation and ranks final within the league in protection, permitting 420.5 yards per recreation. Prescott leads the NFL in passing yards (1,119) and, in Week 4, led the offense to 40 factors simply to get a tie and keep away from a loss.

NEW YORK GIANTS (1-3) | Biggest optimistic: Rookies offering hope | The rookie trio of quarterback Jaxson Dart, operating again Cam Skattebo and outdoors linebacker Abdul Carter isn’t simply giving hope for the long run, however hope for the remainder of the season. All three began their first recreation collectively in Week 4 and contributed to the Giants’ first win. Carter has the eleventh most quarterback pressures (19) up to now this season, and if the trio continues to progress in the proper path, the Giants might even see themselves within the win column extra typically than they anticipated.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (4-0) | Biggest optimistic: Special groups wins video games |
In 2024, the Eagles didn’t block a subject aim, however in 2025, they’ve already blocked two and returned one for a landing. In Week 4, the Eagles’ particular groups got here up large once more with a blocked punt returned for a landing, making Philadelphia the first workforce since they did it themselves in 2014 to have consecutive video games with a blocked kick/punt returned for a landing. While particular groups is commonly ignored, for the Eagles, it has helped maintain them unbeaten by means of 4 weeks.

WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Roster depth | With No. 1 operating again Austin Ekler out for the yr because of an Achilles damage, No. 2 operating again Jacory Croskey-Merritt has achieved a stable job, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. Perhaps extra impressively is that backup quarterback Marcus Mariota stored the workforce afloat whereas Jayden Daniels heals from a knee damage, going 1-1 in his two begins. The high quality of their depth typically distinguishes good groups and dangerous groups, and the Commanders have demonstrated that their bench gamers can step up when referred to as upon.

— Conor Killmurray

NFC West

San Francisco 49ers center linebacker Fred Warner.
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ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Defensive line | If not for back-to-back losses by way of walk-off subject targets, the Cardinals might be 4-0. On the intense aspect, the rebuilt defensive position has regarded flawless with veteran Calais Campbell main the league in sacks from an inside defender (three), whereas free agent signing Josh Sweat ranks third within the league amongst edge defenders in move rush with a 30% win fee. Arizona’s protection has been a problem for opposing groups up to now, and that ought to proceed with a positive Week 5 matchup at residence towards the 0-4 Tennessee Titans.

LOS ANGELES RAMS (3-1) | Biggest optimistic: Puka Nacua’s historic tempo |  The third-year wideout has merely been sensational by means of 4 video games. With 170 yards in Sunday’s win over the beforehand unbeaten Indianapolis Colts, Nacua has an NFL-best 503 receiving yards and 42 receptions, that are tied together with his former teammate Cooper Kupp (2022) and Michael Thomas (2018) for probably the most within the first 4 video games of the season in NFL historical past, per NFL.com. 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (3-1) | Biggest optimistic: Fred Warner’s influence | Although the 49ers protection has but to file an interception this season, it has been among the finest items within the NFL. Spearheading that protection is the veteran Warner, who has a team-high 38 whole tackles to associate with two tackles for loss, three passes defended, two compelled fumbles and one fumble restoration. His 17 profession compelled fumbles are probably the most in franchise historical past, surpassing Pro Football Hall of Famer Patrick Willis, leaving little question of the influence he continues to make on an elite protection.

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (3-1) | Biggest optimistic: Secondary |  In addition to some highlights from its particular workforce unit, the Seattle protection has regarded a lot better than final season beneath second-year head coach Mike MacDonald, particularly within the secondary. The seven interceptions are tied with the Chicago Bears for the second-most, and the 76.4 opponent common passer score is fourth. Other than a slim Week 1 loss to the 49ers, the Seahawks are flying excessive after 4 weeks of play.

— Colby Colwell

NFC North

Chicago Bears huge receiver Rome Odunze.
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CHICAGO BEARS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Rome Odunze’s breakout | No one is happier to have head coach Ben Johnson on the town than Odunze, who’s already thriving in Chicago’s new offensive system. Through 4 video games, the second-year huge receiver has 20 catches, 296 yards and 5 touchdowns. Caleb Williams formally has his No. 1 goal for years to come back.

DETROIT LIONS (3-1) | Biggest optimistic: Offense with out Ben Johnson | Speaking of Johnson, Lions followers have been begging for him to come back again after the offense managed simply 13 factors and three.8 yards per play towards the Packers in Week 1. Since then, although, Detroit scored 52 factors towards the Bears, 38 towards the Ravens and 34 towards the Browns, mixing in a ton of inventive play calls alongside the best way. The Lions, which now lead the NFL in factors per recreation (34.3), appear like they’ll be simply high quality with out Johnson calling the pictures. 

GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-1-1) | Biggest optimistic: Passing recreation | Green Bay’s passing offense, which ranks fourth within the NFL in yards per try (8.3), has been one of the crucial environment friendly within the league this season. Jordan Love leads the NFL in adjusted EPA per play (0.356) and ranks second in completion proportion (76.4 p.c) and fifth in success fee (53.0 p.c). This passing assault is a nightmare for opponents to organize for as a result of Love spreads the ball round so successfully. 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Secondary | The Vikings aren’t getting the quarterback play they should attain their targets, however the move protection will maintain them aggressive in most video games. Minnesota’s protection ranks first within the NFL in dropback EPA (-0.272) and third in passing yards allowed per recreation (151.5) by means of 4 weeks. Cornerback Isaiah Rodgers has been among the finest within the enterprise this yr, as he’s already recorded two compelled fumbles, one fumble restoration, one interception and two defensive touchdowns. 

— Jack Dougherty

NFC South

Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

ATLANTA FALCONS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Running again Bijan Robinson | The third-year again has been among the many league’s most dynamic gamers by means of 4 weeks and is on tempo for two,482 yards from scrimmage. Based on his present manufacturing, Robinson is on observe to develop into the fourth participant in NFL historical past with 1,000 speeding yards and 1,000 receiving yards in the identical season, becoming a member of Roger Craig (1985), Marshall Faulk (1999) and Christian McCaffrey (2019). (h/t Stathead)

CAROLINA PANTHERS (1-3) | Biggest optimistic: Run blocking | The floor numbers say in any other case — the Panthers are averaging 3.9 yards per carry, No. 23 within the NFL — however Carolina’s run–blocking has been a energy by means of 4 video games, getting into Week 5 No. 7 in ESPN’s run-block win fee rankings. Among 43 qualifying backs, offseason free-agent acquisition operating again Rico Dowdle ranks final in rush yards over anticipated (RYOE) per try (-1.5), based on NFL Pro knowledge, additional illustrating the Panthers’ unimpressive speeding numbers aren’t a results of struggles up entrance.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-4) | Biggest optimistic: Quarterback improvement |
While New Orleans is the final winless NFC workforce, the season hasn’t been a whole dumpster fireplace, with quarterback Spencer Rattler taking significant steps in the proper path, growing his completion proportion from final season 10.1 proportion factors, throwing extra touchdowns and fewer interceptions and trusting his legs extra as a runner. The Saints is likely to be available in the market for a quarterback with extra upside within the 2026 NFL Draft, and Rattler’s development is a optimistic signal that head coach Kellen Moore will be capable of develop whoever his franchise quarterback is.

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (3-1) | Biggest optimistic: Run protection | Tampa Bay is the one workforce within the NFL to carry its first 4 opponents beneath 100 speeding yards, and it additionally ranks second within the league in yards allowed per rush try (3.3), which is a outstanding accomplishment contemplating it’s confronted two of the league’s finest operating backs, Saquon Barkley and Bijan Robinson. The staunch Bucs run protection is nothing new, with the unit holding its final 13 opponents (together with playoffs) beneath 100 speeding yards, the league’s longest energetic streak.

—  Eric Smithling

AFC East

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.
Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

BUFFALO BILLS (4-0) | Biggest optimistic: A robust begin |  With 30 or extra factors scored in every of the workforce’s first 4 video games, the undefeated Bills are off to their finest begin since 1992, once they represented the AFC in Super Bowl XXVI. After opening the season with a one-point victory over the Baltimore Ravens, the Bills have outscored opponents 92-50 whereas posting the second-most yards per recreation (404.0) of any workforce. 

MIAMI DOLPHINS (1-3) | Biggest optimistic: Post-Tyreek Hill plans |
Hill’s season-ending knee damage was exhausting to look at , however with no assured cash past 2025, Miami has no cause to maintain the 31-year-old receiver and may save $28M towards subsequent yr’s cap by letting him go. Despite the workforce’s 27-21 victory over the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football,” the Dolphins are clearly not prepared for primetime and may put Hill’s cash to good use as they appear to rebuild in 2026.

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Drake Maye is OK |  New England’s 42 factors scored towards Carolina have been a career-high for Maye and probably the most because the workforce beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 50-10 in 2021. The second-year quarterback went 14-17 for 203 yards and two scores towards the Panthers on Sunday, ending with a career-best 155.6 quarterback score, and is presently the NFL’s sixth-leading passer with 988 yards.

NEW YORK JETS (0-4) | Justin Fields’ legs |
Only the Bills (654) and Commanders (619) have run for extra yards than the Jets (578), who common 5.2 yards per carry with no top-10 rusher. Running again Breece Hall ranks nineteenth with 238 yards, however amongst quarterbacks, solely Philadelphia’s Jalen Hurts has extra yards (179) than Fields, who ran for 81 yards and a rating towards the Dolphins and led the workforce in speeding in two of his first three begins. 

— Bruce Ewing

AFC West

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

DENVER BRONCOS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Pass-rushing duo |
Per the workforce’s Instagram web page, Jonathon Cooper has stated he and fellow LB Nik Bonitto are “always in a race to the quarterback.” Bonitto holds a slight lead within the contest with 4.5 sacks in 4 video games, however Cooper isn’t far behind with 2.5. The pleasant competitors has benefited Denver, which leads the league in sacks (15).

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: WR Xavier Worthy is again | With Worthy again within the lineup, the Chiefs’ Twelfth-ranked passing assault (221.8 YPG) ought to regain its footing. After lacking two video games due to a dislocated tight shoulder, Worthy had 5 receptions for 83 yards in a 37-20 Week 4 win over the Baltimore Ravens. In his postgame information convention, Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes stated Worthy confirmed he’s a do-everything WR and expects him to stay in that position for the remainder of the season.  

LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-3) | Biggest optimistic: Rookie RB Ashton Jeanty’s returning to his pre-snap stance at Boise State | On Monday, Raiders head coach Pete Carroll stated he “loved” Jeanty going again to his school pre-snap stance in Week 4 towards the Chicago Bears. Unlike most RBs who stand like a basketball participant taking part in protection, the Boise State product stood together with his arms at his sides. It clearly made a distinction, as he rushed for a season-high 138 yards and one TD on 21 carries within the 25-24 loss to Chicago.   

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (3-1) | Biggest optimistic: Third-year WR Quentin Johnston’s breakout | Johnston was thought-about a possible bust after fighting drops in his first two seasons. Now, the 2023 first-rounder is turning into one of many league’s extra productive receivers. Through 4 video games, the TCU product ranks third within the league in receiving yards (337) and is tied for third in TD catches (4).   

— Clark Dalton 

AFC North

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-3) | Biggest optimistic: The offense continues to be dynamic | Even with the 1-3 file, you possibly can’t actually put a lot blame on quarterback Lamar Jackson and the offense. They have scored at the very least 20 factors in each recreation, 30 factors in three video games and 40 factors in two video games. That will endure a bit if Jackson misses a while, however the offense has performed properly sufficient to be at the very least 3-1 as a substitute of 1-3 at this level.

CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-2) | Biggest optimistic: Ja’Marr Chase continues to be nice |
There has been nothing overly spectacular in regards to the Bengals’ 2-2 begin, particularly after the final two video games with out quarterback Joe Burrow. Positives are few and much between right here, however Chase continues to be having a terrific season with 26 catches and 264 yards, placing him on a tempo for 110 catches and 1,122 yards over 17 video games. 

CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-3) | Biggest positive: The rookie class looks strong |
This was always going to be a long year for the Browns and another rebuilding year, and that’s why it’s so important that their rookie class has already made a big impact. Defensive lineman Mason Graham, linebacker Carson Schwesinger and running backs Quinshon Judkins and Dylan Sampson have all already made impacts, and now quarterback Dillon Gabriel is getting his opportunity. 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (3-1) | Biggest positive: Aaron Rodgers still has something left |
Rodgers may not be the MVP-level player he was at his peak for the Green Bay Packers, but there is at least something left in his arm and he is giving the Steelers the best quarterback play they have had in at least five or six years. They do not need him to be MVP Aaron Rodgers; they just need him to be a good, capable NFL quarterback. That’s what they are getting. 

AFC South

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Daniel Jones.
Steve Roberts-Imagn Images

HOUSTON TEXANS (1-3) | Biggest positive: An elite pass rush | Houston has arguably the best pass-rush duo in the NFL with Will Anderson Jr. and Danielle Hunter. The two have combined for seven sacks on the season and helped Houston shut out the Titans 26-0 in Week 4. The Texans lead the NFL with just 12.8 points allowed per game, and their ability to get after the quarterback has overwhelmed opposing offenses.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (3-1) | | Biggest positive: The rebirth of QB Daniel Jones | Jones threw his first two interceptions of the season in a Week 4 loss to the Rams, but he has been outstanding overall with the Colts. The former first-round pick has completed 71.9 percent of his passes for 1,078 yards, which ranks third in the NFL. Jones has also accounted for seven touchdowns and has Indy looking like one of the surprise teams of 2025.