NFL Week 4: Chiefs, 49ers, Vikings remain unbeaten as playoff contenders emerge

Three Teams Perfect After Week Four

The Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, and Minnesota Vikings are the only remaining unbeaten teams in the NFL after week four, with two previously perfect records falling during Sunday's action. The Chiefs defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 30-27 in a divisional showdown, the 49ers topped the Denver Broncos 24-14, and the Vikings ground out a defensive struggle, beating the Miami Dolphins 15-10. These three teams now stand as the league's elite early-season performers, with the Chiefs emerging as Super Bowl contenders after an inconsistent recent stretch.

Kansas City's Dramatic Victory

The Chiefs-Raiders matchup featured four lead changes and came down to the final play. Kansas City's newly acquired running back Kenneth Walker proved to be the difference-maker, recording 177 yards on 22 carries and scoring two touchdowns in just 19 seconds during the pivotal final quarter. Receiver Tyquan Thornton added two touchdown receptions for 111 yards as the Chiefs held on despite Las Vegas mounting a late comeback. The Raiders, vastly improved from last season's three-win campaign, kept the game competitive and remained alive until the closing moments, when an interception ended their upset bid. Walker's dominant performance signals the Chiefs have found the offensive weapon needed to compete at the highest level.

San Francisco and Minnesota's Contrasting Paths to 4-0

The 49ers delivered a more conventional victory over Denver, a team that had upset the defending Super Bowl champion Rams the previous week. San Francisco's offense came alive in the second half, with running back Christian McCaffrey scoring the go-ahead touchdown before tight end George Kittle sealed the win with a massive catch-and-run down the middle. Quarterback Brock Purdy has been exceptional, leading the league with 11 touchdown passes while being intercepted only once and remaining unplayed for sacks. The Vikings, meanwhile, took the surprising route to perfection, grinding out a 15-10 defensive victory over Miami behind kicker Will Reichard's five field goals. Minnesota's unlikely 4-0 start represents the season's biggest early surprise.

Patriots Stun Favored Bills

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye silenced critics who questioned his confidence after a benching the previous week by engineering a stunning upset of the Buffalo Bills. Maye, who narrowly missed the MVP award last season, threw three touchdowns for 269 yards despite Buffalo's Josh Allen leading a late comeback. With less than four minutes remaining, Allen connected with Keon Coleman for a 34-yard touchdown to give the Bills the lead, but Maye answered by leading the Patriots down the field. Receiver Efton Chism made a superb one-handed catch in the endzone to put New England ahead, and the defense sealed the 29-26 victory with an interception of Allen's final desperate pass. The win vindicated Maye's resilience and marks a significant statement for the Patriots' surprising season.

Rams Rally Past Eagles; Injuries Mount

The Los Angeles Rams came from behind to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 24-20 on the road, improving to 3-1 after being 1-2. Philadelphia led 20-10 at halftime behind two Darius Cooper touchdown receptions, but the Rams stormed back with running back Kyren Williams scoring two touchdowns in the final four minutes. Receiver Puka Nacca, returning to full health, contributed 125 yards and a touchdown. However, the Eagles' offensive arsenal suffered significant damage: wide receiver DeVonta Smith missed the game with a hamstring injury, tight end Dallas Goedert remains sidelined with a knee problem, and star running back Saquon Barkley exited early with a hamstring strain. Philadelphia's injury situation clouds their upcoming London matchup against Jacksonville at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.

High-Scoring Thrillers Define Week Four

Several games exemplified the league's explosive offensive trends. The Dallas Cowboys won their second straight high-scoring affair, defeating Houston 34-30 with Dak Prescott leading a game-winning drive and finding receiver CeeDee Lamb for the touchdown. Lamb finished with a career-high 17 receptions for 189 yards and leads the entire league with 498 receiving yards through four games. Javonte Williams rushed for three touchdowns as Dallas improved to 2-2. In another offensive showcase, the New York Giants defeated Arizona 36-24, with backup quarterback Jameis Winston throwing three touchdowns and two interceptions. Every Dallas game this season has featured at least 48 total points, underscoring the Cowboys' involvement in the league's highest-scoring contests.