Another week of NFL action is upon us and almost a quarter of the 2023 season is already complete. Week 4 was particularly eventful, from the Bills defeating Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins, to the Broncos scoring 24 points against the Bears, to the Texans easily defeating the Steelers.
As we reflect on the busy schedule, here’s a look at some of the biggest winners and losers from week four:
The Bills quarterback had a difficult start to 2023, but he almost single-handedly stopped the Tua Tagovailoa hype by edging out the MVP front-runner the Dolphins at home for a 48-20 win, which he gave Stefon Diggs conveyed lightness. Miami may still be a title contender given its star offensive prowess, but it’s probably time to question its Vic Fangio-led defense.
Losers: the bears
Of course! But this week might have been even worse than the unfortunate 41-10 loss to the Chiefs. Leading by three points over the winless Broncos, Chicago scored 24 unanswered points, with Justin Fields erasing his own four-touchdown breakout with two fourth-quarter turnovers and the coaches opting against a late field goal attempt.
In the two games since he started “fighting” with his close friend Jalen Hurts on the sideline, the Eagles star has hauled in 18 catches for 306 yards and two scores, both of which came deep against the Commanders and helped Philly take Washington along 34-31 to survive over time.
Losers: the Steelers
Remember when everyone picked Pittsburgh as a surprise contender from the AFC North in the preseason? Fun times. QB Kenny Pickett left Sunday’s overwhelming defeat to the Texans (!) due to injury, but even before that the entire operation remained dysfunctional. Coach Mike Tomlin promised afterward that change was coming, but most people could have told you weeks ago that change was overdue.
A week after the Eagles’ front line slowed its redemption spree, Mayfield was back at it against another stout Saints defense, outscoring Derek Carr on the road and thriving even after Mike Evans left due to injury, giving Tampa Bay a 3-1 lead had brought. He still controls the ball better than expected, making the Buccaneers a sleeper prospect in the NFC playoff picture.
Speaking of NFC South QBs, Ridder goes in the opposite direction of Mayfield, throwing two straight picks in a preseason-like loss to the Jaguars in London. After eight starts, he hasn’t really improved the offense and his teammates are growing frustrated.
On a day where he was without Odell Beckham Jr. and Rashod Bateman and got little efficiency from his running mates in the backfield, the Ravens QB had no trouble shouldering the load for Baltimore against the Browns, scoring four goals and completing all of them The rivals buried all but four of his passes without Deshaun Watson. It wasn’t always pretty, but a 3-1 start in a new system is promising.
Aside from the fact that Baltimore is 3-1 without getting going, Cincinnati can’t seem to get its act together and is 27-3 against the Titans. Is Joe Burrow healthy enough to play? Because whatever he’s putting on the field right now, it’s not worth it. Their offense just can’t force the ball downfield, and now Tee Higgins has a rib injury that could sideline him for several games.
Rinse and repeat. The rookie fifth-rounder has been just as good, if not better, than the rehabilitating Cooper Kupp since Week 1, and that includes Sunday’s crucial nine-catch effort against the Colts in which he had 163 yards and the game-winning score. Talk about an unexpected safety valve in Los Angeles, where he’s primed to be a popular destination for years to come.