Four weeks into the NFL season, the San Francisco 49ers have taken the lead in the NFC, while the Philadelphia Eagles are struggling with injuries and a lacklustre offense. The 49ers sit atop the conference standings after an early surge, but several teams in the division, including the Eagles, face significant challenges that have hindered their progress.
Philadelphia’s offence ranks near the bottom of the league, sitting 29th in offensive success rate and 31st in expected points added (EPA) per play, only ahead of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jalen Hurts, the Eagles’ quarterback, has appeared lost on the field, while key offensive players Saquon Barkley and DeVonta Smith are both nursing injuries. The offensive line has also taken a hit due to injuries and a decline in skill, leaving the unit a shadow of its former self. Despite a better defensive showing, the Eagles have struggled to secure convincing victories. Their two wins so far came in narrow fashion against the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans, while heavy losses to the Chicago Bears and a blown lead against the Los Angeles Rams have raised questions about the team’s overall direction. The coaching staff, including head coach Nick Sirianni, alongside Hurts and offensive coordinator Sean Mannion, have faced criticism from Philadelphia supporters.
In contrast, the 49ers have found early success, propelled by a strong overall team performance. The NFC East remains tightly contested, with the New York Giants leading the division partly due to an injury-hit campaign for rivals. The Giants are 3-1 but have lost Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns to season-ending knee injuries. Dart’s loss is especially damaging, as he showed promise in limited action before his injury. The Giants’ recent wins have been close affairs—a 12-7 victory over the Titans and a last-second goal-line stand to edge out the Arizona Cardinals. The offence has struggled to find consistency, leaving questions over quarterback options between Jameis Winston and J.J. McCarthy.
The Dallas Cowboys have impressed on offence, ranking as the fifth-highest scoring unit on a per-drive basis in the 21st century. Dak Prescott has performed strongly, supported by wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, who proved their ability to dominate in Week 4 against the Houston Texans. The Cowboys are anticipating the return of top offensive lineman Tyler Smith. However, Dallas’s defence has been a major weakness, ranked 20th in EPA per play and near the bottom in success and explosive play rates. They concede a league-worst 6.4 yards per play. The recent addition of cornerback Joey Porter Jr. is expected to help, but the defence remains a concern.
Washington’s season has been marked by injury woes and inconsistency. After a promising defensive performance in Week 1, their offence faltered due to injuries to quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota. The Commanders secured a surprising 33-31 win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3, but momentum faded after Mariota’s Week 4 injury forced rookie Athan Kaliakmanis into action. Apart from rookie linebacker Sonny Styles showing potential, the team’s 5-12 record from last season looks likely to continue as they rank 30th in offensive success rate and 23rd defensively.
The Minnesota Vikings remain undefeated at 4-0 but bring little confidence on offence. Over their last three games, they have scored just one offensive touchdown, ranking last in yards per play. Their wins over the Bears, Buccaneers, and Dolphins have been low-scoring and unconvincing. Defensive coordinator Brian Flores has guided the Vikings’ defence to the league’s best marks in EPA per play and success rate, earning an “A+” rating for the unit. Still, their offensive struggles cast doubt over the sustainability of their unbeaten start.
Chicago Bears stand out for winning three games using three different starting quarterbacks. Caleb Williams dazzled in Week 1 but was hampered by injury soon after. Case Keenum’s performance in the Bears’ win against the Eagles was one of the season’s most impressive moments. Questions remain over the Bears’ defence, which has shown some improvement but largely against weaker opponents. Williams’s hamstring injury leaves uncertainty about his future impact given his reliance on mobility.
The Detroit Lions’ defence ranks dead last in EPA per play and explosive play rate, a glaring weakness amid growing frustration. Head coach Dan Campbell has faced tough questions as the team struggles to contain opponents.
The NFC landscape after four games shows a clear divide. The 49ers lead through a combination of steady play and fewer injury issues, while the Eagles and several other teams wrestle with setbacks. How the division evolves in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but the early standings reflect a mix of resilience and vulnerability across the conference.
According to CBS.
