The Green Bay Packers have fallen to last place in the NFC North, trailing the division leader by two games after a shaky start to the NFL season. Their only victory so far came in overtime against the New York Jets, and defensive lapses combined with offensive line struggles have deepened concerns for the team.
Green Bay’s season began with a collapse in Week 1, followed by a 21-point home loss to the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football. Falcons arrived winless and desperate for a win, yet the Packers’ defense faltered badly, and the rushing attack, hampered by the absence of Josh Jacobs, failed to find traction. Coach Matt LaFleur called the defeat a “butt-whooping,” reflecting the severity of the team’s problems. The offensive line’s weakness and a struggling defense have left the Packers in a difficult position, with the path to the playoffs looking uphill. If current form persists, the Packers could finish closer to the No. 1 draft pick than the top seed in the NFC.
Meanwhile, the Denver Broncos have endured a brutal start to their schedule but remain positioned at 3-1, showing resilience after a heavy 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1. That defeat initially raised doubts about their strength, but subsequent wins against strong teams have proven they can compete with contenders. Their defense has been a standout, forcing turnovers and stifling quarterbacks like Matthew Stafford and Trevor Lawrence in recent games. Despite a concerning 16-0 deficit in the first half against the Rams, Denver rallied to a victory, suggesting their inconsistency might be manageable.
The Broncos’ early season performance confirms that they are neither a lost cause nor a guaranteed Super Bowl contender. Their next challenge is a difficult road game against the San Francisco 49ers, another team on a winning streak. San Francisco’s injury issues, including questions over the availability of Mike Evans and Trent Williams, add an element of uncertainty ahead of the clash on Sunday afternoon. The last time Broncos head coach Sean Payton’s team played in Mile High City, they suffered a three-touchdown defeat.
Elsewhere, the Las Vegas Raiders have started 3-0, though the quality of their opponents—who hold a combined record of 1-8—raises questions about how much their record reflects genuine strength. Klint Kubiak, in his first year as head coach after a successful run as an offensive coordinator, has impressed with both his coaching and the Raiders’ defense, which ranks third in expected points added (EPA) per play allowed. Whether this early success will translate to a playoff run remains to be seen.
The AFC East is also drawing attention as the Buffalo Bills prepare to face the New England Patriots. New England has struggled early, hampered by Drake Maye’s difficulties and the absence of A.J. Brown. The Bills, meanwhile, look to cement themselves as the team to beat in the conference. A decisive Bills win could widen the gap between the two rivals.
On the same Sunday afternoon, the Cincinnati Bengals and Jacksonville Jaguars face off in what could be the highest-scoring game of Week 4. While Cincinnati’s defense showed cracks in a loss to the Steelers, their offensive weapons—Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, and Chase Brown—offer the potential for a shootout. Jacksonville’s offense has already scored 34 points twice this season, setting the stage for a possibly high-scoring contest.
The NFL season’s early weeks have produced surprising standings, with the Packers struggling at the bottom of their division and the Broncos holding steady despite a tough schedule. The coming games will test how teams adapt and whether their current form can last.
According to CBS.