We just finished the fourth Sunday of the NFL season, and a few teams had a difficult time of it.
Three teams in particular stood out as having the sort of day that makes us wonder how they will recover next week and whether the troubles we observed are indicative of deeper concerns that will plague them throughout the season.
Let’s take a look at which three teams might be concerned as we approach Week 5.
Quick Fact
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| What Happened | The Eagles have struggled offensively through the first four games of the 2026 season. |
| Key Concern | Philadelphia ranks near the bottom of the NFC in scoring. |
| Injuries | Dallas Goedert and DeVonta Smith missed the Rams game, while Saquon Barkley was injured early. |
| Key Players | Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, DeVonta Smith and Dallas Goedert |
| Next Opponent | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Why It Matters | The Eagles need to improve their offense quickly after a disappointing start. |
Bills Defense Raises Major Concerns
September 17, 2026; Orchard Park, New York, USA: Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) sprints for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the second half at New Highmark Stadium. Mandatory credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images via Reuters Connect (Reuters).
The Bills dropped their first game of the season at home to the struggling Patriots. While the defeat will not prevent them from making the playoffs, it was a wasted opportunity to establish an advantage over their main rival in the AFC East. With the head-to-head edge, the Patriots are now only one game behind.
Texans Defense Hits Rock Bottom
Houston, Texas, USA: Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) attempts a throw versus the Cincinnati Bengals at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory credit: Troy Taormina/Imagn Images.
As previously said, the Bills should be concerned since their defense has failed them down, allowing the second-most points in the AFC. Guess who has allowed the most points over the past four weeks. Yes, the Houston Texans have given up 109 points, and after losing Sunday’s Lone Star Showdown against the Cowboys, they are 0-4.
Texans Season Hangs In Balance
Guess how many clubs made the playoffs despite starting the season 0-4. One.
The San Diego Chargers accomplished it in 1992 and advanced all the way to the Super Bowl, so there is a glimmer of optimism in Houston. Things will not improve for this squad unless they figure out their defense and how to run the ball.
David Montgomery has been stuck in second gear all season, and it appears he may not have been the best pick to bring in and lead this backfield.
Eagles Offense Struggling Amid Injuries
The injuries have piled up, which is cause for alarm. Philadelphia began Sunday without Dallas Goedert and Devonta Smith, and then lost Saquon Barkley in the first quarter. Ouch.
The greater problem here has been Jalen Hurts’ performance and Sean Mannion’s ability to operate this offense. We’ve seen most teams struggle with new offensive play callers, so this isn’t an isolated incident.
Eagles Face Tough Test After Slow Start
The Eagles, like the Chargers and Broncos, are a club we had great expectations for, but we have yet to see the outcomes. The Packers and Falcons are the only NFC clubs that have scored fewer than the Eagles after four games.
This is not where Coach Sirianni or Eagles fans anticipated the club to be. Things won’t get easier next week as they travel to Duvall to face a surging Jaguars club that recently beat the Bengals in Cincinnati on Sunday.
Eagles Under Pressure Against Jaguars
The game should also offer a better sense of whether the Eagles can overcome their early-season issues or whether they will persist.
After four games, the Eagles have not lived up to their preseason expectations. Injuries have played a factor, but offensive inconsistency remains a major worry.
Philadelphia has to find answers fast, as Jacksonville is next. Another terrible offensive performance may put more pressure on Nick Sirianni, Sean Mannion, Jalen Hurts, and the whole Eagles offense.
