All 32 NFL teams have played four games, so we feel it’s the perfect time to assess their performance so far. Some have earned an A+, while others are flunking their way to an F. How does your team’s NFL report card look?
Arizona Cardinals: C+
A 2-2 record isn’t that fun, but it’s the best start the Arizona Cardinals have had since 2022. Unfortunately, they only won four games that year. The Cardinals haven’t looked like a dominant team at any point this season. While all four games have been decided by one possession, the Cardinals’ offense looks out of sorts, and James Conner’s season-ending injury surely won’t help stabilize things.
Atlanta Falcons: B-
The Atlanta Falcons are one of the toughest teams to grade. We’ve seen dominant offensive performances through the air, on the ground and even elite efforts on defense, but never all together in one game. Plus, we’ve seen the Falcons suffer a 30-0 loss to the Panthers. They’re in the same place as last season after four weeks, but seeing signs of breakout performances is encouraging.
Baltimore Ravens: D
Relying too much on the talent of two-time NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is a good way to get everyone fired. A typically elite Baltimore Ravens defense has fallen apart while dealing with a heavy dose of injuries. A top-five offense and a last-place defense is a recipe for failure. But the Ravens won’t keep facing elite offenses, and they’ll get some starters back, eventually. Still, a 1-3 record isn’t acceptable for a team with Super Bowl dreams Good thing they have 13 more games to prove themselves.
Buffalo Bills: A
With a 4-0 record, there’s not much to pick apart from the Buffalo Bills‘ start. A top-five offense is as expected, but the defense still has room for improvement. At this point, the most important thing is staying healthy for a deep postseason run because this team could have the makings to be a Super Bowl contender.
Carolina Panthers: D+
When are we going to see the Carolina Panthers take the next step as a franchise? Panthers owner David Tepper is not known for his patience. The Panthers are already on to their fifth head coach since he purchased the team in 2018 and Dave Canales’ 6-15 record isn’t exactly inspring. If there’s one positive, it’s that the defnse is now allowing fewer than 30 points per game. But letting the Pats put up 42 makes us wonder how long Carolina’s defensive momentum will last.
Chicago Bears: B
We’ve seen the expected growing pains of Caleb Williams being forced to learn a new system for the second season in a row, but signs of progress have emerged in each game he’s played. There are issues defensively, but getting Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the lineup again should help that unit round into form later on.
Cincinnati Bengals: D+
The first partial game without Joe Burrow made it seem like the Cincinnati Bengals would be able to maintain their strong record for an extended stretch. Yet, in the two full games without him, we’ve seen just how different this offense operates without their top-five QB. The Bengals have been atrocious offensively and it’s had a direct impact on the defense too. A 2-2 start could quickly turn ugly.
Cleveland Browns: C-
What did you expect with 40-year-old Joe Flacco as the starting quarterback behind a suspect offensive line without their left tackle? Perhaps the Cleveland Browns‘ trade for Cam Robinson can help the offense avoid a bottom five finish because this defensive line is filthy.
Dallas Cowboys: C
Trading your best player seven days before the first game is a tough blow for any team to overcome. The Dallas Cowboys have shown that this team had potential to return to the postseason. Yet, the Cowboys are tied for having the fourth-fewest sacks in the NFL thus far and they’ve allowed 24 or more points in each game they’ve played. Not even their fifth-ranked offense will save them if Dallas can’t get stops again.
Denver Broncos: B
A 2-2 start isn’t what coach Sean Payton envisioned for the Denver Broncos this season. Yet, after facing the red-hot Colts and Chargers, the Broncos did well to hang in each game. The true test comes against the Eagles this week, but with a top-five defense, we like Denver’s chances to sharpen their record throughout the season.
Detroit Lions: A-
Who needs Ben Johnson? The Detroit Lions have the NFL’s highest-scoring offense through four weeks and the defense hasn’t dropped off without Aaron Glenn calling the shots either. There’s nothing to suggest the Lions can’t be one of the NFC’s top contenders again, but a tougher schedule could impact their eventual playoff seeding.
Green Bay Packers: B+
A tie makes things a bit weird, as does the loss to the Browns. Yet, boasting a top-ten offense and flirting with one on defense, the Green Bay Packers have the makings of a Super Bowl contender. Eventually they’ll get Christian Watson back too, giving Jordan Love an even deeper cast of weapons than he already has. The scary part is that with the Packers having the NFL’s youngest roster, gaining experience throughout the season could make them even better once the playoffs arrive with their newfound confidence.
Houston Texans: C-
A win has them trending in the right direction, but it’s hard to be too excited with the Houston Texans after a 1-3 start. Houston’s offensive has been a mess, but that’s to be expected after shipping Laremy Tunsil away. The silver lining here is that Houston has a top-five defense, which could buy enough time for the offense to come around.
Indianapolis Colts: A+
Shane Steichen finally has a quarterback and look at what he’s doing with him. The Indianapolis Colts may not have an undefeated record, but no one expected them to be 3-1 with a Pro Bowl version of Daniel Jones looking like the bargain of the offseason at $14 million for one season. Plus, Jonathan Taylor has returned to being one of the very best running backs in the NFL, making the Colts’ offense tough to slow down.
Jacksonville Jaguars: B
The Jacksonville Jaguars are 3-1 but is it sustainable? Possibly. Devin Walker is playing his butt off, showing true All-Pro potential in his third season. Travis Hunter is still coming around, but he’s been active on both sides of the ball. Travis Etienne is flourishing, showing the Jags were right to be loyal. Though, until Trevor Lawrence finds more consistency, we’re still a bit skeptical of the whole operation.
Kansas City Chiefs: B
A 2-2 start is not exactly what the Kansas City Chiefs had in mind but after facing three playoff teams from a year ago, it could have been worse. Plus, the fact that the Chiefs are trending up after winning the past two, including a 37-point outburst, suggests there’s more positives to come.
Las Vegas Raiders: C-
After starting strong with a Week 1 win, the Las Vegas Raiders have stumbled since. A 1-3 start is worse than Pete Carroll hoped to see, but the potential for an explosive offense is there. We don’t expect Geno Smith to lead the NFL in interceptions all season long and Maxx Crosby is always a gamewrecking threat. Yet, the questionable offensive line and secondary could be problematic all season long.
Los Angeles Chargers: B+
Just when it looked like the Los Angeles Chargers may cuise into Week 5 with a perfect record, the Giants have to wreck their plans. Still, Jim Harbaugh can’t be too upset with a 3-1 start, their best since 2021. After all, the Chargers still have a top ten defense and Justin Herbert is off to a strong start, even after his two-interception game.
Los Angeles Rams: A-
There were offseason concerns about Matthew Stafford‘s health, but Puka Nacua’s historic start (503 yards through four games) suggests he’s just fine. Considering the Los Angeles Rams‘ only loss was to the Eagles by just seven points, Sean McVay’s team is on track to be a top contender again.
Miami Dolphins: F
It doesn’t get much worse for the Miami Dolphins after a 1-3 start through four games. Oh wait, it does. Tyreek Hill is now out for the season, which means Mike McDaniel won’t get a chance to employ Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Darren Waller against his foes. Without Hill, it’s hard to imagine this team taking the drastic turnaround they desperately need.
Minnesota Vikings: C+
A 2-2 start is respectable, especially considering they’ve lost several starters due to injury. Yet, the Minnesota Vikings can’t really complain after being forced to start backup QB Carson Wentz for the past two games. Defensively, the Vikings look dominant. Offensively, there are still question marks, but coach Kevin O’Connell and his high-powered cast of weapons certainly offer potential.
New England Patriots: B
Drake Maye looks like he’s ready to earn a real Pro Bowl nod this season with the New England Patriots off to a respectable 2-2 start. Their offseason investments have also led to an improved effort on defense going from allowing 24.5 points per game in 2024 down to 20.2 PPG so far. That’s a sizable step forward, especially with the offense averaging 8.5 more points too.
New Orleans Saints: D
We were fully prepared to give the New Orleans Saints an F for their performance. But then Week 4 happened and actually competing with the Bills is nothing to scoff at. The Saints did come within one possession of a win against the Panthers and 49ers, but a 29-point blowout loss to Seattle is more of what we expect from a team with Spencer Rattler as their starting quarterback.
New York Giants: C
Had the New York Giants lost convincingly to the Chargers, their grade would certainly be a D. Yet, after making the switch to first-round rookie Jaxson Dart while seeing fourth-round rookie Cam Skattebo dominate, the Giants are trending in a positive direction. Maybe we’ll see how this Brian Daboll-Joe Schoen combination works out for a few more weeks, if not months. If all goes well, maybe they can buy themselves a few more seasons.
New York Jets: D+
He’s only been able to make two starts, but it’s not hard to see the potential of Justin Fields with the New York Jets. Unfortunately, a 0-4 start means they won’t do anything this season, but that doesn’t mean they can’t lay the foundation and evaluate which players can be building blocks for years to come.
Philadelphia Eagles: A+
The Philadelphia Eagles‘ Super Bowl defense has been perfect so far, but it’s early. Considering they already entered the season with a target on their backs, already defeating three 2024 playoff teams suggests the Eagles are more than equipped to defend their trophy all season long.
Pittsburgh Steelers: B+
Taking a chance on a 41-year-old former four-time NFL MVP is paying off for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Aaron Rodgers is showing he doesn’t need to have the biggest arm or the best mobility to lead a winning effort. His veteran know-how has helped lead to a 3-1 start, making us think Mike Tomlin may be able to end that eight-year drought without a playoff win.
San Francisco 49ers: B+
Kyle Shanahan’s team lost their starting quarterback for two weeks, but the San Francisco 49ers are still 3-1. A top ten defense has helped carry the team thus far, but once everyone is healthy, the 49ers have the makings of a contender again. That’s all we needed to see. But the challenge to get everyone back on the field will be a constant talking point in San Francisco.
Seattle Seahawks: B+
A top-five offense and defense has the Seattle Seahawks on track to reach the postseason a year after missing out despite a 10-win season. Sam Darnold looks like the franchise solution at QB, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba is emerging as one of the NFL’s best receivers. It’s hard not to like what we’re seeing in Seattle right now.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A-
Three game-winning drives and one loss by six points, to the reigning Super Bowl champs? We’ll call that a great start for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Emeka Egbuka looks like a top Offensive Rookie of the Year candidate and the Bucs haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher yet. They could emerge as one of the NFC’s best.
Tennessee Titans: F
Last year, the Tennessee Titans lost eight games by one or more possession. So far, they’re on track to be even worse, after losing three of their first four by more than one score. No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward hasn’t really had that moment that flashes superstar talent. Yet, the offensive-minded Brian Callahan should be able to come up with a game plan that can score more than 20 points in a game, but we haven’t seen it yet. It also doens’t help that the defense has allowed more than 20 points in all their contests either. This is the worst team in the NFL.
Related: Identifying Tennessee Titans Coaching Candidates to Replace Brian Callahan
Washington Commanders: C+
This grade feels incomplete, considering the Washington Commanders didn’t have Jayden Daniels for two games. Seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is an instant star, helping fix one of the team’s biggest needs. Now we just want to see them at full strength.
