- Micah Parsons returns to Dallas: Parsons looks to prove his value on a much-improved Packers defense.
- Ravens and Chiefs square off in a crucial matchup: The Super Bowl hopefuls both enter their clash sitting a surprising 1-2.
- Unlock your edge with PFF+: Access Premium Stats, dominate fantasy with in-season tools and projections and make smarter bets with the new PFF Player Prop Tool.
Estimated Reading Time: 28 minutes
We're diving into all 16 matchups in Week 4 of the 2025 NFL season — including key storylines, matchups to watch and injury news. The Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals kick things off on Thursday Night Football.
Click below to jump to a game:
SEA@ARI | MIN@PIT | NO@BUF | CLE@DET | PHI@TB | LAC@NYG | WAS@ATL | TEN@HOU | CAR@NE | IND@LAR | JAX@SF | CHI@LV | BAL@KC | GB@DAL | NYJ@MIA | CIN@DEN
Seattle Seahawks (-1.5) vs. Arizona Cardinals
Storyline of the game: Seahawks firing on all cylinders
Back-to-back dominant victories have given Seattle confidence heading into its second NFC West divisional matchup of the year. A short-handed Cardinals defense will have its hands full with a Seahawks offense that possesses four players that rank in the top five in PFF grading at their positions – Sam Darnold (91.9; first), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (89.2; third), Kenneth Walker III (84.2; second) and Charles Cross (81.1; fifth).
Matchup to watch: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold vs. Cardinals’ play-action coverage
A strong contributor to Darnold’s success over the last two seasons stems from his ability to strike downfield from play-action looks (92.5 play-action grade; fourth). The Seahawks quarterback has generated the highest yards-per-attempt average (14.3 yards) on play action throws this season, having completed 90% of his attempts on targets 10 or more yards downfield.
Strapped in the secondary due to cornerback injuries, the Cardinals have struggled to slow down play-action looks, despite seeing the second-fewest in the NFL through three weeks. Arizona’s coverage unit ranks 25th in EPA per pass on play action plays, while surrendering a perfect 100% completion percentage and 142.8 passer rating.
Additional News:
- Cardinals RB James Conner (foot/ankle) to undergo surgery; expected to miss the rest of the season
- Cardinals CB Will Johnson (groin) likely to be a game-time decision
- Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet (foot) estimated as a full participant on Monday; bodes well for his chance to return
- Seahawks S Julian Love (hamstring), S Nick Emmanwori (ankle) and CB Devon Witherspoon (knee) all estimated as limited participants early after missing Week 3
Minnesota Vikings (-2.5) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
Storyline of the game: Vikings’ perfect record in NFL international series
When the Vikings and Steelers take the field at Croke Park in Dublin, Ireland, it will be their fifth regular-season appearance internationally — the most by any NFL team. In its previous four matchups, Minnesota holds a perfect 4-0 record, including a 23-17 win over Aaron Rodgers’ Jets in Week 5 of last season.
Matchup to watch: Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf vs. Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers
After a promising showing in Week 1 in which D.K. Metcalf racked up 83 yards (2.52 yards per route run), hauling in three receptions of 15 or more yards, he has stumbled a bit in efficiency in recent weeks, totaling a combined 52 yards (0.87) over the past two games. Still, Metcalf remains a dangerous threat in the red zone, having secured a touchdown in Weeks 2 and 3.
Fresh off a record-breaking performance in Week 3, Isaiah Rodgers will have to prove he can be a consistent presence in coverage for this Vikings defense. His 48.0 PFF coverage grade in Weeks 1 & 2 highlights some struggles Rodgers has had transitioning to Brian Flores’ scheme. If Rodgers can answer with another strong outing against Metcalf in this one, he will be a true weapon for this defense.
Additional News:
- NFL international series sees first game in Dublin, Ireland
- Vikings CB Isaiah Rodgers earned the highest single-game grade (99.9) ever recorded by PFF
- Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers surpasses Brett Favre for fourth place on NFL’s career TD passes leaderboard at 510
- Vikings C Ryan Kelly (concussion) slated to play this week after missing Week 3
- Vikings LG Donovan Jackson (wrist) won't play this week, and EDGE Andrew Van Ginkel (neck)’s status is uncertain
New Orleans Saints vs. Buffalo Bills (-15.5)
Storyline of the game: Largest point spread of the 2025 NFL season
Coming off a blowout loss in Seattle, oddsmakers labeled the Saints as more than two-touchdown underdogs against the undefeated Bills. Laying over 15 points is a significant challenge, even for the best teams. The Bills have been favored by 10 or more points 14 times since the start of 2022, covering just four times.
Matchup to watch: Saints TE Juwan Johnson vs. Bills TE coverage
Although the Bills rank around the middle of the pack in PFF coverage grade (54.7; 18th) versus tight ends, this team has yet to be tested in that department this season. Buffalo has seen just seven coverage targets to the position through three weeks, yet has surrendered the sixth-highest passer rating allowed (120.2) on those targets.
That won’t be the case this week against Juwan Johnson. The Saints tight end is an integral piece of the offense, totaling the second-most targets (28) and fourth-highest rate of targets per route run (23.9%). New Orleans is keen to get Johnson involved on third downs, with his 119.8 passer rating when targeted leading the team.
Additional News:
- Bills DI Ed Oliver (ankle) and LB Matt Milano (pectoral) still missing from practice early in the week
Cleveland Browns vs. Detroit Lions (-8.5)
Storyline of the game: NFL’s best offense vs NFL’s best defense
Both the Lions and Browns are coming off huge wins against two of the top teams in the NFL, and now turn their attention toward another sizable challenge. Through the first three weeks of the season, these two teams lay claim to a pair of the highest-graded units in the NFL. The Lions hold an NFL-best 82.1 team offensive grade, and the Browns boast the top mark on the defensive side of the ball with an 88.0.
Matchup to watch: Lions RG Tate Ratledge vs. Browns DI Maliek Collins
The Browns’ pass rush is more than just Myles Garrett. Maliek Collins has been excellent on the interior as well to start the year. Powered by a 22.4% pass-rush win rate, Collins holds the highest PFF pass-rush grade (91.5) among interior defenders.
Lions first-year guard Tate Ratledge has made strides over the last three weeks, showing consistent improvements week over week. However, difficulties in pass protection are still present, with Ratledge’s 54.8 PFF pass-blocking grade ranking 44th out of 74 qualifying guards.
Additional News:
- Lions LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) and EDGE Al-Quadin Muhammad (knee) did not practice to start the week
- Browns place LT Dawand Jones (knee) on season-ending IR, sign T Thayer Munford Jr.
Philadelphia Eagles (-3) vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Storyline of the game: Undefeated NFC contenders face off
As it stands, only three teams in the NFC hold a perfect 3-0 record heading into Week 4 — two of which face off here. The Eagles are coming off a shocking victory against the Rams, capping off a 19-point comeback by blocking a potential game-winning field goal attempt by LA and returning it to the house. Meanwhile, the Bucs held on to beat the Jets despite numerous injuries to key players. Now, Tampa looks to get back crucial playmakers in Chris Godwin and Tristan Wirfs for this pivotal matchup.
Matchup to watch: Buccaneers S Antoine Winfield Jr. vs. Eagles blitz pick up
This Bucs defense unlocks a new level of creativity when Antoine Winfield Jr. is on the field. The All-Pro safety is a weapon in Tampa’s blitz packages, with Winfield’s 92.0 PFF pass-rush grade ranking leading all secondary players. Winfield holds a 23.1% pressure rate and recorded his first sack of the season on a strip sack against the Jets.
While the Eagles' offensive line is stout, there have been struggles in blitz pick-up to start the year. Philadelphia has allowed four sacks on blitzes, while surrendering a 47.6% pressure rate. Saquon Barkley has been problematic picking up pass rushers in protection, holding a 58.2 PFF pass-blocking grade after allowing his first sack of the year off a missed blitz pickup last week versus the Rams.
Additional News:
- Buccaneers WR Mike Evans (hamstring) expected to miss multiple games
- Philadelphia waived G Kenyon Green for the third time since trading for him this offseason
- Eagles may “survey the [CB] market” amid injuries to Adoree’ Jackson and Jakorian Bennett; re-signed CB Eli Ricks to the practice squad
- Eagles RT Lane Johnson (neck) expected to play after being hurt on Tush Push in Week 3
- Buccaneers WR Chris Godwin (ankle) and LT Tristan Wirfs (knee) returned to practice this week; potential to make season debuts this week
- Eagles EDGE Nolan Smith (tricep) placed on IR
Los Angeles Chargers (-6) vs. New York Giants
Storyline of the game: Giants first-year QB Jaxson Dart to make first career start
The Giants originally planned to sit their first-round rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart behind Russell Wilson to develop in his first season. Just three weeks into the year, Giants head coach Brian Daboll announced he had made the decision to benchWilson for Dart following a difficult showing against the Chiefs. The first-year passer is now slated to make his NFL debut against the undefeated Chargers.
Matchup to watch: Giants RB Cam Skattebo vs. Chargers front seven
With their young quarterback set to make his NFL debut, expect the Giants to lean on the running game to stay balanced and take pressure off of Dart. Enter Skattebo, who has overtaken the starting duties in this backfield after two consecutive games leading the Giants in carries by a healthy margin. Skattebo has been impressive right out of the gate, laying claim to the highest PFF grade (85.7) among running backs through three weeks.
The Chargers have been stingy against the run this season, having posted the fifth-lowest EPA per rush allowed in the NFL. LA’s front has been particularly stout against the run, with its defensive line holding the third-highest PFF run-defense grade (71.2) in the NFL behind a league-best 33.3% negatively-graded play rate.
Additional News:
- Chargers RB Najee Harris (achilles) will miss the remainder of 2025 season
- New York signed former Falcons kicker Younghoe Koo to the practice squad
- Giants kicker Graham Gano (groin) ruled out; WR Malik Nabers (shoulder) misses practice to start the week
Washington Commanders (-2.5) vs. Atlanta Falcons
Storyline of the game: Falcons’ kicking woes
After cutting longtime kicker Younghoe Koo (44.3 PFF FGXP grade), the Falcons turned to Parker Romo as their placekicker. Romo started strong, going 5-for-5 on field goal attempts in Week 2, before falling back to earth in Week 3 and missing both of his attempts. Given the offensive struggles to start the year, the Falcons can’t afford to have questions in the kicking game as they fight for points at every turn.
Matchup to watch: Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr. vs. Commanders S Jeremy Reaves
Michael Penix Jr. struggled mightily against Carolina, with his 29.3 PFF passing grade ranking as the lowest in the NFL this past week. A big issue with Penix’s regression came from the hesitation to push the ball downfield, with the Falcons’ 4.5% deep pass percentage ranking last in the NFL — a far cry from the 16%mark this offense compiled during Penix’s three starts last season.
The Commanders' struggles in the secondary have been glaring to start the year, posting the lowest PFF coverage grade (37.7) in the NFL. Jeremy Reaves stepped in for the injured Will Harris this past week and struggled right out of the gate, earning just a 29.9 PFF coverage grade against the Raiders. Washington signed Darnell Savage to supplement the unit, but given his woes in his last stop (37.4 coverage grade with Jacksonville), it’s difficult to envision a boost to a Washington secondary that has allowed the most passes of 15 or more yards.
Additional News:
- Commanders WR Terry McLaurin (quad) is seeking second opinion on injury, status uncertain for Week 4
- Commanders place S Will Harris (leg) on IR, sign S Darnell Savage
- Commanders QB Jayden Daniels (knee) reportedly feeling good, comments his status is “up to the doctors”
Tennessee Titans vs. Houston Texans (-7)
Storyline of the game: AFC South rivals seek first win of 2025
Both the Titans and Texans come into Week 4 looking to get into the win column for the first time this season. Difficult schedules to start the year have amplified issues for both teams. For Tennessee, Cam Ward’s introduction to the NFL has gotten off to a rocky start, with the Titans offense ranking 32nd in EPA per play. The Texans have experienced similar issues — particularly in the red zone, where they stand as the only team in the NFL without a red zone touchdown.
Matchup to watch: Texans RG Ed Ingram vs. Titans DI Jeffery Simmons
Jeffery Simmons continues to lead this defense by example and showcase his talents as a pass rusher. His 90.8 PFF pass-rush grade ranks in the top-five among all interior and edge defenders, with the stalwart totaling 13 pressures alongside six quarterback hits.
Ingram isn’t without his struggles in pass protection, much like the Texans’ offensive line as a whole, but he may be able to gain an edge in the running game. While Ingram’s two-game sample is limited, his performance as a run blocker is much improved in 2025, with his 79.5 PFF run-blocking grade ranking second among guards.
Additional News:
- Titans HC Brian Callahan to give up play-calling duties to QB coach Bo Hardegree
- Houston released S C.J. Gardner-Johnson after just three games
- Tennessee traded CB Jarvis Brownlee to the Jets for 2026 late-round pick swap
- Texans CB Derek Stingley (oblique) DNP to start week after being sidelined early in Week 3
Carolina Panthers vs. New England Patriots (-5.5)
Storyline of the game: Patriots and Panthers aiming for upswing
The winner of this game enters October with a .500 record and momentum to close out the first phase of the schedule. The Panthers are coming off a massive shutout of a division rival, turning the spark people saw in their near comeback in Week 2 into a full-blown fire. On the other sideline, the Patriots are looking for their first win in New England after falling just short this past week. With the hope that Christian Gonzalez returns, the Patriots could see a boost in Week 4.
Matchups to watch: Panthers RT Taylor Moton vs Patriots EDGE Harold Landry III
Moton’s consistency has been one of this offense’s strongest assets this season. The veteran continues to showcase his polished ability as a pass rusher, with his 78.4 PFF pass-blocking grade ranking in the top 12 tackles in the NFL.
In his first season with the Patriots, Landry has flourished behind strong play in all three phases of the defense. His 88.3 PFF grade ranks in the top eight among edge defenders. While his pass-rush win rates don’t jump off the charts, he has made the most of his winning reps, racking up four sacks on the year — tied for second-most in the NFL.
Additional News:
- Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez (hamstring) expected to ramp up workload in practice with hopes to return this week
- Panthers WR Tetairoa McMillan (calf) and WR Xavier Legette (hamstring) missing from practice to start the week
Indianapolis Colts vs. Los Angeles Rams (-3.5)
Storyline of the game: Colts’ hot start put to the test
The Colts ride high into Week 4 after their first 3-0 start since the Peyton Manning era. They now face perhaps the strongest team on their schedule in the Rams, who are well-motivated following their late loss to the Eagles this past week. Both of these franchises possess strong grading profiles, highlighted by a pair of offenses that rank in the top three in PFF team offense grade.
Matchup to watch: Colts WR Josh Downs vs. Rams CB Quentin Lake
The Colts’ offense has been firing on all cylinders. Josh Downs continues to show up for this team in the receiving game, with his 74.5 PFF grade sitting in the top 12 among receivers. He especially steps up on late downs, holding the team lead in targets (seven) and first down receptions (four).
Quentin Lake has made massive strides in his coverage game this season, with standout performances of 90.0-plus coverage grades in each of the last two games. His play out of the slot has been outstanding, with his 87.3 slot coverage grade ranking as the highest in the NFL among coverage defenders with at least 60 slot coverage snaps.
Additional News:
- Colts QB Daniel Jones sees NFL MVP odds shorten to +4000; now among the top-10 at various sportsbooks
- Rams QB Matthew Stafford rises to ninth all time in TD passes at 382
- Colts list numerous key players as DNP to start week of practice, including DI DeForest Buckner (Back), G Matt Goncalves (toe), CB Kenny Moore II (achilles), WR Alec Pierce (concussion)
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. San Francisco 49ers (-3)
Storyline of the game: Injuries continue to mount for 49ers
Week 3 saw another key contributor fall for the 49ers with the loss of Nick Bosa. Despite being without four of their eight highest-paid players, San Francisco continues to survive, standing as one of just six undefeated teams to begin the season. Now, Kyle Shanahan’s bunch hopes to get back Brock Purdy after just two games missed, returning much quicker than many expected.
Matchup to watch: Jaguars EDGE Josh Hines-Allen vs 49ers LT Trent Williams
Even in his 15th season, Trent Williams hasn’t skipped a beat. He’s still paving the way as pass protector (72.2 grade) and run blocker (72.8), earning a top-10 PFF grade among tackles this season. At 37 years old, Williams routinely showcases his athleticism in the 49ers’ outside zone-heavy scheme, posting the third-highest PFF run-blocking grade (88.8) running the concept.
The Jaguars’ defense has begun to take strides behind the consistent play of Josh Hines-Allen. Although he hasn’t been piling up the sacks, he’s racking up pressures at an incredible rate, with his 18 pressures ranking as the second-most in the NFL this season. That sets up a strong matchup on passing downs between Hines-Allen and Williams.
Additional News:
- 49ers ED Nick Bosa (knee) suffered torn ACL, will miss remainder of season
- Jaguars not expected to increase Travis Hunter’s role in the offense amid injury to Dyami Brown (shoulder)
- 49ers QBs Brock Purdy (shoulder/toe) and Mac Jones (knee) limited at practice to start the week
Chicago Bears (-1.5) vs. Las Vegas Raiders
Storyline of the game: Bears look to ride momentum
Ben Johnson captured his first win as head coach of the Bears in dominant fashion. When not matched up against a team with in-depth knowledge of his scheme, Johnson’s offense flourished, posting the third-highest EPA per play in the NFL in Week 3. Now, the Bears hope to continue that success against a Raiders team that has seen its own struggles under head coach Pete Carroll to start the year.
Matchup to watch: Bears QB Caleb Williams vs. Raiders coverage
Caleb Williams showed significant improvement this past week against a struggling Cowboys secondary and now faces another coverage unit that has stumbled to start the year in the Raiders. Part of Williams' uptick came from a renewed focus in the play action passing game, nearly doubling the rate of play action passes over the first two contests. Against Dallas, Williams tallied 11.4 yards per attempt on play action looks.
The Raiders have struggled mightily with when faced with run action, having surrendered the highest EPA per pass allowed in the NFL. Offenses have attacked Las Vegas’ defense downfield frequently out of play action, having permitted the second-most yards per coverage target (11.8) and letting up an open target at a bottom-five rate (77.8%).
Additional News:
- Raiders minority owner Tom Brady dismisses conflict of interest concerns as “paranoid”
- Bears QB Caleb Williams named NFC Offensive Player of the Week
- Bears RT Darnell Wright (elbow) and TE Colston Loveland (hip) miss practice to start the week
- Raiders TE Michael Mayer remains in concussion protocol to begin week
Baltimore Ravens (-2.5) vs. Kansas City Chiefs
Storyline of the game: Crucial matchup between AFC contenders
In an unexpected turn to start the year, both the Ravens and Chiefs hover around the bottom of their divisions after difficult 1-2 beginnings. If this wasn’t a must-win game already, it is now. The last time these teams met in Week 1 of last season, it ended in dramatic fashion. The Chiefs narrowly escaped with the win after the would-be game-winning touchdown pass to Isaiah Likely was ruled out of bounds.
Matchup to watch: Ravens RB Derrick Henry vs. Chiefs run defense
Derrick Henry started the season in usual fashion with a massive showing against the Bills — up until he coughed up his first fumble of the season, which led to crushing loss. From that point forward, Henry has significantly underperformed, posting two consecutive games with a PFF rushing grade below 48.0,and recording two more fumbles.
Similarly, the Chiefs’ run defense has seen its fair share of unfamiliar mistakes early in the year, currently ranked 29th in PFF run-defense grade (53.3). Chris Jones has particularly had trouble fitting the run, with his 27.4% negatively-grade play rate against the run ranking as the highest mark of his career by a large margin.
Additional News:
- Ravens DI Nnamdi Madubuike (neck) ruled out this week amid growing concerns of severity
- Numerous Ravens players on defensive interior miss practice early in the week
- Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (shoulder) returns as full participant in practice, on track to play this week
Green Bay Packers (-7) vs. Dallas Cowboys
Storyline of the game: Micah Parsons’ return to Dallas
Just three games after being traded to the Packers, Micah Parsons makes his return to Dallas to take on his former team. The move has already had a massive impact on both defenses, with the Cowboys ranking just 31st in PFF team defense grade (49.7), while the Packers stand among the league’s best defenses (80.0; third).
Matchup to watch: Packers WR Matthew Golden vs Cowboys CB DaRon Bland
The unfortunate injury to Jayden Reed opened up more targets for Matthew Golden this past week. The first-round rookie hauled in all four of his targets, including a 33-yard strike that could have potentially gone for a 96-yard touchdown had Golden’s momentum not taken him out of bounds.
Golden could be in for a big day against a Cowboys secondary that was gashed by the Bears. However, Dallas has been without one of its most talented corners, DaRon Bland, who may potentially return this week. If healthy, Bland would be a welcome boost to the unit, having posted a 70.4 PFF coverage grade in his lone outing this season in Week 1.
Additional News:
- Cowboys RG Tyler Booker (ankle) expected to miss 4-6 weeks
- Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb (ankle) will miss at least the next two games
- Green Bay released WR Mecole Hardman from the practice squad
- Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs (knee) missed practice to start week
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins (-2.5)
Storyline of the game: Winless AFC East rivals face off
Both the Jets and Dolphins are looking to get into the win column for the first time this season after assembling close losses in Week 3. The Dolphins managed to keep pace with the same Bills that dominated the Jets in Week 2, until an interception from Tua Tagovailoa dashed their momentum late in the game. Similarly, the Jets fell just short of overtaking the Bucs on the road, thanks to a blocked field goal that was returned for a touchdown.
Matchup to watch: Dolphins C Aaron Brewer vs. Jets DI Quinnen Williams
Although the Dolphins’ offensive line has been ineffective to start the year, Aaron Brewer has shined as the lone bright up front for this offense as a run blocker. Brewer’s 91.6 PFF run-blocking grade leads all centers through three games, powered by a massive 34.1% impact block rate — a mark that stands nearly 10 percentage points higher than the next-best center.
It will be a trench battle between Brewer and Jets stalwart defensive tackle Quinnen Williams. Williams is undoubtedly the Jets’ best run defender, with his 91.1 PFF run-defense grade charting as the second-highest among interior defenders. He’s racked up six tackles for loss or no gain this season while posting an impressive 30.6% positively-graded play rate on run fits.
Additional News:
- New York acquired Titans CB Jarvis Brownlee for 2026 late-round draft pick swap
- Dolphins to debut new alternate uniforms for Monday Night Football
- TE Darren Waller (hip) expected to make his Dolphins debut after last playing in 2023, will be on a limited snap count
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Denver Broncos (-7)
Storyline of the game: Struggling quarterbacks duel
The Monday night doubleheader concludes with a matchup between a pair of quarterbacks that have yet to gain their footing in 2025, and need to make corrections fast to keep their teams afloat. Jake Browning‘s 1.5 games leading the Bengals have been rife with miscues and turnovers, with the backup passer having thrown the most interceptions (five) in the NFL through Week 3. On the other sideline, Bo Nix continues to struggle with his accuracy, ranking in the bottom five in uncatchable inaccurate pass percentage (22.5%).
Matchups to watch: Broncos LT Garett Bolles vs Bengals EDGE Trey Hendrickson
Although the Broncos have yet to find their footing on offense, one thing is for sure: the offensive line is performing at a high level (72.9 PFF blocking grade; fourth). Garrett Bolles is leading the way with an NFL-best 90.0 PFF pass-blocking grade. He’s allowed no sacks and just two pressures across 119 pass sets.
Trey Hendrickson will be Bolles’ toughest test of the year yet. The Bengals edge rusher holds a top-eight PFF pass-rushing grade on the season (88.2), highlighted by a pair of sacks and a strong 25.7% pass-rush win rate.
Additional News:
- Broncos place LB Dre Greenlaw (quad) on short-term IR
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