SB Nation
Four weeks in, the NFL season is delivering a jolt of unpredictability: the MVP race loosens as traditional favorites hover without clear edge, while surprise performers and reshaped narratives emerge across multiple teams. The Eagles struggle with offense and a negative point differential, even as the Chiefs rebound behind a Mahomes surge and a stingy defense. Carolina quietly shows offensive firepower and is poised to reload after a bye, and the Raiders demonstrate they can contend by nearly defeating KC in a dramatic late rally. Meanwhile, the Falcons revive with Penix Jr. at quarterback and Bijan Robinson, and two AFC hopefuls, the Texans and Chargers, stumble to 0-4 amid defensive collapses and turnover woes. Looking ahead, the league’s balance of power may keep shifting as midseason form begins to take hold and fresh contenders emerge.