The NFL’s Week 4 showcased remarkable performances, particularly by Puka Nacua, who delivered an exceptional display for the Los Angeles Rams during their victory over the previously unbeaten Indianapolis Colts. Nacua was instrumental on the field, participating in 42 passing plays, where he received 14 targets. He converted these into 13 receptions for a total of 170 yards and one touchdown, averaging an impressive 4.36 yards per route run.
Another standout from the week was Abdul Carter, the third overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. The young edge defender had a career-best performance in the New York Giants’ win against the Los Angeles Chargers. Carter was active on 35 pass-rush snaps, generating eight total pressures, including five quarterback hits. His efforts earned him a remarkable 92.1 PFF pass-rush grade, marking him as this week’s Rookie of the Week.
Player Highlights and Awards
The team of the week featured notable players across both offense and defense. On offense, quarterback Marcus Mariota from the Washington Commanders and running back James Cook from the Buffalo Bills joined Nacua in the spotlight. The wide receiver combination also included Drake London from the Atlanta Falcons and D.K. Metcalf from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Tight end honors went to Kyle Pitts, also from the Falcons, while the offensive line was dominated by the Kansas City Chiefs, who showed resilience by allowing only five pressures on Patrick Mahomes during 44 dropbacks against the Baltimore Ravens.
On the defensive side, Kevin Byard of the Chicago Bears stood out, intercepting two passes from Geno Smith in a decisive win over the Las Vegas Raiders. His performance secured him a 94.4 PFF coverage grade, affirming his position as Defensive Player of the Week. The defensive lineup also included elite players such as Micah Parsons from the Green Bay Packers and Derrick Brown of the Carolina Panthers, underscoring the depth of talent across the league.
Recognizing Team Performances
The Kansas City Chiefs’ offensive line earned the title of Offensive Line of the Week, reflecting their strong performance in protecting Mahomes. Four of the five starting linemen achieved pass-blocking grades above 70.0, contributing to the team’s success.
As the NFL season progresses, individual performances are becoming increasingly critical, shaping the narratives of teams and players alike. Nacua’s rise, alongside Carter’s impactful play, illustrates the potential for rookies to make significant contributions early in their careers. Meanwhile, established stars like Byard continue to demonstrate their value, solidifying their legacies in the league.
This week’s accolades highlight the dynamic nature of professional football, where every game presents an opportunity for players to shine and make their mark. As teams prepare for their upcoming matches, the focus will remain on maintaining momentum and building on these impressive performances.
