NFL Week 4 Grades: Injury‑Riddled Week Leaves Bears Shining and Bengals Slipping

Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season delivered a brutal reminder of how quickly fortunes can change when key players hit the turf. Across the league, several star athletes succumbed to injuries that not only altered the outcome of individual games but also rippled through the weekly grading process.

In Baltimore, Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson exited at halftime with an ankle injury after a hard hit against the Titans. The Philadelphia Eagles lost star running back Saquon Barkley to a hamstring strain in the opening quarter versus the Rams, forcing him to the sideline for the remainder of the contest. Cincinnati’s offense took a double hit when wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase was ruled out with a concussion early in the first half versus the Jaguars, and shortly thereafter teammate Tee Higgins suffered an adductor injury that kept him off the field. Denver’s defensive stalwart Patrick Surtain, the reigning 2024 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, went down with an ankle injury that left the Broncos scrambling. Finally, in London, Washington’s quarterback Marcus Mariota left the game against the Colts with a knee injury, adding to the Commanders’ growing list of concerns.

Despite the injury carnage, the Chicago Bears managed to impress the graders. Under the steady guidance of offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Chicago posted a 23‑12 victory over the New York Jets, improving to 3‑1. The grading panel highlighted the Bears’ ability to adapt their game plan on the fly, noting effective play‑calling and resilient execution from the offensive line. Consequently, Chicago earned an A‑ grade, a testament to the coaching staff’s poise even as the roster dealt with its own set of bumps and bruises.

The story was far less favorable for the Cincinnati Bengals. After dropping to 2‑2 following a 22‑17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bengals received a lower grade that reflected both the outcome and the injury toll. Ja’Marr Chase’s early exit removed a critical deep‑threat weapon, while Tee Higgins’ adductor issue further depleted the receiving corps. The grading crew pointed out that Cincinnati’s offensive rhythm never recovered, and the defense struggled to contain Jacksonville’s balanced attack, resulting in a disappointing performance that pushed the Bengals’ overall grade down a notch.

Beyond the two focal teams, Week 4 produced a series of noteworthy results that shaped the broader grading landscape. The Jaguars’ victory over Cincinnati pushed Jacksonville to 3‑1, while the Panthers edged the Lions 32‑26 to improve to 2‑2. Kansas City narrowly defeated the Las Vegas Raiders 30‑27 to stay perfect at 4‑0, and the Seahawks topped the Chargers 30‑23 to move to 3‑1. San Francisco continued its dominant start with a 24‑14 win over the Denver Broncos, extending their record to 4‑0. Minnesota’s defense stifled the Miami Dolphins 15‑10 to remain unbeaten, and New England edged Buffalo 29‑26 to stay at 2‑2. Dallas prevailed over Houston 34‑30, the Rams slipped past the Eagles 24‑20, the Giants overwhelmed the Cardinals 36‑24, and the Packers edged Tampa Bay 17‑14. In London, Indianapolis topped Washington 30‑13, and on Thursday night the Browns outlasted the Steelers 27‑24.

When the injury reports are layered onto the scoreboard, the Week 4 grades reveal a clear pattern: teams that managed to adjust their schemes and rely on depth tended to earn higher marks, whereas those that leaned heavily on a few star players saw their grades dip. The Bears’ A‑ reflects a coaching staff that maximized available talent, while the Bengals’ slip underscores the peril of over‑reliance on a limited receiving corps. As the season progresses, the ability to navigate injuries will remain a decisive factor in both on‑field success and the weekly evaluation process.