NFL Week 4: Rams 24 - Eagles 20
​
The Rams stormed back late to stun the Eagles, and the shakeup didn’t stop there—this week’s NFC Power Rankings saw major movement as contenders separated from pretenders. The NTSB breaks down the game, the surging powers at the top, and the teams already slipping into early-season trouble.
​
By Rob Olds
The North Texas Sports Blog
October 7, 2026
​
The Rams’ 24–20 win over the Eagles was a game defined by momentum swings, situational football, and a dramatic collapse by Philadelphia’s offense after a strong opening half. The Eagles controlled the early flow, scoring 20 points on their first six drives, including two touchdown connections between Jalen Hurts and Darius Cooper—one an 18‑yard strike and the other a perfectly executed 10‑yard score with just three seconds left in the half. But everything changed after halftime. Philadelphia’s offense completely unraveled, going 0‑for‑12 on third down and 1‑for‑4 on fourth, producing only 68 net passing yards and failing to score a single point the rest of the way. Hurts finished 12‑of‑27 for 93 yards with a staggering 36 percent bad‑throw rate, and the Eagles’ receivers struggled to separate against a Rams defense that tightened significantly, with Nathan Landman allowing just 42.9 percent completions and Trent McDuffie only 33.3 percent.
​
The Rams, meanwhile, survived early mistakes—including two Stafford interceptions—and leaned heavily on their stars when it mattered most. Matthew Stafford’s 317 passing yards came on volume rather than efficiency, but Puka Nacua was electric, catching nine passes for 125 yards and adding a two‑yard rushing touchdown. Kyren Williams was the closer, breaking 10 tackles and rushing for 80 yards and two fourth‑quarter touchdowns that completed the comeback. Los Angeles engineered two of the most impressive drives of the season: a 98‑yard touchdown march followed by a 79‑yard dagger that flipped the game in the final minutes. Defensively, Byron Young’s 2.5 sacks and Kamren Kinchens’ six tackles helped the Rams pitch a second‑half shutout despite 100 penalty yards.
​
Special teams were largely steady for both sides—Jake Elliott drilled a 56‑yard field goal, Ethan Evans averaged 49.8 yards per punt, and Britain Covey added a 41‑yard return—but hidden yardage couldn’t rescue Philadelphia from its offensive collapse. The Eagles’ defense held up admirably for most of the second half but eventually cracked under the strain of repeated short possessions and mounting missed tackles. For the Rams, this was a culture win: resilient, opportunistic, and anchored by late‑game execution. For the Eagles, it was a warning siren. Their offense is too talented to disappear for an entire half, yet that’s exactly what happened, leaving them at 2–2 and searching for answers.
​
This Week's NFC Power Rankings
​
1. San Francisco 49ers (4–0) — The 49ers remain the NFC’s most complete team. Their offense is efficient, their defense is suffocating, and their +14.0 SRS profile continues to separate them from the rest of the conference. With a +58 point differential and a weekly margin of victory that looks like a varsity–JV scrimmage, they are the NFC’s standard and the most stable contender.
​
2. Chicago Bears (3–1) — Chicago’s rise is no longer a surprise; it’s a statement. Their +47 point differential and 12.1 SRS are elite, and they’ve shown they can dominate physically or win with balance. Their defense is opportunistic, their offense is efficient, and their weekly control of game flow makes them look like a fully formed contender.
​
3. Minnesota Vikings (4–0) — Minnesota’s undefeated start is real, not a mirage. Their defense has been one of the league’s most reliable units, and their +35 point differential reflects a team capable of winning shootouts or grinding out physical games. They remain the NFC North’s pace-setter and a legitimate threat to the conference’s elite.
​
4. Seattle Seahawks (3–1) — Seattle’s offense remains inconsistent, but their defense has stabilized enough to keep them competitive. Their +32 point differential places them in the NFC’s upper tier, and while they still need more offensive rhythm to climb higher, their toughness and situational discipline make them a dangerous opponent.
​
5. Carolina Panthers (2–2) — Carolina’s offense has quietly become one of the NFC’s most efficient units, posting a 9.0 OSRS that signals real explosiveness. Their +12 point differential shows they’re better than their record, and while the defense remains uneven, the Panthers are trending upward and playing with confidence.
​
6. Los Angeles Rams (2–2) — The Rams’ profile is volatile but promising. Their 3.1 SRS and positive point differential reflect a team capable of competing with anyone when they’re locked in. Their comeback win in Philadelphia showcased resilience, creativity, and a growing defensive identity. They’re competitive, dangerous, and improving.
​
7. New York Giants (3–1) — The Giants’ cultural reboot under John Harbaugh continues to pay dividends. They play tough, disciplined football and no longer beat themselves. Their negative offensive SRS is concerning, but their defense keeps them in every game, and their 3–1 record reflects a team trending upward.
​
8. Detroit Lions (2–2) — Detroit’s balance keeps them firmly in the middle tier. Their offense remains efficient, but their –8 point differential and negative SRS suggest inconsistency. They’re talented enough to challenge anyone, but they haven’t yet shown the stability needed to climb back into the elite tier.
​
9. Dallas Cowboys (2–2) — Dallas remains one of the conference’s most volatile teams. Their offense can overwhelm opponents, but their defense is inconsistent and their overall profile—especially a negative SRS—reflects a team struggling to find identity. They’re dangerous, but flawed, and their week-to-week variance is enormous.
​
10. Philadelphia Eagles (2–2) — Philadelphia’s loss to the Rams exposed real issues. Their offensive line struggled, their passing game lacked rhythm, and their defense couldn’t get off the field late. Their –18 point differential and –6.0 SRS suggest regression, and while the talent is still there, the performance is not matching the roster.
​
11. Atlanta Falcons (2–2) — Atlanta’s run game remains their identity, but quarterback inconsistency limits their ceiling. Their defense is improved, but their –1.1 SRS suggests a team stuck in the middle. They’re competitive, but not yet ascending, and their offensive volatility remains a concern.
​
12. New Orleans Saints (1–3) — The Saints’ offense remains one of the least explosive in the NFC, and their defense has been inconsistent. Their –23 point differential and negative SRS across the board suggest a team trending downward. They’re scrappy, but not stable enough to contend.
​
13. Arizona Cardinals (1–3) — Arizona plays hard but lacks the talent to finish games. Their offense is inconsistent, their defense thin, and their –6.5 SRS remains among the worst in the conference. They’re in full rebuild mode, and the standings reflect it.
​
14. Green Bay Packers (2–2) — Green Bay is volatile but dangerous. Their offense shows flashes of explosiveness, and their defense has moments of dominance, but inconsistency continues to cap their ceiling. Their –32 point differential and –8.1 SRS place them firmly in the lower middle tier.
​
15. Washington Commanders (1–3) — Washington is building around Jayden Daniels’ explosiveness, and the flashes are undeniable. Their offense is dynamic, but their defense remains inconsistent. Their –34 point differential and –10.8 SRS show a team that’s competitive in moments but not yet ready to threaten the NFC’s top tier.
​
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0–4) — Tampa Bay has the NFC’s weakest record and one of its most concerning point differentials. Their offense lacks explosiveness, their defense is overextended, and their negative SRS reflects a team in crisis. Right now, they’re the weakest team in the NFC.
NTSB North Texas Sports Blog
© 2026 North Texas Sports Blog | Feature written by Rob Olds at the NTSB NFL Coverage Desk
Statistical sources: Football Reference, StatMuse, ESPN.com/NFL