Parity makes the NFL great, and this year, even more than in years past, the league has been dominated by upsets and surprisingly underrated teams. After four weeks of play, it is safe to say these three teams were massively overlooked, and the sample size is now large enough to label them playoff contenders.
Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings’ 57-point differential is first in the league by a wide margin. The only other 4-0 team is the two-time reigning champion Kansas City Chiefs. Everyone is waiting for Minnesota to falter, and many thought this might be the week against a division rival, but they keep on rolling.
They scored 28 unanswered points to start the game against a Green Bay Packers team that had just won two games in a row with a backup quarterback.
.@JJettas2 you are unreal. Literally not real.
— Minnesota Vikings (@Vikings) September 29, 2024
?: @NFLonCBs pic.twitter.com/9c7pRswcny
Sam Darnold is having a career year leading the NFL in touchdown passes (11) and quarterback rating (118.9). Justin Jefferson continues to show why he is the best wide receiver in the world, and Aaron Jones is proving that he is still an elite running back. This offense is more than capable of keeping up with anyone.
Through the first three games of the season, the Vikings’ defense gave up 10 points per game, including matchups with the Houston Texans and San Fransico 49ers, both of which are considered to have top-tier offenses.
Even though they allowed the Packers to score 29 points on Sunday, Green Bay did not score until 15 seconds remained in the first half. The Packers, who lead the league in turnover differential, fumbled once and threw three interceptions. This defense is one of the best in the NFL.
The NFC North was considered one of the toughest divisions entering the season, but not because of the Vikings. They were projected to finish behind the Lions, Packers, and Bears and now sit comfortably ahead of all of them.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have made the playoffs for four consecutive seasons and won a playoff game last year. Most of their key players returned, and Baker Mayfield threw for 4,044 yards with 28 touchdowns and only 10 interceptions in 2023. Much like Darnold, he is having a career resurgence in Tampa Bay and is performing like one of the top quarterbacks in the league.
#SubZero 0?? https://t.co/ATVWwxu9RU pic.twitter.com/z6SW4VWGpl
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) September 29, 2024
They crushed the Philadelphia Eagles 33-16 in Week 4 and outgained them by 218 yards. Aside from a performance they would like to forget against the Denver Broncos, they have dominated this year. All three wins are against quality teams, and they beat them relatively easily.
Tampa Bay has two Pro Bowl wide receivers, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and a defense allowing under 20 points per game. Vita Vea is a force in the middle of the defensive line, and much like when this team won a Super Bowl with Tom Brady in 2020, the starting units have very few holes.
They will only go as far as Mayfield takes them, but we should no longer be surprised when he throws for 347 yards and two touchdowns like he did against the Eagles. That is just who he is, and the Buccaneers are a team that could be on their way to winning a fifth straight division title.
Washington Commanders
Jayden Daniels is putting up MVP numbers and has single-handedly put the Commanders on this list. His 82.1 completion percentage is the highest through four games for any quarterback ever, surpassing Brady’s 79.2 percent. He is proving to be a prolific passer in the NFL while also displaying his game-breaking talent as a runner.
The second overall pick in the NFL draft has thrown three touchdowns and ran for four more. Their second touchdown of the day against the Cardinals made it 16 straight drives for the Commanders, which resulted in a score (not including kneel-downs).
Daniels is making a strong case that he should have been the first player selected in this year’s draft, and the eye test suggests that his success will continue. He is not only putting up fantastic numbers but also looks like a phenomenal quarterback, and his team has been rewarded with a 3-1 record. They beat Arizona by 28 points and are the top team in the NFC East standings.
Washington’s defense is problematic. They rank in the bottom third in yards allowed through the air and on the ground. They are 25th in the league in points allowed, and the Buccaneers and Bengals both scored at least 33 points against them. A lot is riding on the offensive side of the football, but so far, it has not mattered.
It is far too early to crown Daniels as one of the best players in the league, but he is certainly playing like he is. If he keeps it up, this team can make the playoffs in a division with three other teams that have been disappointing.
Lead Image Caption: TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 29: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on September 29, 2024 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire)
Benjamin Verbrugge is a reporter for News4usonline who studied journalism at CSU Dominguez Hills. “Sports have brought me much joy throughout my life, and I want to give a little back to something that has meant so much to me.” Email Benjamin at benverbrugge8@gmail.com.