The Big Story for every NFL team

— -- NFL Nation reporters detail the biggest storylines for every team coming out of Week 4 -- and what they mean going forward. 

NFC EAST

Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

The Cowboys have wanted to get back to the formula that worked so well for them in 2014, when they went 12-4. With Sunday's win over the 49ers, they have matched the 3-1 record they had two years ago, and tight end Jason Witten admitted there is something special brewing. "Definitely the mojo is good right now," Witten said. "I think it comes from a lot of good work. This group back in February, [with] the commitment we made. You've got to take it week to week. You move forward. That's what this team has done best. Certainly, I think this is a good feeling right now, and even when there's a lot of room to improve, down 14-0, and then you rally back. It says a lot about the character." -- Todd Archer

Next game: vs. Cincinnati, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

New York Giants (2-1)

The Cowboys (3-1) won. The Redskins (2-2) won. The Eagles (3-0) had a bye week. The NFC East is no joke. The Giants (2-1) have two tough, prime-time games on the schedule beginning Monday night in Minnesota. They're going to need to steal a victory somewhere to keep pace in the division. -- Jordan Raanan

Next game: at Minnesota, 8:30 p.m. ET Monday

Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)

As the Eagles return from their bye and begin preparations for the Lions, coach Doug Pederson will work to weed out any complacency that might have set in as a result of the team's fast start. "You think you've arrived. You think you are all that. When that creeps in, that's when you get beat," he said before the break. "It's my job not to let that creep in. I've got to keep the guys focused and grounded." -- Tim McManus

Next game: at Detroit, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

Washington Redskins (2-2)

The Redskins' big issue that they must continue to deal with is their run defense. They did a good job of bailing themselves out of bad spots with three forced turnovers. But as end Ricky Jean Francois said after the game, "it'll get real irritating" if they don't figure out what's going wrong. They allowed 163 yards to Cleveland and continue to give up way too many yards after contact; they were tied for 28th in this category entering the game. The Redskins have an explosive offense, but the defense will have to improve here. Turnovers are great, but stopping the run will lead to greater consistency. -- John Keim

Next game: at Baltimore, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

NFC NORTH

Chicago Bears (1-3)

There is no reason for the Bears to rush  Jay Cutler back from his thumb injury. Over the past nine quarters, the Bears' offense is functioning better under Brian Hoyer, Cutler's replacement, who has passed for 697 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions. Hoyer, 30, is not the long-term solution at quarterback, but the Bears need to ride the positive momentum into upcoming winnable games against Indianapolis (1-3) and Jacksonville (1-3). Before Cutler got hurt, he turned the ball over three times for an overall passer-rating of 75.7. -- Jeff Dickerson

Next game: at Indianapolis, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

Detroit Lions (1-3)

The Lions are a team of issues right now, and if they don't fix them soon, they will have another lost season. They have to find a pass rush, a way to force turnovers and a way to get the offense started more quickly. Those have been problem areas that have been consistent during the team's 1-3 start, and those are things the Lions need to curb before facing the Eagles next weekend. -- Michael Rothstein

Next game: vs. Philadelphia, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

Green Bay Packers (2-1)

With the Packers' run defense atop the NFL rankings, defensive coordinator Dom Capers' biggest task during the bye was to figure out why his unit has given up monster games to Minnesota's Stefon Diggs (nine catches, 182 yards, one TD) and Detroit's Marvin Jones (six catches, 205 yards, two touchdowns) in consecutive weeks. The easy answer is the absence of cornerback  Sam Shields, who remains in the concussion protocol. He has first-round pick Damarious Randall in his place, however. But for every good play Randall has made, he has given up twice as many. "That's life for a cornerback in the NFL," Capers said of Randall. "You're not going to make every play. They're going to get some plays in there on you as a corner, especially. You've got to find a way to come back and make your plays." -- Rob Demovsky

Next game: vs. New York Giants, 8:30 p.m. ET Sunday

Minnesota Vikings (3-0)

The Vikings' third-ranked defense will be tested Monday night against what might be the deepest group of receivers Minnesota has faced this season. "These guys can all run," coach Mike Zimmer said. "[Sterling] Shepard in the slot is very, very dangerous. They've got a lot of double moves with him. Obviously [Odell] Beckham has got a lot of double moves, he's quick and great run after the catch. [Victor] Cruz made a big catch against New Orleans to win the ballgame there at the end. All those guys are really stop-and-start guys, but they all have deep speed." -- Ben Goessling

Next game: vs. New York Giants, 8:30 p.m. ET Monday

NFC SOUTH

Atlanta Falcons (3-1)

The big story is that Julio Jones, Matt Ryan and the Falcons just put defensive coordinators on notice again, if Jones' explosive ability weren't already clear. Jones' 300 receiving yards and 75-yard touchdown against the Panthers showed how dominant a player he truly is. The fact that the Panthers single-covered him with inexperienced cornerbacks at times was simply foolish. Jones will face  Chris Harris Jr. and Aqib Talib next week in Denver, followed by Richard Sherman in Seattle. Good luck, guys. -- Vaughn McClure

Next game: at Denver, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

Carolina Panthers (1-3)

The biggest storyline to keep an eye on is the status of quarterback Cam Newton and whether the reigning league MVP will be out of the concussion protocol in time for the Panthers' next game against the Bucs. Having an extra day to recover will help. If Newton doesn't, the Panthers will ask  Derek Anderson to try to turn their 1-3 season around. Anderson has been there before, starting twice for Newton against the Bucs in 2014. He went 2-0. -- David Newton

Next game: vs. Tampa Bay, 8:30 p.m. ET Monday

New Orleans Saints (1-3)

Of course, one victory -- let's be honest, one incredible, 10-minute flurry -- doesn't erase all the Saints' issues that led to a 1-3 start. But it's hard to discount how much resilience they showed, especially on defense, in holding San Diego to just seven points in the second half and forcing three late turnovers in a comeback win. It was an absolute must going into a bye week. Soon, the Saints will get key defensive players back from injuries -- cornerback Delvin Breaux in Week 7 or 8 and defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins soon after. Coach Sean Payton said the Saints can't ignore their flaws, but that this was evidence that they have the right type of guys. -- Mike Triplett

Next game: Bye in Week 5

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)

Bucs coach Dirk Koetter admitted that he is "very concerned" after quarterback Jameis Winston threw two interceptions in the first half against the Broncos. The Bucs turned the ball over three times. "He's not regressing, but we've got to take care of the football," Koetter said. Koetter was also irked that the team started a pushing match while in victory formation. -- Jenna Laine

Next game: at Carolina, 8:30 p.m. ET Monday

NFC WEST

Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

The Cardinals are in an unfamiliar position. They fell to 1-3 after losing to the Rams, but they suffered a more important loss: Quarterback Carson Palmer left the game late in the fourth quarter with a concussion. He was admitted to the concussion protocol, which leaves his status for Thursday night's game against San Francisco in question. If he can't start, Arizona will play Drew Stanton, whose most recent start was in Week 15 of 2014. -- Josh Weinfuss

Next game: at San Francisco, 8:25 p.m. ET Thursday

Los Angeles Rams (3-1)

The Rams are 3-1 and have basically forced themselves into the national conversation with wins over the Cardinals and Seahawks. The defense has dominated its past three games, including forcing five turnovers Sunday in a win at University of Phoenix Stadium. The offense is steadily improving, even though Todd Gurley -- 82 carries for 216 rushing yards in his first four games -- is still waiting to get going. "As long as I keep winning, I can care less," Gurley said. "It don't even matter to me." -- Alden Gonzalez

Next game: vs. Buffalo, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

San Francisco 49ers (1-3)

The 49ers lost a winnable game Sunday against the Cowboys, which was a hard enough pill to swallow, but now they await word on news that could be worse. Linebacker NaVorro Bowman suffered a left leg injury in the third quarter, and there's fear that it's an Achilles injury, which could cost him extended time. The Niners didn't have an exact diagnosis but feared the worst in the locker room after the game. Now, they face the possibility of turning around to play Arizona on short rest and beyond without the defense's one proven star. -- Nick Wagoner

Next game: vs. Arizona, 8:25 p.m. ET Thursday

Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

Playing on a sprained MCL, Russell Wilson was close to perfect Sunday, as he completed 23 of 32 passes for 309 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions in the team's 27-17 win oer the Jets. He showed once again that he can do damage from the pocket, and Wilson now has a bye week to get healthy. At 3-1, Pete Carroll has to be thrilled with where the Seahawks stand. They've persevered through injuries to Wilson, WR Tyler Lockett, RB Thomas Rawls and others. The defense has looked like it always does, and the offensive line is improving. Going into the season, this looked like a team poised to make a Super Bowl run. After four games, that has not changed. -- Sheil Kapadia

Next game: Bye in Week 5

AFC EAST

Buffalo Bills (2-2)

Rex Ryan's swagger is back. The Bills might be 2-2, but they were left for dead after their 0-2 start and now have beaten the Cardinals and Patriots, considered Super Bowl favorites. True to form, Rex poked fun at Belichick by impersonating him -- again -- at his postgame news conference. The Bills travel to the West Coast next weekend. -- Mike Rodak

Next game: at Los Angeles, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

Miami Dolphins (1-3)

The big story for the Dolphins is how to fix their anemic offense, which scored just seven points in a Thursday night loss to the Bengals. Miami coach Adam Gase said a major focus going forward is improving on third downs. The Dolphins are converting just 26.7 percent of third downs, and that has resulted in a lot of three-and-outs and a big disadvantage with time of possession, which also wears out the defense. -- James Walker

Next game: vs. Tennessee, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

New England Patriots (3-1)

The Patriots would have loved to be 4-0 with quarterback  Tom Brady returning from his suspension Monday, but they turned in a complete dud in losing to the Bills. The shutout was the first time the Patriots had been blanked at home since Nov. 28, 1993, the first year of Bill Parcells' coaching tenure. But in the big picture, at 3-1 and in first place in the AFC East, the team is still in good position as it heads to Cleveland to face the Browns with Brady back under center. -- Mike Reiss

Next game: at Cleveland, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

New York Jets (1-3)

Coach Todd Bowles addressed the hottest issue after Sunday's loss by saying he remains confident in embattled quarterback  Ryan Fitzpatrick. The next item on the agenda is fixing the pass defense, which is allowing 285 yards per game and a 71 percent completion rate. The Jets might not have cornerback  Darrelle Revis (hamstring) next Sunday in Pittsburgh. Containing Antonio Brown without Revis will be a massive challenge. -- Rich Cimini

Next game: at Pittsburgh, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

AFC NORTH

Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

The Ravens have to figure out a better way to protect quarterback Joe Flacco and his surgically repaired left knee. He was hit six times and hurried countless other times in Sunday's loss to the Raiders. Flacco was either taking a hard shot or running out of the pocket for most of the day. Baltimore can't afford to lose Flacco like it did last season. Next up is the Redskins, who have eight sacks in four games and sacked Browns rookie Cody Kessler only once Sunday. -- Jamison Hensley

Next game: vs. Washington, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

The Bengals capped off the first quarter of the season with a dominating win over the Dolphins, but the question remains: Can their offense figure out how to win without a big game from A.J. Green? The wide receiver put up 173 yards and a touchdown against Miami. Getting tight end  Tyler Eifert back should help, and that seems like a realistic possibility this week. -- Katherine Terrell

Next game: at Dallas, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

Cleveland Browns (0-4)

The adage states that close is good only in horseshoes. Close for the Browns means heartache three games in a row. Turnovers doomed the team's effort against Washington. It looks up, though, and Tom Brady is coming off a suspension. The first team he'll face is the Browns. Which leads again to the question: Does this stuff happen to other teams? -- Pat McManamon

Next game: vs. New England, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh's offensive explosion against the Chiefs reminded everyone how dangerous and versatile the Steelers can be with the battery of Ben Roethlisberger, Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell intact. The Steelers can line up Bell wide while Big Ben goes deep to Brown, or they can milk clock with a big lead by running Bell behind maximum protection. This is what Pittsburgh envisioned with a healthy lineup. Now, if Sammie Coates can give the Steelers a few deep-ball completions each week, they have something. -- Jeremy Fowler

Next game: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

AFC SOUTH

Houston Texans (3-1)

In their first game without star defensive end J.J. Watt, the Texans did just enough to win by holding off the Titans. Although quarterback Brock Osweiler started off strong, with two touchdowns on Houston's first two offensive drives, he also threw two interceptions. Osweiler said those turnovers were the result of "poor decisions," which is something Houston cannot afford to make when they play the Vikings next weekend. -- Sarah Barshop

Next game: at Minnesota, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

Indianapolis Colts (1-3)

The Colts made a seven-hour flight to see what they already know: They have a deeply flawed roster surrounding quarterback Andrew Luck, who was sacked six times in a loss to the Jaguars in London. Good teams don't make the same mistakes; they fix problems and move on. But Indianapolis is plagued by slow starts, missed tackles, dropped passes and bonehead penalties. It doesn't get any easier for the Colts, who are the first team to play the week after a London game, as they face the Bears at home on Sunday. -- ESPN.com staff

Next game: vs. Chicago, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)

The Jaguars' victory over the Colts takes the heat off coach Gus Bradley for now. The team's schedule gets easier the next month -- after a bye, Jacksonville plays Chicago, Oakland and Tennessee -- so the Jaguars have a legitimate chance to go on a bit of a run. If they falter and aren't hovering around .500 by the end of October, then Bradley will once again be on the hot seat. The Jaguars have to find some consistency on offense, which they seemed to have against Indy, and eliminate big plays on defense, which they didn't do against the Colts. -- Mike DiRocco

Next game: Bye in Week 5

Tennessee Titans (1-3)

Quarterback  Marcus Mariota looks broken. He has five interceptions (plus two lost fumbles) to four touchdowns, and on Sunday in Houston, he missed 10 of 19 throws of 10 yards or fewer. A trip to Miami is next, and the Dolphins have allowed opposing passers a 98.4 rating and managed only one interception. Mariota's receivers can help, but he has to be better against the Dolphins. Young quarterbacks are having success around the league, and after his solid rookie year, Mariota's drop-off is a big disappointment. -- Paul Kuharsky

Next game: at Miami, 1 p.m. ET Sunday

AFC WEST

Denver Broncos (4-0)

Quarterback Trevor Siemian suffered an injury to his left (non-throwing) shoulder in Sunday's win over the Buccaneers and said following the game that he felt he could have gone back in if needed. He will be examined more when the team returns to Denver to see what the plan for him will be in the coming week. Rookie Paxton Lynch showed that he has been paying attention in the meetings, as he finished 14-of-24 for 170 yards and a touchdown in just over two quarters of work. If Siemian's healthy enough to play, he will go for the Broncos on Sunday against the Falcons. Asked Sunday if he thought he would be able to play, he said, "It is my non-throwing shoulder." -- Jeff Legwold

Next game: vs. Atlanta, 4:05 p.m. ET Sunday

Kansas City Chiefs

Nothing is adding up for the Chiefs of late, particularly on offense. They have too much talent to produce so little on offense. One possible source for offensive production after next week's bye is running back Jamaal Charles, who played in Sunday's night's loss to the Steelers for the first time since last year's torn ACL. But he played little and carried just twice for seven yards. -- Adam Teicher

Next game: Bye in Week 5

Oakland Raiders (3-1)

Wide receiver  Michael Crabtree was distraught two years ago with the 49ers, calling himself a third-down receiver, a fourth option or vice versa. In his second season in Oakland, Craftree is rejuvenated and is more than Derek Carr's security blanket; Crabtree is showing the Niners what they missed out on. A career-best three-touchdown day in the Raiders' victory at the Ravens cemented that narrative. "It's no secret," Crabtree said. "I'm grateful to be in this situation. Thankful. Blessed." Now, can he and the Raiders keep it up at home next week against the Chargers, after playing three of their first four games on the road? -- Paul Gutierrez

Next game: vs. San Diego, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday

San Diego Chargers (1-3)

The Chargers once again grabbed defeat from the jaws of victory by wasting a 13-point lead with about five minutes remaining in a loss to the Saints. Coach Mike McCoy's team is 3-12 in games decided by eight points or fewer, dating to last season. At 1-3 on the year, McCoy is firmly in the hot seat. McCoy, however, says his players still have confidence in him. "I know one way: to come in tomorrow, work my ass off and get this team ready to go to Oakland," McCoy said when asked about his job security. "I don't worry about any of that. I am coaching this football team the way I know how to do it, and we're going to grind." -- Eric D. Williams

Next game: at Oakland, 4:25 p.m. ET Sunday