**NFL Quarter Mark Analysis: Vikings and Chiefs Soar, Jaguars Struggle, and Surprising Leaders Emerge**

As the NFL season nears its quarter mark, teams are revealing their true colors amidst an 18-week schedule with 17 games. The Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs lead with perfect 4-0 records, while the Jacksonville Jaguars, at 0-4, are still seeking their first win. As October approaches, many teams are still sculpting their identities. The Seattle Seahawks and Washington Commanders have emerged as unexpected division leaders. Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals, early favorites for the Super Bowl, are working to overcome a challenging start.

**Reality Bites: Cardinals' Offensive Struggles Not on Kyler Murray**

Kyler Murray isn’t the root of the Cardinals' offensive issues. Their offense stands 10th in points per possession (2.32) and 8th in yards per possession (35.2). Despite an average of only 13.5 points in the last two weeks, Murray maintains a 66.1% completion rate with two touchdowns and an interception (87.6 rating). This season, he has a completion rate of 69.4% with six touchdowns and one interception, placing him seventh in the NFL with a 104.6 passer rating. Murray's performance is hindered by an offensive line ranked 25th in pass-block win rate, forcing him into premature plays.

**Overreaction Alert: Falcons need to Feed Bijan Robinson More**

Bijan Robinson's utilization in the Falcons' offense appears limited. With 55 carries for 224 yards and a touchdown, averaging 56.0 yards per game (23rd in NFL), Robinson is underused. Even though Tyler Allgeier is performing well, Robinson's average of 17.5 touches per game suggests the Falcons should increase his workload rather than lessen it.

**Dominant Derrick Henry Aims High Again**

Derrick Henry is off to a dominant start, leading the NFL with 480 rushing yards and averaging 6.0 yards per carry over four games. With 350 yards and three touchdowns in the last two games alone, Henry is on pace for a stellar 2,040-yard season. However, expectations for another 2,000-yard season might be premature, as Henry needs to maintain this level across all 17 games and avoid off days like those experienced early in the season.

**Buffalo Bills: The AFC East's Consistent Power**

Despite a blowout loss to Baltimore, the Buffalo Bills are the most consistent team in the AFC East at 3-1. They are distancing themselves from the Miami Dolphins, who miss Tua Tagovailoa, and the rebuilding New England Patriots. The New York Jets, though talented, lack the week-to-week consistency and coaching strength of the Bills. This division is Buffalo's to lose, potentially securing it well before Week 18.

**Bryce Young Should Continue Learning from the Bench**

The Carolina Panthers might benefit from keeping rookie quarterback Bryce Young on the bench. Andy Dalton has showcased competitive play, completing 51 of 77 passes in two starts for 539 yards, five touchdowns, and one interception (102.7 rating). Under Dalton, the Panthers average 30 points and 406 yards per game, indicating the rookie could learn significantly from the veteran’s performance.

**Bears' Protection Issues: Caleb Williams Takes His Share of Blame**

The Chicago Bears’ offensive line faces scrutiny for allowing 16 sacks, the third most in the NFL, and maintaining a 10.2% sack rate (fifth worst). They also possess a 32.5% pressure rate, the 14th highest. Quarterback Caleb Williams has been sacked for a league-high 124 yards lost, suggesting it’s not solely an offensive line issue but also one involving Williams' gameplay.

**Bengals' Critical Upcoming Stretch**

The Cincinnati Bengals’ habitual slow start has led to a 1-3 record, making their upcoming game against Baltimore a must-win. With winnable matches against the Giants and Browns and crucial home games against contenders like the Eagles, the Bengals need a strong run in the AFC North—targeting a 5-1 division record to enhance their playoff aspirations.

**Amari Cooper: Browns’ Trade Option?**

Amari Cooper's underwhelming start, with fewer than 40 yards in three of four games, places him on uncertain grounds in his contract's final year. With two touchdowns and no 100-yard game, Cooper could become a trade asset if the Browns’ season spirals, especially with Nick Chubb injured. Cleveland needs their top playmakers to return to form for Cooper to prove his worth.

**Cowboys' Rushing Woes**

The Dallas Cowboys' rushing attack ranks worst in the league, averaging just 75.3 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. The duo of Ezekiel Elliott and Rico Dowdle falls short, with Elliott averaging 3.7 yards per carry and scoring one touchdown. Improvements are essential for the Cowboys if they aim to turn their ground game around.