We are now a month through the 2024 season, and there have been plenty of surprises that have sprouted up over the first four weeks. On a positive note, the Sam Darnold resurgence in Minnesota, where he has the Vikings undefeated and atop the NFC North, is a development that most didn’t see coming. The same can be said in Washington, where No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels looks like the real deal and has the Commanders leading the NFC East after the opening month.
While there are plenty of positive storylines for teams across the league after the first four weeks, there’s also the other side of that coin. There are other clubs who were looked at as legit playoff contenders coming into the year that now find themselves floundering. We’ve collected those summer playoff hopefuls who have struggled (to varying degrees) to begin this season and have tiered them in terms of how high their panic level should be going forward.
Panic level: Should be fine
Teams: San Francisco 49ers (2-2), Green Bay Packers (2-2)
Both of these teams have dealt with injuries to key members of the roster.
In San Francisco, the club has seen running back Christian McCaffrey land on injured reserve due to an Achilles injury, and has yet to play this season. Also, tight end George Kittle and wideout Deebo Samuel have managed injuries, while defensive tackle Javon Hargrave is done for the year with a torn triceps. Even in the latest Week 4 win, linebacker Fred Warner suffered an apparent ankle injury. Of course, if these injuries continue to pile up, there should be plenty of cause for concern in the Bay Area. That said, they have a talented enough roster and top-tier coaching staff to absorb these current hits.
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