NFL

Week 4 Comebacks: Cowboys, Rams and Patriots Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

  • Authored By: Sports Now
  • Updated Oct 5, 2026, 18:38 IST

The Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots all secured vital fourth-quarter comebacks in Week 4, moving to 2-2 and potentially saving their seasons after disappointing starts to the campaign.

Week 4 Comebacks: Cowboys, Rams and Patriots Keep Playoff Hopes Alive

The Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots entered Week 4 staring down the barrel of a 1-3 record, a position that historically signals the end of serious playoff contention. By the time the final whistles blew on Sunday, however, all three teams had successfully orchestrated fourth-quarter comebacks to pull their records back to 2-2. While these victories do not erase the systemic flaws that plagued their early-season performances, they provide a necessary lifeline as the teams look to re-establish themselves as conference contenders.

The most dramatic individual display came in Houston, where CeeDee Lamb powered the Cowboys to a 34-30 victory over the Texans. Lamb recorded a franchise-record 17 receptions for 189 yards, serving as the focal point of a Dallas offense that struggled to find rhythm on the ground. Dak Prescott orchestrated a decisive two-minute drill, capped by a 12-yard touchdown pass to Lamb with just 43 seconds remaining. Despite ongoing concerns regarding the team's rushing efficiency and defensive consistency, the win provides a much-needed morale boost ahead of a favorable stretch of upcoming matchups.

Rams and Patriots Secure Crucial Wins

In Philadelphia, the Los Angeles Rams overcame a 10-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat the Eagles. Trailing late in the game, the Rams' defense forced a critical turnover on downs when a botched snap prevented the Eagles from extending their lead. Matthew Stafford, who had struggled with accuracy throughout the afternoon, found his form in the final minutes, leading back-to-back scoring drives. Puka Nacua, returning from a groin injury, proved instrumental in the second half, while the Rams' defense—despite missing key personnel—successfully held the Eagles to 0-for-12 on third-down conversions.

Meanwhile, the New England Patriots avoided a potential freefall with a hard-fought win against the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Drake Maye, facing intense pressure, led a 73-yard scoring drive in the final five minutes to reclaim the lead. A spectacular touchdown catch by Efton Chism III and a subsequent two-point conversion gave the Patriots a three-point cushion. The defense sealed the result when Craig Woodson intercepted Josh Allen in the closing moments. The victory marks a significant turnaround for a Patriots squad that had been reeling from a heavy defeat in Jacksonville, providing a platform for the team to build upon during their upcoming two-game homestand.