The NFL is known for its record-breaking moments, and Week 4 of the regular season has often delivered standout performances. From jaw-dropping offensive showcases to stifling defensive efforts, this week in football history has seen its fair share of players etching their names into the record books. Let’s take a detailed look at some of the most notable records set in Week 4, including a breakdown of performances from the 2023 season and legendary moments from the past.
In Week 4 of the 2023 season, Christian McCaffrey showed why he’s one of the most versatile offensive players in the NFL. In the San Francisco 49ers’ game against the Arizona Cardinals, McCaffrey posted an astounding 51.7 fantasy points, one of the highest single-game totals for a running back.
His game stats were equally impressive:
McCaffrey’s ability to both run and catch the ball makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and Week 4 in 2023 was a prime example. His four touchdowns tied his career-high and further solidified his place among the league’s elite players.
On the defensive side of the ball in Week 4 of 2023, Khalil Mack put on a historic performance for the Los Angeles Chargers against the Las Vegas Raiders. Mack recorded an astounding six sacks, making it one of the best defensive performances of the season and the second-most sacks in a single game in NFL history.
In addition to the sacks, Mack forced two fumbles, wreaking havoc on the Raiders’ offense. His performance was instrumental in the Chargers’ victory, proving once again why Mack is considered one of the top pass rushers in the league.
When talking about Week 4 records, no performance stands out more than Shaun Alexander’s epic game for the Seattle Seahawks against the Minnesota Vikings on September 29, 2002. Alexander, best known for his MVP-winning season in 2005, had one of the greatest single-game performances in NFL history during this Week 4 matchup.
In this game, Alexander accumulated:
The most astonishing part of Alexander’s day? All five touchdowns came in the first half. By halftime, the Seahawks were up 45-17, with Alexander single-handedly dismantling the Vikings’ defense. His ability to dominate in both the running and passing game made this performance one of the most memorable in Week 4 history.
In Week 4 of the 2018 season, Jared Goff had what is arguably the best game of his career while playing for the Los Angeles Rams. Goff threw for a career-high 465 passing yards and five touchdowns in a thrilling 38-31 victory over the Minnesota Vikings.
What makes this performance even more special was Goff’s perfect passer rating of 158.3, achieved while completing 26 of 33 pass attempts. His chemistry with wide receiver Cooper Kupp was on full display, as Goff connected with Kupp for a spectacular 70-yard touchdown.
Goff’s Week 4 performance is particularly significant because he became one of the few quarterbacks to achieve a perfect passer rating with over 30 pass attempts, showcasing his pinpoint accuracy and decision-making.
Speaking of Jared Goff, the Rams’ quarterback made Week 4 history again on September 29, 2019, when he completed a record 45 passes in a single game during a regular season contest. Despite the high volume of completions, the Rams fell to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 55-40 shootout, but Goff’s performance still etched his name in the record books.
With 517 passing yards in that game, Goff reaffirmed his ability to excel in high-pressure situations, even in defeat.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.