The Sunday slate for Week 4 of the 2026 NFL season kicked off in London between the Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders. After a slow start, the Colts rallied to secure a 30-13 victory abroad.
Our NFL Nation reporters break down the key storylines and lingering questions from each game, while fantasy football analysts Matt Bowen and Tristan Cockcroft provide fantasy insights from all Sunday’s matchups.
Colts
Can the Colts maintain momentum despite inconsistent offensive execution?
Indianapolis salvaged a 2-2 standing after a rocky 0-2 start, but their latest win raises concerns. Quarterback Daniel Jones delivered another uneven performance, committing two turnovers and overseeing an offense that repeatedly lacked energy. While the defense continues to build cohesion, the opposition faced so far hasn’t posed a significant offensive threat. This leaves open the question: can the Colts sustain success if their offense fails to click consistently?
Most surprising performance: Defensive tackle DeForest Buckner remains a dominant force even after returning from delicate neck surgery. At 32, he was relentless against the Commanders’ line, generating consistent pressure, stopping runs, and disrupting passes at the snap. His pursuit of quarterback Marcus Mariota on a scramble stood out as a highlight-reel play.
Next game: at Steelers (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Commanders
Will injuries derail Washington’s already fragile season?
Injuries continue to pile up for the Commanders, who entered Week 4 without their top four offensive players—tackle Laremy Tunsil, receiver Terry McLaurin, quarterback Jayden Daniels, and guard Sam Cosmi—and lost backup QB Marcus Mariota to a knee injury during the game. The silver lining is hope that Daniels might return in Week 5, but the futures of McLaurin (hamstring) and Cosmi (concussion) remain in doubt. Compounding matters, Washington faces a brutal stretch: vs. Giants, at 49ers, vs. Eagles, vs. Rams. That sequence combined with mounting injuries puts their season at serious risk.
What to make of the quarterback carousel: Rookie Athan Kaliakmanis filled in for Mariota but struggled behind a depleted offensive line. He went 15-of-33 for 186 yards with one touchdown and one interception. While he possesses arm strength and poise beyond his years, inexperience showed. The Commanders should seriously consider adding veteran insurance at QB before Week 5—and fast.
Next game: at Giants (Sunday, 1 p.m. ET)
Fantasy football takeaway: With both Mariota and Daniels dealing with injuries, Washington’s passing game is highly unreliable. Kaliakmanis flashed potential on deep throws (2-of-6, 95 yards TD), but his inconsistency makes him a risky streaming option. If he starts in Week 5, downgrade all Commanders skill players accordingly.