We’re only four games into the 2026 NFL season, but a few players are already separating themselves. This Week 4 All-Star team features a running back who’s now appeared on the list three times and a quarterback who returned to form after a rough start — plus several huge wide-receiver outings that made selections difficult.
Quarterback — Drake Maye, New England Patriots
After a shaky first three weeks (one TD, six interceptions), Maye rebounded in a huge way to lead the Patriots past the Buffalo Bills. He finished with 269 passing yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning toss with under two minutes left, and added 54 rushing yards on eight carries. With New England’s upcoming slate including the Raiders, Jets and Dolphins, this win could be a momentum-shifter for the team.
Running back — Kenneth Walker III, Kansas City Chiefs
Walker kept rolling for the Chiefs, posting 177 rushing yards and two TDs in a tight win over the Raiders. He broke the game open in the fourth quarter with a 76-yard sprint that flipped the field and later punched in a 22-yard rushing touchdown, marking his third appearance on the weekly list this season.
Running back (2nd spot) — Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams
This was a close call. Jonathan Taylor (95 yards, two TDs) and Javonte Williams (62 yards, three TDs) had big days, and Chicago’s Kyle Monangai had a 146-yard, two-TD outburst. Ultimately Kyren Williams gets the nod for a two-touchdown rushing day plus 10 receptions for 67 yards, helping the Rams rally past the Eagles and climb to 2-2.
Wide receivers — CeeDee Lamb (Dallas Cowboys) and Tetairoa McMillan (Carolina Panthers)
CeeDee Lamb was impossible to overlook after hauling in 17 passes for 189 yards and a score on 21 targets — one of the most prolific single-game receiving displays in NFL history. But Tetairoa McMillan topped him Sunday night, catching 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns, the second-most receiving yards in Panthers history, in Carolina’s win over Detroit.
Tight end — T.J. Hockenson, Minnesota Vikings
Though some argued for Brock Bowers after his recent output, Hockenson’s 13 catches for 119 yards — including a near-score that ended up a slide at the 1-yard line — made him the top tight end of the week. His reception total tied for the most by a tight end in the last five seasons.
Offensive line — San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco’s front was dominant in an improved 4-0 start, allowing zero sacks on Brock Purdy for the fourth straight game and paving the way for a 140-yard rushing day on 35 carries. The starting five — Trent Williams, Connor Colby, Jake Brendel, Dominick Puni and Colton McKivitz — combined veteran star power with cost-effective, blue-collar pieces to keep the unit performing at a high level.
Defensive line — Byron Young (Rams) and Dallas Turner (Vikings)
Young was a difference-maker in the Rams’ comeback, recording 2.5 sacks, two of which came in the closing minutes to stifle the Eagles’ final push. Turner notched two sacks in the Vikings’ physical win over Miami and sits at 5.5 sacks on the season, just a half-sack behind the league leader.
Linebacker — Arvell Reese, New York Giants
Ernest Jones’ stat line was compelling elsewhere, but Reese’s all-around impact — an interception, a forced deflection on a separate interception, nine tackles and three passes defended — earned him the nod. With Brian Burns out, Reese’s early-season physicality and edge-rush traits have been especially valuable to New York.
Defensive back — Deonte Banks, New York Giants
Minkah Fitzpatrick ended the Jets’ long interception drought, but Banks’ 98-yard pick-six on the game’s final play had the bigger game-changing impact, sealing a Giants victory. It was his first interception since his rookie year and a huge play in New York’s rise to 3-1 atop the NFC East.
Special teams — Matt Araiza, Kansas City Chiefs
Dave Toub’s special-teams wizardry was on display as Araiza executed a successful 12-yard fake-punt run on fourth-and-9 and averaged a 46.8-yard net with all five punts inside the 20. His late 52-yard punt downed at the 1-yard line with 1:26 remaining was the clincher that pinned the Raiders deep and preserved the Chiefs’ win.
Fan Take:
These Week 4 standouts highlight how quickly narratives can change in the NFL — young quarterbacks can rebound and midseason acquisitions can become focal points — which keeps every week compelling for fans. If performances like these keep up, they’ll shape playoff races and contract decisions, and they could define new faces of the league for years to come.
Source: www.foxsports.com
