Cowboys climb back, Vikings stay perfect — NFC East and North roundup

The NFC East and North shuffled again on Sunday: the Cowboys jumped back into the race, the Eagles slid into fresh uncertainty and the Vikings continued to set the pace at a perfect 4-0.

Cowboys surge, Commanders stumble in the East

In Houston, the Dallas Cowboys (2-2) pulled off a dramatic 34-30 comeback win over the Texans, driven by CeeDee Lamb. The wideout rewrote the Cowboys’ record book with 17 receptions and the winning touchdown, a performance that landed Dallas squarely in a CBS Sports Week 4 overreaction column about potential NFC East dominance. Off the field, owner Jerry Jones floated the idea that the NFL could tweak its long-standing schedule formula to emphasize regional rivalries if the league eventually expands to 18 games.

The Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) went the other way, letting a home game against the Los Angeles Rams slip through their fingers. Up 20-10 and on the verge of a clinching score, their offense unraveled late in a 24-20 loss that also featured what was described as a historic third-down meltdown. Star running back Saquon Barkley exited early with a hamstring injury and was ruled out for the rest of the afternoon.

The New York Giants (3-1) handled the Arizona Cardinals 36-24 at MetLife Stadium, a game now under league review after an incident between an official and Cardinals tight end Trey McBride. Away from the field, Odell Beckham Jr. criticized how the Giants handled his release, while Bill Belichick spent Saturday night in New Jersey at the 40th anniversary dinner for the franchise’s 1986 Super Bowl champions.

For the Washington Commanders (1-3), a 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts in London turned painful. Quarterback Marcus Mariota suffered a right knee injury and was ruled out, giving rookie Athan Kaliakmanis his first NFL snaps. Despite another wave of injuries, coach Dan Quinn says the team is targeting Week 5 for quarterback Jayden Daniels’ return against the Giants.

Vikings remain perfect, Packers pay a price in the North

In the North, the Minnesota Vikings (4-0) stayed unbeaten with a 15-10 win over the Miami Dolphins. That game is now part of a wider storyline, as the NFL reviews an on-field collision and heated exchange between linebacker Eric Wilson and referee Adrian Hill from the victory.

The Chicago Bears (3-1) took their first loss of the season in a 23-12 defeat to the New York Jets, a game notable primarily for Minkah Fitzpatrick delivering the Jets’ first interception in 637 days and snapping an NFL-record 20-game drought.

The Green Bay Packers (2-2) edged the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 17-14 but fear a heavy cost: the team believes linebacker Edgerrin Cooper suffered a torn Achilles, an injury Matt LaFleur suspects will end his season.

The Detroit Lions (2-2) fell 32-26 to the Carolina Panthers, leaving them tied with Green Bay behind Minnesota and keeping the race wide open for second place in the division.