AFC Week 4 standout players emerge

While superstars dominate NFL headlines, lesser-known players often deliver key plays. These underrated athletes may fly under the radar due to smaller markets, depth chart positioning, or coaching decisions.

Here are three such players who stood out in Week 4 of the 2026 AFC season.

Ollie Gordon II Steps Up for Miami

When De’Von Achane suffered a season-ending ACL tear in Week 3, the Miami Dolphins turned to Ollie Gordon II. A 2025 sixth-round pick from Oklahoma State, Gordon had never rushed for more than 46 yards in a game. The Dolphins, already grappling with significant salary cap constraints and limited major expenditures, had recently signed Achane to a four-year, $64 million contract extension with $27.378 million guaranteed, only to see him sidelined after just two regular-season games.

Against the Minnesota Vikings, Gordon rushed nine times for 100 yards and a touchdown. He averaged 11.11 yards per carry and 8.89 yards after contact. His performance included a 44.4% success rate and an EPA per rush of +0.68. Notably, Gordon’s breakout came against a Vikings defense that ranked among the league’s best in limiting rushing efficiency, allowing the third-lowest EPA per rush (-0.25), the fifth-lowest rushing success rate (32.9%), and the fifth-lowest yards per carry (3.52) entering Week 4.

The Dolphins’ offensive line created gaps, allowing Gordon to showcase his power and speed. Despite the team’s 15-10 loss, Gordon’s performance offered a glimmer of hope for a team in the midst of a challenging season. Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley said postgame, “I thought Ollie did a really nice job,” adding, “I thought we were able to run the ball. We had some big runs, but I thought Ollie stepped up and he did a really nice job. Clearly, we miss [Achane]. I miss him right now, but that’s where we’re at. And I told those guys last night in talking in front of the team, I think belief is important. And it was important for them to know that I believe in Ollie… and that’s just how we’re going to go.”

Tyquan Thornton’s Bitter-Sweet Day

Tyquan Thornton, the Kansas City Chiefs’ fifth receiver, had a career-best performance against the Las Vegas Raiders. Selected in the second round of the 2022 draft by the New England Patriots, Thornton was released in November 2024 and signed to the Chiefs’ practice squad three days later. After proving himself, he secured a two-year, $11 million contract with $7.4 million guaranteed in March 2026.

Against the Raiders, Thornton caught five passes for 111 yards and two touchdowns, including a 55-yard reception that set up the game-winning score. However, he suffered a dislocated ankle on that play, sidelining him for an estimated 3-4 months. The injury prompted the Chiefs to consider reuniting with Tyreek Hill to bolster their downfield speed.

Adin Huntington’s Role in Cleveland

Adin Huntington, a defensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, contributed to the team’s efforts in Week 4. Huntington, a 2025 undrafted free agent from Tulane, played a career-high 48 snaps against the Pittsburgh Steelers, recording a sack and six pressures. His performance included four pressures and a sack in 13 pass-rush reps against left tackle Troy Fautanu, outperforming Jared Verse, who managed just one pressure in 19 reps against Fautanu.

The Impact of Injuries and Opportunities

Injuries to key players like De’Von Achane have created opportunities for backups like Ollie Gordon II. These players have stepped up and delivered key performances, showcasing their potential and earning recognition.