NFL Week 4 Power Rankings

The Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders brought an end to Week 4 with an ultimately disappointing Monday Night Football matchup. Nevertheless, we got to enjoy another weekend of football, so we can’t complain too much.

There has been another change in the top three, with two new teams occupying the top two spots. Week 1 already feels like such a long time ago, as the landscape of the NFL has already dramatically shifted.

So, without further ado, check out my NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 5.

1.       Arizona Cardinals (4-0) +6

It is pretty hard to make a case against the Cardinals being the number one team in the NFL. Their first three wins came to varying degrees of impressiveness, but this week they comfortably dispatched their division rival LA Rams. The big-play threat from multiple players is incredible, and the defense is playing such good football on all three levels. This is a very good team, capable of striking quickly against anyone.

2.       Buffalo Bills (3-1) +1

Since their Week 1 loss, the Bills have been on a mission to prove it was worthy of a mulligan. In the three games since they have scored 118 points, conceding just 21, and two of those wins were shutouts. The offense is getting major contributions from such a variety of players, they seem truly equipped to win in any way. Defensively, they fly around the field and are good at every level. This team is built to win.

3.       Los Angeles Rams (3-1) -2

After riding sky-high through three weeks, Week 4 was definitely a crash back to the ground for the Rams. Matthew Stafford and the offense were unable to get in sync, and Sean McVay couldn’t commit to an effective ground game. Defensively, they simply had no answers for anything Arizona did. This was an eye-opener for the Rams.

4.       Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1) -2

In the battle of the student vs the master, it was the student who came out on top. Tom Brady and the Bucs emerged victorious from New England against Bill Belichick and the Patriots, but it wasn’t pretty. The Bucs certainly had the opportunities to put the game out of reach, they just didn’t execute. It is concerning for the rest of the NFL, however, that Antonio Brown may well be the best receiver on that roster – I’m not convinced he isn't still the receiver he was in Pittsburgh.

5.       Green Bay Packers (3-1)

The Packers have absolutely turned it around since Week 1, the issue for them is how talented several teams are around them. It wasn’t necessarily explosive, but this week’s win over the Pittsburgh Steelers showed how this team can win with its defense and a steady if not explosive offense. The NFC North seems comfortably the Packers’, injuries permitting.

6.       Dallas Cowboys (3-1) +5

How ‘bout them Cowboys?! After a tight, feisty first half, the Cowboys, led by Trevon Diggs and Dak Prescott, pulled away emphatically. Diggs has become one of the quickest ascending corners in the NFL, with an interception of each of Dallas’ first four games, and two yesterday. The team also notched five sacks as they harassed the Panthers in the second half. Things have come together in Dallas.

7.       Los Angeles Chargers (3-1) +1

Justin Herbert and the Chargers’ defense put an end to the Raiders' hot start, and in doing so established themselves as the team to beat in the AFC West. This team is going from strength to strength, and this week highlighted the level of play they can generate from many different players and positions on offense. Meanwhile, the defense is fast and aggressive, and if they keep their foot on the pedal will be a handful for any offense.

8.       Cleveland Browns (3-1) -4

If not for the defense and running attack, the Browns would find themselves a lot lower. Baker Mayfield really struggled against the Vikings, missing easy completions and struggling to move the chains, but enough cannot be said about Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt. With that duo, behind that offensive line, propped up by that defense, this team will always be a tough beat if you don’t get ahead early.

9.       Las Vegas Raiders (3-1) -3

The Raiders finally found a hole they couldn’t dig themselves out of. A 14-point deficit is doable, but a 21-0 deficit was too much. Despite their best efforts, pulling back to 21-14, they were simply too slow out of the gates. Derek Carr had a poor game, and the defense couldn’t hold the Chargers multiple threats at bay for long enough. Nevertheless, this will be a dangerous and competitive team if they stay healthy.

10.   Baltimore Ravens (3-1) -1

The Ravens Week 4 game against the Denver Broncos was a significant win for the team. The Ravens had an up-and-down start heading into Week 4, but had made it difficult in every game. While this wasn’t easy, it showed they’re capable of just putting a team away. What’s more, they won despite the ground game really struggling, helping them further prove they do, in fact, have an excellent quarterback playing quarterback. 

11.   Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) -1

The Chiefs took care of business in Philadelphia this week, but it wasn’t without some minor signs of concerns. Uncharacteristically, Patrick Mahomes threw his fourth interception in the last three games, and it wasn’t until the third quarter they started to pull away. Once they did, though, it was over in a hurry for the Eagles. Nevertheless, the defense is showing plenty of signs for concern.

12.   San Francisco 49ers (2-2)

The 49ers were dealt a relatively tough hand when Robbie Gould was injured pre-game. The injury meant punter Mitch Wishnowsky took over kicking duties, and eventually missed a field goal and extra point. These aren’t huge plays, but they were two of a litany of errors which held the 49ers in check. Taking out those errors, this team seemingly had the Seahawks’ number, and I think that will bear out as the season progresses.

13.   Carolina Panthers (3-1) +2

In what was the Panthers' biggest test of the season, they fell to the Dallas Cowboys relatively convincingly. More painfully, they may have lost another key defensive piece for an extended period – Shaq Thompson. Sam Darnold had two poor interceptions in quick succession, and the Cowboys ran all over Carolina’s defense. The Panthers need to regroup to keep pace with the Buccaneers.

14.   New Orleans Saints (2-2) -1

In their return to New Orleans, the Saints inexplicably lost to the New York Giants. The Saints seemingly had this game in hand, but in the fourth quarter, the offense started to splutter while the defense became open to all air traffic, allowing 206 passing yards in the final quarter and overtime. This team needs to plug up its pass defense, and the offense has to be more aggressive, especially late in the game. While it’s good to see Jameis Winston not being reckless, he could let it loose a little more.

15.   Denver Broncos (3-1) -1

The Broncos’ hot start to the season was emphatically ended by the Ravens on Sunday afternoon. Even with Teddy Bridgewater on the field, the offense couldn’t move the ball like they had so far, and once Drew Lock took over, there was not a lot to discern this team from last year’s. Defensively this is still a very tough team, but this was a reality check for a team on the edge of competing for a playoff spot. 

16.   Seattle Seahawks (2-2) +3

The Seahawks overcame a tough start to earn a key division victory, preventing a slide too far behind their division rivals. Early on, the Seahawks' offense was well overmatched, and the 49ers seemed able to move the ball. However, Seattle was opportunistic throughout and made San Francisco pay for their errors, finding themselves up 21-7 and in control before San Francisco got their offense going again. They still have ground to make up with the top tier of the NFL though, and I don’t think they’re built to get all the way there.

17.   Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

It wasn’t as convincing as some may have expected, but the Bengals got it done on Thursday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars. I’d like to see this offense be more aggressive, it feels Joe Burrow and his weapons could be even more explosive given more opportunities to really attack the defense rather than chipping away, but it is working for now. The defense is looking good, too. The Bengals may still be a year away from really competing, but early signs this season are incredibly promising.

18.   Tennessee Titans (2-2) -2

Joining the Saints with one of the worst losses of the season are the Titans. Tennessee couldn’t get it done in New York, falling to the Jets in overtime, handing Zach Wilson his first career win. The offensive line was completely overmatched in passing situations – Ryan Tannehill was sacked seven times as the offense sputtered to 5-for-19 on third down – and the defense gave up too many big plays through the air. Even 152 Derrick Henry rushing yards wasn’t enough.

19.   Minnesota Vikings (1-3) -1

The Vikings’ offense has the capability and design to rip apart defenses – the run game and play action pass combination is deadly. The issue comes when the ground game is no threat and the offensive line cannot hold up in straight pass protection. The Vikings' offense ran into the brick wall that is the Browns’ defense, and they just couldn’t quite hold up against Chubb and Hunt.

20.   Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3)

The Steelers are in trouble, and already two games back in the AFC North feels like a tough spot for a team with so little offense. Ben Roethlisberger’s arm seemed fine on his 45-yard touchdown pass in the first quarter, but after that, the threat of immediate pressure – or a spent arm – forced mostly quick passes. The offensive line is such a significant issue, and the rest of the offense isn’t equipped to deal with it.

21.   New England Patriots (1-3) +1

The Patriots put up a hell of a fight against the Buccaneers and showed just how well-coached, and still talented, they are. Defensively they were excellent, disrupting the Buccaneers and playing everything very tight. While it wasn’t explosive, the offense moved the ball well given the weather and opponent, and Mac Jones looked very good. The mood should be positive in New England.

22.   Indianapolis Colts (1-3) +3

In a year the team was expected to take another step forward, the Colts finally got their first win. Thanks to taking advantage of a few Dolphins fumbles, the Colts came away with a fairly comfortable win after holding the Dolphins’ late chase at bay. Overall the signs were a lot more positive for the Colts, and they’ll have to build on it to get a result at Baltimore next week.

23.   Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)

For just a little bit, it seemed the Eagles may have been able to keep pace and give the Chiefs some difficulties, but that quickly dissipated in the second half. The Eagles were too conservative and let missed opportunities haunt them – the effect playing the Chiefs has on head coaches is incredible.  

24.   Miami Dolphins (1-3) -3

This may come to be a frustrating season in Miami. After narrowly missing out on the playoffs a season ago, the Dolphins already seem a long way off that level. Two costly fumbles put the Dolphins in a hole they just couldn’t get out of. Which QB is under center seems inconsequential, I just don’t think this team is good enough to really challenge in the AFC. 

25.   Chicago Bears (2-2) +2

What a turnaround for Justin Fields and the Bears. Having Detroit on the schedule this week was perfect timing as the offense used it as an opportunity to get healthy. Fields looked significantly better, showing off his arm strength, deep-ball ability, and escape-ability. It was unspectacular, but it showed far more promising signs.

26.   Washington Football Team (2-2) -2

When Washington wins games they certainly find the most dramatic ways possible. Their comeback against the Falcons was punctuated with an awesome play by Tyler Heinicke and J.D. McKissic, but it doesn’t erase the issues this team has. The defense has serious issues to address, and the gap between them and Dallas already seems substantial.

27.   Houston Texans (1-3) -1

Even with how little was expected of the Texans this season, their drubbing at the hands of the Bills was still pretty shocking. Davis Mills and company were completely overwhelmed and never stood a chance.

28.   Atlanta Falcons (1-3)

If nothing else, the Falcons can take pride in the fact they are the first team to finally unlock the potential of Cordarrelle Patterson. All kidding aside, the Falcons blew this game and can only blame themselves. Now they face a trip to London to take on the New York Jets.

29.   New York Giants (1-3) +1

What a win for the Giants. Joe Judge brought his team back in the fourth quarter to win in overtime in the Superdome. The offense came alive late – Daniel Jones was locked in, Saquon Barkley is settling back in, and first-round pick Kadarius Toney and free-agent acquisition Kenny Golladay also seemed to settle in. This could be somewhat of a turning point for Big Blue.

30.   New York Jets (1-3) +1

You can certainly count me surprised the Jets won this week. Powered by a bullish performance from the defensive front seven, Wilson found himself, somewhat, as he produced a couple of highlight-reel plays to bring the Jets a much-needed victory. It was a feel-good win for Robert Salah, who’ll now look to carry this team to new heights riding that wave.

31.   Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) +1

Thursday night was a cruel loss for the Jaguars. They played a very good game, and Trevor Lawrence had his best game yet. Unfortunately, Urban Meyer has ensured anything football-related will be far from headlines in Jacksonville. Given his role in Zach Smith’s domestic abuse, the revelations of a viral video this week should not be taken lightly.

32.   Detroit Lions (0-4) -3

While there is fight in this team, there just isn’t a lot of talent, nor a clear direction for the future. As a result, it is tough to have this team anywhere but rock bottom of the NFL.