NFL: WEEK 4

Power Rankings

Last week’s rankings in parenthesis

1. Rams 3-0 (1): Cornerbacks Aqib Talib and Marcus Peters went down in their win over the Chargers. That creates some short-term concern. 2. Chiefs 3-0 (3):

Patrick Mahomes has been lights out, so much so that nine players have a touchdown reception. 3. Saints 2-1 (12):

Michael Thomas is the first player in NFL history to record at least 10 catches in each of the first three games of a season. 4. Eagles 2-1 (6):

Rookie tight end Dallas Goedert got going against the Colts, so they have a new weapon to pair with TE Zach Ertz. 5. Dolphins 3-0 (14):

They are 2-15 in their last 17 trips to New England, but the Dolphins have a chance to make a major statement Sunday. 6. Jaguars 2-1 (2):

The best teams learn to handle prosperity too. The Jaguars couldn’t, following a victory over the Patriots with a loss. 7. Steelers 1-1-1 (15):

They might be kicking themselves over the Chris Boswell contract. He has missed three field goals and two extra points. 8. Buccaneers 2-1 (10):

Jason Pierre-Paul has three sacks, which is more than any Bucs defensive end totaled all of last season. 9. Falcons 1-2 (7):

Dan Quinn has to juggle injuries with a defense that has lost three starters to injured reserve while trying to jump-start a pass rush. 10. Panthers 2-1 (11):

The open date comes early, but with some injuries, particularly to the offensive line, a little rest could be a springboard. 11. Vikings 1-1-1 (4):

In a wild Week 3, the Vikings getting shellacked at home by the 17-point underdog Bills was the biggest stunner. 12. Patriots 1-2 (5):

Is this the beginning of the end? They have lost back-to-back games by 10 or more points for the first time since 2002. 13. Titans 2-1 (20):

Kevin Byard after beating the Jaguars: “We might be an underdog mentality to the media, but we have a big-dog mentality here.” 14. Ravens 2-1 (18):

Four of their next five games are on the road, starting with Sunday night in Pittsburgh. 15. Bears 2-1 (17):

For all the hand-wringing being done over Mitch Trubisky, the defense is legit and they’re alone atop the NFC North. 16. Packers 1-1-1 (8):

The loss of defensive lineman Muhammad Wilkerson to a season-ending ankle injury is problematic. 17. Bengals 2-1 (9):

While 2017 first-round pick John Ross is quickly turning into a bust, Tyler Boyd is emerging as a dynamic wide receiver. 18. Chargers 1-2 (13):

Nice to see Mike Williams, the first-round pick last year, emerging as a threat for Philip Rivers. 19. Broncos 2-1 (16):

They led the NFL in pass defense in 2015 and 2016 and ranked fourth last year. It’s a different story in 2018. 20. Redskins 2-1 (26):

Adrian Peterson turned back the clock with 120 yards and two touchdowns, but he’s dealing with a sprained ankle. 21. Browns 1-1-1 (24):

The hype train for Baker Mayfield is just getting started in Cleveland, but the defense has been impressive. 22. Lions 1-2 (29):

Rookie running back Kerryon Johnson is earning the trust of coaches to add a long-missing element to the offense. 23. Cowboys 1-2 (21):

Big plays remain scarce for the offense, and struggles on the line are likely a major part of that shortcoming. 24. Giants 1-2 (28):

Eli Manning turned in a vintage performance in leading Big Blue to its first victory for coach Pat Shurmur in Houston. 25. Bills 1-2 (32):

Coach Sean McDermott’s defense needs more big performances, like Sunday’s in Minnesota, to help a fledgling offense.

26. Jets 1-2 (19): They have had extra time to stew over their letdown in Cleveland and need to protect Sam Darnold against the Jaguars.

27. Colts 1-2 (23): Defensive end Margus Hunt is playing the best of his career. He leads the NFL with eight tackles for a loss and has three sacks.

28. Seahawks 1-2 (25): Pete Carroll says “everything is possible” with Earl Thomas, and this figures to loom over the team until he gets paid or traded.

29. 49ers 1-2 (22): Kyle Shanahan’s rebuilding project has been slowed with Jimmy Garoppolo out for the season with a torn ACL.

30. Texans 0-3 (27): Bill O’Brien keeps blaming himself, but the Texans have a host of veteran players who are underperforming in a dreadful start.

31. Cardinals 0-3 (30): Josh Rosen’s opportunity has arrived.

32. Raiders 0-3 (31): Jon Gruden’s team has developed a bad habit of coughing away leads in the second half.