Rams, Chiefs remain undefeated atop league
Saints, Jags improve to 3-1 • Patriots get back on track • Bengals, Packers, Ravens surprise
Here are the NFL power rankings, post-Week 4 edition: 1. Los Angeles Rams: A team that didn’t really try in preseason has seen top-ranked offense’s yards, points incrementally increase each week. This could get scary.
2. Kansas City Chiefs: The KC BBQ wasn’t quite as spicy Monday with Patrick Mahomes throwing just one TD, but can’t argue with second straight 4-0 start.
3. New Orleans Saints: Their 3-1 start is best in five years, and things are only looking up with RB Mark Ingram set to rejoin buddy Alvin Kamara in backfield.
4.Jacksonville Jaguars: No. 1 pass defense has allowed 657 yards, three TDs... which feels like a good day’s work for upcoming opponent Paul Bunyan Mahomes.
5. New England Patriots: To quote George Bush 43: “Fool me once, shame on – shame on you. Fool me – you can’t get fooled again.” Apologies to all in New England.
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Guess who ProFootballFocus’ top-ranked RB is? If you said Melvin Gordon, you’re wrong. It’s actually Austin Ekeler. Watch him next time.
7. Carolina Panthers: David Tepper is going to be a different breed of owner. You think Jerry Richardson would have rescued S Eric Reid from NFL exile?
8. Cincinnati Bengals: The Chiefs, Rams and Saints garner a lot more attention, but those are the only teams scoring at a better clip than Cincinnati’s offense.
9. Baltimore Ravens: Smokey Brown looking like one free agency’s steals. Among WRs, only DeSean Jackson averaging more yards per catch than Brown’s 22.5.
10. Washington Redskins: Clearly, they upset someone in NFL scheduling office. Upcoming MNF game at New Orleans is sandwiched by premature bye and a short week.
11. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers upset that Green Bay at “non-playoff team offensive level.” While his knee mends amid 2-1-1 start, should he R-EL-A-X?
12. Tennessee Titans: They’re plustwo in win column (3-1) and plus-two in points column (75-73). Reminder, we picked Mike Vrabel as preseason coach of the year.
13. Philadelphia Eagles: They’re close. Carson Wentz still settling in, which should (eventually) solve third down, red zone rates. NFL-high five fumbles a problem.
14. Chicago Bears: Khalil Mack MVP train? Chicago’s newest transcendent linebacker has at least one sack and forced fumble in every game for first-place team.
15. Atlanta Falcons: All three losses occurred in final seconds, perhaps the key indicator that this defense just can’t withstand its personnel losses.
16. Pittsburgh Steelers: Good as James Conner has been, Le’Veon Bell’s ongoing absence (for now?) puts too much burden on Big Ben, who’s on track for 744 passes.
17. Minnesota Vikings: Lot of issues, including defense’s apparent ongoing deterioration. But it would help if RBs had more than 17 total carries past two weeks.
18. Miami Dolphins: To quote George Bush 43: “Fool me once, shame on – shame on you. Fool me – you can’t get fooled again.” You owe us the apology, Miami.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: “Jameis Winston is the guy that’s going to be here way longer than I am,” Dirk Koetter said Monday. Could “way longer” be a few months?
20. Denver Broncos: Defense did decent job containing Mahomes train Monday night, but Denver didn’t get big throw from Case Keenum in the clutch.
21. Seattle Seahawks: With owner Paul Allen again battling cancer, and S Earl Thomas breaking his leg, the local mood reflective of Seattle’s autumn weather.
22. Dallas Cowboys: Despite strong Sunday, Dak Prescott not among NFL’s top 25-rated passers... poor metric for someone eligible for offseason extension.
23. Detroit Lions: Time to start giving rookie RB Kerryon Johnson more than 12 touches per game. He’s earned it, and it ultimately preserves Matthew Stafford.
24. Cleveland Browns: Anti-Tyrod – Baker Mayfield sparked offense to season-high 42 points, 487 yards. Pro-Tyrod – Baker Mayfield committed four turnovers.
25. New York Giants: Saquon Barkley continues to impress as backfield receiver. He’s on track for 108 catches, which would eclipse Matt Forte’s RB record (102).
26. Houston Texans: Need a fantasy tip? Rookie WR Keke Coutee’s 11 receptions in his NFL debut are the most by any player in his first game since 1970 merger.
27. Oakland Raiders: Don’t look now, but Jon Gruden’s offense suddenly ranks second in the league, though too many yards still of empty-calorie variety.
28. Indianapolis Colts: Is it fair to blast Frank Reich for a boneheaded decision while admiring his swagger as he tries to rebuild Indy’s culture. Yes? Cool.
29. New York Jets: How’s it going? Offense scored four TDs in opener... and has four since. Defense allowd one TD in opener... and surrendered eight since.
30. San Francisco 49ers: After season’s first month, TE George Kittle’s 82-yard TD Sunday is longest from scrimmage in entire league. Nice to have a bright spot.
31. Buffalo Bills: No team’s allowed more sacks (21) or is more inept passing (132.5 ypg). Getting a “franchise passer” pointless if you don’t help him, guys.
32. Arizona Cardinals: One key reason they’re so bad? Anemic offense can’t sustain drives, leaving D on field 35-plus minutes per game, easily most in league.
(USA Today/TNS)