NFL Week 4 Power Rankings: Eagles, Vikings rising
Three weeks of the 2016 NFL season are now in the past. It’s time to get away from what we knew about these teams last year and weigh September’s games more heavily.
As a result, several teams have made significant jumps in our weekly power rankings. This week the undefeated Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens have all leapt up into our top ten. Here’s where each team stands going into Week 4.
1. New England Patriots
With a win this week against Buffalo the Patriots can do the unthinkable and go 4-0 with Tom Brady suspended. Unreal.
2. Denver Broncos
Second-year linebacker Shane Ray (three QB hits vs. Cincinnati) looks like the next big thing for an already loaded Broncos defense.
3. Green Bay Packers
As long as the Packers win the turnover battle like they did this week, they’re going to be extremely difficult to beat.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
Philly’s defense is extremely tough. Getting held to three points should be a cause of concern for Pittsburgh, though.
5. Seattle Seahawks
Jimmy Graham lives! If Seattle can keep Russell Wilson alive long enough he may even be a Pro Bowler again.
6. Minnesota Vikings
It almost doesn’t even matter what their offense does. Minnesota’s defense is second in takeaways and they’re dominating on special teams.
7. Philadelphia Eagles
It’s still early but Howie Roseman’s decision to trade up for Carson Wentz looks like the personnel move of 2016. Hiring Jim Schwartz is right up there, too.
8. Carolina Panthers
Sunday was one of Cam Newton’s worst games ever. To be fair, the Vikings defense is making everyone look bad right now.
9. Arizona Cardinals
Only three NFL teams have allowed more rushing yards than the Cardinals so far. Bruce Arians needs a solution. Fast.
10. Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens are undefeated after three ugly games against terrible teams. Oakland’s visit represents their first real test.
11. Cincinnati Bengals
Cincinnati may be a solid team but they’re also one missed Nick Folk field goal away from being 0-3.
12. Houston Texans
If Thursday night was a measuring stick game for Bill O’Brien’s Texans it showed that they have a long, long way to go.
13. Dallas Cowboys
Dallas’ rookie duo in the backfield is as good as advertised. No sacks against Chicago proves the Cowboys have zero pass rush, though.
14. New York Giants
Losing division games at home sting like nothing else in the NFL. This was only a minor setback, though. Probably.
15. Kansas City Chiefs
Derrick Johnson (11 total tackles and a return touchdown vs. Jets) is playing like he’s ten years younger than his listed age.
16. Oakland Raiders
It took three weeks but the Raiders defense finally showed up. Newcomers Reggie Nelson and Sean Smith both came through with picks.
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17. Indianapolis Colts
Beating a battered San Diego team at home by four points? Not exactly something to write home about. T.Y. Hilton needs more games like this.
18. Atlanta Falcons
On Monday night the Falcons put up 45 points and 442 yards on the Saints. Now let’s see them do it against the Panthers.
19. Washington
Beating a tough Giants team on their home field was huge. However, losing DeAngelo Hall for the year is a big blow.
20. Detroit Lions
Matt Stafford and Marvin Jones look sharp, but Week 1’s win was a long time ago. Fortunately, the Bears are next on the schedule.
21. New York Jets
The Jets turned the ball over eight times against the Chiefs this week. EIGHT!
22. Los Angeles Rams
LA’s offensive explosion may be a sign that they’re not as imbalanced as they look on paper. Still, this is a pretty weak 2-1 team.
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
Has another NFL team disappointed as much as these 0-3 Jaguars? Gus Bradley has the talent now. There’s no excuse for this.
24. Buffalo Bills
LeSean McCoy’s huge ground game this week (110 yards, two touchdowns) may have saved Rex Ryan’s job. For now.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Giving up 37 points to the Rams? That’s about as embarrassing as it gets for an NFL defense these days.
26. Tennessee Titans
DeMarco Murray looks great, but the Titans just don’t have enough weapons to support him. They may finish last in the AFC South again.
27. New Orleans Saints
If they can’t stop the pass or the run the Saints simply aren’t going to win many games. Sean Payton’s seat is getting hotter.
28. Miami Dolphins
It took overtime and three missed field goals for these Dolphins to beat the Browns. At home. Not the most confidence inspiring win of all time.
29. San Francisco 49ers
The visit to Seattle was a harsh reminder that the Niners still don’t have a real answer at quarterback.
30. San Diego Chargers
First Stevie Johnson. Then Keenan Allen. Now Manti Te’o is done for the year. Can this possibly get any worse?
31. Chicago Bears
With this many Bears injured so early in the season it’s time to start questioning the strength and conditioning staff.
32. Cleveland Browns
Take away Terrelle Pryor’s contributions on Sunday and the Browns would have finished with just 230 total yards. Yikes.
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