NFL Week 4 Power Rankings

Seven teams shuffled around the top ten while two teams crack it for the first time.

1. New England Patriots 3-0 (1)- The Patriots had a bye week and no other team made a strong case as to why they should be the top team in the league. Although here is a fun fact: It has been reported that Tom Brady rewards the practice squared players by paying them when they intercept him.
2. Green Bay Packers 4-0 (2)- The Packers were able to hold the 49ers to just three points in Levi’s Stadium. The Packers D also flustered Colin Kaepernick to the point where he was unsure of how to get down the field. Carlos Hyde only got eight touches out of the back field and was not able to do much with it. Aaron Rodgers actually picked up more yards on the ground than the 49ers RB. Packers are clearly the team to beat in the NFC, no other team even comes close.
3. Cincinnati Bengals 4-0 (4)- Andy Dalton is playing with a chip on his shoulder and getting the job done. Clearly a leader who knows how to lead his team down the field to get points on the board. Last week Dalton completed four passed four over 30 yards to four different receivers. When this guy gets time in the pocket, he makes plays happen. Put that together with the 1-2 punch of Jeremy Hill and Giovani Bernard this offense could be the most dangerous team moving forward.
4. Atlanta Falcons 4-0 (7)- After I questioned how this team continues to win week after week of playing from behind, they changed the formula. The Falcons jumped out to a slim 42 point lead before the Texans where able to put up points in the fourth quarter. Seemed like the Texans let the Falcons run all over them as both Terron Ward and Devonta Freeman ran for over 65 yards and both reaching the end zone. I wouldn’t say either had a break out game per se but it certainly will make teams in the future have to double down on defense.
5. Denver Broncos 4-0 (5)- It seems like the Broncos are slowly falling as one of top teams in the league but still find ways to win. The Vikings put up a fight but still aren’t ready to cross over to the elite teams category. The Broncos on the other hand can get the job done even when playing tough teams. Even after losing the turn over battle, the Broncos were still able to come away with the W, a feat that should not go unnoticed.
6. Arizona Cardinals 3-1 (3)- After the Rams dropped two straight, the Cardinals were a clear favorite to win this one at home. Sometimes though when a team clicks, they become a lot more difficult than you would expect. The Cardinals didn’t lose the game, the Rams beat them. Carson Palmer had over 300 yards in the air while Chris Johnson rushed for 83 yards. The only thing that kept this game out of reach was the Rams defense who only allowed one touchdown. If the Cardinals reach the end zone one more time instead of kicking a FG, they are still number three in the rankings. A minor setback for a very good team, expect them to rise again in the future weeks.
7. Carolina Panthers 4-0 (6)- I wrestled with the Panthers being moved up in the rankings but when it comes down to it, I had to go with who I would think win in a game. And last week, winning against the Buccs is nothing to write home about. The defense played well but the offense could have been better. Still one of the best teams playing right now.
8. Seattle Seahawks 2-2 (n/a)- Here they are. After three weeks of not being impressive enough to crack my top ten, I finally caved. Sure they didn’t dominant the Lions like I thought they would but they came through when the game was on the line. Russell Wilson only threw six incompletions and 280 yards. The air game had to be there without Marshawn Lynch and the young QB came through.
9. New York Giants 2-2 (n/a)- An impressive bounce back from a team we should stop counting out until they are finally out. This is not the first time the Giants came back from an 0-2 start, in fact they have even won the Super Bowl after starting 0-2. Eli Manning may not be putting up pro bowl numbers but the team is getting it done and now shares a lead of the NFC East. Unless Tony Romo comes back I can’t imagine any other teaming winning the division.
10. Minnesota Vikings 2-2 (8)- A team I may be too high on but I really enjoy watching them play. They have many strong offensive weapons so it becomes more difficult to stack the box to stop Adrian Peterson. They were almost able to knock off the Broncos and that is enough to keep them in the top ten despite a loss.

Photo-Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America