B/R Experts Week 5 NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand?
The first month of the NFL season is in the books. And as it usually is, September was wacky across the league.
Some things went according to the script. The two-time defending Super Bowl champions are undefeated, although they just suffered a potentially devastating injury. The Buffalo Bills and Detroit Lions are good. The Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots are not.
But there has been no shortage of surprises as well. Sam Darnold's own mother didn't expect him to be playing MVP-caliber football for an undefeated Minnesota Vikings team. Baker Mayfield has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looking like a Super Bowl contender. It took the Cincinnati Bengals until Week 4 to register a victory. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Seattle Seahawks are in first place. And the Bo Nix-led Denver Broncos have a better record than the Jacksonville Jaguars, whose head coach might want to update his resume on LinkedIn.
Just saying.
To say that the NFL's Power Rankings look different now than they did entering the 2024 campaign is one lulu of an understatement. But just as they have every week, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to slot the league's teams from worst to first.
The latter has been the same all season long. But there's a new cellar-dweller in Week 5.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)
1 of 32
Last Week: 29
Week 4 Result: Lost at Houston 24-20
Heading into Sunday's game against Houston, the Jacksonville Jaguars pledged that a turnaround was coming. Running back Travis Etienne told reporters that the time for talk was over—it was time to just show everyone what these Jaguars are made of.
"We exhausted all the words that we can possibly use," he said. "I feel like at this point it's action over words, and just go out there and let our play talk for us. I feel like we've kind of been yapping off by the mouth, but our actions haven't been shown what we've been saying, so we have to just go out there, show who we are and let our play speak for us."
Now, after squandering a late lead, the Jaguars are 0-4. The season is unraveling. And while discussing the offensive game plan and potentially assuming play-calling duties, head coach Doug Pederson appeared to throw his players under the bus.
"I thought he (Press Taylor) called a great game," Pederson said. "As coaches, we can't go out there and make plays, it's a two-way street."
Yikes.
"If there was any question that the Jags were unraveling," Davenport said, "it was put to rest when the team's head coach put his players on blast. It will be downplayed as frustration, but given what Pederson said it's fair to wonder what condition Pederson's relationship with his players is in. The Jaguars are now 1-9 over their last 10 games. The team's $55 million quarterback has lost nine straight starts. And after labeling the 2024 Jaguars the best team in franchise history, owner Shad Khan is likely apoplectic."
31. New England Patriots (1-3)
2 of 32
Last Week: 31
Week 4 Result: Lost at San Francisco 30-13
The New England Patriots are settling into a pattern.
First, New England and its anemic offense takes the field. Then the Patriots get pummeled by an opponent. Then head coach Jerod Mayo fields questions about when rookie Drake Maye is going to get a start at quarterback.
Week 4 followed the script. But despite another lopsided loss and a fourth straight game with less than 150 passing yards, Mayo insisted to reporters that veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett remains the team's starter—at least for now.
"At this point, Jacoby is our starting quarterback," Mayo said. "I haven't watched any film or anything like that. He's been a great leader. ... We've got to watch the film. We've got a long flight to go back and watch the film and we're always evaluating every single position."
For Sobleski's part, he believes that it's time for the Pats to see what they have in Maye.
"A waiting game is ensuing for the Patriots organization," he wrote. "All that matters from this point forward is when this year's third overall pick, quarterback Drake Maye, enters the lineup and how he progresses from that point until the end of the season. Otherwise, New England can't compete offensively. Jacoby Brissett isn't talented enough to overcome the unit's shortcomings. The Patriots' O-line isn't holding up and allowing too much pressure. A modest run game with little in the way of receiving threats makes this a boring squad to watch."
Maybe the Patriots are trying to get as high a pick as possible to get Maye an actual, legitimate NFL receiver to throw to in 2025?
30. Tennessee Titans (1-3)
3 of 32
Last Week: 32
Week 4 Result: Won at Miami 31-12
Heading into Monday night's matchup with the Miami Dolphins, Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis had played as poorly as any QB in the NFL.
However, the 2023 second-rounder told reporters before the game that his confidence remained high despite his turnover-filled first three games:
"I think it's easy to be in the 'Woe is me', like, 'What am I doing wrong?', like, 'Am I not good enough?', and you can never let that seep into your brain. You have to come back and remind yourself of what kind of player you are, and what got you to this point.
"There's a reason why we are all here and we should have no fear when it comes to going out there and playing against any team."
From a quick glance at the scoreboard, one might think Levis had turned things around. But he had little to do with Tennessee's win—after throwing yet another interception, he hurt his shoulder in the first quarter and was replaced by Mason Rudolph.
Levis' saving grace is likely twofold. First, with the Titans on a Week 5 bye, he'll have an extra week to heal up. Second, it's not like Rudolph played well—he completed nine of 17 passes for 85 yards. So, fans who had clamored for a change under center may be reconsidering that notion.
But the Titans at least head into their off week with a first win of 2024.
That's something, right?
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29. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
4 of 32
Last Week: 30
Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Cincinnati 34-24
The Carolina Panthers logged their first victory of 2024 last week in Andy Dalton's first start as the team's quarterback, stunning the Las Vegas Raiders in Charlotte. But while speaking to reporters earlier this week, Carolina head coach Dave Canales lauded his team for quickly moving on from the win to the Panthers' next opponent.
"It was just real, this real determination and focus to take the next step," Canales told reporters. "This is a really focused group. I know, I keep saying that, but it really is. They have a real seriousness about the way they go about their work."
If you're the glass half-full type, there were positives in Sunday's loss to the Bengals. Dalton played relatively well again, throwing for 220 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Chuba Hubbard topped 100 yards on the ground and scored. And since Dalton took over from Bryce Young, wide receiver Diontae Johnson has become a much bigger part of the Carolina offense.
But the Carolina defense struggled, allowing the Bengals to convert over half their third-downs. And per Davenport, we were reminded Sunday that the Panthers are not a good team.
"Carolina has at least been competitive with Dalton under center," he said, "and that's saying something given how atrocious the Panthers were the first two weeks of the season. But this is just not a good football team. Frankly, Sunday's loss is something of a best-case scenario for the Panthers. The team didn't embarrass itself, but if Carolina is ready to punt on last year's first overall pick, then every defeat gets them one step closer to drafting his replacement."
28. New York Giants (1-3)
5 of 32
Last Week: 28
Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Dallas 20-15
After yet another rocky start to the season, the New York Giants finally seemed to have established some positive momentum with a Week 3 win in Cleveland.
That momentum lasted all of four days.
The Giants actually out-gained the Cowboys on Thursday night, and quarterback Daniel Jones wasn't terrible—29-of-40 for 281 yards. But the Giants could establish absolutely nothing on the ground, and while New York had some success moving the ball, the team couldn't seal the deal and find the end zone.
After the loss, Jones acknowledged to reporters that the Giants are frustrated about a second one-possession loss already this season.
"We don't feel good about losing," said Jones. "We didn't do enough to win. We're frustrated. We're not discouraged. I think we're still confident in our team and what we can do well, but we don't feel good about this."
Davenport thinks that this is just who the Giants are.
"There are some positives for the Giants after four games this season," he said. "Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers has absolutely been as advertised, and the edge-rusher duo of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux has been impressive. But the Giants can't get a consistent push up front, which is forcing the team to be a one-dimensional offense. Jones hasn't been terrible, but he's not good enough to carry a franchise. It's going to be another long year in New York—quite possibly followed by a reset under center in 2025."
27. Cleveland Browns (1-3)
6 of 32
Last Week: 22
Week 4 Result: Lost at Las Vegas 20-16
The Cleveland Browns are officially a mess.
Cleveland's injury-ravaged offensive line continues to struggle. The team's offensive woes are spreading to a defense that allowed 152 rushing yards to one of the worst rushing teams in the league entering Week 4. Players are arguing on the sidelines.
Quarterback Deshaun Watson downplayed the latter while addressing the media after the loss, saying that the spat between him, backup signal-caller Jameis Winston and tackle Dawand Jones was simply a matter of players pushing one another to be better.
"Just trying to be great, that's it," said Watson. "We just all got to get on the same page, so we can execute and try to win and be explosive. That was it. We all knew [the play would have been a touchdown]. We've just got to execute and be on the same page to make those big plays."
For Davenport, it's just one more example of how dysfunctional the Browns have become.
"You will no doubt hear plenty in the days to come about how there is still time to turn things around in Cleveland," he wrote. "But this season is lost. Stick a fork in it. The injuries on the offensive line have rendered the offense toothless, especially when it's run by a mediocre quarterback. The defense is cracking under the pressure of having to be perfect all the time. Cleveland's next four games include meeting with the red-hot Commanders and Eagles and AFC North games with the Bengals and Ravens. Given how the Browns have looked this season, splitting those games would be borderline miraculous. When the Browns hit the halfway mark at 3-5 or 2-6, rumbles about the franchise's future will turn into a roar. And there are no easy answers in that regard, either."
26. Miami Dolphins (1-3)
7 of 32
Last Week: 24
Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Tennessee 31-12
So much for Plan D at quarterback for the reeling Miami Dolphins.
They trotted out their fourth quarterback of September against the winless Tennessee Titans, deciding to start practice squad call-up Tyler Huntley.
Before the game, Miami head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters he was impressed by how quickly the 26-year-old had picked up the Dolphins' offense:
"We've been very high on Snoop. High enough to give him a roster spot on the 53, which those are very few and far between with sight unseen. So, his maturation has been expedited by him, and he's done an impressive job assimilating into the locker room and understanding our language as his own and the team is excited for him."
And then the game started.
As has been the case since Tua Tagovailoa got hurt, Miami's quarterback play was abysmal against the Titans. Huntley threw for less than 100 yards and was whistled for intentional grounding in his own end zone.
All the skill-position talent in the world is no good to the Dolphins right now, because the team doesn't have a signal-caller who can get the ball to Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill. They combined for eight catches Monday but had less than 60 yards.
Getting blown out by, arguably, the worst team in the league is a new nadir for a Miami team that has had nothing but low points in 2024.
Despite that, though, the Dolphins' season isn't lost. They are at New England next week before a Week 6 bye. If they can somehow find a path to victory against the Patriots, the team will still have a pulse at 2-3.
Lose, and it's fair to wonder if there's any point putting Tagovailoa back out there at all.
25. Denver Broncos (2-2)
8 of 32
Last Week: 27
Week 4 Result: Won at New York Jets 10-9
Had you said before Sunday's tilt at Met Life Stadium that Denver quarterback Bo Nix would complete less than half his passes for 60 yards against the New York Jets, most would likely assume that the Broncos had a long day.
But in miserable weather, Denver rode 126 yards on the ground and a stout defensive effort to a second consecutive upset win on the East Coast.
After the win, Nix credited his teammates for carrying the Broncos on a day where throwing the ball was...problematic.
"Usually these weather games turn into run-the-football games, and that's what we did in the second half," Nix told reporters. "It worked in our favor, and we didn't turn the ball over. It was huge to go on the road and get two tough wins against two tough defenses and two tough offenses. You can't say enough about our defense on this winning stretch."
Head coach Sean Payton was also pleased by the grittiness Denver showed in the bad weather.
"It was a gritty win," Payton said. "I'm proud of how we fought. ... I don't know that either team expected the weather to impact the game like it did that much in the first half."
These two wins don't make the Broncos a good team. And Nix still has a lot of room to grow as an NFL quarterback.
"The Broncos are learning how to win on the road and grind out victories in a slugfest with inclement weather," Moton said. "On the road, Denver has upset the Buccaneers and Jets in consecutive weeks, holding both teams to single-digit point totals. The Broncos' wins don't look great if you're looking for efficient offensive performances, but they're gaining confidence with a rookie quarterback who threw his first touchdown pass last week. Eventually, Bo Nix will have to do more to help Denver win games, but he's doing just enough while the defense stifles opponents."
24. Los Angeles Rams (1-3)
9 of 32
Last Week: 16
Week 4 Result: Lost at Chicago 24-18
It's time to face facts—the Los Angeles Rams are not very good in 2024.
Partly, it's a matter of injury, as the Rams' top two wide receivers are both sidelined indefinitely. The offensive line has also been ravaged by injuries. And partly, it's a matter of an Aaron Donald-less defense that has been among the NFL's worst over the first month of the season.
As the Rams continue what feels like an inevitable slide into a disappointing season, questions are starting to be asked in some circles—questions like what a bad year could mean for veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford's future in Los Angeles.
"On a day where the Rams outgained the Bears in terms of yards 322 to 264, poor situational football, a lack of execution in the red zone, and turnovers cost them this victory," JB Scott of Turf Show Times wrote. "It's worth remembering that the Rams adjusted Stafford's contract before the onset of training camp. LA isn't tied to the quarterback next season as the team and the QB have the opportunity to review their commitment together. If Los Angeles, currently at 1-3, continues to slide in the standings, it may be worth exploring other options at quarterback ahead of a change in 2025."
There's some optimism that wideout Cooper Kupp could return after the Rams' Week 6 bye. But with the Packers next up on the schedule, Los Angeles will more likely than not be 1-4 at that point.
The odds of digging out of that hole? Much like the Rams, not good.
23. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
10 of 32
Last Week: 20
Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Washington 42-14
Not that long ago, the Arizona Cardinals were thought of as a flawed but improving young team. And by "not long ago," we mean three days ago.
The Cardinals had played two of the league's best teams in the Detroit Lions and the Buffalo Bills tough in one-score losses. The Redbirds also blew out the Los Angeles Rams.
But Sunday against the Commanders, the Cardinals just looked awful. Arizona failed to log 300 yards of offense against a bad Washington defense. Defensively, the Cardinals were eviscerated to the tune of 449 yards and 42 points.
Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray was at a loss while addressing the media after the beatdown.
"Frustrated to get beat like that at home," Murray said. "I thought we had a good week of practice, but we didn't come out here and show it. It was not good enough all around."
Head coach Jonathan Gannon was similarly frustrated.
"We can't look like that," he said. "Because we didn't give ourselves a chance to win the game."
If Arizona had any momentum over the first three weeks of the season, in evaporated in a puff of smoke amid Washington's scoring barrage Sunday.
Now the Cardinals have to hit the road for games in San Francisco and Green Bay. The team we saw getting boat-raced Sunday isn't winning either of those games.
And if Arizona has just one win six games into the season. That will be that—the season will effectively be over.
Gannon's tenure as head coach could be, too.
22. Las Vegas Raiders (2-2)
11 of 32
Last Week: 26
Week 4 Result: Won vs. Cleveland 20-16
On one hand, beating a short-handed Cleveland Browns team isn't exactly a crowning achievement, especially when the Raiders had just 268 yards of total offense and quarterback Gardner Minshew was unimpressive throwing the ball.
But the Raiders were themselves short-handed, as both the team's best offensive (wide receiver Davante Adams) and defensive (edge-rusher Maxx Crosby) players were sidelined Sunday.
But despite Crosby's absence, the Raiders still managed three sacks, including the game-sealer late. Charles Snowden came up with that sack, and he told reporters after the game that the team rallied around their injured star.
"Maxx is a great player and ... not having him out there, his playmaking and just his energy, we all kind of just assumed our role and knew one person wasn't going to be Maxx Crosby," Snowden said. "It was going to take all of us."
"Here we go again with the Raiders," Moton said. "They alternated losses and wins through September and finally unlocked their ground attack last week by using the speed of their wide receivers. If the Raiders can sustain their success on the ground, they could field a more consistent offense in October. However, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy still has to earn the benefit of the doubt.
"By the way, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that wideout Davante Adams is 'week-to-week' with a hamstring injury," he went on. "With a key injury on the offensive side of the ball and Gardner Minshew's declining accuracy, it's hard to move this team up the rankings even after a much-needed win over the 1-3 Browns."
21. Chicago Bears (2-2)
12 of 32
Last Week: 25
Week 4 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Rams 24-18
Things appear to be clicking for Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams.
Granted, Williams has not had the statistical success that Jayden Daniels has enjoyed in Washington. Playing against one of the worst pass defenses in the league, Williams threw for just 157 yards and a touchdown on Sunday.
But Chicago's offense is improving by the week, and Bears head coach Matt Eberflus told reporters he expects the first overall pick in this year's draft will get better with each passing week.
"We're addressing the issues that need to be addressed," Eberflus said. "Early on it was getting in and out of the huddle and cadence and making sure we're doing good there. And then it was distributing the ball to different skill sets. We did that. Now it's running the football. We did a better job with that today. We're just addressing the issues. When you're building chemistry the first time together with a new and young quarterback, I just think that's a part of growing."
The Bears have a solid defense that forced a pair of turnovers Sunday. The ground game got on track in Week 4, eclipsing 130 rushing yards and averaging 4.7 yards per carry. If the Bears can continue to play complementary football and take some of the pressure off their young quarterback, Chicago has a chance to be more than an also-ran in the NFC North.
And with the Bears' next two games against two teams who are a combined 1-7, Chicago has a real chance to hit their bye week the right side of .500.
20. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
13 of 32
Last Week: 21
Week 4 Result: Won vs. Pittsburgh 27-24
When Anthony Richardson went down with a hip injury against the undefeated Steelers on Sunday, some may have assumed the Indianapolis Colts were in trouble.
Those people have obviously never witnessed the greatness that is Joe Flacco.
Flacco was effective in Richardson's stead Sunday, throwing a pair of touchdown passes to keep Indy out in front.
Flacco, who made five regular-season starts in Cleveland last year, told reporters after the game that he's always ready to enter the game when called upon.
"You're never going to get the (practice) reps," Flacco said. "You're just going through the emotional roller coaster on the sideline, and as the backup quarterback you always try to stay ready and stay calm."
His performance made an impression on head coach Shane Steichen.
"He's been out there, a veteran presence," Colts coach Shane Steichen said of Flacco. "Obviously, he's played a lot of football, went in there and operated pretty darn good."
"The Colts proved to be extremely cautious with quarterback Anthony Richardson after the second-year signal-caller suffered a hip pointer in Sunday's contest against the Pittsburgh Steelers," Sobleski said. "Veteran backup Joe Flacco finished the game, which Indianapolis held on to win. A wrong path exists with the possibility of keeping Flacco in the lineup just to protect Richardson. The 22-year-old quarterback needs to be on the field. He needs the reps to grow and develop. If he's cleared, he should play. His upside presents far more intrigue than getting by with Flacco behind center."
19. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2)
14 of 32
Last Week: 14
Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City 17-10
When you consider the totality of the circumstances, that the Chargers came as close as they did to knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4 is impressive. This was a team with a quarterback in Justin Herbert who could barely move in the pocket on a sprained ankle. A team that was without two of its best defenders in edge-rusher Joey Bosa and safety Derwin James.
While addressing the media after the game, head coach Jim Harbaugh made no excuses, though. The Chargers just didn't play well enough, and that starts up front in the trenches.
"Got to get Justin just a little bit more time. Some of the throws he made, some of the plays he made were incredible," Harbaugh said. "Got to look at how we respond from here, and it'll be like starting the season over again when we come back (from the bye week)."
Sobleski believes that the Bolts need that bye week badly, because this team needs to get healthy.
"Jim Harbaugh's physical brand of football doesn't work when injuries upend the starting lineup," he said. "This past weekend, the Chargers didn't have either of their starting offensive tackles. On the other side of the ball, Joey Bosa wasn't available, either. Los Angeles battled the Kansas City Chiefs, but what became brutally obvious as the game progressed was that the Chargers don't have the depth or overall talent to compete when obstacles are in their path. Once healthy, the Chargers will be better. But they can't set the tone when key pieces are missing."
18. Cincinnati Bengals (1-3)
15 of 32
Last Week: 23
Week 4 Result: Won at Carolina 34-24
After getting stunned at home by the Washington Commanders last week to fall to 0-3 on the season, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow told reporters he planned to be a more vocal leader moving forward.
"I'm usually a lead by example kind of guy," Burrow said. "But I think I can pick my spots to say some more things. I'll find those spots this week. ... We got a lot of young guys that we're counting on that haven't really been here before, [to] have them hear my voice more might be beneficial."
Whatever Burrow said worked—it was far from a flawless performance, but thanks to 232 passing yards and two scores from Burrow and over 140 yards on the ground, the Bengals got past the Panthers to notch their first victory of 2024.
Edge-rusher Sam Hubbard said that the Bengals never lost confidence, because with Burrow under center, the team feels like they can win every time they step on the field.
"Joe gives us the ultimate belief," defensive end Sam Hubbard said. "Having that guy as our quarterback we can win any game we go into. That's not always the case in the past, but now that we have Joe that's the belief in this locker room that any game we go into we can win against anybody. That's the truth and we believe that."
The Bengals still have a lot of work to do to crawl their way back into contention, and it's not going to be an easy climb—three of Cincinnati's next four opponents made the playoffs last season, including home tilts with the rival Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles.
"Cincinnati finally got in the win column," Knox said. "That's good for the Bengals, but they still have glaring issues. While the defense wasn't as bad as it was against the Commanders last Monday, it allowed a subpar Panthers team to make things far more interesting than they should have been on Sunday."
17. New York Jets (2-2)
16 of 32
Last Week: 13
Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Denver 10-9
Last week's impressive win over the New England Patriots looked to be something of a springboard game for the New York Jets. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers looked sharp. Gang Green was on its way with a mediocre (at best) Denver Broncos team next up.
Well, as it turned out, that Week 3 win didn't springboard the Jets into anything but a puddle of rainwater.
The weather was truly miserable in Sunday's one-point loss to the Broncos—neither team had even 250 yards of offense. But despite the inclement weather, Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers didn't make excuses for his play in Week 4.
"I think we were kind of killing ourselves," Rodgers told reporters. "I can't say I had a spectacular game. I missed some throws. The weather sucked, but so did some of my throws."
Rodgers was also dropped five times, and the Jets committed 13 penalties—a sloppy performance that left at least one of our analysts perplexed.
"Despite head coach Robert Saleh's optimism, the Jets may hold their breath regarding Aaron Rodgers' leg injury. He took a hit late in the fourth quarter of the last game, leaving him hobbling around the field," Moton said. "At 40, Rodgers isn't likely to shake off these bumps and bruises as he did 10 years ago.
"Even if Rodgers doesn't show any ill effects from his fall last Sunday, the Jets should use that as a wake-up call to do a better job of protecting him," Moton continued. "Rodgers took five sacks in a 10-9 loss to the Broncos, and the offensive line had a sloppy penalty-ridden outing. The five men up front cannot let that happen again, or it could cost the team its season if Rodgers takes too many hits."
16. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
17 of 32
Last Week: 17
Week 4 Result: Won at New York Giants 20-15
After back-to-back losses in which their defense was savaged on the ground, the Dallas Cowboys needed a win in the worst way.
Fortunately in Week 4, Dallas drew a New York Giants team it has lost to just once in 14 meetings entering Thursday night.
Make it 15.
Granted, it wasn't an especially impressive win. But Dallas surrendered just 26 yards on the ground in the game, and quarterback Dak Prescott told reporters it was important to get a victory any way the Cowboys could.
"We got to change the narrative. That's what this game did, especially over a long weekend," said Prescott. "It puts us at 2-and-2. It allows us a couple of days to get our mind right, to get our body right."
Star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb agreed.
"You lose two in a row, you go through a phase where everybody is kind of uptight," Lamb said. "Was good for us to come out 1-and-0 this week. It's one we needed. It's a division game. It put us in the right place."
It was a badly needed win for the Cowboys, but it came at a high cost. Starting edge-rushers Micah Parsons and Demarcus Lawrence both suffered injuries in the victory, and head coach Mike McCarthy, via Patrik Walker of the team's website, said that both could miss time.
"Both Micah and DeMarcus are getting second opinions," said McCarthy. "I think those injuries are specific to each guy, and [Lawrence's] is worse than Micah's. I don't have a specific timeline, but we'll get into that a little deeper on Monday. I do know there will be second opinions on both of these guys."
15. New Orleans Saints (2-2)
18 of 32
Last Week: 10
Week 4 Result: Lost at Atlanta 26-24
Not that long ago, the New Orleans Saints looked like the hottest team in the NFL—the team peeled off 91 points in its first two games. But after losing a weird game to the Falcons on Sunday, the Saints have dropped two in a row and looked...well...the Saints have looked about like we expected.
The game was weird because the Saints defense kept the Falcons out of the end zone, but a special teams and defensive score helped propel Atlanta to victory. While talking to the media after the defeat, head coach Dennis Allen acknowledged that losing a game in which the Saints seemingly out-played their opponent was a tough pill to swallow.
"Those are the kind (of losses) that rip your heart out," Allen said. "I know we've got a good football team in that locker room. Now, we have to play better. We can't spot a team 14 points—a good team—and expect to win those type of games."
Saints quarterback Derek Carr expressed frustration as well.
"You try your best not to be so angry about it," said Carr. "But you hate losing, especially close ones. They stink."
"The Saints started the season on an offensive hot streak, beating up on the Bryce Young-led Panthers and poking holes in Mike Zimmer's suspect Cowboys defense," Moton said. "Then, the Saints stepped up in weight class. Now, they're facing defenses that will punch back, which is exactly what happened when Falcons linebacker Troy Andersen returned an interception for a touchdown. Saints play-caller Klint Kubiak has to refresh the offense to keep defenders on their heels.
"New Orleans also needs to get healthy on the defensive side of the ball," he continued. "Linebacker Demario Davis (hamstring) missed his first career game last week. Safety Tyrann Mathieu (groin) and linebacker Willie Gay Jr. (hand) exited the last game with injuries. After a 2-0 start, the Saints could drop three consecutive games with a loss to the Chiefs next Monday."
14. Washington Commanders (3-1)
19 of 32
Last Week: 18
Week 4 Result: Won at Arizona 42-14
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels must be butter. Because the second overall pick in the 2024 draft is on a roll—one the NFL has never seen before.
After completing 26-of-30 passes in a blowout win over Arizona, Daniels has completed 82.1 percent of his passes through his first four games—an NFL record. He's the only quarterback in league history to complete 85 percent of his passes in consecutive games.
The last time the Commanders had a young quarterback this electrifying was Robert Griffin III. But while Yahoo's Frank Schwab sees some similarities, Daniels is a better passer, and the sky's the limit.
"The one thing Daniels has over Griffin is that he already looks like a polished pocket passer. The Commanders started him off very slowly, barely throwing more than a few yards downfield in his first game and most of his second, but he executed that well and the offense has been opening up since then. If you didn't know Daniels was a rookie, you never could have guessed it on Sunday. He was just an accurate, poised quarterback who was also very effective as a runner. It doesn't seem like Daniels is going anywhere. If he keeps playing at this level, with just a little help around him, the Commanders might be a factor all season, too."
The Washington defense remains a potential weakness, although they played well against the Cardinals, limiting Arizona to under 300 yards of offense. The way Daniels and the Washington offense are playing, if the defense can hold it together, the Commanders may not just be a factor in the NFC East.
They might be the best team in the division.
13. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
20 of 32
Last Week: 19
Week 4 Result: Won vs. New Orleans 26-24
The Atlanta Falcons opened the 2024 campaign with a heavy dose of home cooking, with four of the team's first five games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. But down late to the Saints, the Falcons were in jeopardy of falling to 0-3 there.
A long pass-interference penalty and a career-best 58-yard field goal from Younghoe Koo earned the Falcons a comeback victory that may loom large in the NFC South as we move farther into the season. Koo told reporters after the victory that the Falcons remain confident in close games.
"We've been in that situation a lot and you know that's how it is in this league," Koo said. "A lot of the games, the majority of the games in this league, comes out to a one-possession game. Every point matters and our unit takes a lot of pride in that."
Close games have been a theme for the Falcons this year—all four contests Atlanta has played in 2024 were one possession games. And on a day when the offense struggled to move the ball consistently, Atlanta was buoyed by touchdowns by both the defense and on special teams.
"The Falcons haven't put together a complete offensive performance yet," Moton said. "Instead, they've battled in tight games and left their fate to the final drive. Two weeks ago, Kirk Cousins led a masterful, game-winning drive against the Eagles. Last Sunday, Younghoe Koo nailed a career-long 58-yard kick to knock off the Saints.
"The Falcons must rely on something other than late-game heroics, but they've come out of a tough opening month battle-tested at 2-2," he continued. "Until Cousins finds his groove, the Falcons have a slim pathway to the NFC South title, though they can win a statement game on Thursday against the Buccaneers."
12. Green Bay Packers (2-2)
21 of 32
Last Week: 9
Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Minnesota 31-29
The good news for the Green Bay Packers was that Jordan Love returned to action in Week 4 after missing two games and nearly led the team to an epic comeback win over the rival Vikings.
The bad news is that Love's play was the reason that the Pack was in a hole to begin with. Love threw for 389 yards and four scores, but he was also picked off three times, including one that sealed the loss.
While addressing the media after the loss, Love acknowledged that his sprained knee is nowhere near 100 percent.
"I hope it'll continue to heal and get better, but at this moment, yeah, it's definitely something that's there," Love said. "And it's one of those things, it's football. We play a physical sport and there's injuries, and you gotta fight through some stuff."
For Knox, a rusty quarterback wasn't the only issue the Packers face after four weeks.
"Jordan Love had a sluggish start to Sunday's game, and he did not appear to be 100 percent healthy," he said. "However, he found a groove late and gave Green Bay some hope when it appeared to have none. I expect Love to be even better moving forward, which will be enough to keep the Packers in playoff contention. However, Green Bay's defense still feels to inconsistent for Green Bay to be viewed as a true title contender."
Matchups with the Los Angeles Rams and Arizona Cardinals should offer Love a chance to get right, but now two games back with a head-to-head loss against Minnesota, Green Bay's margin for error in the NFC North is already razor-thin.
11. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)
22 of 32
Last Week: 5
Week 4 Result: Lost at Tampa Bay 33-16
The Philadelphia Eagles are likely thankful that the team is off in Week 5, because they need to figure something out offensively.
With wide receivers A.J. Brown (hamstring) and DeVonta Smith (concussion) both sidelined Sunday, the Eagles struggled mightily offensively. The team did not have a yard until over halfway through the second quarter, and quarterback Jalen Hurts barely cracked 150 passing yards. Per Charles McDonald of Yahoo Sports, Hurts now has 27 turnovers over his last 20 games. Over Philly's last 10, the Eagles have three wins.
Hurts didn't mince words while talking to reporters after the game.
"I think overall, I just have to play better," Hurts said. "Gotta play better. We had a ton of opportunities to lead the offense and really play complementary ball, and it starts with me on that side of the ball. To get down like we did, I have to help the defense out."
It was the second straight game the Eagles failed to score 20 points. And in Davenport's opinion, there are red flags galore in Philadelphia right now.
"Jalen Hurts can't carry the Eagles offensively, or at least he hasn't been able to of late," he said. "Saquon Barkley has been great, but teams are going to load the box if Hurts can't make them pay for it. And perhaps most concerning, the Eagles secondary was roasted like a Cornish game hen by Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers. The Eagles badly need the bye week to get healthy and try to figure something out in the secondary. Because this does not look like a Super Bowl contender right now."
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-1)
23 of 32
Last Week: 6
Week 4 Result: Lost at Indianapolis 27-24
Well, it finally happened—the Steelers lost. And the way Pittsburgh lost opens the door for some Steel City drama in Week 5.
To be blunt, Pittsburgh quarterback Justin Fields was bad in the first half of Sunday's loss. But as Curt Popejoy wrote for Steelers Wire, the Fields who came out after intermission was a completely different quarterback.
"After seemingly giving away the starting job with that anemic first-half performance, Fields threw the offense onto his back in the second half and nearly brought the Steelers all the way back. Fields rushed for two touchdowns in the second half, threw for another and finished with 312 passing yards and led the team with 55 rushing yards."
Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin wasn't about to tip his hand while addressing the media after the game. He praised Fields and criticized him in the span of one sentence.
"I'm appreciative of his fight, but I'm not going to congratulate him for it. That's the nature of the business that we're in," Tomlin said. "I appreciate his fight, but he, and me, were a little bit sloppy at times, too sloppy to be able to secure a victory."
"There's no decision to make here," Davenport said. "Justin Fields hasn't been flawless, but his performance in the second half Sunday was indicative of a ceiling he offers the Pittsburgh offense that Russell Wilson just can't match. Fields has earned the right to start Sunday night against the Dallas Cowboys—although he might want to play in both halves this time."
9. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)
24 of 32
Last Week: 12
Week 4 Result: Won vs. New England 30-13
Three games into the season, not many expected the defending NFC Champions to be 1-2...including the San Francisco 49ers.
Fortunately, the New England Patriots will cure much of what ails an NFL team. And on the heels of an efficient day offensively and a stout effort defensively, the Niners got a three-score win in Santa Clara on Sunday.
Edge-rusher Nick Bosa told reporters that while some on the outside may have lost confidence in the Niners, they never wavered inside the building.
"It feels good to get a win," Bosa said. "It's such a long year. If you look from an outsider's perspective or looked online, you'd think the building's burning down. But I told the D-line guys in our meeting last night that we've lost some guys, but I haven't lost confidence in this group."
Neither has at least one of Bleacher Report's analysts.
"The plug-and-play capabilities found in Kyle Shanahan's offense are astounding," Sobleski said. "San Francisco loses the NFL's best running back to Achilles issue. Christian McCaffrey will likely be out for a couple of months. No problem. Jordan Mason takes McCaffrey's place and turns into the NFL's second-leading rusher, with 100 or more yards in three of four games this season. Oh, quarterback Brock Purdy is leading the NFL in passing yards, too. The Niners are as well-coached and positioned as any team in the NFL not named the Kansas City Chiefs."
8. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)
25 of 32
Last Week: 7
Week 4 Result: Lost 42-29 at Detroit
The Seattle Seahawks won their first three games this season, but those victories didn't exactly come against top-level competition, so Monday's meeting with the Lions in Detroit was a measuring stick for their progress.
Per Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic, ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky said the game was also a chance for Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to prove he belongs in conversations about the NFL's best signal-callers:
"I think it could be huge. Having the opportunity on Monday Night Football against a really good defense, against a secondary that I think is really good now in Detroit, yeah that would very much so (pose the question), 'Hey, is this the best team in the NFC? Is this the quarterback that's playing the best in the NFC?' It puts them into at least having that conversation."
In Smith's defense, he lit up Detroit's defense for 395 yards Monday night, but the conversation won't be about his ascension, or Seattle's. No, it will be his 1-4 record in prime time and the Seahawks having no answers defensively against a Lions team that moved the ball at will.
"Let's not overreact here and label the Seahawks paper tigers," Davenport said. "Seattle wasn't blown out, and it racked up over 500 yards of offense against the Lions. But it had a chance to make a statement here, and a defense that had played a major role in the team's 3-0 start flat-out folded.
"Seattle will probably get right in Week 5 at home against the Giants. But until it notches a marquee win, folks are still going to view this team as a second-tier squad in the NFC."
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1)
26 of 32
Last Week: 11
Week 4 Result: Won vs. Philadelphia 33-16
It's time for the human race to come to grips with a realization that would have been scoffed at not too long ago— Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield is legit.
For the second time in September, Mayfield had a huge game in Sunday's repeat of last year's Wild Card thrashing of the Eagles—347 passing yards, two passing scores and another touchdown on the ground. The Buccaneers out-gained the Eagles 254 yards to zero in building a 24-0 lead.
While speaking to the media after the game, Mayfield applauded Tampa's fast start in Week 4.
"Wanted to get (previous week's) taste out of our mouth, for sure," Mayfield said. "Started fast because the guys were just locked in. We came out with a hair-on-fire mentality. Everybody was locked in on what the plan was and we executed. That needs to be the case every week. That's how we need to start."
However, despite Sunday's impressive victory and a three-win September, Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles cautioned against putting the cart before the horse.
"The season is four quarters," Bowles said. "We've got three more quarters to go, and we've got to show up and play like that every quarter."
The Buccaneers have another big game looming on Thursday night—a trip to Atlanta to face the Falcons. Win that contest, and Tampa will have a firm grip on the top of the NFC South.
Given how they looked in Week 4, we wouldn't bet against them.
"Don't look now," Sobleski said, "but Baker Mayfield finds himself in the early MVP conversation. His standing with the Buccaneers isn't just a good story about rebirth after failing at previous stops. He's now a legit top quarterback during his second season in Tampa. Currently, Mayfield is second in the league with eight passing touchdowns. He also ranks fourth in passing yardage (984) and quarterback rating (106.9). More importantly, the Bucs are 3-1 to start and sit atop the NFC South standings."
6. Baltimore Ravens (2-2)
27 of 32
Last Week: 15
Week 4 Result: Won vs. Buffalo 35-10
The Baltimore Ravens appear to have figured it out.
Sunday night, Baltimore put together what may have been the most dominant performance we have seen in the NFL this year. The Ravens dominated every facet of the game against a previously unbeaten Bills team. It was a start-to-finish butt-whooping that began when running back Derrick Henry took his first carry of the game 87 yards to the house.
How someone that big can run so fast is…wow.
After the win, Henry lauded the performance while talking to reporters—but allowed that it was just one game.
"The Bills are a great team," Henry said. "They've been hitting on all cylinders. We played a great game against them tonight. We were the better team tonight, but I'm sure they'll fix things the next coming-up weeks. We're just focused on being 1-0 this week."
"The Ravens have won two in a row and looked like the best team in football during Sunday Night Football against the Buffalo Bills," Sobleski said. "Derrick Henry is now rolling, with 199 rushing yards in his latest appearance. Baltimore's offensive line is coming together after replacing three starters in the offseason. The defense got off to a slow start, but the unit seems to be transitioning well under Zach Orr's supervision. Continued play like we've seen the last two weeks will have Baltimore at or near the very top of the power rankings."
The team won't get a chance to rest on its laurels though. The rival Bengals are next on the slate, followed by the red-hot Commanders and a trip to face the 3-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
5. Houston Texans (3-1)
28 of 32
Last Week: 8
Week 4 Result: Won vs. Jacksonville 24-20
The Houston Texans were waxed by the Minnesota Vikings in Week 3. But despite that shellacking, Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud told reporters he was confident the team's offense would get back on track against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"A lot of things didn't go our way in that past game and a lot of people on our side were like what is going on, it is all crazy, but I think internally we know who we are and we know what work we have put in and what foundation we set," Stroud said. "We just have to get back rolling on what we know Texan football to be. I think once we start honing into all the little details, be more intentional, we will start rolling again."
It wasn't an especially clean effort Sunday against the Jaguars—for the third game in a row, the Texans committed at least 11 penalties. But thanks to some late-game heroics at the tail end of a 345-yard effort from Stroud, the Texans got back in the win column and remain atop the AFC South.
The absence of lead running back Joe Mixon has been noticeable these past few games—Houston ran for just 101 yards and averaged less than four yards per carry. The penalties could also become a major issue against higher-quality opponents, like the upcoming Week 5 home date with the Buffalo Bills.
That game could go a long way toward telling us if the Texans are just the best team in a bad division or a legitimate contender in the AFC.
4. Detroit Lions (3-1)
29 of 32
Last Week: 4
Week 4 Result: Won 42-29 vs. Seattle
Lions quarterback Jared Goff isn't exactly known for his rushing prowess—he had six carries for 18 yards entering Monday's tilt with the undefeated Seahawks.
However, while addressing the media last week, the 29-year-old said that you never know when he might show off the wheels:
"If you don't run, you'll lose it. And I'm not getting any younger and as time goes on, you're fighting that battle of making sure you're still running—especially as a quarterback. Running and actively running and doing it in the offseason, doing it in-season because at practice I really don't, so I have to actively put myself into some drills that make me run and get those fibers and those fast-twitch muscles going—as many as I have."
Well, Goff not only got to show off his wheels but also his hands in Monday's impressive victory. He caught a seven-yard "Philly Special" pass from wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the third quarter.
Joking aside, the Lions put on a show offensively in Week 4. They tallied almost 400 yards of offense against Seattle, didn't turn the ball over and averaged over eight yards a play. Goff was a perfect 18-for-18 passing, an NFL record for attempts in a game without a miss.
However, there was cause for some concern. The Detroit defense allowed over 500 yards of offense, including 395 passing yards from Geno Smith.
So, while the Lions got a marquee win of sorts, their defense has some work to do on the team's off week.
3. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
30 of 32
Last Week: 2
Week 4 Result: Lost at Baltimore 35-10
The Buffalo Bills entered Week 4 an undefeated team firing on all cylinders. They left it a 3-1 squad trying to wash off the stink of a blowout loss.
It became clear when Derrick Henry took his first carry of the game 87 yards for a score that it wasn't going to be Buffalo's night. The Bills were never able to get going offensively, managing just 236 yards of offense. By weight of comparison, Henry gained 209 yards and scored two touchdowns by himself.
Bills quarterback Josh Allen didn't sugarcoat things while speaking to the media after the game—Buffalo spent Sunday night behind the woodshed.
"They came out with urgency and whooped our butt," said Allen. "Not everything was bad in this game. I don't want us to come away from this thinking we're the worst. Lot to learn from. I'm glad this happened early in the season so we can correct things."
Buffalo's streak of 43 regular-season games without a loss by more than six points came to a crashing halt. So did an eight-game regular-season winning streak.
Head coach Sean McDermott wasn't pleased with the team's effort on either side of the ball.
"Overall, as a defense, when you're talking about draws and screens, those types of things, we have got to do a better job of feeling the game, the indicators and the keys," McDermott said. "I didn't think we did a good enough job overall as a defense, in that regard."
The Bills will have to figure things out quickly—Buffalo hits the road the next two weeks, with a trip to face the 3-1 Houston Texans followed by the Bills' first meeting of the season with Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets.
2. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
31 of 32
Last Week: 3
Week 4 Result: Won at Green Bay 31-29
What the Sam Darnold is going on?
After surviving a frenetic comeback attempt by the Packers in Week 3, the Minnesota Vikings aren't just undefeated. For long stretches, the Vikes have looked like the most dominant team in the NFL. One week after blowing out the Houston Texans, the Vikings roared out to a 28-7 lead at Lambeau Field.
Darnold continues to play the best football of his career, throwing for 275 yards and three scores against the Pack. Wide receiver Jordan Addison found the end zone in his first game action since the opener. Minnesota's defense was gashed for 465 yards, but the Vikings also forced four Packers turnovers.
After the win, cornerback Byron Murphy told reporters that the Vikes are feeding off all the eyebrows raised by the team's early success.
"I know what we have in this room is special," Murphy said. "So, all that outside noise, I keep saying, 'Stay off the (band)wagon. Don't try to jump on it now. You all can stay over there, whatever you all do, but we're going to keep this thing going.'"
"The Vikings survived a pair of Sam Darnold turnovers and an epic comeback attempt by the rival Packers," Knox said. "For perhaps the first time this season, Minnesota's defense did appear vulnerable during the second half of Sunday's game. Elite teams close out these types of games, though, and Minnesota deserves to be in the NFL's upper echelon."
1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)
32 of 32
Last Week: 1
Week 4 Result: Won at Los Angeles Chargers 17-10
The Kansas Chiefs just keep winning. Whatever the circumstances, whatever the adversity, the Chiefs find a way to get the job done.
That was the case Sunday in Los Angeles. On a day when the offense struggled for much of the game, the defense stepped up and allowed just one touchdown and 224 yards of offense. As quarterback Patrick Mahomes told reporters, while that defense doesn't get the run of its offensive counterparts, it is every bit as important to the team's success.
"We weren't playing good. but I think the best thing is, no one talks about it and they start to now, but our defense is really good," said Mahomes. "They know how to shut the door and keep us in games. Then they believe that the offense is going to find a way to score enough points at the end."
The win was Kansas City's 11th straight on the road against the Bolts, and the Chiefs are 4-0 for the first time since 2020. But Davenport cautioned that Kansas City's resiliency is about to be tested even more.
"After the Chiefs struggled moving the ball vertically in 2023," he said, "the team went hard at improving the wideout corps, adding Marquise Brown in free agency and drafting Xavier Worthy in Round 1. But Brown has yet to play a snap for the team, and now No. 1 receiver Rashee Rice is believed to have torn his ACL. That puts immense pressure on Worthy and rather leaves the Chiefs where they were a year ago—although that didn't stop them from winning the Super Bowl."
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