Predicting Post-Week 4 NFL Power Rankings

While some teams are who we thought they were, there is no question that the first three weeks of the 2013 NFL season have been filled with surprises. From Super Bowl contenders sputtering out of the gates to perennial bottom-feeders competing with the league's elite, few could have predicted this type of start.

Things promise to get even stranger in Week 4, as there are plenty of interesting matchups on tap. Some of the most surprising teams will have an opportunity to prove that they are for real, while the disappointing starters can potentially right the ship.

Here is a look at what the NFL power rankings figure to look like following Week 4's exciting slate of games.

Note: Records in parentheses are projected records after Week 4

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4)

The Jags are an absolute mess on both sides of the ball, and things won't get any easier in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts. They will be at home, but the Colts are coming off a huge road victory over the San Francisco 49ers.

Jacksonville, on the other hand, was walloped by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 3. Not only are the Jaguars the lowest-scoring team in the NFL at just over nine points per contest, but they're also one of the worst defensively, as they're yielding more than 370 yards and 30 points per game.

This team is truly a threat to go 0-16 this season.

31. Minnesota Vikings (0-4)

The Vikings are 0-3, but they could very well be 2-1 or even 3-0. Minnesota suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 3 as the unheralded Brian Hoyer led the hapless Browns past the Vikes at the Metrodome.

That type of loss is tough to bounce back from, especially against another desperate, winless team in the Pittsburgh Steelers. Running back Adrian Peterson hasn't been dominant so far this season, and yards won't be easy to come by against the Steelers.

Minnesota's secondary is banged up and abysmal, and since Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger came to life in Week 3, he's poised for a big showing on Sunday.

30. Cleveland Browns (1-3)

Cleveland shocked the football world in Week 3 by upsetting the Vikings just days after trading star running back Trent Richardson to the Colts.

It's hard to imagine the feel-good story lasting much longer, though. Quarterback Brandon Weeden could be back in Week 4, according to Mary Kay Cabot of The Plain Dealer in Cleveland, but that might hurt more than it helps.

The Browns will face the best one-loss team in the NFL on Sunday as they get set to host the Cincinnati Bengals. While many view this as a rivalry game, the rivalry has been quite one-sided in recent years in favor of the Bengals.

Cleveland's defense may be able to keep things close for a little while, but the Browns' makeshift offense won't be able to score enough points.

29. Oakland Raiders (1-3)

One of the NFL's biggest surprises through three weeks of play has been Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor. Although Oakland is just 1-2, Pryor has developed into a dual-threat quarterback capable of making big plays.

Unfortunately for the Raiders, however, Pryor suffered a concussion in Oakland's Week 3 loss to the Denver Broncos, according to Scott Bair of CSN California:

It remains to be seen if he will be cleared to play on Sunday, but the Raiders may be in trouble regardless. Oakland will host a desperate Washington Redskins team that is still searching for its first win of the season.

This one could be a shootout if Pryor plays, as neither team boasts an impressive defense, but the 'Skins simply need this win a little more.

28. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

The Cardinals appeared as though they might have turned a corner through the season's first two weeks under new head coach Bruce Arians, as they narrowly lost to the St. Louis Rams and scored a big win over the Detroit Lions. However, they are back at square one this week after getting walloped by the New Orleans Saints.

Arizona has a good opportunity to get back to .500 against the winless Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but the Bucs will be at home and can't afford to lose yet again. The interesting matchup to watch is the Cards' third-ranked run defense against Tampa Bay running back Doug Martin.

Since quarterback Carson Palmer and Arizona's passing game will struggle to gain traction against Tampa's solid secondary, though, the Cardinals will fall just short.

27. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3)

Hopes were high for the Bucs this year thanks to a solid defense and talented playmakers Doug Martin and Vincent Jackson on offense. Quarterback Josh Freeman has held the team back with lackluster play, however, and he is probably the main culprit for Tampa's 0-3 start.

The Buccaneers and head coach Greg Schiano essentially face a must-win situation in Week 4 at home against the Cardinals. Arizona isn't a pushover team, but Tampa needs to be able to beat middle-of-the-road squads on home turf.

Freeman has been benched in favor of Mike Glennon, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, so it will be interesting to see if the switch leads to improvement.

26. St. Louis Rams (1-3)

After a surprisingly good season in head coach Jeff Fisher's first year in St. Louis last season, the Rams are off to a less-than-ideal start in 2013. St. Louis needed a huge come-from-behind effort to beat the Cardinals in Week 1, but the Rams have been defeated easily over the past three weeks.

The Rams had the San Francisco 49ers' number last season as they went 1-0-1 against the NFC's Super Bowl representative, but the Niners were dominated this week. St. Louis had home-field advantage on Thursday night, but San Fran manhandled the Rams in every facet of the game.

St. Louis entered the season with high expectations, but the arrow is pointing down right now. 

25. Buffalo Bills (1-3)

The Bills very nearly shocked the New England Patriots in Week 1, but they fell by virtue of a last-second field goal. Buffalo bounced back in Week 2 with a dramatic come-from-behind win over the Carolina Panthers. It seemed poised to take a big step forward in Week 3 against the New York Jets, but its defense was torched by rookie quarterback Geno Smith in a 27-20 loss.

Buffalo continued to show great resiliency, as it tied the game at 20-20 in the fourth quarter, but from then on the offense was out of sync and the depleted secondary couldn't make plays. That doesn't bode well for the Bills in Week 4 as the Baltimore Ravens come to town.

Baltimore shook off a tough Week 1 loss to the Denver Broncos and now appears to be back in form. With several injuries to Buffalo's back end, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco should have a monster day.

24. Washington Redskins (1-3)

Although most figured that it would take some time for quarterback Robert Griffin III to return to form after offseason knee surgery, the Redskins have stumbled out of the gate more than most thought. Washington's defense of its NFC East crown certainly isn't looking good, and a loss to the Raiders in Week 4 would essentially bury it.

Griffin hasn't been great, but the main problem has been the Redskins defense. Its inability to make stops constantly puts Washington's offense in precarious positions, according to ESPN Stats & Info.

The Redskins' season needs saving, and RG3 must be the guy to do it. Oakland's defense is vulnerable, as evidenced by its performance against the Broncos on Monday night, and there is no question that Griffin has the ability to take advantage of it.

23. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)

In terms of excitement, the Eagles are leaps and bounds ahead of where they were last season. Head coach Chip Kelly's frenetic offense has taken the league by storm, and the likes of Michael Vick, LeSean McCoy and DeSean Jackson have been revitalized. Even so, Philly is on the verge of a 1-3 start.

The Eagles' main issue over the past few seasons has been defense, and that remains true. Philadelphia has one of the league's worst pass defenses and is surrendering nearly 29 points per game, which has Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning licking his chops.

While Philly may score some points on Denver in Week 4, there is no chance that the Eagles defense can hold Manning and the Broncos' triumvirate of receivers in check.

22. New York Giants (1-3)

The Giants have no excuse for being in this position, as their personnel suggests they should be a playoff team. The defense is a far cry from what fans have grown accustomed to, and quarterback Eli Manning has been too mistake-prone. The G-Men have a tough task this week at the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs, and it's pretty much a must-win game.

New York was awful in a 38-0 loss to the Carolina Panthers last week, and it has done nothing to suggest that it can beat the Chiefs. Even so, the Giants offense has shown flashes of greatness, and Manning is fully aware that the team's season may hinge upon this very game.

The NFC East is still very much up for grabs, as the Dallas Cowboys are the only winning team in the division. A win over KC would put the G-Men right back in the hunt, but there are still plenty of issues to iron out.

21. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3)

Through the first two weeks of the season, the Steelers appeared to be comatose, as they couldn't get anything going on offense. Although Pittsburgh was beaten soundly at home by the Chicago Bears in Week 3, quarterback Ben Roethlisberger threw for over 400 yards and got Pittsburgh within striking distance of a comeback win.

Since Pittsburgh lacks a running game, everything resides on the shoulders of Big Ben and the defense. The Vikings couldn't even stop Brian Hoyer and the Browns through the air in Week 3, so there is no reason to believe that they will be able to slow down Roethlisberger either.

If wide receiver Antonio Brown plays like he did in Week 3 and the defense tightens up a little bit, the Steelers will finally add one to the win column.

20. San Diego Chargers (1-3)

They may only be 1-2, but the Chargers are arguably the most exciting team in football right now. San Diego's two losses have come by a total of six points, and they both came by virtue of late-game comebacks. The Chargers are agonizingly close to being 3-0, but after Week 4, they will be a disappointing 1-3.

The Bolts are set to host the Dallas Cowboys, who are coming off a dominant win over the Rams. There are still some question marks surrounding America's Team, but it seems as though Jason Garrett's guys are finally starting to come into their own.

San Diego is surrendering more than 470 yards per game, and with both quarterback Tony Romo and running back DeMarco Murray locked in, the Cowboys should have no trouble lighting up the scoreboard.

19. New York Jets (2-2)

The Jets' record says that they are 2-1, but it's very difficult to view them as a winning team. New York deserves some credit for beating both the Buccaneers and Bills and playing the New England Patriots tough. However, it's hard to believe that it will be able to keep it up moving forward.

New York lucked out that Buffalo's secondary was so porous in Week 3 because the Jets committed 20 penalties. They won't be able to get away with that this week against a surprising and disciplined Tennessee Titans squad.

Few people had the Jets and Titans pegged as 2-1 teams entering the season, but one of them will exit Week 4 in ideal shape. Unfortunately for the Jets, their bad habits are bound to catch up with them.

18. Carolina Panthers (1-2)

After a dominant victory over the Giants, the Panthers will have a week to soak it in, as they are among the first two teams to have a bye week this season. Carolina could very well be 3-0 if not for late-game breakdowns against the Bills and Seattle Seahawks, so the Panthers are definitely a team to watch for moving forward.

17. Tennessee Titans (3-1)

The Titans aren't overly impressive on either side of the ball or in any phase of the game, but they have figured out a way to get the job done to the tune of a 2-1 record. Even more encouraging than that, though, was the play of quarterback Jake Locker in leading Tennessee to a come-from-behind victory over the Chargers last week.

A win is needed this week to keep pace in the strong AFC South, as the Titans will host the Jets. New York is somewhat similar in that it has gotten off to a 2-1 start with solid defense and timely offense. The main difference, however, is that New York is the most penalized team in the league, according to ESPN's Kevin Seifert.

As long as the Titans continue to utilize a smart and safe style of football, and if Locker builds upon his Week 3 performance, Tennessee will come away with a shocking 3-1 start.

16. Detroit Lions (2-2)

Detroit is a tough team to figure out, as it can look like the best team in the league one second before looking the worst a second later. The Lions defense appears to be improved this season, but the team's true strength resides on offense, as quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Calvin Johnson have gotten off to a fast start.

The Lions scored a big win over the Redskins last week, and they did it without running back Reggie Bush. Backup Joique Bell played well in his absence, but Bush vows to be back in action against the Chicago Bears, according to the Detroit Free Press. 

Bush's return would definitely help the Lions, but the Bears are firing on all cylinders currently. Stafford hasn't been overly mistake-prone thus far, but Chicago already has five interceptions and six forced fumbles on the year. Turnovers will make the difference on Sunday, and the scale will be tipped in the Bears' favor.

15. San Francisco 49ers (2-2)

After falling just short in their bid to win the Super Bowl last season, the 49ers were considered the favorite to win it all in 2013. It would be crazy to write them off already, but the Niners seemed like a different team through three weeks. After getting rag-dolled by the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, the 49ers allowed the Colts to come to Candlestick and hand out a beatdown of their own in Week 3.

However, San Francisco got back to basics in Week 4 against the Rams, dominating on defense and running the ball extremely effectively. The Niners took advantage of St. Louis' deficiencies, and it resulted in a massive, confidence-boosting win. 

They must continue that success next week against the Texans, and they will be back among the league's elite.

14. Green Bay Packers (1-2)

The Packers suffered a tough loss in Week 3, as the Cincinnati Bengals returned a fumble for a touchdown late in the game to pull out the victory. Even though they're 1-2, the Packers are a solid team that should be able to get back on track following their Week 4 bye.

13. Houston Texans (2-2)

The Texans are a tough team to figure out, as they seem to have all the tools in place, but they could easily be 0-3 if not for some late-game heroics. Houston needed to come from behind to beat the Chargers and Titans in the season's first two weeks, but the Texans were unable to recapture the magic in a Week 3 loss to the Ravens.

Houston has a very tough test ahead of it in Week 4, as it will host the undefeated Seattle Seahawks. Beating Seattle at full strength will be difficult enough, but it's possible that the Texans could be without star wide receiver Andre Johnson. According to ESPN, he left Sunday's game with a shin injury, so his availability is in question.

Whatever the case, it will be very hard for a Jekyll and Hyde team like the Texans to beat a team that is as consistent as the Seahawks. Houston will pose a challenge, but it will come up short.

12. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

Expectations are high for the Falcons this year after a run to the NFC Championship Game last season, but their 1-2 start hasn't exactly inspired confidence. Atlanta has lost to a pair of strong teams (New Orleans Saints and Miami Dolphins), but it seems to be missing something that is preventing it from taking the next step.

That something probably exists on the defensive side of the ball, as Atlanta is allowing nearly 300 passing yards and 25 points per game. Quarterback Matt Ryan and wide receiver Julio Jones are off to a great start, but they can't do it all on their own.

Atlanta will host the undefeated New England Patriots on Sunday night in what may very well be Week 4's most intriguing contest. Although the Pats have yet to lose, they are far from bulletproof. The Falcons need a win to keep pace with the Saints, and they'll get it on their home turf. 

11. Kansas City Chiefs (3-1)

New head coach Andy Reid has been a breath of fresh air for the Chiefs franchise, as the team is off to a 3-0 start and looks every bit like a playoff squad. Defense has been Kansas City's hallmark thus far, although a balanced offense has given it the ability to beat teams in myriad ways.

Quarterback Alex Smith is playing excellent, mistake-free football, and running back Jamaal Charles continues to prove that he is one of the best rushers in the game. Despite all of that, the Chiefs have to be on upset alert in Week 4 as they host the winless Giants.

If New York plays like it did in Week 3, it has no hope of coming away with a win, but the Giants are capable of looking like an elite team. The Chiefs currently have some breathing room, but New York simply can't afford another loss. That desperation will be enough to spur the G-Men to victory.

10. Indianapolis Colts (3-1)

After losing to the Dolphins in Week 2, there were definitely some questions regarding the Colts' ability to make it back to the playoffs. Indy silenced its critics last week, however, as Andrew Luck and Co. walked all over the vaunted 49ers in an impressive road victory.

The Colts ran the ball down the Niners' throats with Ahmad Bradshaw and the newly acquired Trent Richardson, and it now appears as though Indianapolis is multidimensional on offense.

There is some risk of a letdown against the Jaguars this week after such a huge win in Week 3, but Jacksonville is absolutely pathetic, and Luck simply won't allow his team to lose a game that it should win every time.

9. Miami Dolphins (3-1)

The Dolphins were viewed by many as a potential sleeper team this season due to a handful of offseason acquisitions as well as the continued development of quarterback Ryan Tannehill. It turns out that those observers were correct, as Miami appears to be for real. With consecutive wins over the Colts and Falcons, respectively, the Dolphins are players in the AFC East.

Week 4 will present a great barometer for the Dolphins, as they will travel to New Orleans to take on the undefeated Saints on Monday night. The Dolphins defense has held up very well against some elite-level offenses, but Drew Brees and the Saints seem as though they can't possibly be stopped.

Miami's one Achilles heel is that it struggles to run the ball with Lamar Miller and Daniel Thomas, so the Dolphins will have a hard time controlling the ball. Because of that, Brees should be in line for another big performance.

8. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

Plenty of people wrote the Ravens off heading into the season, as the defending Super Bowl champions lost a lot of talent in free agency. Even so, Baltimore sits at 2-1 and should be able to beat the Bills.

Buffalo has shown a lot of heart this season, as it has proven capable of hanging around in games even when it doesn't play well, but the Ravens are locked in after a great win over the Texans. Running back Ray Rice's status is uncertain due to a hip injury, according to Matt Vensel of The Baltimore Sun, but Baltimore should be just fine even if Bernard Pierce has to start again.

The AFC is very strong this season, so this is a game that the Ravens have to win to remain in the thick of the playoff race. They are in a tight battle with the Bengals for AFC North supremacy as well, and they will keep pace with a convincing win on Sunday.

7. Dallas Cowboys (3-1)

Most consider the NFC East to be a joke due to the struggles of the Eagles, Redskins and Giants thus far, but the Cowboys have looked like a playoff team. Not only do they boast a pair of good wins over the Giants and Rams, but they took the Chiefs down to the wire in Week 2.

Quarterback Tony Romo is playing very well and protecting the football. Dallas vowed to run the ball more this season as well, and running back DeMarco Murray showed in Week 3 that the Cowboys are capable of doing so by gashing the Rams for 175 yards.

Dallas' offense has looked great, and it won't slow down against the Chargers and their questionable defense in Week 4. San Diego has offered very little defensive resistance this season, so this is a game that the Cowboys must win if they are to reach their potential after years of disappointment.

6. New England Patriots (3-1)

It's true that the Patriots are 3-0, but narrow victories over the Bills and Jets followed by a more convincing win over the Bucs don't exactly have Pats fans jumping for joy. New England's offense has been suspect, and while the defense has played very well, it remains to be seen how long that will continue.

As great as quarterback Tom Brady is, he can only do it by himself for so long. Brady has had to rely on weapons such as Julian Edelman, Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson, but he'll need something more substantial soon. Both Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola missed last week's game, and it is unclear what their status will be for Week 4.

If one or both of them play, it would be a huge boost for the Pats. New England seems to be playing it safe with them, though, and a 3-0 start means that they can continue to do so. The Patriots will be faced with their first true test of the season on Sunday night against the Falcons, and they will suffer their first loss as well.

5. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1)

The Bengals have bounced back nicely from a Week 1 loss to the Bears, as they are now 2-1 and look like a threat to win the AFC. Cincinnati's defense bent on occasion against the Packers in Week 3, but it didn't break, as quarterback Aaron Rodgers was largely held in check. The Bengals also came up with a fumble return for a touchdown late to win the game.

As dramatic as that was, the Bengals probably won't have to sweat things out in Week 4. Cincinnati is set to take on the Browns on the road, and while road division games should never be taken lightly, the Bengals are a far superior team on both sides of the ball.

The Browns scored a surprising win in Week 3, but they figure to come crashing back down to earth this weekend. Not only will the Bengals' stout defense shut down Cleveland, but Cincinnati's versatile offense should have a big day as well.

4. Chicago Bears (4-0)

There is no question that new head coach Marc Trestman has had a positive impact on the Bears this season, as they suddenly look like a Super Bowl contender after years of mediocrity under Lovie Smith. Chicago is truly a complete team, and it has all the tools necessary to win a competitive NFC North.

Defense continues to be the Bears' hallmark, as they are among the best in the league at forcing turnovers. The Bears also have an offense that can capitalize on a short field, as evidenced by their win over the Steelers last week. Quarterback Jay Cutler is better than ever, and that bodes well for Chicago moving forward.

The Bears won't be able to waltz past the Lions on the road this week, but they'll win provided they play up to their potential. Cutler has done a great job of protecting the ball through the season's first three weeks, and look for that to continue.

3. New Orleans Saints (4-0)

Offense is always going to be the Saints' strong suit as long as quarterback Drew Brees is in the fold, but an improved defense has Saints fans thinking Super Bowl. New Orleans is currently allowing fewer than 13 points and 300 yards per game. That is a recipe for success with Brees tearing it up on the other side of the ball.

Brees and tight end Jimmy Graham have been an unstoppable combination thus far, and even though the Dolphins boast a strong defense, it's doubtful that they will be able to crack the code. Brees is one 300-yard game shy of tying his own record for most consecutive 300-yard passing games, and all signs point to him doing it.

The Saints have to be wary, as the Dolphins have a penchant for hanging around and making their move late, but New Orleans should be able to take care of business in front of its home crowd.

2. Seattle Seahawks (4-0)

It's probably fair to say that the Seahawks are the most complete team in football right now, as they have the best defense as well as an offense that can score in so many different ways. That was on full display in Week 2, as Seattle had no trouble taking care of the division rival 49ers.

The Seahawks dominated the Jaguars in Week 3 as well, and even though that may not sound particularly impressive, the Seahawks appeared to reside in an entirely different league. They'll have a much tougher challenge on their hands in Week 4 against the Texans, but Seattle is favored nonetheless.

The defense will almost surely do its job, so this game will come down to quarterback Russell Wilson and running back Marshawn Lynch. They have been a deadly combo for the Seahawks this season, and Houston will see that firsthand on Sunday.

1. Denver Broncos (4-0)

It can certainly be argued that the Seahawks should be ahead of the Broncos due to the fact that Denver has some questions on defense, but the Broncos are so good on offense that it's tough to deny them the No. 1 spot. In fact, Denver may very well have the best offense in the NFL this season, which is bolstered by the fact that the Broncos are averaging more than 42 points and 486 yards of total offense per game.

The Broncos defense will be tested on Sunday, as the high-flying Eagles will throw a lot at it, but even if Philly scores some points, the Broncos won't lose this game. Philadelphia's defense has been an Achilles heel through the season's first three weeks, and quarterback Peyton Manning will take advantage of that.

With weapons like Demaryius Thomas, Wes Welker, Eric Decker and Julius Thomas to throw the ball to, Manning has great options each and every time he steps back to pass. The Denver offense will be dominant again on Sunday, and Manning could very well be in line for a record-breaking season on several counts.

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