NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Updated Team Records and Review

Just three unbeaten teams remain through the first three weeks of the NFL season, and it is entirely possible that none of them can truly stake claim to the title of the league's best team.

With so many teams beating up on one another during the early part of the season, it is difficult to get an accurate read on which teams are for real and which aren't. With that said, several teams reversed the course of their season based on how they performed in Week 3.

With Week 4 quickly approaching, here is a look at the NFL's current balance of power, complete with analysis regarding every team's Week 3 outing.

32. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3)

The Buccaneers are one of three winless teams remaining in the NFL this season, but there is no question that Tampa Bay turned in the most embarrassing Week 3 effort. The Bucs were blasted 56-14 by the division rival Atlanta Falcons on Thursday Night Football.

As evidenced by this graphic courtesy of ESPN Stats and Info, the Bucs were essentially out of it from the very start:

With quarterback Josh McCown dealing with a thumb injury and wide receiver Vincent Jackson suffering from a wrist ailment, things don't figure to get much better for Tampa moving forward.

31. Oakland Raiders (0-3)

Although the Raiders were able to hang in there against the New England Patriots on the road in Week 3, Oakland could not avoid an 0-3 start. The Raiders fell 16-9 in a game that highlighted their lack of explosiveness on offense.

Rookie quarterback Derek Carr hasn't made enough big plays, but it isn't as if he has been surrounded with a litany of weapons. The Raiders have shown some moxie in the season's first few weeks; however, they don't have the talent necessary to win on a consistent basis.

30. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)

The Jaguars found themselves in the wrong place at the wrong time in Week 3, as a desperate Indianapolis Colts team dominated in what felt like a must-win scenario. As poorly as Jacksonville played in the 44-17 loss, there was a silver lining that could lead to a turnaround in the coming weeks.

Rookie signal-caller Blake Bortles replaced Chad Henne and provided a spark to the offense in the fourth quarter. After throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns in relief, the first-round pick will take over as the Jags' starter and at least bring a certain level of excitement to an otherwise moribund team.

29. St. Louis Rams (1-2)

Despite dealing with a ton of injuries, the Rams continue to battle on a weekly basis. St. Louis very nearly pulled off its second consecutive victory in Week 3, but it couldn't quite overcome a second-half comeback by the Dallas Cowboys in a 34-31 defeat.

Rams fans were provided with some hope in the form of quarterback Austin Davis, who threw for more than 300 yards and three touchdowns in the loss. If Davis is at least able to perform competently under center in subsequent weeks, then St. Louis has a chance to be competitive.

28. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

The Vikings were defeated with relative ease for the second consecutive week as they ran into a hungry New Orleans Saints team on the road. The running game is likely to be a problem for Minnesota for as long as Adrian Peterson is out of the picture, but there may be help on the way from a passing perspective.

Quarterback Matt Cassel was forced to leave Sunday's game with an ankle injury, which led to rookie Teddy Bridgewater seeing his first regular-season action. According to SportsCenter, it appears likely that Bridgewater will get the start in Week 4 as well:

Much like Bortles, Bridgewater did some very encouraging things when he entered the game. He is bound to make some mistakes as a rookie, but he should make the Vikes far more explosive and dangerous.

27. Tennessee Titans (1-2)

Many identified the Titans as a potential sleeper team this season after they decimated the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 1, but things have gone downhill since then. Tennessee was drubbed 33-7 by an excellent Cincinnati Bengals team in Week 3, and it is starting to look like another tough year is on the horizon.

The Titans have struggled defensively over the past couple of weeks, but they also haven't received much help from quarterback Jake Locker. This is a show-me season for the embattled signal-caller, and he hasn't shown much other than a propensity for mediocrity.

26. Miami Dolphins (1-2)

The Dolphins seemed poised for a great 2014 campaign after upsetting the New England Patriots in Week 1, but the past two weeks have been less than stellar for Miami. The Dolphins were crushed 34-15 by a Kansas City Chiefs team without superstar running back Jamaal Charles and fell to 1-2 in the process.

There are even question marks surrounding quarterback Ryan Tannehill. After back-to-back poor showings, head coach Joe Philbin was evasive when asked about who will start under center in Week 4, per ESPN.com's James Walker.

"We're going to get our 46 best players in the game, and we're going to utilize them the best way possible," Philbin said.

Philbin declined to offer a vote of confidence for his quarterback, which means that a controversy could be on the horizon with Matt Moore waiting in the wings.

25. New York Jets (1-2)

Another AFC East team with a bit of a quarterback quandary is the Jets. While second-year man Geno Smith has shown some flashes, he continues to make far too many mistakes. New York fell to the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, and a pair of interceptions thrown by Smith contributed heavily to the defeat.

The Jets are able to remain in almost every game due to a solid defense and running game, but they won't take the next step until Smith does. He hasn't proved capable of being above average with any type of consistency, so it will be tough for Gang Green to make a run at the playoffs with him at the helm.

24. New York Giants (1-2)

It can be argued that the Giants were the NFL's worst team through two weeks, but a strong commitment to Rashad Jennings and the running game allowed Big Blue to hand the Houston Texans their first loss of the season and pick up their first win in the process.

Jennings rushed 34 times for 176 yards, while quarterback Eli Manning turned in an efficient performance. Turnovers have been a huge problem for New York since last season, but it won that battle with three takeaways to just one giveaway. That could prove to be a winning formula moving forward.

23. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

After being one of the NFL's most pleasant surprises last season, the Chiefs got off to a disappointing 0-2 start in 2014. Things looked bleak entering Week 3 with Charles on the shelf, but a big effort from backup Knile Davis allowed KC to upset the Dolphins on the road and finally mark a tally in the win column.

The Kansas City defense also came to life, which will be key to turning things around in the coming weeks. The Chiefs are stuck in arguably the league's toughest division in the AFC West, but they have a chance to make some noise if they continue to run the ball effectively and tighten up defensively.

22. Cleveland Browns (1-2)

If a break or two had gone the Browns' way through the first three weeks of the season, they could very well be 3-0 rather than 1-2. Cleveland bounced back from a narrow Week 1 loss to beat the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. The Browns nearly followed that up with an upset win in Week 3 but fell two points short of the rival Baltimore Ravens.

Quarterback Brian Hoyer was very solid in the close loss, but he unfortunately doesn't have many dynamic weapons around him offensively. If the Browns can keep their heads above water until wide receiver Josh Gordon is reinstated, though, they have all the makings of a sleeper team or a spoiler at the very least.

21. Washington Redskins (1-2)

The Redskins were unable to close out an upset bid against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 3, but there may be reason for Washington fans to rejoice.

Kirk Cousins was spectacular in his first start under center this season for the injured Robert Griffin III. He threw for 400-plus yards and three touchdowns, and he received praise from many, including NFL Network's Daniel Jeremiah:

Washington is stacked with offensive talent, and Cousins has proved capable of utilizing it. The defense could be an Achilles' heel all season long, but the Redskins look like they have the ability to be one of the league's best offensive teams.

20. Green Bay Packers (1-2)

The Packers often look like Super Bowl contenders when quarterback Aaron Rodgers is firing on all cylinders, but the former league MVP couldn't get anything going in a Week 3 loss to the NFC North rival Detroit Lions.

Detroit's stout defensive line gave Green Bay issues all day long, and Rodgers finished with just 162 yards in a 19-7 loss. Aside from the defense, the biggest culprit in the Packers' 1-2 start is their inability to run the ball with Eddie Lacy. He kept the Packers competitive when Rodgers was out last season, and he'll have to regain that form in order for the team to be a threat.

19. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

The Cowboys' renewed emphasis on running the ball continued in Week 3, and it was a huge contributing factor in their 34-31, come-from-behind victory over the Rams. Running back DeMarco Murray topped the century mark once again, while quarterback Tony Romo made some plays down the stretch.

It is still difficult to totally buy in to the Cowboys despite their 2-1 start because of the defense. Dallas allowed the unheralded Davis to throw for more than 300 yards, which obviously isn't an encouraging sign. The Cowboys have enough on offense to be a force, but the defense needs to improve significantly.

18. Houston Texans (2-1)

The Texans' 2-0 start seemed a little too good to be true, and that turned out to be the case in Week 3. Houston couldn't slow down the Giants' running game, and it failed to protect the ball on offense as it served up three turnovers to New York.

There is no question that the Texans were hurt by the absence of running back Arian Foster, and they were exposed to some degree because of it. Quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick was asked to do more than usual with Foster on the shelf, and it resulted in three interceptions. The Texans got away from what made them successful in the first two weeks, which they can't allow to happen too frequently.

17. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

San Francisco entered the season as one of the top contenders to make a run at the Super Bowl, but it now finds itself third in the NFC West due to a 1-2 start. The Niners were beaten 23-14 by the upstart Arizona Cardinals in Week 3 because of their undisciplined play on both sides of the ball.

The 49ers were undone by penalties, although some were a bit questionable. That led to wide receiver Anquan Boldin blasting the officiating after the game, according to Fox Sports NFL:

Some might feel as though Boldin has a point, but many of the fouls that were called are on the Niners players and nobody else. Quarterback Colin Kaepernick turned in what was easily his best performance of the season thus far, but it was squandered by a bunch of boneheaded miscues.

16. Buffalo Bills (2-1)

The Bills had a golden opportunity to start the season 3-0 with a home game against the San Diego Chargers in Week 3, but the Bolts offered a dose of reality in a 22-10 win on the road. Buffalo still has a chance to compete for the AFC East crown, but there is plenty of work to be done.

Quarterback E.J. Manuel was a big problem as he failed to make seemingly routine plays on a number of occasions. Also, Buffalo's talented defense was on the field for far too long as San Diego established long, draining drives for much of the game. Sunday was a reality check, but it may have been the wake-up call that the Bills needed.

15. New Orleans Saints (1-2)

On the heels of two excruciatingly close losses, the Saints finally churned out a positive result in Week 3 by defeating the Vikings at home. New Orleans desperately needed that win in order to create some positive momentum, and it seems likely that the Saints will start to hit their stride from this point forward.

Quarterback Drew Brees played well with nearly 300 yards and two touchdowns, but the offense has yet to play up to its fullest potential. Even so, the Saints could easily be 3-0 if not for a few bad breaks. A Brees-led team doesn't often panic, and that should make New Orleans a force in the coming weeks.

14. Indianapolis Colts (1-2)

Much like the Saints, many were surprised to see the Colts sitting at 0-2. They didn't necessarily play poorly during the first two weeks, but they weren't quite good enough to beat a pair of quality teams. The level of competition got far more manageable in Week 3, though, against the Jaguars.

Quarterback Andrew Luck took out the team's frustrations as he threw for 370 yards and four touchdowns in a 44-17 rout. Indianapolis is far from a perfect team since there are questions on defense and in the running game, but Luck is a legitimate stud. If he continues to play like this, then another AFC South crown is in the Colts' future.

13. Carolina Panthers (2-1)

Even though the Panthers had an excellent 2013 season, many were surprised by their 2-0 start this year. Those skeptics were proved right to some degree in Week 3 as Carolina was beaten thoroughly at home by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday night.

The Panthers fell 37-19 as their normally stout defense surrendered more than 450 yards of total offense. Quarterback Cam Newton and Co. didn't exactly help the cause either with a pair of crucial turnovers.

Carolina is dealing with injuries to several running backs, which really limits what it can do offensively. There will be pressure on Newton to perform in the coming weeks, and he'll have to be on his game for the Panthers to have success.

12. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

The Steelers bounced back in a big way after getting dominated by the Ravens in Week 2 by winning a road game against a tough Panthers squad in Week 3. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger captained the ship effectively, but the 147 rushing yards from second-year running back Le'Veon Bell proved to be the biggest difference.

In addition to that, Pittsburgh's defense turned in a vintage performance. Many have questioned the Steelers defense over the past couple of seasons, but there may still be some magic left in defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau's group. The AFC North is shaping up to be an extremely tough division, but Pittsburgh is definitely in the mix.

11. New England Patriots (2-1)

The Patriots are now 2-1 and tied atop the AFC East, but it is unlikely that Pats fans are doing cartwheels. New England was only able to muster a seven-point win over the listless Raiders at home, and it is clear that Tom Brady isn't the same quarterback that observers have grown accustomed to.

Brady was merely ordinary in Week 3 with 234 yards and a touchdown, which has been the story through the first three weeks. According to ESPN's Mark Schlereth, New England's struggling offensive line is to blame:

One major positive is the fact that the defense has been solid over the past two weeks. The Pats don't look like the dominant team that they have been for so many years, but they still have enough pieces to win a weak AFC East.

10. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

With back-to-back AFC North wins, the Ravens are starting to look like contenders in the AFC. Baltimore was mere minutes away from beating the Bengals in Week 1 as well, which would have had the Ravens sitting at 3-0 with a perfect mark in the division as well.

Even with that loss, though, the Ravens are playing sound football. Quarterback Joe Flacco has been solid if unspectacular, while the running game has contributed as well despite the controversy surrounding it. Baltimore isn't going to play pretty football on a weekly basis, but winning football doesn't necessarily have to look good.

9. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

It has only been three weeks, but the Falcons already have all the makings of a Jekyll and Hyde team. Atlanta has looked fantastic in a pair of wins at home, while it struggled in a Week 2 loss at the Bengals. It wouldn't be particularly surprising to see that trend continue throughout the season.

Quarterback Matt Ryan and the offense are so much better on a fast track indoors, while the defense is generally lackluster everywhere. Atlanta did perform well defensively in its decimation of the Buccaneers, but it is difficult to imagine that carrying over to most other matchups.

8. Chicago Bears (2-1)

The 2014 season didn't get off to an ideal start for the Bears with a home loss to the Bills, but they have certainly turned thing around since then. After an upset win over the 49ers on the road in Week 2, Chicago once again prevailed as an underdog in Week 3 with a win over the Jets on Monday Night Football.

Although running back Matt Forte struggled for the second consecutive week, quarterback Jay Cutler once again played winning football down the stretch. Chicago's defense has also looked much better in its two victories, and that may be the biggest key to contending for the NFC North title.

7. San Diego Chargers (2-1)

After scoring a huge upset win over the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2, the Chargers were able to maintain that momentum in Week 3. The Bolts went on the road and dominated in a 22-10 victory against a tricky Bills team. The defense was strong for a second consecutive week, while quarterback Philip Rivers continued to prove that last year's renaissance was no fluke.

With that said, San Diego has been faced with some adversity. With running back Ryan Mathews already on the shelf, Danny Woodhead suffered a serious injury on Sunday. According to Michael Gehlken of The San Diego Union-Tribune, Woodhead is expected to miss the rest of the season:

That means that the Bolts are down to just Donald Brown in the backfield right now in terms of established options. If Rivers and the defense continue to play well, though, they should be able to overcome it.

6. Detroit Lions (2-1)

Many questioned the Lions' credibility after struggling in a Week 2 loss to the Panthers, but they bounced back in a big way in Week 3. Detroit toppled the Packers 19-7 in a key game at home, and it did so with defense rather than an explosive offensive display.

Rodgers and the Pack were held to just 223 yards of total offense, while the Lions controlled the clock with 38 minutes of possession. It wasn't quarterback Matthew Stafford's best performance by any means, but he didn't have to be great with the defense neutralizing Rodgers. The Lions have shown that they can win in myriad ways, and that bodes very well for them moving forward.

5. Arizona Cardinals (3-0)

Somehow, some way, the Cardinals just keep on winning. Despite losing the turnover battle and being out-possessed by the 49ers in Week 3, Arizona managed to score a pivotal win at home. The Cards are now one of just three remaining undefeated teams, and two of those wins have come without injured quarterback Carson Palmer.

Replacement Drew Stanton hasn't been awe-inspiring by any means, but he has done enough to get by. The Cards' biggest strength resides on the defensive side of the ball, which is what allowed them to win 10 games last year. Maintaining this pace won't be easy in such a competitive division, but the Cardinals have proved that they are for real.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)

The Eagles have been far from perfect through three weeks, but there isn't a single blemish on their 3-0 record. For the third consecutive week, Philadelphia overcame a double-digit deficit to win in come-from-behind fashion over the Redskins.

Nick Foles looked quite shaky in the Eagles' first two games, but he was the driving force behind their Week 3 win. In addition to throwing for 325 yards and three touchdowns, he came through in the clutch, according to ESPN's Skip Bayless:

One area of concern, though, is the play of running back LeSean McCoy. He had just 22 yards on 19 carries, which is a far cry from what he accomplished last season. The Eagles are undefeated for now, but that won't last unless McCoy finds his form.

3. Cincinnati Bengals (3-0)

Playoff issues notwithstanding, an argument can easily be made in favor of the Bengals being the class of the NFL currently. Cincinnati dominated the Titans in all three phases on Sunday in a 33-7 win. Quarterback Andy Dalton is leading the offense well, and the combination of Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill is running hard. Plus, the defense is better than ever.

The Bengals are as complete as a team can be, and their success when it really counts will come down to Dalton's ability to make plays and avoid big mistakes. He still has to prove that he can do that in the postseason, but it's hard not to be impressed with Cincinnati right now.

2. Denver Broncos (2-1)

The Broncos performed admirably Sunday in a Super Bowl rematch against the Seahawks, but it still wasn't enough to come out on top. Quarterback Peyton Manning and the offense struggled to move the ball for much of the game; however, a late rally allowed Denver to force overtime.

After losing the coin toss, the Broncos were at the mercy of quarterback Russell Wilson and Seattle's offense. The Seahawks ultimately scored a touchdown on the opening possession and came away with a huge win. Even though the Broncos lost, it was an encouraging result considering how badly they were beaten in the Super Bowl. Denver gave Seattle everything it could handle at home, which should bode well moving forward.

1. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)

The Seahawks needed a win in Week 3 to shake off an upset loss to the Chargers in Week 2, and they got it with a 26-20 triumph over the Broncos. Although it wasn't a dominant showing from Seattle by any means, beating a team of Denver's ilk in any manner is always a positive. The defense was strong throughout the game, while Wilson once again proved to be a stud under pressure.

Defending a Super Bowl crown is never easy, and the Seahawks have already come to that realization. Seattle has everything it needs to be successful against any team in any venue, though. Even with one loss on their record, the Seahawks deserve to be called the NFL's best team right now.

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