NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Updated 2014 Analysis Before Thursday Night Football

Although win-loss records can help you in the standings, they do not mean everything through the first few weeks of an NFL season.

Unlike college football where one loss can ruin a season, defeats are not as devastating at this level. Even the best teams in the league can lose a game, especially when going on the road against a tough opponent.

This means that even teams without a perfect record could be considered the top teams in the NFL, while others with a better record might be further down the list depending on results.

With this in mind, here is a look at how each team ranks heading into Week 4 based on performance to this point and expectations for the rest of the year.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)

The Jaguars saw one good half of play this season before getting blown out by the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins and Indianapolis Colts. Blake Bortles had some nice moments in his debut, but there was no pressure on him coming into the game down 30-0.

While the team will hope Bortles can continue to improve after earning the starting job this week, the rest of the roster will not give him much help.

31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3)

Tampa Bay was thoroughly beaten in every phase of the game by the Atlanta Falcons in a 56-14 loss. Before that, the team suffered close losses to backup quarterbacks Derek Anderson and Austin Davis.

There is enough talent on this team to turn things around, but things look bad at the moment.

30. Oakland Raiders (0-3)

The offense is not doing much behind Derek Carr, ranking in the bottom five in the NFL in both passing and rushing yards per game. Although the defense has fared well at times, this has come against poor offenses. 

There are some legitimate stars on each side of the ball, but this squad needs to fill a lot of holes before it starts winning games regularly.

29. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

The offense was not expected to be too good coming into the year, and it is now much worse without Adrian Peterson, Matt Cassel, Kyle Rudolph and Brandon Fusco. No matter who fills in those roles, things will be rough in Minnesota.

On the plus side, this also means the start of the Teddy Bridgewater era with the rookie making his first start on Sunday. The first-round pick appears to be up to the task, via Ben Goessling of ESPN.com:

"

It’s a challenge, but you’re talking about some great football players. I feel that we have a group of guys in the locker room that are pretty talented also. It’s not all about me. I don’t have to do it by myself. There are 10 other guys out on the field with me; we’re expecting those guys to play well for us and [we're] just excited to get back out there Sunday.

"

The squad will try to give him as much help as possible, but this will likely be a long season as the quarterback goes through some growing pains. 

28. Tennessee Titans (1-2)

Jake Locker has taken a major step back over the past two weeks, although this can be explained by a wrist injury. Either way, the Titans will need someone who can play quarterback and spread the ball around to the quality receiving targets on offense. Otherwise, this could end up being another wasted season in Tennessee.

27. Miami Dolphins (1-2)

The coaching staff seems to be putting too much pressure on Ryan Tannehill lately, forcing the quarterback to throw the ball 92 times in the last two games. He has not responded well, averaging less than five yards per attempt in each contest.

Considering how well Knowshon Moreno and now Lamar Miller have fared this year, this offense should be utilizing the run game more. 

26. St. Louis Rams (1-2)

Austin Davis has played better than many expected, but he is still not able to carry a team on his own. He needs the defense to step up and perform to its ability with one of the most talented defensive lines in the NFL.

When even the top players on the roster are not playing to their ability, it will be a long season. 

25. New York Giants (1-2)

Rashad Jennings had a huge game to lead the Giants to victory, but the key was Eli Manning not throwing an interception for the first time this season.

Even with a below-average offensive line, the offense can be one of the best in the league if it can just cut down on turnovers.

24. Washington Redskins (1-2)

Kirk Cousins is certainly living up to the hype after many were hoping to see him get the starting job out of training camp. However, his two appearances came against two of the three worst pass defenses in the NFL.

The former fourth-round pick will get more chances to show he can be a legitimate starter at this level, but we have to wait to proclaim him a star until he proves himself a little more.

Joel Auerbach/Getty Images

23. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)

Kansas City earned its first win of the year despite not having Jamaal Charles or Eric Berry, let alone Derrick Johnson. The keys were a strong run game and defense, two things that helped the squad reach the playoffs last season.

The schedule is much tougher this time around, and the record will probably reflect that, but at least the team showed it does not need its stars to win games.

22. Cleveland Browns (1-2)

Even with two losses in their division, the Browns have given fans plenty to be hopeful about this season. Surprisingly, none of that has anything to do with Johnny Manziel.

The offense has held up its end of the bargain, but the defense will have to pick up the slack if Cleveland wants to win games this year.  

21. Houston Texans (2-1)

Houston looked good beating two weak opponents before suffering its first loss to the Giants.

The Texans started 2-0 last season before losing the next 14 games in a miserable season. While it is tough to assume the same fate this year, fans are definitely a little scared after losing the third game following a 2-0 start.

20. New York Jets (1-2)

Elsa/Getty Images

There are a lot of things the Jets do well, starting with a defensive line that ranks as one of the best in the league. They have helped put pressure on opposing quarterbacks while holding opponents to the fewest rushing yards in the NFL.

The problem is Geno Smith has not been able to lead the team in his second season. After making a few mistakes on Monday Night Football, even one of the more optimistic analysts in the NFL started doubting the quarterback, according to Peter King of MMQB:

Smith threw 21 interceptions to only 12 touchdowns last season, and those turnover problems are creeping up this year as well. He has four interceptions in three games as his QBR has dropped to 33.2, ranking 28th out of 32 qualified players.

If he cannot turn things around, the Jets will likely be looking for a new quarterback in the draft next spring.

19. Buffalo Bills (2-1)

No one really thought the Bills would go undefeated, did they? Buffalo had a solid start to the year but lost to the impressive San Diego Chargers in Week 3.

Still, this team continues to improve with a big-time defense and young playmakers throughout the offense. The future certainly is bright in Buffalo for the first time in a long time. 

18. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)

DeMarco Murray has been one of the most impressive players in the NFL this season, leading the league with 385 rushing yards. As long as the Cowboys rely on the running back, the team can continue winning games.

Unfortunately, Tony Romo can win or lose games on his own. With his inconsistency, the Cowboys can expect another .500 season. 

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)

After a pair of mediocre performances, the Steelers dominated the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, rushing for 264 yards against one of the best defenses in the NFL.

With the resurgence of Ben Roethlisberger as well as the strong play of Antonio Brown and Le'Veon Bell, the Steelers can be an offensive-minded squad for the first time in years.

16. New Orleans Saints (1-2)

Losing two close games on the road was a problem, but the narrow win at home against the Vikings could be an even bigger issue. The Saints are used to lighting up the scoreboard in the Superdome, but they could only manage 20 points in a substandard effort.

If New Orleans cannot put up points against the Cowboys this week, it might be time to start giving up on this team.

15. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

The Falcons had a blowout win against the Buccaneers, but this seems like something many teams will have the privilege of doing this season. While a healthy Julio Jones makes the offense much better, Matt Ryan will not have as many open targets in every game.

With the schedule getting tougher in the second half, we will truly see if the Falcons are back in the contending conversation.

14. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

USA TODAY Sports

Even though San Francisco has lost to two good teams, there is a lot of reason to be concerned about this team. The biggest problem is the inability to get anything going offensively in the second half, according to NFL on ESPN:

"

49ers through 3 games. 1st Half: 59 points 2nd Half: 3 points

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 23, 2014"

Christian Gin of Examiner.com provides one big reason:

Frank Gore and Carlos Hyde have combined to total just 26 carries in the last two games. This number should be closer to 60-70 considering the team had halftime leads in both contests.

The 49ers went to the NFC Championship Game three years in a row thanks to a power rushing attack and strong defense. It is nice to see some variety, but completely abandoning what got you success in the past is a foolish strategy. 

13. Chicago Bears (2-1)

When healthy, the Bears have one of the best passing attacks in the league with Jay Cutler throwing the ball down the field to Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery. Even the defense has been faring well despite a number of key injuries to the secondary.

After two close wins, Chicago will try to prove itself as a playoff contender against the Green Bay Packers.  

12. Carolina Panthers (2-1)

The Panthers ranked second in the NFL last season against the run but only sit 27th in this category in 2014. With the offense struggling to get any consistency behind a disappointing offensive line, the defense needs to get back to carrying this team.

As good as Cam Newton is, he cannot do it all himself. 

11. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

The Ravens do not always make games look pretty, but they often find a way to come out on top. After missing the playoffs last year with an 8-8 record, they appear ready to get back this year with slight improvements in every phase of the game.

After going 2-1 against divisional opponents in the tough AFC North, Baltimore should be feeling good about its play on the field this year.

10. Green Bay Packers (1-2)

The Packers looked awful offensively against the Lions, but there is too much talent to believe this will be the case in coming weeks. Aaron Rodgers is still one of the best quarterbacks in the game, and he has plenty of weapons to spread the ball around.

As long as Green Bay can play to its ability, this should still be a playoff team and possibly more. 

9. New England Patriots (2-1)

There is reason to be concerned about the Patriots' play so far this year, especially offensively against three below-average defenses. Tom Brady has not done a good job of connecting with his receivers and has not shown signs of turning it around.

Still, they have found ways to win and have the experience necessary to keep pulling out close battles. The 2-1 record is misleading, but getting wins is still important. 

8. Detroit Lions (2-1)

The Lions defense has been the story this year, ranking third in the league passing yards allowed and second against the rush. After years of this unit being the weak link, it now seems to be the strength of the team.

Once the offense picks up behind Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson, this will be a tough team to beat. 

7. Indianapolis Colts (1-2)

Stephen B. Morton/Associated Press

There is usually reason to be concerned after an 0-2 start, but narrow losses to two of the best teams in the league is something we can overlook for now. The Colts responded well with a 44-17 win against the Jaguars and are now ready to go on a run.

Andrew Siciliano of NFL Network notes how easy the schedule gets going forward:

With Ahmad Bradshaw helping create balance offensively, the Colts could be extremely difficult to stop. At the same time, the defense will look much better going forward when it is not facing the Broncos and Eagles.

Indianapolis will still need to beat good teams to win in the playoffs, but this squad is headed in the right direction.

6. San Diego Chargers (2-1)

It is hard not to be impressed with the play of the Chargers this year, beating the Seahawks and Bills while only suffering a narrow loss on the road to the Arizona Cardinals.

With Philip Rivers continuing to play like one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, the Chargers will keep beating good opponents.

5. Arizona Cardinals (3-0)

The Cardinals came close to making the playoffs last season, but they are determined to get into the postseason this time around. The defense has been an immovable force, tying for second in points allowed in 2014.

Considering two of the wins have come with Drew Stanton at quarterback, this squad is going to be even better when Carson Palmer is healthy.

4. Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)

None of the wins have been easy this year, but the Eagles offense has been carrying the load with at least 30 points scored in each game. With LeSean McCoy struggling to get started this year, Nick Foles has been picking up the slack in a devastating passing attack.

The poor secondary could be an issue against tougher opponents this year, although the NFC East is there for the taking. 

3. Cincinnati Bengals (3-0)

Cincinnati definitely deserves to be in the discussion of the top teams in the NFL. The offense has been successful thanks to an offensive line that has not allowed a sack while also clearing a path for a quality rushing tandem of Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill.

The problem is the Bengals still have to prove themselves. Unlike the teams above them, they have not had playoff success, and there are major questions at quarterback. Until they prove themselves against top opponents on a consistent basis, there are reasons to be skeptical.

2. Denver Broncos (2-1)

Putting Wes Welker back in the lineup helps create a devastating passing attack that is just as good as last year. Scoring 20 points in Seattle is nothing to overlook, and this group should be able to explode with big games after the Week 4 bye.

With the defensive additions finally starting to make an impact, this team could be even better than last season. This could be scary for the rest of the NFL.

1. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)

Elaine Thompson/Associated Press

After the Seahawks beat the Broncos yet again, ESPN's Ed Werder believes this battle could be taking place again this year:

Even though Seattle lost to the Chargers in Week 2, this is still the best team in the NFL. Opponents will struggle to pass against the secondary all year, while the offense is only getting better with an improving Russell Wilson and a healthy Percy Harvin.

The Seahawks will also be almost impossible to beat at CenturyLink Field once again this season after winning 19 of their last 20 games there, including the playoffs.

If the squad can play well enough to secure home-field advantage in the NFC, it should be able to run through the playoffs yet again to the Super Bowl.

Follow Rob Goldberg on Twitter for the latest breaking news and analysis.