B/R Experts Week 5 NFL Power Rankings

We're one month into the 2026 NFL season, and for every thing we thought we knew, there are two things we didn't see coming.

We knew the San Francisco 49ers and Buffalo Bills would be good, and outside Buffalo's Week 4 setback at home, both teams have been. But not many people would have predicted the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns would be in first place.

Conversely, we figured that the Miami Dolphins and Tennessee Titans would be bad, and sure enough both teams are winless. However, no one figured that the Houston Texans and Los Angeles Chargers would join those bottom-feeders after both teams made the playoffs a year ago.

After another wild week of NFL action, the league's pecking order has again gotten the snow-globe treatment. And as is the case every week, Bleacher Report NFL analysts Gary Davenport, Kris Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski have come together to sift through the week's happenings and rank all 32 teams from worst to first.

And this week, there's a new top dog.

ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN | CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND | JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN | NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SEA | SF | TB | TEN | WAS

32. Miami Dolphins (0-4)

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Dolphins RB Ollie Gordon II

Last Week: 32

Week 4 Result: Lost at Minnesota 15-10

Miami kept the score close in Minnesota, but its offensive struggles continued.

In fairness, the Miami defense did what it could to keep the team in the game in Week 4. But the offense continues to struggle. It didn't help that the team's best offensive weapon (running back De'Von Achane) tore his ACL last week. But even with Achane, Miami couldn't move the football.

Now? The Dolphins had all of 198 total yards—and backup running back Ollie Gordon accounted for over half of them. Gordon had as many yards on the ground as quarterback Malik Willis had passing and rushing combined.

There is little sign of an imminent turnaround, and potential wins are difficult to identify on Miami's upcoming schedule. Two meetings with the New York Jets, including one in Week 7, may represent the Dolphins' best opportunities to avoid a winless season. -- Davenport

31. Tennessee Titans (0-4)

AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough

Titans WR Carnell Tate

Last Week: 31

Week 4 Result: Lost at Baltimore 24-18

At some point, the Tennessee Titans must get beyond moral victories and finally find ways to win. Sunday's outcome may have only been by one score, but the meeting with the Baltimore Ravens wasn't particularly close. 

Baltimore tried to milk a 17-point halftime lead, because quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a high-ankle sprain and didn't play during the second half. Tyler Huntley entered the game and struggled to move the Ravens' offense. Tennessee finally closed the gap in the fourth quarter, but the damage was already done. 

Eventually, the Titans will need to see more from last year's No. 1 overall pick, Cam Ward. First-round wide receiver Carnell Tate finally produced a big game, but he also had a drop and fumbled twice. These two are supposed to be Tennessee's primary building blocks. They're not playing like it. -- Sobleski

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4)

AP Photo/Chris O'Meara

Buccaneers WR Emeka Egbuka

Last Week: 30

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Green Bay 17-14

Even in the NFL's worst division, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers look cooked.

After falling at home to a mediocre Green Bay Packers team, the Buccaneers are winless this season. Dating back to last season's second-half collapse, Tampa has won just twice in its last 13 games.

It's not getting better anytime soon, either. Quarterback Baker Mayfield, who recently signed a three-year, $165 million extension, is expected to be out at least a couple more weeks with a broken thumb. Jalon Daniels struggled in his NFL debut, and the offense remained ineffective. The Bucs are not good on either side of the ball.

They have committed to Mayfield. But after the team's struggles dating back to 2025, head coach Todd Bowles has plenty to prove. -- Davenport

29. Los Angeles Chargers (0-4)

AP Photo/Kevin Ng

Chargers QB Justin Herbert

Last Week: 29

Week 4 Result: Lost at Seattle 30-23

In a postgame press conference, Los Angeles Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh said offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel's job isn't in jeopardy, but he should reconsider. The Chargers racked up garbage-time points in their Week 4 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks, but the team still hasn't figured it out on offense.

Offensively, the Chargers must make significant changes as their season goes further off the rails. They're easily one of the NFL's five worst teams, which is astounding with quarterback Justin Herbert, wideout Ladd McConkey (when healthy), left tackle Rashawn Slater, right tackle Joe Alt and running back Omarion Hampton on the offensive side of the ball. -- Moton

28. Houston Texans (0-4)

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr.

Last Week: 27

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Dallas 34-30

The Houston Texans understand what it means to start poorly then rally to earn a postseason appearance. However, the team has never started 0-4 and made the playoffs. Only one team in NFL history has. 

What makes Houston's situation particularly concerning is the team could rely on its defense last season. This year is a different story. Houston went from fielding the league's best defense to sitting outside of the Top 20. Houston currently ranks among the bottom five pass defenses. 

Derek Stingley Jr. and the Texans' secondary couldn't slow CeeDee Lamb. Instead, Lamb set a new Dallas Cowboys franchise record Sunday with 17 receptions in a single game. 

Ironically, Houston's offense was the bigger concern entering the 2026 campaign. It's currently ranked sixth overall. -- Sobleski

27. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)

AP Photo/Seth Wenig

Cardinals QB Jacoby Brissett

Last Week: 28

Week 4 Result: Lost at New York Giants 36-24

The Arizona Cardinals are who we thought they were. A surprising Week 1 victory has quickly faded and given way to the team everyone expected. Arizona has now lost three straight. Clearly, the team is searching for some kind of answer. 

At some point, a change at quarterback will be necessary. The same is true today as it was last season. Jacoby Brissett is a fine backup option. He can lead an offense and put up numbers. But Arizona is now 2-14 with him as its QB1. 

Unless a drastic turnaround happens at some point over the next few weeks, rookie Carson Beck should be handed the offense to see what he can do before the team's attention turns toward next offseason. -- Sobleski

26. New York Jets (1-3)

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Jets QB Geno Smith

Last Week: 26

Week 4 Result: Lost at Chicago 23-12

The New York Jets had just one victory for the season entering their Week 4 trip to Chicago, but the team had looked improved.

Sunday, they reverted to the offensive struggles that have plagued the team.

With Breece Hall sidelined, the run game was all but non-existent, gaining less than 60 yards. Jets quarterback Geno Smith wasn't any better—he threw for just 119 yards.

Meanwhile, the Bears had more yards on the ground (232) than the Jets had total yards (157). New York's defense was gouged just as badly through the air—all told Chicago piled up 492 yards of offense and 34 first downs—with a backup quarterback.

Next week's home game against the Cleveland Browns suddenly feels pivotal for the Jets as they try to avoid another disappointing season—and ease the pressure on head coach Aaron Glenn. -- Davenport

25. Washington Commanders (1-3)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Commanders LB Sonny Styles

Last Week: 24

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Indianapolis 30-13

The Washington Commanders are in real danger of having their season slip away because of injuries for the second straight season. They managed to beat the defending champion Seattle Seahawks with Marcus Mariota at quarterback in Week 3, but they lost Mariota to a knee injury in London on Sunday.

Rookie quarterback Athan Kaliakmanis had a few bright moments against the Indianapolis Colts, but he made his fair share of rookie mistakes, too. Washington's defense showed some signs of progress against Indy, too, but it couldn't stop the ground game late, and the Commanders now sit at 1-3.

Next week's matchup with the rival New York Giants has become a veritable must-win. -- Knox

24. New Orleans Saints (1-3)

AP Photo/Gerald Herbert

Saints QB Tyler Shough

Last Week: 16

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Atlanta 45-24

Maybe the New Orleans Saints are who we thought they were entering the season.

The Saints showed some moxie over the first three weeks of the 2026 season—they took the Lions to overtime in Detroit, upset the Ravens in Baltimore and gave the Raiders a run for their money.

Monday night against the Atlanta Falcons, everything fell apart. The Saints can't run the ball at all. That is forcing Tyler Shough to try to win with his arm, and while the second-year signal-caller has exceeded expectations, he's not that guy. Not yet.

Meanwhile, an injury-depleted defense was rolled on the ground, with Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. accounting for five rushing touchdowns and over 240 yards.

This was a beatdown. No getting around it.

And with the undefeated Vikings coming to town, it might be getting late early in the Big Easy. -- Davenport

23. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)

AP Photo/David J. Phillip

Colts QB Daniel Jones

Last Week: 23

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Washington 30-13

The Indianapolis Colts have won two in a row, but they're still not on track.

Shane Steichen's squad isn't close to where it was before last season's second-half collapse. Quarterback Daniel Jones was a huge part of that early success. He's been part of the problem to start this season despite the two-game winning streak. 

Jones already committed seven turnovers, including five during the last two weeks. Comparatively, the quarterback didn't commit his seventh turnover until Week 9 of the 2025 campaign. 

However, the Colts' defense has improved after a horrendous start. DeForest Buckner has been particularly devastating while working along the defensive interior. Plus, Indianapolis always has the luxury of leaning on Jonathan Taylor when the passing game isn't clicking. 

As long as Jones does a better job with his ball security, the Colts could easily win their next two contests against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Tennessee Titans. -- Sobleski

22. Green Bay Packers (2-2)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Packers RB Marshawn Lloyd

Last Week: 22

Week 4 Result: Won at Tampa Bay 17-14

With an imbalanced offense, the Green Bay Packers barely beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who started undrafted rookie quarterback Jalon Daniels in Week 4. The Packers defense logged two interceptions and forced a turnover on downs to seal the victory. 

However, after the game, head coach Matt LaFleur warned his running backs about their poor ball security. As a team, the Packers rushed for a season-high 86 yards, but they desperately need a reliable ground attack to take some pressure off quarterback Jordan Love. Green Bay doesn't have a sustainable winning approach. -- Moton

21. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)

AP Photo/Abbie Parr

Falcons QB Michael Penix Jr.

Last Week: 25

Week 4 Result: Won at New Orleans 45-24

Atlanta's turnaround over the past two weeks has been dramatic.

Two weeks into the season, the Falcons looked like arguably the worst team in the NFL. Fast-forward two weeks, and after a pair of emphatic road wins Atlanta looks like potentially the class of the NFC South.

The Falcons have an offensive identity now with Michael Penix back under center—they are punishing opponents on the ground with Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. and then using that to set up shots downfield—primarily to Drake London.

A defense that appeared lost not long ago is flying around despite being short several key personnel, especially up front.

This week's Sunday night visit from a banged-up Baltimore Ravens team suddenly looks winnable.

So does their division. -- Davenport

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)

AP Photo/David Richard

Steelers WR DK Metcalf

Last Week: 14

Week 4 Result: Lost at Cleveland 27-24

The Pittsburgh Steelers actually played quite well in the Week 3 win over the Cincinnati Bengals, and they came alive in the second half against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday.

However, it's been a struggle to find big plays all season, and Pittsburgh should probably be in the market for a receiver ahead of the November 10 trade deadline.

Even more concerning than Pittsburgh's lack of explosives is the play of its defense, which is the most expensive defense in the entire league. The unit has been above average, but it hasn't been able to carry the team while the Steelers' offense finds its rhythm.

Pittsburgh will have a chance to rebound at home against the Indianapolis Colts next week, and it'll be interesting to see how the team responds after tempers flared during the Week 4 loss. -- Knox

19. New York Giants (3-1)

AP Photo/Adam Hunger

Giants QB Jameis Winston

Last Week: 19

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Arizona 36-24

John Harbaugh just might keep the New York Giants in the playoff conversation despite losing quarterback Jaxson Dart to a season-ending knee injury.

New York barely scraped by in Jameis Winston's first start for the Giants, but it looked much more formidable in Week 4—though his ball security remained a concern. The Giants battled back from a 14-3 first-quarter deficit and sealed the win with Deonte Banks' 98-yard walk-off pick-six.

Don't look now, but the Giants are all alone in first place in the NFC East heading into next week's matchup with the Washington Commanders. -- Knox

18. Detroit Lions (2-2)

AP Photo/Rick Osentoski

Lions edge Aidan Hutchinson

Last Week: 13

Week 4 Result: Lost at Carolina 32-26

The Detroit Lions' defensive issues go beyond their missing starting safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph.

The Lions had no answer for Tetairoa McMillan, who caught 14 passes for 192 yards and two touchdowns, or Chuba Hubbard, who ran for 122 yards and two scores. 

Head coach Dan Campbell needs to re-evaluate the team's defensive structure and game plan with coordinator Kelvin Sheppard. At some point, even with professional backups, the unit must adjust when the opposing team's best pass-catcher and lead ball-carrier go up and down the field with little resistance.

The Lions have a top-five offense and arguably the league's worst defense, which is a recipe for mediocrity. -- Moton

17. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)

Chase Brown

Bengals RB Chase Brown

Last Week: 15

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Jacksonville 22-17

The Cincinnati Bengals have dropped two in a row, and the injuries of Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins suddenly loom very large. Cincinnati's new-look defense has been markedly better than last year's unit, but the Bengals still haven't been good enough to beat quality teams when Joe Burrow isn't at his best.

Cincinnati's two wins have come against teams with a combined 0-8 record.

This still feels like a team that can be a tough out if it reaches the postseason, but that doesn't mean it will be a playoff team. Fortunately, the Bengals will face another winless team when they visit the Miami Dolphins next week. -- Knox

16. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)

AP Photo/Ashley Landis

Cowboys WR CeeDee Lamb

Last Week: 17

Week 4 Result: Won at Houston 34-30

It certainly feels like it's going to be another rollercoaster season for the Dallas Cowboys. Their retooled defense hasn't looked much different from last year's unit, but the Cowboys offense again looks like an elite unit. A week after bad defense and poor clock management led to a last-second loss, Dallas mounted its own late fourth-quarter comeback.

The good news is that blowing it against the Ravens in Brazil didn't break the Cowboys. The better news is that there's still time for Dallas' defense to grow into at least an average unit, which may be all the Cowboys need to make a run at the postseason.

The defense should get a chance to gain some confidence next week against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and their undrafted rookie quarterback. -- Knox

15. Carolina Panthers (2-2)

AP Photo/David Richard

Panthers QB Bryce Young

Last Week: 21

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Detroit 32-26

Much like the division they play in, the Carolina Panthers aren't an easy team to get a bead on four weeks into the season.

Offensively, the Panthers sometimes look like one of the league's most dangerous offenses. Sunday night's win over the Lions was the third time in four games that Carolina has scored over 30 points. Quarterback Bryce Young isn't just playing the best football of his career—he's playing like a top-10 signal-caller.

Defensively, however, the Panthers have been erratic. This is the team that surrendered 59 points to the Chicago Bears at home back in Week 1. The Lions actually out-gained the Panthers in a shootout that included almost 900 yards of offense.

That defense is going to be a problem if the Panthers get back to the postseason, but in a division filled with flawed teams, Carolina is the front-runner right now. -- Davenport

14. New England Patriots (2-2)

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Patriots QB Drake Maye

Last Week: 18

Week 4 Result: Won at Buffalo 29-26

If the New England Patriots shake off their early struggles and make another deep playoff run, we may well look back at this game as the springboard to that success.

Headed into Sunday's meeting with the rival Bills, the New England offense was a mess—three games into the season, the Patriots were averaging a league-low 12 points per game. Last week in Jacksonville, they managed just six.

But it was a different story at Highmark Stadium. Quarterback Drake Maye finally looked like last year's MVP runner-up. The Patriots gashed the Bills for 143 rushing yards. Wide receiver Romeo Doubs found the end zone twice.

A shaky Buffalo defense played a part, but the Patriots got a win they badly needed. And with two straight home tilts up next, New England has an opportunity to shake off that early funk and build some real momentum. -- Davenport

13. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2)

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Eagles QB Jalen Hurts

Last Week: 9

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Rams 24-20

The Philadelphia Eagles have won two straight NFC East titles, but injuries have them in danger of falling behind in this year's race.

The Eagles ruled out DeVonta Smith ahead of Week 4, then watched Saquon Barkley, Quinyon Mitchell, and Jonathan Greenard all exit with injuries. They came close to upsetting the visiting Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, but we're still talking about a banged-up 2-2 squad that recorded its two wins by a combined six points.

Philly needs to get healthy in a hurry because the surging Jacksonville Jaguars are next on the schedule. -- Knox

12. Cleveland Browns (3-1)

AP Photo/Kirk Irwin

Browns WR Denzel Boston

Last Week: 20

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Pittsburgh 27-24

The Cleveland Browns are sitting at 3-1 a month into the 2026 season, and yet, it's still a little difficult to take this team seriously.

The Browns have won three straight but also by a combined 10 points. Their defense has been more good than great; they're still trying to get the ground game going, and they overcame an uneven second half by Deshaun Watson on Thursday night.

That said, Cleveland is significantly better than pretty much anyone expected coming into the season and has a legitimate chance to move to 4-1 against the New York Jets next week. -- Knox

11. Denver Broncos (2-2)

AP Photo/Justine Willard

Broncos QB Bo Nix

Last Week: 5

Week 4 Result: Lost at San Francisco 24-14

So far this season, the Denver Broncos haven't led in any contest going into the fourth quarter. In Week 4, they didn't have enough late-game magic to come back from a deficit. 

Aside from a 30-point second-half flurry against the Los Angeles Rams in Week 3, the Broncos offense has struggled mightily, and it's still trying to find its groove under new offensive play-caller Davis Webb. Unless head coach Sean Payton reclaims play-calling duties, it could be a bumpy ride for quarterback Bo Nix and his playmakers.

Denver is slowly falling in our power rankings for good reason. -- Moton

10. Las Vegas Raiders (3-1)

AP Photo/Ella Hall

Raiders RB Ashton Jeanty

Last Week: 11

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City 30-27

For the first time this season, the Las Vegas Raiders came up short, losing to the Kansas City Chiefs, but their contender credentials are genuine after entering last week at No. 11 in our power rankings.

In the third quarter, on 4th-and-2, Las Vegas passed up a 41-yard field-goal attempt and turned the ball over on downs. In the final quarter, kick returner Dareke Young fumbled, which allowed league-leading rusher Kenneth Walker III to score on a short field. 

While aggressive, the Raiders will miss the mark at times, but they're good enough to hang with the NFL's upper-echelon teams. Keep in mind that playoff-caliber clubs have a better chance of capitalizing on Las Vegas' mistakes. -- Moton

9. Chicago Bears (3-1)

AP Photo/Melissa Tamez

Bears QB Tyson Bagent

Last Week: 12

Week 4 Result: Won vs. New York Jets 23-12

Regardless of who takes snaps under center, the Chicago Bears offense remains steady with head coach Ben Johnson calling the plays.

Backup quarterback Tyson Bagent went 25-of-34 passing for 268 yards in a win over the New York Jets. Meanwhile, Kyle Monangai ran for 146 yards and two touchdowns. Chicago can beat opponents in multiple ways, a hallmark of a playoff-caliber squad.

Even without starting quarterback Caleb Williams, the Bears are a top-10 team. -- Moton

8. Los Angeles Rams (2-2)

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

Rams RB Kyren Williams

Last Week: 10

Week 4 Result: Won at Philadelphia 24-20

It's fair to say this season has not gone according to plan for the Los Angeles Rams. They're not steamrolling opponents. Instead, Sean McVay's squad sits at .500 thanks to inconsistent performances across the board. 

Myles Garrett's absence due to injury doesn't help. Star wide receiver Puka Nacua already missed time this season. Cornerback Jaylen Watson is dealing with a dislocated shoulder. Plus, the league's reigning MVP, Matthew Stafford, isn't playing like one. His six interceptions are tied for the league's second-most. 

Eventually, the Rams will get all of their top players back. Stafford is experienced enough to cut down on the mistakes. If/when those things happen, Los Angeles could easily look like the league's Super Bowl favorite. The team simply isn't close to that point through four weeks of play. -- Sobleski

7. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Ravens RB Derrick Henry

Last Week: 7

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Tennessee 24-18

Week 4 brought a bit of a mixed bag for the Baltimore Ravens. Their win over the lowly Tennessee Titans only appeared close because of 11 unanswered garbage-time points by Tennessee. However, Baltimore also watched star quarterback Lamar Jackson exit with an ankle injury.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Jackson is considered day-to-day with the injury.

The Ravens are 3-1 and remain atop the AFC North. However, they're not running away with the division, and they're going to need Jackson close to 100 percent to navigate a difficult upcoming stretch that includes games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Buffalo Bills, and Jacksonville Jaguars in late October and early November. -- Knox

6. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)

AP Photo/Stacy Bengs

Vikings QB Kyler Murray

Last Week: 6

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Miami 15-10

The Minnesota Vikings had the least impressive Week 4 win, eking one out over the winless Miami Dolphins, who lost their best offensive playmaker, running back De'Von Achane, for the season.

Justin Jefferson didn't play last week, but even with him on the field, Kyler Murray has struggled in head coach Kevin O'Connell's system. He's thrown just one touchdown pass since he returned from a concussion in Week 3.

It's hard to hit the panic alarm on anything for a 4-0 team, but the Vikings need more of their starting quarterback if they want to be taken seriously. Carson Wentz may be the better option. -- Moton

5. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1)

AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin

Jaguars LB Foyesade Oluokun

Last Week: 8

Week 4 Result: Won at Cincinnati 22-17

Most of the attention placed on the Jacksonville Jaguars tends to involve the offensive side of the ball, whether the discussion centers on quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the continued growth of wide receiver Parker Washington, tight end Brenton Strange, etc.

However, Jacksonville's defense deserves far more attention this season. 

Jacksonville has allowed the NFL's second-fewest points (53) through four games. The effort is also the franchise's best since the start of the 2007 campaign. The Jaguars are particularly good at the point of attack. They're ranked second in rushing defense after the Cincinnati Bengals managed a measly 23 yards during Sunday's action. 

Liam Coen's squad is clearly the best the AFC South has to offer. -- Sobleski

4. Buffalo Bills (3-1)

AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster

Bills QB Josh Allen

Last Week: 1

Week 4 Result: Lost vs. New England 29-26

Not many folks saw this coming.

Entering Week 4, the Bills and Patriots were two teams barreling in opposite directions. The Bills were playing as well as any team in the NFL. The Pats were floundering on offense and had just been blown out by the Jaguars.

That floundering offense got right against the Bills—Drake Maye had by far his best game of the season, and New England topped 140 yards on the ground.

It was another rough day for the Bills defensively—and potentially cause for legitimate concern. The Patriots came into the game with the worst scoring offense in the league, but they didn't look it against the NFL's eighth-worst defense.

The Bills aren't the only contender with defensive issues (looking at you, Detroit). But Sunday's home loss exposed just how glaring those issues are. -- Davenport

3. Seattle Seahawks (3-1)

AP Photo/Kevin Ng

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold

Last Week: 4

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Chargers 30-23

Sam Darnold's return to the lineup has been a bit of a bumpy road. The Super Bowl-winning quarterback threw three interceptions over the last two games. The primary difference between Seattle's loss in Week 3 and a victory in Week 4 was the team's ability to put away the Los Angeles Chargers. 

Despite allowing the Chargers to close the gap after building a 21-point second-half lead, the Seahawks didn't let off the gas, particularly on defense. Seattle sacked quarterback Justin Herbert four times and hit him on 10 different occasions. 

Plus, the Seahawks were able to overcome 150 penalty yards. Mike Macdonald's squad is talented, but it needs to be more disciplined when the San Francisco 49ers, Denver Broncos, Kansas City Chiefs and Chicago Bears are its next four opponents. -- Sobleski

2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)

AP Photo/John Locher

Chiefs RB Kenneth Walker III

Last Week: 3

Week 4 Result: Won at Las Vegas 30-27

In a battle for first place in the AFC West, the Kansas City Chiefs flexed their muscle as the division's team to beat. Kenneth Walker III ran for a career-high 177 yards and two touchdowns. He's clearly the team's offensive engine, though Patrick Mahomes has done his part with nine touchdown passes and only two interceptions.

According to The Athletic's Mike Silver, the Chiefs have reached out to Tyreek Hill's agent, Drew Rosenhaus. 

If Hill is healthy enough to play by late October or early November, the Chiefs offense could take off after Thanksgiving. Kansas City is a top team that may get better in a few weeks. -- Moton

1. San Francisco 49ers (4-0)

AP Photo/Jed Jacosbohn

49ers LB Fred Warner

Last Week: 2

Week 4 Result: Won vs. Denver 24-14

The San Francisco 49ers are doing what they normally do, which makes them the NFL's best team. 

Once again, the Niners' lineup is littered with injuries. Even so, Kyle Shanahan's squad remains undefeated, with the league's best point differential. Brock Purdy is playing better than any other quarterback. His offensive line isn't allowing pressure. Wide receiver Mike Evans and tight end George Kittle are still weapons. Plus, San Francisco features a top-three scoring defense. 

To Shanahan's credit, the 49ers are always among the league's best coached teams. This group is always prepared to play despite whatever extenuating circumstances it faces. As long as the injury issues don't reach the team's star performers, as they did last season, San Francisco can make some serious noise. -- Sobleski