NFL Power Rankings: Week 4 Standings and Review After Sunday's Games

As September comes to an end, we're due a look at the NFL hierarchy. Teams went full speed into the 2020 season without spring organized team activities or a preseason. In spite of the circumstances, some clubs have already separated from the pack while others seep to bottom. 

Professional football doesn't look good for New York teams out in New Jersey. Gang Green and Big Blue have young quarterbacks who have experienced a rough start to the season partially because of poor pass protection or a lack of offensive playmakers.

While injuries play a factor across the league, teams with depth have been able to fill voids at key positions. Also, we've already witnessed a quarterback switch that's paid off for an undefeated squad.

We've divided the power rankings into four tiers in ascending order. Who's on the rise? Which clubs should you keep an eye on in the coming weeks?

Nos. 25-32

Chris Szagola/Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow

32. New York Jets (0-3)

31. New York Giants (0-3)

30. Denver Broncos (0-3)

29. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2-1)

28. Washington Football Team (1-2)

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)

26. Carolina Panthers (1-2) 

25. Miami Dolphins (1-2)

Cincinnati Bengals QB Joe Burrow Impressive Despite Winless Record

Although the Cincinnati Bengals record doesn't reflect it, the franchise has hope for the future. Through three contests, quarterback Joe Burrow has thrown for five touchdowns and just one interception. He's completed approximately 65 percent of his passes.

The Bengals offense has one glaring issue—pass protection. Burrow has been sacked 14 times. Head coach Zac Taylor should emphasize quick reads for the aerial attack to keep his rookie signal-caller out of harm's way.

Burrow and A.J. Green have to sharpen their connection. With 28 targets, the seven-time Pro Bowl wideout hasn't eclipsed 51 receiving yards in a single game. Out of the slot, Tyler Boyd leads the team in receiving yards (230). Rookie second-round wide receiver Tee Higgins caught two touchdown passes against the Philadelphia Eagles Sunday.

Assuming Burrow and Green eventually find their groove, the Bengals shouldn't have an issue scoring points this season. On the other hand, Cincinnati will likely remain a bottom-tier squad because of its subpar defense, specifically against the run.

Nos. 17-24

David Richard/Associated Press

Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield

24. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)

23. Philadelphia Eagles (0-2-1)

22. Minnesota Vikings (0-3)

21. Atlanta Falcons (0-3)

20. Houston Texans (0-3)

19. Arizona Cardinals  (2-1)

18. Detroit Lions (1-2)

17. Cleveland Browns (2-1)

Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield Efficient Alongside Dominant Ground Attack

Under head coach Kevin Stefanski, the Cleveland Browns offense has shown improvement from the previous campaign. Yet, if you looked at quarterback Baker Mayfield's passing numbers, it would seem as though the aerial attack still needs a few tweaks. He's thrown for fewer than 190 yards in two out of three contests.

Cleveland averages 170.3 rushing yards per game. After a blowout 38-6 loss to the Baltimore Ravens, the offense has exploded for 35 and 34 points with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt gouging opposing defensive lines.

When asked about posting flashy receiving numbers, wideout Odell Beckham Jr. said last week, "It's probably not going to be that kind of season." (h/t ESPN Cleveland's Tony Grossi). 

The Browns seem comfortable with their run-heavy offense while it's leading to victories, which makes it easier for players to buy into the system. Nonetheless, at some point, Mayfield must show he's capable of carving up defenses to maintain balance.

Nos. 9-16

Kamil Krzaczynski/Associated Press

Chicago Bears quarterback Nick Foles

16. Indianapolis Colts (2-1)

15. Chicago Bears (3-0)

14. Las Vegas Raiders (2-1)

13. San Francisco 49ers (2-1)

12. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

11. New Orleans Saints (1-2) 

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) 

9. New England Patriots (2-1)

Chicago Bears Make a Switch at Quarterback

In Week 3 against the Atlanta Falcons, the Chicago Bears benched Mitchell Trubisky after he threw an interception on the first drive of the second half. Foles turned the ball over and had a reviewed touchdown call go against him at the Falcons' 17-yard line. Yet, he kept battling and engineered a fourth-quarter comeback. 

Foles threw touchdown passes on the Bears' last three drives, leading the team to its second comeback victory this season.

Even though the Bears head into Week 4 with a 3-0 record, we have to rank them with skepticism. They came back to beat the Detroit Lions (1-2) in the season opener and the Falcons who have blown double-digit leads in consecutive weeks. 

If Chicago's defense remains stout and Foles stabilizes the offense, this squad could knock off the Indianapolis Colts and Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home in the next two weeks. 

Nos. 1-8

Stephen Brashear/Associated Press

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson

8. Tennessee Titans (3-0)

7. Los Angeles Rams (2-1)

6. Buffalo Bills (3-0) 

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) 

4. Seattle Seahawks (3-0)

3. Green Bay Packers (3-0) 

2. Baltimore Ravens (2-0)

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

Seattle Seahawks Surging with QB Russell Wilson

Russell Wilson's performances have been on another level. He's recorded the most touchdown passes (14) through three weeks in the Super Bowl era. Oddly enough, the six-time Pro Bowler has never received an MVP vote. If his hot streak continues, that will undoubtedly change this year. 

Wilson's elite play has masked the Seattle Seahawks' leaky defense that's allowed an average of 28.7 points per game through three weeks. In all likelihood, he'll continue to put up MVP-worthy numbers against the Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings. Both clubs field pass defenses that rank 24th or worse.

Wilson will face tougher challenges between Weeks 7 and 9, matching up with the San Francisco 49ers, Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams. For now, he'll lead the Seahawks to impressive wins with pinpoint throwing accuracy and the ability to lead his team through high-pressure situations.

The top four teams in the power rankings have stellar quarterback play. With Wilson in the early MVP conversation, the Seahawks field one of the most dangerous squads in high-scoring scenarios.