NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Are the Pittsburgh Steelers the New No. 1 Team?
Week 3 has come to a close, which means it's time for my weekly edition of NFL Power Rankings.
After an intriguing set of games, we've learned even more about key elements that can help us develop a better understanding of each team.
The San Francisco 49ers continue to disappoint, the defending champion New Orleans Saints went down, and the Pittsburgh Steelers have surprisingly opened the season 3-0.
So, let's find out how all that and more affect my weekly Power Rankings.
32. Buffalo Bills (0-3)
1 of 32
Last Week: Lost 38-30 to New England Patriots
The Bills may have showed some life against the Patriots, but they're still the worst team in the league.
However, being the worst team in the league gives them an opportunity to replace Fitzpatrick with one of the quality quarterbacks in this year's draft class.
This Week: vs. New York Jets
31. Carolina Panthers (0-3)
2 of 32
Last Week: Lost 20-7 to Cincinnati Bengals
There's talent on this team, but they're simply not gelling. Until they fix their quarterback problem, it'll be tough to win games.
This Week: @ New Orleans Saints
30. Cleveland Browns (0-3)
3 of 32
Last Week: Lost 24-17 to Baltimore Ravens
The Browns have showed signs of hope, but are winless.
This is surely going to be a long rebuilding process.
This Week: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
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29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
4 of 32
Last Week: Lost 28-3 to Philadelphia Eagles
The Jaguars have little going with them, especially with Maurice Jones-Drew yet to score a touchdown this season.
If they continue to play like this, Jack Del Rio could be gone.
This Week: vs. Indianapolis Colts
28. Denver Broncos (1-2)
5 of 32
Last Week: Lost 27-13 to Indianapolis Colts
Heading into the season, I felt that the Denver Broncos were a boom or bust team.
So far, they've been the latter. Of course, most of that is credited to their nagging injuries.
One clear bright spot has been Kyle Orton, who threw for 476 yards against the Colts.
This Week: @ Tennessee Titans
27. Detroit Lions (0-3)
6 of 32
Last Week: Lost 24-10 to Minnesota Vikings
The Lions are steadily improving, yet their porous rush defense will hinder them.
On the flip side, I'm really not sure what to infer from Jahvid Best's inconsistent play.
This Week: @ Green Bay Packers
26. Washington Redskins (1-2)
7 of 32
Last Week: Lost 30-13 to St. Louis Rams
When you lose to an NFL team that has won just seven games in four years, there's a problem.
Donovan McNabb has played well so far, but the defense has to do its part.
This Week: @ Philadelphia Eagles
25. St. Louis Rams (1-2)
8 of 32
Last Week: Won 30-16 over Washington Redskins
Congratulations on your seventh win in four years.
Anytime a team matches that statement, they can't be ranked much higher than this.
On the bright side, No. 1 overall pick Sam Bradford is looking solid.
This Week: vs. Seattle Seahawks
24. San Francisco 49ers (0-3)
9 of 32
Last Week: Lost 31-10 to Kansas City Chiefs
San Francisco has lost its identity, and is playing well below expectations right now.
However, I do project them to turn things around. Firing offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye is a good start.
This Week: @ Atlanta Falcons
23. Oakland Raiders (1-2)
10 of 32
Last Week: Lost 24-23 to Arizona Cardinals
The Raiders have been competitive in their past two games, and I like their nucleus of talent.
Despite what their critics will say, this is a team on the rise.
This Week: vs. Houston Texans
22. New York Giants (1-2)
11 of 32
Last Week: Lost 29-10 to Tennessee Titans
The Giants need to get back to playing the style of football that won them the Super Bowl three seasons ago if they want to turn things around.
Until then, they'll have to settle for mediocrity.
This Week: vs. Chicago Bears
21. Arizona Cardinals (2-1)
12 of 32
Last Week: Won 24-23 over Oakland Raiders
This is a team that barely squeezed by victories over the Rams and Raiders. Honestly, you've got to feel some pity for receiver Larry Fitzgerald because he's stuck in this situation
This Week: @ San Diego Chargers
20. San Diego Chargers (1-2)
13 of 32
Last Week: Lost 27-20 to Seattle Seahawks
I hate to put a Philip Rivers-led team this low, but the rest of their team leaves me no choice.
The biggest issues, in my opinion, has been their scoring defense and special teams.
This Week: vs. Arizona Cardinals
19. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)
14 of 32
Last Week: Won 27-20 over San Diego Chargers
Those offseason acquisitions truly paid off this week, as Leon Washington returned two kickoffs for a score and Earl Thomas made two critical interceptions.
If the 49ers don't clean up their act, the Seahawks could be a dark horse to reclaim the NFC West.
This Week: @ St. Louis Rams
18. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)
15 of 32
Last Week: Win over Detroit Lions 24-10
Adrian Peterson has amassed 477 yards from scrimmage this season and is carrying this football team.
Brett Favre needs to step up his game if they want to get back to playoff contention.
This Week: BYE
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
16 of 32
Last Week: Lost 38-6 to Pittsburgh Steelers
The Buccaneers displayed their true colors last week, and I guess they weren't the sleeper team that many thought they were.
Nonetheless, Josh Freeman is subtly emerging as a quality quarterback which is a great sign for the future.
This Week: BYE
16. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)
17 of 32
Last Week: Won 27-13 over Houston Texans
The Dallas Cowboys finally racked up their first win, and did so in a commanding fashion.
However, it's still yet to be seen whether they can continue this level of play.
This Week: BYE
15. Tennessee Titans (2-1)
18 of 32
Last Week: Won 29-10 over New York Giants
The Titans are flying under the radar, and could pop up in the playoff hunt later this season.
Chris Johnson is an absolute beast, and the Titans are doing a fantastic job utilizing him.
This Week: vs. Denver Broncos
14. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
19 of 32
Last Week: Won 20-7 over Carolina Panthers
Carson Palmer needs to elevate his game by maximizing the playmakers at his disposal. If he doesn't they'll be in trouble.
This Week: @ Cleveland Browns
13. New England Patriots (2-1)
20 of 32
Last Week: Won 38-30 over Buffalo Bills
This Pats' offense may be powerful, but their defense needs major help at all lines of the unit. There's no excuse for allowing the Bills to score 30 points.
This Week: @ Miami Dolphins
12. Miami Dolphins (2-1)
21 of 32
Last Week: Lost 27-13 to New York Jets
In my opinion, the Miami Dolphins are one of the most underrated teams in the league.
They play stout defense, run the ball efficiently, and have a developing aerial attack.
I wouldn't be surprised to see them fighting for the AFC East to the wire.
This Week: vs. New York Jets
11. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)
22 of 32
Last Week: Won 28-3 over Jacksonville Jaguars
Michael Vick has been phenomenal over the past few games, and he has the Eagles offense rolling.
He's made the best of his second chance opportunity, and it seems like we have a Comeback Player of the Year in the making.
This Week: vs. Washington Redskins
10. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)
23 of 32
Last Week: Won 31-10 over San Francisco 49ers
I'll be the first to admit that I was wrong about the Chiefs. After pounding on the 49ers, they look very impressive and it'll be interesting to see if they can keep it up.
In my opinion, this is one of the more underrated defenses in the league.
This Week: BYE
9. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
24 of 32
Last Week: Won 24-17 over Cleveland Browns
The Anquan Boldin trade already seems to be paying dividends as he caught three touchdowns this week.
Once Ed Reed returns to this defense, this team will be scary.
This Week: @ Pittsburgh Steelers
8. New York Jets (2-1)
25 of 32
Last Week: Won 31-23 over Miami Dolphins
The one element of this team holding them back was quarterback Mark Sanchez. Interestingly enough, he has the sixth-highest passer rating in the league.
Do note, though, that they allowed 363 yards in the air without Darrelle Revis in the lineup. They should be glad that they got the deal done.
This Week: @ Buffalo Bills
7. Houston Texans (2-1)
26 of 32
Last Week: Lost 27-13 to Dallas Cowboys
The Houston Texans got pummeled by the Dallas Cowboys, but they still boast one of the most prolific offenses in the league.
However, their pass defense will need to step up if they want to make a serious push.
This Week: @ Oakland Raiders
6. Green Bay Packers (2-1)
27 of 32
Last Week: Lost 20-17 to Chicago Bears
This is a complete football team with a Super Bowl caliber offense and defense. However, penalties and a terrible special teams killed them against the Bears.
This Week: vs. Detroit Lions
5. Chicago Bears (3-0)
28 of 32
Last Week: Won 20-17 over Green Bay Packers
The Bears may have some major holes to fill, but they're still the only undefeated NFC team.
This Week: @ New York Giants
4. New Orleans Saints (2-1)
29 of 32
Last Week: Lost 27-24 to Atlanta Falcons
Even though the defending champs got knocked down in an exciting overtime thrill, they're still one of the premier teams in the league.
This Week: vs. Carolina Panthers
3. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
30 of 32
Last Week: Won 27-24 over New Orleans Saints
Any time a team beats the defending champs, they definitely deserve their recognition.
Matt Ryan and Co. are looking very sharp right now.
This Week: vs. San Francisco 49ers
2. Indianapolis Colts (2-1)
31 of 32
Last Week: Won 27-13 over Denver Broncos
With Peyton Manning at the helm playing at an MVP-like level, this team will always rank amongst the league's elite.
This Week: @ Jacksonville Jaguars
1. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)
32 of 32
Last Week: Won 38-13 over Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Pittsburgh Steelers truly look like the best team in football. They're getting back to their traditional ways by incorporating a stingy defense and an effective rushing attack.
And, get this. All three of their opponents are 2-1 with the lone loss coming against the Steelers.
If they're looking this good now, just imagine how good they'll be when Ben Roethlisberger returns.
This Week: vs. Baltimore Ravens
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