NFL Week 4 Power Rankings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)

Last Week Ranking: 5

The Steelers have truly shocked me so far this season. They’ve gone through 3 QBs their first 3 games, and bring in another one next week – Big Ben. What the Steelers defense has done so far is nothing short of remarkable. Having Super Bowl hopes should not be doubted from this savvy veteran crew.

Peyton is in control, photo courtesy of http://helmet2helmet.net

2. Indianapolis Colts (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 4

The Colts took care of the Broncos on the road in what was labeled to be offensive slugfest. Austin Collie is coming along nicely finishing with 171 yards, more than any other receiver in week 3.

3. New Orleans Saints (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 1

The Saints took a tough loss at home to division rivals Atlanta Falcons this week, but I’m not going to kill the Saints just yet. Primary concern is the kicker Garret Hartley who missed the FG in OT that would have won the game for the Saints. Hartley showed some troubles in week 1 as well.  I look for the Saints to bounce back at home next week against Carolina.

4. New York Jets (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 6

The Jets showed a lot in a gutsy victory against a divisional team on the road. Sanchez is coming into his own throwing 3 TDs, and more importantly not turning the ball over. It’s easy to hate on the Jets, but they got one hell of a team. LT looks absolutely rejuvenated.

5. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 13

The Falcons proved that they are truly a contender after a week 1 debacle. Going into New Orleans and coming out with the win is no easy task. Atlanta has to continue to win games they’re supposed to and we should be set for an epic rematch with the Saints week 16.

6. Chicago Bears (3-0)

Last Week Ranking: 12

Yeah, you read it right; it’s DA BEARS at number 6. Am I still skeptical? You’re damn right I am, but beating a division rival on Monday Night and Dallas last week puts you right up here. One of three teams still undefeated. The Bears got another test Sunday night on the road against the G-men.

7. Green Bay Packers (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 2

The Packers lost a tough game on the road on Monday night against a division rival. The Bears are no joke either. Don’t forget that Ryan Grant wasn’t playing either. I still like the Packers.

Boldin caught 3 TDs last week, photo courtesy of http://www.baltimoresun.com

8. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 10

Hello Anquan Boldin, welcome to Baltimore. Boldin had a huge game in the home opener catching 3 TDs from Flacco. B’more gets a real test next week going into Pittsburgh. The NFL gave the Ravens no breaks in the beginning of the season when it came to scheduling.

9. New England Patriots (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 7

Patriots are putting up more points than any other team in the league. It will be interesting to see if they can get the road monkey of their backs on Monday Night as they go into Miami.

10. Houston Texans (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 3

Don’t jump off the Texans just yet. They are still a great offensive team that got beat by a desperate and hungry Cowboys team. Next week they go into Oakland to face another hungry and desperate Raiders team. These are the type of games that the Texans can’t sleep on if they want to be a contender in January.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 9

You would think that the offense would be killing it by now with Batman and Robin, but it’s actually the defense that is getting that job done for the Bengals. That offense will have to show up at some time though. Wake up Mr. Palmer.

12. Miami Dolphins (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 8

The Dolphins almost crawled their way back into the game against the Jets which was a positive sign. Miami has another big test against another division foe Monday night with the Patriots coming into town. This game will really help determine which two teams are the real contenders for the AFC East.

13. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)

Last Week Ranking: 15

The Kansas City Chiefs might just mess around and find themselves in playoff contention in a division that is so far horrible. Dexter McCluster is the real deal. Next week is a bye week for the Chiefs, which may hurt a team that is on fire and really believes in themselves.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 17

That Michael Vick to DeSean Jackson connection is looking deadly. Week 2 the duo paired up for 135 yards and a TD and last week for 153 yards and a TD. It’s hot right now in the Ill-a-delph. Whispers of NFC East champs could soon become shouts.

15. Tennessee Titans (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 18

Yeah that defense is legit. If you don’t know the name by now, learn it: Courtland Finnegan. They are making even Vince Young look good. Home game against the Broncos coming up which they should win.

16. Seattle Seahawks (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 26

The Seahawks are 2-1 through 3? Yeah, I didn’t see that coming either. Looks like this group is buying into what Carroll is selling. Detroit is on hold right now on line 3, they want to know where this Mike Williams was when they drafted him.

17. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 23

Well it’s about time. Atleast the Cowboys kept some faith from the great state of Texas by beating up on their little ones. Let’s see if this little smoke turns into a fire. Next week is a much needed bye.

18. San Diego Chargers (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 11

This could be Norv’s last hurrah if they keep this up, which history says they will. Signs all over San Diego : “WANTED – VINCENT JACKSON.” Common Chargers fans, you know you need him. Get that “GM” of yours to make something happen, or at least trade him for something before the season slips out of your hands.

19. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 24

Does any team need a bye week more than the Vikings? Does Favre just need some more Mississippi gumbo to get the old engine running? He better do what it takes in this week off because the next game on the calendar is a Monday night matchup in the Meadowlands against the J-E-T-S JETS JETS JETS!

20. Washington Redskins (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 16

Losing to the Rams is just not good. McNabb is not playing bad, but the rest of the team really needs to get going. We also get the homecoming trip to Philly next week, should be interesting.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 14

Tampa got rolled on by the Steelers defense, just like all other teams who have faced them so far have. Tampa has a bye week coming up where they can re-evaluate some things and continue to do what has worked for them so far.

22. Arizona Cardinals (2-1)

Last Week Ranking: 22

The Cards got themselves an ugly win in Oakland. Wins like this will keep them in their division at this point. I don’t see any continuing success in the future though.

23. Denver Broncos (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 21

That ground game has to show up for the Broncos. Through 3 games, they are ranked 30^th in rushing. They visit Tennessee next week which could be a big win if the Broncos can pull it off.

24. New York Giants (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 20

In my preseason previews I said the Giants were in trouble, and Tom Coughlin was on the hot seat. I got a lot of criticism from Giants fans for saying that. Do you believe me now?

25. St. Louis Rams (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 30

Like I said last week, the Rams are competing. That spirit got them the 30 points for the win over Washington this week. I’m slightly concerned with Steven Jackson’s groin pull.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 27

The Jags picked up Trent Edwards off the waivers. I don’t see it making too much of a difference.

27. San Francisco 49ers (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 19

Shocked to say the least. Who saw an 0-4 start coming for the Niners, no way they will beat the Falcons this week.

28. Oakland Raiders (1-2)

Last Week Ranking: 25

The Raiders really let one get away from them in Arizona last week. Those are the games they have to win if they want people to not look at them as the shame of the league.

29. Carolina Panthers (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 29

Bring on the defending champs this week, yikes.

30. Detroit Lions (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 28

So close, yet so far. Frustration setting in.

31. Cleveland Browns (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 32

Three tough losses in a row. Just another one of those seasons.

32. Buffalo Bills (0-3)

Last Week Ranking: 31

Can we just blow it up and start over?