Nolan Anderson’s NFL Power Rankings: Post Week Four
We are (almost) a quarter of the way through the NFL Season. Lets take a look at the updated power rankings after week four.
- Eagles (last week #1)
The Eagles are the last remaining undefeated team in the NFL. Looking ahead at their schedule, the Eagles should be favored in every game remaining this season. Fly Eagles Fly!
- Bills (last week #3)
The Bills have been dominant on both sides of the ball through a quarter of the season. Behind Josh Allen’s arms and legs, the offense is a top three unit, while on the defensive side of the ball the Bills rank second is total point and yards per play. Not even the AFC offensive player of the month Lamar Jackson could flourish against this unit.
- Chiefs (last week #8)
The Chiefs offense continues to innovate unique schemes week to week and the rest of the NFL cannot keep up. Remember before the season when many thought the Chiefs could not recapture the division title. Seems silly now.
- Packers (last week #5)
Its never the best look when the reigning MVP is almost outplayed by a third string rookie, (Bailey Zappe anyone!?) it’s never a good sign, but the Packers got the win, and maintain the inside track for the division crown.
- Ravens (last week #4)
This week the debate is momentum verse analytics, and time and time again, coach Harbaugh seems to pick the wrong one. Despite the end of the game calls, the Ravens held their own against one of the top teams in the AFC and will be a force to be reckoned with all season.
- Dolphins (last week #2)
I would have the Dolphins higher on this list, but the Tua situation has a chance to throw a wrench into the expectations for the entire season. After so many missteps, the number one priority is ensuring Tua’s health.
- Vikings (Last week #10)
Winning despite Kirk Cousins is the theme for the Vikes, and so far, it has been working. Head coach Kevin O’Connell has crafted an offense that insulates Cousins, and while this may cap the ceiling on the offense, a quarter of the season in, and the Vikings are a half game out of the division lead
- Cowboys (last week #11)
Cut thrice and a feature on multiple practice squads, backup QB Cooper Rush has come out of nowhere to be a stabilizing force for the Cowboys. There is no QB controversy, but Rush is showing how important a competent NFL backup truly is.
- Giants (Last week #14)
Look im not happy to have the Giants so high on this least either, but their record is what it is. Despite featuring two Qb’s and one running back line up under center this past Sunday, the Giants have a 3-1 record. Its baffling.
- Buccaneers (last week #6)
The final score against the Chiefs made the game seem a lot closer than it was. Tom Brady threw the ball more times this Sunday then he has at any point in his career. The Buc’s need to find some balance if they want to make a deep post season run.
- Bengals (last week #16)
After dropping their first two games of the season, the Super Bowl hangover seems to finally have past for the Bengals. While the lack of production for star wideout Jamar Chase is a concern, expect this offense to continue to find their stride as the season continues.
- Jaguars (last week #9)
The Jag’s were in this game until QB Trevor Lawrence caught a case of the fumbles. Lawrence lost FOUR fumbles against the Eagles. You’re not going to win many games doing that.
- Chargers (last week #15)
The good news is that quarterback Justin Herbert was moving around just fine, and the offense was dominant against the Texans. The bad news is that the Texans, who will certainly be competing for the number one pick in next years draft, looked like more than a match against the Chargers defense several times in the game.
- 49ers (last week #18)
Hot take, Deebo Samuel is the most unique offensive player in the NFL. That 57 yard catch and run against the Rams Sunday night was an absolute clinic. His speed, agility and strength were all on display. When Deebo is unleashed, it almost always means the 49ers win.
- Rams (last week #8)
I imagine the Rams offensive playbook is pages of pages of the same play: “throw the ball to Cooper Kupp, regardless of coverage” The Rams offense this year is too singularly focused to win games against top defenses. Did they sign Allen Robinson just for show?
- Titans (Last week #21)
The Titans have a record of 24-5 when Derrick Henry has at least 20 carries in a football team. They aren’t going to wow you, but the formula for wins is there.
- Cardinals (last week #24)
Head coach Kliff Kingsbury and QB Kyler Murray just need to repeat this to themselves: “Two more weeks until Deandre Hopkins comes back.“
- Raiders (last week #31)
The Raiders may have only one win, but the talent is there on both sides of the ball. A much-needed win against the Broncos may be a springboard for the Raiders to jump back in the crowded AFC race.
- Broncos (Last week #12)
The Broncos lost, but the good news is that Russell Wilson had statistically his best day at QB in a Bronco’s uniform. Look for the Broncos to build on this success leading into next week.
- Browns (Last week #13)
The Browns know who they are with Jacoby Brissett at the helm and playing from behind is not who they are.
- Seahawks (last week #30)
Geno Smith is leading the NFL in competition percentage a quarter of the way through the season. Leading! As in the number one, top spot, ahead of Rodgers and Mahomes…
- Falcons (last week #28)
While still being allergic to giving their once in a generational talent Kyle Pitts, the Falcons have seemed to found their identity on offense behind this run heavy scheme brought over by head coach Arthur Smith.
- Patriots (Last week #23)
Bailey Zappe had his 2021-Mike White moment on Sunday, going toe to toe with Arron Rogers, and almost getting the win. As fun of a story that was, Mac Jones will need to return to the field sooner rather than later for the Patriots to compete.
- Lions (last week #19)
Through four weeks in the season, no one has put up more yards or points than the Detroit Lions. Now they just need to convert all that offense into wins.
- Jets (last week #29)
Zach Wilson returned and looked pretty good coming back from a knee injury. While he needs to keep his turnovers down, he showed flashes this Sunday as to why the Jets drafted him second overall.
- Panthers (last week #26)
Ill say it, Baker Mayfield is not good. Maybe its time to give Sam Darnold another try?
- Steelers (last week #25)
Last week in this column I wondered how long the Steelers would stick with quarterback Mitchell Turbisky. Turns out the answer was one more half of football. Its Kenny Picket time now in Pittsburgh.
- Commanders (last week #22)
The roster for the Commander’s is full of holes on every single level, but when your quarterback is not only outplayed by a former practice squad QB. But entirely outclassed, it may be time to start looking at alternatives for the rest of the season.
- Bears (last week #17)
The Bears finally take a much-deserved tumble down the rankings. For some reason the Bears are determined to have Justin Fields continue to cosplay as a quarterback.
- Saints (last week 27)
The prospects as a team are never good when the only chance for a win comes down to your kicker making two 60 plus yard field goals. The Saints need to learn how to win. Fast!
- Colts (last week #20)
Let’s face it, last weeks game against the Chiefs is probably going to be the teams highlight for the season.
- Texans (last week #32)
Moral victories. That’s the best the Texans can hope for. This week, the moral victory is that rookie running back Damien Pierce looks like a true number one RB and a building block for the future.
