Welcome to The Intermission's NFL Power Rankings. Here, our football editors rank where each team stands four weeks into the season.
1. Philadelphia Eagles (3-0)
Previous Rank: 4 (+3)
The Eagles are a freight train right now. The offense has already proven its dominance since Week 1, but Sunday’s performance versus the Commanders and their old friend Carson Wentz showed us this defense is for real. They tallied NINE sacks on the day. This is how dominant they were on Sunday: Washington could only tally -4 PASSING YARDS going into the third quarter! Next up, a matchup versus a surprisingly hot Jacksonville squad.
2. Buffalo Bills (2-1)
Previous Rank: 1 (-1)
The Bills ran 51 more offensive plays than Miami and still lost. It was little mistakes that cost Buffalo. From the muffed spike from Josh Allen in the final seconds of the first half that may have costed a field goal, to a missed 38-yard field goal in the fourth from Tyler Bass, then Allen missing a wide open Isaiah McKenzie in the end zone in the final moments of the game, to finally the Bills unsuccessfully being able to spike the ball in the final seconds as time ticked to zero. Not to mention the secondary is now ravaged with injuries: the Bills look mortal for the first time this year.
3. Miami Dolphins (3-0)
Previous Rank: 8 (+5)
The Dolphins enter Week 4 as the kings of the AFC East. Miami didn’t have the ball much in the game, but their quick strike offense made the most of their opportunities. The biggest play? A 45-yard gain courtesy of Jaylen Waddle on third-and-22 that set up the go-ahead score. This was a statement game for Miami, and their aspirations are larger than winning the AFC East. Let’s just not talk about that butt punt.
4. Green Bay Packers (2-1)
Previous Rank: 5 (+1)
Green Bay made work of the Bucs in a close 16-14 victory. The defense, while giving up a touchdown in the final moments of the game, came up clutch on the 2-point conversion to ultimately seal any hope of OT for Tampa Bay. The passing attack also looks like it’s making some steady improvements. Aaron Rodgers looked solid and connected with rookie Romeo Doubs eight times for 73 yards. Pencil in Doubs as a breakout candidate if he gains more of Rodgers’ trust this season.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (2-1)
Previous Rank: 2 (-3)
Mistakes cost the Chiefs big time in a 20-17 loss versus the Colts. It started with a Skyy Moore muffed punt to set up Indy’s first touchdown, then toss in a Matt Ammendola 34-yard field goal miss and PAT and you have a recipe for disaster. The Chiefs didn’t feel like the inferior team, but this type of sloppiness will cost any team in a cut throat league. As the saying goes: Any given Sunday.
6. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
Previous Rank: 9 (+3)
Lamar Jackson may be the best player in football. He’s certainly playing like it this season. Jackson produced five total touchdowns in a shootout 37-26 win over the Patriots. While the defense was shaky for the first three quarters, they were the ones that ended up closing out this game in the fourth. They forced three turnovers, including a big-time end zone interception by Marlon Humphrey, to seal the deal for Baltimore.
7. Los Angeles Rams (2-1)
Previous Rank: 6 (-1)
While the offense still seems like a work in progress, the defense proved its dominance once again. This time, a 20-12 win over Arizona. The Rams held the explosive Kyler Murray to no touchdowns and constantly berated him with pressure and great coverage, as they could only settle for four field goals on the day. Cooper Kupp and Cam Akers secured the only touchdowns on the day for Los Angeles, as Kupp continued his string of dominance dating back to last season. He is, without question, the best receiver in the NFL right now.
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Previous Rank: 3 (-5)
The offense is mightily struggling right now. You can chalk this down to many key injuries on the offensive side: Receivers Chris Godwin (hamstring), Julio Jones (knee), Mike Evans (suspension) and left tackle Donovan Smith (elbow). It was still impressive that despite all this adversity, Brady was almost able to will his squad back to force OT in a 16-14 loss versus Green Bay, coming up just short on a game-tying 2-point conversion. Brady needs his friends back ASAP!
9. Minnesota Vikings (2-1)
Previous Rank: 11 (+2)
Kirk Cousins showed some much needed resolve in a 24-14 comeback win over the Lions. It looked like more of the same from Cousins in the first part of the game. The team was trailing 14-0 and looked lost. But then Captain Kirk came to play, making big time plays including a K.J. Osborn score with just 45 seconds left to play to notch the lead. But what’s concerning is the recent play of Justin Jefferson. He’s been bottled up in back-to-back weeks for just 62 yards on nine catches.
10. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Previous Rank: 15 (+5)
This was a much-needed win for the defending AFC champs. Everything was clicking for Cincinnati in their 27-12 conquest over the Jets. Joe Burrow was actually not sacked 20 times (what a shocker!) to deliver three touchdowns on the day and the defense did its usual thing. Hopefully this is what the Bengals needed to get back on track.
11. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)
Previous Rank: 10 (-1)
The Jimmy G experience is in full effect in San Francisco. Sunday’s performance against Denver reminded 49ers fans why the team wanted to move away from Garoppolo for Trey Lance in the first place. Garoppolo was terrible, struggling to move the offense while making questionable reads and decisions the entire night as the 49ers ultimately lost 11-10 to Denver. The lowlights from Garoppolo: stepping out in the endzone to give Denver a safety and an interception in the final minutes that killed any hope of a comeback.
12. Tennessee Titans (1-2)
Previous Rank: 21 (+9)
The King has returned. Derrick Henry delivered his best performance of the season, racking up 143 total yards and a touchdown to deliver a much-needed 24-22 win over the Raiders. This team is a very respectable team when Henry is in peak form, and they’re hoping he can stay that way for the upcoming future.
13. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Previous Rank: 20 (+7)
HOW BOUT DEM COWBOYS!? According to my boomer dad, the Cowboys are better off with Cooper Rush at QB instead of Dak Prescott. While I can’t really back that statement right now, I can say that Rush is delivering some decent performances to help the Cowboys from sinking into the abyss and stay competitive. The defense did its usual thing and WR CeeDee Lamb atoned for his horrendous drop earlier in the game by willing his way for a Cowboys win: he caught three consecutive passes, including a beautiful catch over the Giants defender late in the game that was ultimately the difference.
14. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)
Previous Rank: 7
Things are spiraling downwards at lightspeed levels for the Chargers right now. The latest? A 38-10 blowout loss versus the Jaguars that completely changes the narrative about this team. This loss may not even be the worst news for Los Angeles. The team already entered the game with a slew of injuries: Keenan Allen (hamstring), J.C. Jackson (ankle) and Corey Linsley (knee). Now, left tackle Rashawn Slater (biceps) and receiver Jaylen Guton (knee) are out for the season and Joey Bosa (groin) may be out for a while. With Justin Herbert already roughed up from his Week 2 rib injury, this is less than ideal to say the least.
15. Denver Broncos (2-1)
Previous Rank: 16 (+1)
How this team has a positive record so far is beyond me. Russell Wilson’s play so far pales in comparison to his Seattle counterpart Geno Smith; that tells you how bad it’s been in Denver so far. The offense was once again unimpressive on Monday, as the defense did the heavy lifting yet again in a 11-10 win over the 49ers. Before Russell Wilson’s fourth quarter drive to score the game-winning touchdown, he recorded the most three-and-outs in his career for a game (8).
16. Cleveland Browns (2-1)
Previous Rank: 22 (+6)
Nick Chubb is making his case as the best running back on the planet right now. The star running back yet again totaled over 100 yards and notched another touchdown on the day – his third straight game with 100-plus total yards and fourth touchdown on the season. This victory represents a much-needed win after that Week 2 collapse versus the Jets. QB Jacoby Brissett also continues his surprisingly strong start under center, which you can probably chalk up to the dominance of Nick Chubb and this rushing attack.
17. Detroit Lions (1-2)
Previous Rank: 17(-)
The Lions had their chance to ice this game for good. Facing fourth-and-4 in Vikings territory where a first-down pretty much guaranteed a win, HC Dan Campbell opted to send out the kicker instead. Then, one miss and blown coverage later and the Lions are on the losing end of a 28-24 loss versus the Vikings. What makes it even weirder is that Campbell is a coach that’s known to go for it on fourth down – they’ve converted four of six fourth down attempts this season.
18. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1)
Previous Rank: 25 (+7)
The re-emergence of RB James Robinson has been a huge catalyst to a strong start in Jacksonville. Just eight months off of a torn achilles he suffered in Week 16 of 2021, Robinson looks like the same dominant back he was before the Urban Meyer days. Couple that with the emergence of Trevor Lawrence and you have a Jacksonville squad that, so far, looks like the best team in the AFC South. The division is up for grabs boys, just go and take it!
19. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)
Previous Rank: 13 (-6)
Sunday’s 20-12 loss versus the Rams was a tough pill for Arizona to swallow. The offense couldn’t even muster a touchdown on the day, settling for four field goals. Questions continue to surround Kyler Murray. The talented QB has the ability to create magic with his feet to set up big plays, but if that doesn’t happen, then it feels like this offense is stymied. Next up, a hopeful bounce back game versus Carolina.
20. New Orleans Saints (1-2)
Previous Rank: 12 (-8)
Jameis Winston does not look like the same man he was last season and in Week 1. While it could be due to a recurring back injury landing him on the injury report since Week 1, it raises questions if he should remain the starter in a matchup versus the Vikings this week that could have future potential playoff implications. He’s thrown for five interceptions over the past two games.
21. New York Giants (2-1)
Previous Rank: 18 (-3)
The Giants Week 3 loss versus the Cowboys leaves me to question that Daniel Jones may not be the problem; everyone else around him is. Jones made good plays while running for his life against Dallas, but his offensive line and weak receiving core continued to fail him with terrible blocking and countless drops. Jones’ 23 QB pressures were the most anyone has faced this season.
22. Indianapolis Colts (1-1-1)
Previous Rank: 27 (+5)
The Colts certainly didn’t look like the supreme team on Sunday, but were able to capitalize off mistakes to pull off a comeback 20-17 victory over Kansas City. The defense was able to keep Mahomes in check and Matt Ryan had his first decent game for the Colts, tossing for two scores and zero interceptions. However, Ryan continues to face more pressure than expected this season which has led to eight fumbles on the season for him. The Colts need to protect their passer, who has the mobility of a statue better, if they really want to be competitive this season.
23. Las Vegas Raiders (0-3)
Previous Rank: 14 (-9)
Three weeks into the season and the Raiders are the only 0-3 team in the league. It was another narrow loss for Las Vegas, this time against the Titans in a 24-22 loss. History is not on the Raiders’ side either: only one team that has started 0-3 has made the playoffs since 2000. Las Vegas will look to desperately get into the win column in a Week 4 matchup versus the Broncos.
24. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
Previous Rank: 29 (+5)
One thing is for certain about this Falcons squad; they have legitimate weapons on the offensive end. Drake London and Kyle Pitts are the real deal, and Cordarelle Patterson is maintaining his status as a star at running back with two 100-plus rushing performances through three weeks. The questionable play of QB Marcus Mariota and the defense will always cap this team, but at least there’s something to look forward to every week for Atlanta fans.
25. Chicago Bears (2-1)
Previous Rank: 30 (+5)
The Bears have legitimate stars in the backfield. When David Montgomery went down with an injury early on Sunday, Khalil Herbert was able to enter and deliver one of the best performances we’ve seen from the runner so far this season. However, the play of QB Justin Fields is concerning. Very concerning. He threw two interceptions, fumbled twice and looked generally uncomfortable manning the Chicago attack.
26. New England Patriots (1-2)
Previous Rank: 19 (-7)
Let’s look at the positives. The Patriots’ offense showed legitimate signs of life for three quarters. The negatives? Mac Jones committed three interceptions to ultimately seal New England’s fate in the fourth quarter. Even worse news; he had to be helped to the locker room after suffering an ankle injury on the final play of the game and could miss several games. It was labeled as a “pretty severe” high ankle sprain, but New England is lucky their young QB isn’t out for the rest of the season.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)
Previous Rank: 24 (-3)
This team continues to be one of the most underwhelming team’s in football as long as T.J. Watt is sidelined. Mitch Trubisky’s play so far has been uninspiring and this defense continues to showcase that without Watt, they don’t have much defensive presence.
28. Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
Previous Rank: 26 (-2)
Seattle’s defense remains their biggest issue this season. The play of QB Geno Smith hasn’t been great, but also hasn’t been terrible. The defense has surrendered 408 total yards per game this season, good for 24th in the NFL. The rush defense, in particular, ranks 30th in rushing yards allowed per game (157 YPG).
29. Carolina Panthers (1-2)
Previous Rank: 32 (+3)
Sunday’s win versus the Saints showcased the script Carolina will probably have to follow as long as Baker Mayfield continues his uninspiring play behind center: rely on the defense to make big plays and hopefully score some damn points. That was the case against New Orleans on Sunday. Marquis Haynes started it off with a scoop-and-score fumble TD in the first quarter, then the defense picked off Winston twice to ultimately seal a much-needed 22-14 win that snapped a nine-game losing streak dating back to last season.
30. Washington Commanders (1-2)
Previous Rank: 28 (-2)
It was not a pretty game for QB Carson Wentz on Sunday against Philadelphia. The former Eagles product was hunted all game, getting sacked NINE times on the day in a 24-8 loss to Philadelphia. Wentz is the type of QB that can get stymied if the protection isn’t right, and Sunday was another example of that.
31. New York Jets (1-2)
Previous Rank: 23 (-8)
Fun fact: the Jets have only held a lead for 22 seconds this season. That came in that magical last minute versus the Cleveland Browns in a miracle comeback win. Other than that, it’s been another dismal season in New York. Joe Flacco struggled mightily versus Cincinnati, struggling to get anything going in a 27-12 loss. Zach Wilson could not return soon enough.
32. Houston Texans (0-2-1)
Previous Rank: 31 (-1)
Everyone except Dameon Pierce and Brandin Cooks sucks on this team. ‘Nuff said.