And then there was one.
Of the five teams that entered Week 4 with an undefeated record, only the Arizona Cardinals remain perfect after defeating the Los Angeles Rams for the top spot in the powerful NFC West.
With that decisive victory over the team we deemed No. 1 in last week’s rankings, Arizona takes the top spot.
Now, the question is: Can they keep it?
Four weeks down. Fourteen to go. Let’s dig in to these updated rankings ahead of Week 5’s action.
IT’S CROWDED AT THE TOP:
1. Arizona Cardinals (4-0; Last week: 11)
2. Buffalo Bills (3-1; Last week: 3)
3. Los Angeles Rams (3-1; Last week: 1)
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-1; Last week: 2)
5. Green Bay Packers (3-1; Last week: 4)
6. Cleveland Browns (3-1; Last week: 5)
7. Baltimore Ravens (3-1; Last week: 7)
8. Dallas Cowboys (3-1; Last week: 8)
Was there a case to be made for the Bills at No. 1? Absolutely. Since losing their season opener, Buffalo has put up 35, 43, and 40 points respectively and twice shut out opponents – granted, it was Miami and Houston. As dominant as those wins have been, it comes down to strength of opponents and considering Arizona just went out and defeated the “team to beat,” well, they’ve earned top billing this week.
Despite coming away from Tom Brady’s emotional homecoming with a win, the Buccaneers fall (for now) because of some early injury concerns that have emerged. Lucky for the defending champs, they should be able to get through the next stretch of the season relatively unscathed in the standings – their next opponents are the Dolphins, Eagles, Bears, Saint, Washington, Giants, Colts and Falcons before a December showdown with the Bills. Talk about a confidence builder.
Of these top-tier teams, I’m most curious to see how the Browns navigate the next few weeks – especially after an offensive performance against Minnesota that, despite the W, wasn’t exactly inspiring. Late-window games against the red-hot Chargers and the top-rated Cardinals await in the next two weeks, followed by a prime-time showdown against the Broncos’ tough defence. – Sadler
CAN WE TRUST THE CHARGERS NOW?
9. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1; Last week: 9)
10. Las Vegas Raiders (3-1; Last week: 12)
11. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2; Last week: 10)
One week after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in a thriller, the Los Angeles Chargers doubled up the Vegas Raiders and handed Derek Carr his first loss of the season to take over the top spot in the AFC West.
Justin Herbert shone in the primetime spotlight, throwing for 222 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions for the second straight week.
But with three 3-1 teams and the five-time defending division champs at 2-2, this division is still very much up for grabs. – Sadler
POTENTIAL TO BREAK THROUGH AS DANGEROUS CONTENDER:
12. Seattle Seahawks (2-2; Last week: 19)
13. Carolina Panthers (3-1; Last week: 13)
14. San Francisco 49ers (2-2; Last week: 6)
15. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1; Last week: 17)
16. Denver Broncos (3-1; Last week: 14)
The Seahawks stayed afloat in the stacked NFC West with an integral win over San Francisco. Riding that momentum is going to be key heading into a Thursday night showdown with the Rams.
Meanwhile, the Broncos and their misleading record – Denver’s opponents were a combined 0-9 prior to Week 4 – suffered a setback after losing to the Ravens and with Teddy Bridgewater in concussion protocol. The Denver D remains impressive, at least, and that is a positive if the team is forced to turn to Drew Lock. – Johnston
PLAYOFF HOPES BECOMING SLIGHTLY LESS REALISTIC:
17. New Orleans Saints (2-2; Last week: 16)
18. New England Patriots (1-3; Last week: 22)
19. Tennessee Titans (2-2; Last week: 15)
20. Minnesota Vikings (1-3; Last week: 18)
21. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-3; Last week: 20)
22. Indianapolis Colts (1-3: Last week: 25)
23. Washington Football Team (2-2; Last week: 23)
It’s still early in the season, fine, but for the most part the teams in this tier won’t contend for division titles — even a wild-card spot would be a stretch for some here. That doesn’t apply to Tennessee and Indianapolis this year, though, because alas the AFC South is once again a bit of a mess. The Titans are top-heavy with a dearth of depth and not having A.J. Brown and Julio Jones held them back on the road against the Jets. Meanwhile, the Colts picked up their first win of the year in Miami. Indy travels to Baltimore for this week’s Monday nighter before their schedule eases up in Week 6 and beyond. – Johnston
ANY SIGNS OF PROGRESS HERE?
24. Chicago Bears (2-2; Last week: 27)
25. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3; Last week: 24)
26. Miami Dolphins (1-3; Last week: 21)
27. New York Giants (1-3; Last week: 30)
28. New York Jets (1-3; Last week: 31)
29. Atlanta Falcons (1-3; Last week: 26)
30. Detroit Lions (0-4; Last week: 28)
So, you’re telling me Justin Fields looked better running plays that weren’t designed specifically for Andy Dalton? Who could’ve ever thought it?! Bears offensive coordinator Bill Lazor took over play-calling duties from head coach Matt Nagy and the rookie Fields picked up his first NFL win as a starter. Losing RB David Montgomery for around a month will be tough to overcome for Chicago.
Sticking with rookie QBs, Zach Wilson had his best game of the season and helped the Jets pick up their first win of the year as they prepare for a winnable matchup with the Falcons. – Johnston
IT’S GOING TO GET WORSE BEFORE IT GETS BETTER:
31. Houston Texans (1-3; Last week: 29)
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4; Last week: 32)
…worse than a 40-0 loss for the Texans and another public apology from Jacksonville?
It certainly looks like it. – Sadler
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