NFL Power Rankings, Week 4: How far will Chiefs rise after crushing win over Bears?
By Grant Tuttle
9. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
Last Week: 5 (-4)
The Ravens fell to the Gardner Minshew-led Indianapolis Colts team in overtime. Truly, the Ravens don't seem like a team that can seriously contend with the Bills, Dolphins, or Chiefs as they attempt to challenge for the AFC. Zay Flowers is a nice piece of the puzzle, but there isn't much else that is flashy about the team. I'm probably overreacting to this loss but the eye test does not indicate this year being the one for the Ravens.
10. Cleveland Browns (2-1)
Last Week: 15 (+5)
The Browns won in commanding fashion against the Tennessee Titans, who looked completely outmatched from the jump. You have to give it to Cleveland; They are a bunch of dogs in the trenches. They dominate at the line of scrimmage and it makes them a terrific challenge for opposing teams. Deshaun Watson is not what he used to be with the Texans, but that defense might be one of the best in the league.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1)
Last Week: 18 (+7)
Pittsburgh is a vintage football team. While they are certainly not a sexy team, they play consistently tough football. They have the capability to shut down opposing offenses and they aren't afraid to run the ball more than the average team. I like a team that can win tough games and the Steelers look like that team.
12. Atlanta Falcons (2-1)
Last Week: 11 (-1)
The Falcons' fortunes finally flew out the window. The Lions gave them what they couldn't handle by stopping the run and forced Desmond Ridder to be a passer. The question now will be as to whether the Falcons can keep "zigging while everyone else is zagging" or whether they have been figured out. Undefeated no more, the Falcons will be tasked with proving that they weren't just a flash in the pan.
13. Green Bay Packers (2-1)
Last Week: 13 (-)
The Packers won a tight one against the Saints but they don't seem like a dominant force at this point. Sure, Jordan Love is competent but is he anything more than that? At this point, Green Bay seems poised to win games on the back of their defense. It might work for a while, but eventually, Jordan Love will need to prove that he is THE guy.
14. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2)
Last Week: 10 (-4)
What are the Jacksonville Jaguars? At this point, it is a little too early to tell. They seem like they are underperforming on both sides of the ball. Despite this, everyone with football-seeing eyes can see that they could be a sleeping giant down the stretch. This week, they fell victim to the Houston Texans who came in with fire in their eyes. Now, we learn what this team is really made of.
15. New Orleans Saints (1-2)
Last Week: 12 (-3)
New Orleans is a team that might be a difficult team to beat. Derek Carr might miss some time, but Jameis Winston is a competent backup that might make them more explosive. The defense is outstanding and it's easy to imagine a world in which the Saints win a bunch of close games, they just didn't get it done this week.
16. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2)
Last week: 16 (-)
It's difficult to predict where the Bengals will go from here. On one hand, the Bengals have been a dominant team for the last several years. On the other hand, Joe Burrow is hobbled and they have not yet put together a performance that is reminiscent of the dominance that they once showcased. Luckily for them, the easiest part of the schedule is during the next two weeks with the Titans and Cardinals hosting them. We will certainly know more about their overall ability in the next two weeks.