NFL Power Rankings, Week 4: How far will Chiefs rise after crushing win over Bears?
By Grant Tuttle
17. Indianapolis Colts (2-1)
Last Week: 20 (+3)
The Colts are well-coached. That is the biggest takeaway from this week. They have shown that they are able to win close games and play above their pay grade. Michael Pittman looks like a tremendous talent. At 6'4", he and Anthony Richardson have the potential to become a legendary pairing. Despite Richardson's absence, the offense was good enough to get it done with Minshew managing things.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Last Week: 17 (-1)
The Bucs showed why they are not a serious contender. Baker threw a vintage Mayfield interception early in the game and the Buccaneers made a series of unfortunate mistakes that led to their first loss. The Bucs may have seen the first domino fall on their way to a soul-crushing series of games as they play the Saints, Lions, Falcons, and then the Bills. If Tampa Bay comes out with a .500 record, they might have a chance at making the playoffs. If not, their season is beyond over.
19. Washington Commanders (2-1)
Last Week: 19 (-)
The Commanders' hopes at an undefeated season ends with the Bills crushing them at home, 37-3. Sam Howell looked more on par with what we all expected and things might be crashing back to earth. Brian Robinson and Terry McLaurin are viable stars, but they are clearly lacking some offensive pieces and Eric Bieniemy is still doing a great job.
20. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2)
Last Week: 23 (+3)
Brandon Staley had better be thanking the football gods that they did not make him pay dearly for attempting a 4th and 1 inside their own 30 yard line and coming up short. Had the Vikings won the game, the Chargers may be looking for their next coach already. For the talent level that they have, the Chargers are still underperforming and it seems unlikely that they are a serious contender this year.
21. New England Patriots (1-2)
Last Week: 21 (-)
The Patriots won their first game in a horribly boring matchup with the Jets. Bill Belichick's hardnosed coaching is rubbing off on his players and they never seem to be out of games. Will they be a winning football team this year? Maybe. I think it is more likely that they are a seven-win team that is always on the cusp of winning.
22. Los Angeles Rams (1-2)
Last Week: 14 (-8)
This is kind of where the Rams belong. They are not good at any one thing. Puka Nacua is a fun piece to the offense and Aaron Donald is the entirety of the defense. Simply put, the Rams are not a viable team this season, despite their great outing in Week 1 against the Seahawks.
23. Tennessee Titans (1-2)
Last Week: 22 (-1)
Yeesh, Titans. I hope that Mike Vrabel gets a few years of grace to weather the storm of awfulness that is the here and now. Tennessee is in dire need of some new life on offense. Derrick Henry is a senior citizen and Ryan Tannehill has been there for at least two years too long. It's time for a roster overhaul.
24. Minnesota Vikings (0-3)
Last Week: 24 (-)
Minnesota fell even further from grace as they could not get in the end zone at the end of the game. Their rushing game is less-than-stellar and their defense is putrid. Kirk Cousins to Justin Jefferson is still an amazing connection, but that is the only thing going for the Vikings at this point.