There is a shake-up at the top of the power rankings. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Kansas City Chiefs both lost, making way for a new No. 1 for the second straight week.
Here is a look at my power rankings heading into Week 4. Odds courtesy of DraftKings on Sept. 28.
1. Los Angeles Rams (3-0)
Last Week: 3
Week 3 result: 34-24 win over the Buccaneers
Week 4: Rams (-4.5) vs. Cardinals
Super Bowl odds: +800
Matthew Stafford has looked MVP-quality through the first three games of the season, and the Rams dominated the defending Super Bowl champion Buccaneers last time out. Los Angeles has been the most impressive team in the NFL early on, making it a deserved No. 1 at this stage.
Going into Week 4, here are several of Matthew Stafford's relevant QB metrics with (NFL rankings).
DVOA (1)
DYAR (1)
QBR (1)
AY/A (2)
Rating (2)
TD% (2)
Sack% (4)
PFF (9)
INT% (11, with just 1 so far) pic.twitter.com/dsxwgjRGeT— J.B. Long (@JB_Long) September 28, 2021
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)
Last Week: 1
Week 3 result: 34-24 loss to the Rams
Week 4: Buccaneers (-7) at Patriots
Super Bowl odds: +550
Tom Brady is still playing at an extremely high level, but Tampa Bay’s secondary issues are becoming a problem. The team should get healthier there, and cornerback Richard Sherman was reportedly in for a visit on Tuesday. No major worries in Tampa after the loss to Los Angeles.
3. Buffalo Bills (2-1)
Last Week: 6
Week 3 result: 43-21 win over Washington
Week 4: Bills (-16) vs. Texans
Super Bowl odds: +700
The Bills demolished Washington on Sunday, the second straight blowout win after a season-opening loss to the Steelers. More importantly, quarterback Josh Allen dominated after a slow start. If Kansas City keeps faltering, Buffalo will be ready to assume the mantle as AFC favorite.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (1-2)
Last Week: 2
Week 3 result: 30-24 loss to the Chargers
Week 4: Chiefs (-7) at Eagles
Super Bowl odds: +650
The Chiefs have fallen behind the Buccaneers in Super Bowl odds. Kansas City has now lost two straight, as the defense has been among the worst in the NFL. The Chiefs are going to be a contender for the Super Bowl, but are they still the team to beat?
5. Green Bay Packers (2-1)
Last Week: 7
Week 3 result: 30-28 win over the 49ers
Week 4: Packers (-7) vs. Steelers
Super Bowl odds: +1400
Aaron Rodgers is back to form after a horrific opener. He led an impressive game-winning drive in the waning seconds, as Green Bay picked up a solid road win over the 49ers.
Were you surprised the Niners left time on the clock for you??
"A little bit but they trusted their great defense.. we had to make a couple big plays & still hit a 51 yard field goal to win that game" ~@AaronRodgers12#PatMcAfeeShowLIVE pic.twitter.com/RpEWs9ICX7
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) September 28, 2021
6. Arizona Cardinals (3-0)
Last Week: 8
Week 3 result: 31-19 win over the Jaguars
Week 4: Cardinals (+4.5) at Rams
Despite a slow start, the Cardinals took care of business in Jacksonville on Sunday. Cornerback Byron Murphy had two interceptions, including a pick-six, as the defense continued its early-season excellence. A huge game against the Rams awaits on Sunday.
7. San Francisco 49ers (2-1)
Last Week: 4
Week 3 result: 30-28 loss to the Packers
Week 4: 49ers (-3) vs. Seahawks
Super Bowl odds: +1600
The 49ers rallied back against Green Bay and probably should have won, but dropped a critical contest. The team is solid from top to bottom, but the inconsistency of quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is a major concern.
8. Cleveland Browns (2-1)
Last Week: 10
Week 3 result: 26-6 win over the Bears
Week 4: Browns (-2.5) at Vikings
Super Bowl odds: +1600
The Browns’ offense has been dominant this season, and the defense made a big statement by pressuring Bears quarterback Justin Fields mercilessly on Sunday. If Cleveland can get adequate defensive performances moving forward, it is a top-10 team, and maybe more.
9. Dallas Cowboys (2-1)
Last Week: 11
Week 3 result: 41-21 win over the Eagles
Week 4: Cowboys (-4.5) vs. Panthers
Super Bowl odds: +2800
The Cowboys looked fantastic on Monday night, continuing an impressive early-season run. Quarterback Dak Prescott is playing like a star, while the defense looks markedly improved from a year ago.
"Dallas Cowboys played like a LEGIT Super Bowl contender on Monday night, and that's no surprise."@AdamSchein believes in Dallas to remain a legitimate contender and he says you better get used to it. pic.twitter.com/GCjJPE0UnL
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) September 28, 2021
10. Baltimore Ravens (2-1)
Last Week: 5
Week 3 result: 19-17 win over the Lions
Week 4: Ravens (+1) at Broncos
Super Bowl odds: +1600
The Ravens needed a fourth-and-19 conversion and a 66-yard field goal from Justin Tucker just to beat the lowly Lions. Baltimore has been up and down early on and has a big game coming up against the undefeated Broncos.
11. Seattle Seahawks (1-2)
Last Week: 9
Week 3 result: 30-17 loss to the Vikings
Week 4: Seahawks (+3) at 49ers
Super Bowl odds: +2800
The Seahawks’ secondary could not handle the Vikings as the team dropped a second straight contest. Seattle is still a good team, but could be staring at a rough 1-3 start if it can’t beat a talented 49ers team on the road in Week 4.
12. Denver Broncos (3-0)
Last Week: 12
Week 3 result: 26-0 win over the Jets
Week 4: Broncos (-1) vs. Ravens
Super Bowl odds: +2500
The Broncos’ early schedule has been extremely easy, but Denver has been dominant against the Giants, Jaguars and Jets. Denver can really turn some heads if it can beat the Ravens on Sunday as slight home underdogs.
13. Tennessee Titans (2-1)
Last Week: 14
Week 3 result: 25-16 win over the Colts
Week 4: Titans (-7.5) at Jets
Super Bowl odds: +2800
The Titans have turned it around after getting blown out by Arizona in their opener, knocking off the Seahawks and Colts. Tennessee seems like a shoo-in to win the AFC South and can take another step by beating the lowly Jets in Week 4.
A Sunday victory for Tennessee!@Titans | #Titans pic.twitter.com/w0CJT68CrS
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) September 26, 2021
14. New Orleans Saints (2-1)
Last Week: 16
Week 3 result: 28-13 win over the Patriots
Week 4: Saints (-8) vs. Giants
Super Bowl odds: +3000
The Saints flexed their defensive muscle against rookie quarterback Mac Jones on Sunday. The offense wasn’t super explosive but it did not need to be. New Orleans seems unlikely to win the NFC South because of the Bucs but is playing like a potential wild card team.
15. Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)
Last Week: 19
Week 3 result: 30-24 win over the Chiefs
Week 4: Chargers (-3.5) vs. Raiders
Super Bowl odds: +2500
The Chargers picked up a huge win over Kansas City, as quarterback Justin Herbert threw for 281 yards and four touchdowns. Los Angeles’ pass defense was fantastic against Patrick Mahomes. This team will shoot up quickly if it can duplicate that showing.
16. Las Vegas Raiders (3-0)
Last Week: 15
Week 3 result: 31-28 overtime win over the Dolphins
Week 4: Raiders (+3.5) at Chargers
Super Bowl odds: +4500
The Raiders managed to stay undefeated, although it took overtime to beat Miami without Tua Tagovailoa. Quarterback Derek Carr is throwing for more than 400 yards per game, and he may have to remain prolific for the Raiders to be a true contender in the AFC.
17. Carolina Panthers (3-0)
Last Week: 20
Week 3 result: 24-9 win over the Texans
Week 4: Panthers (+4.5) at Cowboys
Super Bowl odds: +6500
The Panthers have been one of the most impressive teams early on, as they are No. 1 in Football Outsiders’ team efficiency. Will it stick as the schedule gets tougher? Sunday’s game against the Cowboys will be a good barometer.
18. Minnesota Vikings (1-2)
Last Week: 21
Week 3 result: 30-17 win over the Seahawks
Week 4: Vikings (+2.5) vs. Browns
Super Bowl odds: +5000
The Vikings picked up an impressive home win over Seattle to avoid an 0-3 start. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is playing well, but Minnesota has another tough game awaiting it this week.
KIRKTEMBER: Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins is off to the best start of his career. 😎😈👏 pic.twitter.com/BuTnTKHSwB
— SKOR North (@SKORNorth) September 28, 2021
19. New England Patriots (1-2)
Last Week: 13
Week 3 result: 28-13 loss to the Saints
Week 4: Patriots (+7) vs. Buccaneers
Super Bowl odds: +6500
The Patriots took a big tumble as Mac Jones the offense had serious trouble against the Saints. The defense is good, but in a passing league, that side of the ball can’t carry you.
20. Miami Dolphins (1-2)
Last Week: 17
Week 3 result: 31-28 overtime loss to the Raiders
Week 4: Dolphins (-2.5) vs. Colts
Super Bowl odds: +6500
The Dolphins were competitive against the Raiders but are now in a hole in the AFC playoff race. Miami will aim to tread water until Tua Tagovailoa returns.
21. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1)
Last Week: 26
Week 3 result: 24-10 win over the Steelers
Week 4: Bengals (-7) vs. Jaguars
Super Bowl odds: +15000
Cincinnati is off to a nice start this season with wins over the Vikings and Steelers, though those were sandwiched by a loss to the Bears. The Bengals’ defense continues to play well, and if that remains the case, this team could continue to surprise. Cincinnati has a great chance at a 3-1 start on Thursday night.
22. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2)
Last Week: 18
Week 3 result: 24-10 loss to the Bengals
Week 4: Steelers (+7) at Packers
Super Bowl odds: +10000
The Steelers’ Week 1 upset of the Bills is a distant memory. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looks to be on his last legs, and any chance at the playoffs is unlikely unless Pittsburgh figures out its issues on offense.
23. Indianapolis Colts (0-3)
Last Week: 22
Week 3 result: 25-16 loss to the Titans
Week 4: Colts (+2.5) at Dolphins
Super Bowl odds: +10000
The Colts are a decent team but it’s been a rough start against a brutal schedule. Indy is a slight road underdog in Week 4 and can ill afford to drop to 0-4.
24. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2)
Last Week: 23
Week 3 result: 41-21 loss to the Cowboys
Week 4: Eagles (+7) vs. Chiefs
Super Bowl odds: +10000
The Eagles were roughed up by the Cowboys on Monday Night Football. Quarterback Jalen Hurts struggled, and Philadelphia now has a tough matchup next time out against Kansas City.
25. Washington Football Team (1-2)
Last Week: 24
Week 3 result: 43-21 loss to the Bills
Week 4: Washington (-1.5) at Falcons
Super Bowl odds: +10000
Washington was supposed to have an upper echelon defense, but it has struggled this year. The offense does not have enough firepower to make up for it, and any expectation of battling for divisional supremacy is fading quickly.
26. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
Last Week: 27
Week 3 result: 17-14 win over the Giants
Week 4: Falcons (+1.5) vs. Washington
Super Bowl odds: +20000
The Falcons did get their first win last time out, but the offense struggled again. Atlanta has not shown much upside this season, but does have a winnable game next time out which would get it back to .500 on the season.
Kickers had NFL fans on the edge of their seats yesterday.
First @YounghoeKoo won it for the @AtlantaFalcons from 40 yards out!pic.twitter.com/TYaLOmIAi3
— NFL (@NFL) September 27, 2021
27. Chicago Bears (1-2)
Last Week: 25
Week 3 result: 26-6 loss to the Browns
Week 4: Bears (-2.5) vs. Lions
Super Bowl odds: +50000
Oh, boy. The Bears were terrible offensively on Sunday against a Browns defense that was suspect heading into the matchup. Coach Matt Nagy said Andy Dalton, Justin Fields and Nick Foles are all candidates to start at quarterback this week, and Chicago desperately needs a win over the Lions to calm some nerves.
28. Houston Texans (1-2)
Last Week: 28
Week 3 result: 24-9 loss to the Panthers
Week 4: Texans (+16) vs. Bills
Super Bowl odds: +100000
The Texans were reasonably competitive against Carolina, but didn’t stand much of a chance without quarterback Tyrod Taylor. It would take a small miracle for Houston to pull an upset of the Bills this weekend.
29. Detroit Lions (0-3)
Last Week: 30
Week 3 result: 16-14 loss to the Ravens
Week 4: Lions (+2.5) at Bears
Super Bowl odds: +50000
The Lions played well again, but gave up the fourth-and-19 conversion late before Justin Tucker’s 66-yard field goal. Detroit has been more competitive than expected but still has yet to win a game.
30. New York Giants (0-3)
Last Week: 29
Week 3 result: 17-14 loss to the Falcons
Week 4: Giants (+8) at Saints
Super Bowl odds: +30000
The Giants played in another tight ballgame in Week 3 but lost to a bad Falcons team. New York is not a kind place when its sports teams are playing poorly, and the Giants and coach Joe Judge are hearing about it right now.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)
Last Week: 32
Week 3 result: 31-19 loss to the Cardinals
Week 4: Jaguars (+7) at Bengals
Super Bowl odds: +100000
The Jaguars were actually competitive against the Cardinals, taking a 13-7 lead into halftime after a 109-yard field goal return for a touchdown by Jamal Agnew. However, Trevor Lawrence threw a pick-six in the second half as the growing pains continued.
32. New York Jets (0-3)
Last Week: 31
Week 3 result: 26-0 loss to the Broncos
Week 4: Jets (+8) vs. Titans
Super Bowl odds: +100000
The Jets have scored six points and thrown six interceptions in their past two games. Need I say more?
