Power Rankings

    The Times’ NFL rankings (after Week 4)

    by Lance Pugmire

    The top and bottom teams remain the same, but there is a lot of change in between in our rankings. Jets, Giants take a tumble while Redskins and Rams climb higher.

    Up: Redskins + 6 | Down: Jets - 6

    1

    falcons

    4-0
    0

    Another test of will starting at own 1-yard line and driving to winning field goal with barely more than a minute remaining.

    2

    texans

    4-0
    0

    Putting AFC South away. Knocked out opposing quarterback, brought back two picks for TDs with no turnovers themselves in rout.

    3

    cardinals

    4-0
    0

    Yes, that Kevin Kolb has been the man under pressure, delivering tying TD pass to Andre Roberts on fourth down. Go to Rams Thursday.

    4

    ravens

    3-1
    0

    Experience probably gives them an edge over Houston as most complete AFC team, tougher division will challenge matching Texans’ record.

    5

    49ers

    3-1
    1

    Back to business: Dominated more than 3,000 miles from home by shutting out Jets, running for 245, limiting hosts to 112 yards passing.

    6

    packers

    2-2
    2

    Gave up a lot of yards to a winless football team, but QB Rodgers stared down Brees as team set aside downer of replacement refs’ gaffe.

    7

    bears

    3-1
    2

    Going down to Dallas and taking the ball away five times en route to blowout win with solid Cutler outing makes them force.

    8

    patriots

    2-2
    2

    Down at Buffalo, sprung out running game during six straight TD drives and collected six takeaways to show who’s division boss.

    9

    eagles

    3-1
    3

    Letting LeSean McCoy carry load and stopping turnovers makes this team a definite contender, and doesn’t hurt to have Giants’ number.

    10

    chargers

    3-1
    3

    Pass rush and front-seven work overall turned Chiefs into six-turnover mess at home. This is difference between now and last two seasons.

    11

    giants

    2-2
    6

    Philadelphia mental block worth noting, but narrow outcome underlines importance of health. Get Cleveland at home this week.

    12

    broncos

    2-2
    2

    Soft touch Oakland proves QB Manning can pick apart non-elite foes as he did in 30-for-38 effort. Another elite (New England) on Sunday.

    13

    seahawks

    2-2
    6

    Have to doubt ability outside of Pacific Northwest after loss to Rams, as rookie QB Russell Wilson threw three INTs. Now they go to Carolina.

    14

    cowboys

    2-2
    3

    Right where they deserve to be in division after playing so absent-minded at home Monday. Bye week arrives with an efficiency overhaul needed.

    15

    steelers

    1-2
    0

    Compromised running game will be tested by Eagles after shutting down world champs. No excuses with bye-week rest and being home.

    16

    bengals

    3-1
    1

    Could be ranked higher, but beating up on woeful Jaguars doesn’t impress much. Still, had six sacks, INT with makeshift defense.

    17

    vikings

    3-1
    3

    Surprise NFC North leaders protect football, have solid ground game and special teams and just won at Detroit. Sleeper no more.

    18

    rams

    2-2
    5

    K Greg Zuerlein boots FGs of 58, 60 to show any venture inside opponents’ 40 means points. Against Arizona Thursday, can they protect Bradford?.

    19

    redskins

    2-2
    6

    Dynamic Robert Griffin III wills team to road win in Tampa, his gifts put to extreme test at home Sunday vs. Falcons.

    20

    bills

    2-2
    2

    No excuse for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick throwing four INTs to clinch gigantic second-half fade against Patriots. At least RBs are back.

    21

    lions

    1-3
    2

    Proven talent on the roster deserves this bye week to figure things out, starting with inept run game and offensive line play.

    22

    jets

    2-2
    6

    A favorable spot after such a rotten performance. Coach Rex Ryan back to drawing board, but with Revis, WR Holmes out, plans running dry.

    23

    panthers

    1-3
    1

    Showed spirit in tight loss at Atlanta, but lacked mettle late with QB Newton’s lost fumble and allowing deciding deep ball.

    24

    chiefs

    1-3
    3

    Surprisingly sloppy, lethargic in important division home game and now they have to deal with Ravens. In big trouble.

    25

    buccaneers

    1-3
    3

    A spark with QB Josh Freeman finding WR Vincent Jackson for 100 yards, but run game vanishes and defense surrenders deciding score.

    26

    dolphins

    1-3
    0

    Glimmers of hope by taking Arizona into OT, with QB Ryan Tannehill throwing for 431 yards, with 253 to WR Brian Hartline.

    27

    saints

    0-4
    4

    QB Brees says team’s “going to do something.” True: miss playoffs. He can break Unitas’ consecutive games with TD record, though.

    28

    colts

    1-2
    2

    Leukemia diagnosis removes new coach Chuck Pagano from team for indefinite period. Interim coach Bruce Arians assigned Packers Sunday.

    29

    titans

    1-3
    2

    Injury loss of QB Jake Locker looks bad, as does two blowout road losses in three games. At least RB Chris Johnson got untracked.

    30

    raiders

    1-3
    2

    Disappearing act in second half at Denver (outscored 27-0) leads to bye absence this week. Defensive lapse a dark fear moving forward.

    31

    jaguars

    1-3
    2

    Couldn’t move ball against patchwork Bengals’ defense and showing few signs they’re anything but a bad team

    32

    browns

    0-4
    0

    Appear doomed for lopsided result as they travel to Giants after promising showing at Ravens. Nowhere to go but up from here.

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