NFL power rankings: Perfect Rams, Chiefs remain atop list, while Patriots surge back into top 10

Nate Davis USA TODAY

Published 7:57 AM EDT Oct 2, 2018

NFL power rankings, post-Week 4 edition:

1. Rams (1): A team that didn't really try in preseason has seen top-ranked offense's yards, points incrementally increase each week. This could get scary.

2. Chiefs (2): The KC BBQ wasn’t quite as spicy Monday with Patrick Mahomes throwing just one TD, but can’t argue with second straight 4-0 start.

3. Saints (3): Their 3-1 start is best in five years, and things are only looking up with RB Mark Ingram set to rejoin buddy Alvin Kamara in backfield.

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4. Jaguars (8): No. 1 pass defense has allowed 657 yards, three TDs ... which feels like a good day's work for upcoming opponent Paul Bunyan Mahomes.

5. Patriots (24): To quote George Bush 43: “Fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again.” Apologies to all in New England.

6. Chargers (11): Guess who ProFootballFocus' top-ranked RB is? If you said Melvin Gordon, you're wrong. It's actually Austin Ekeler. Watch him next time.

7. Panthers (7): David Tepper is going to be a different breed of owner. You think Jerry Richardson would have rescued S Eric Reid from NFL exile?

8. Bengals (12): The Chiefs, Rams and Saints garner a lot more attention, but those are the only teams scoring at a better clip than Cincinnati's offense.

9. Ravens (13): Smokey Brown looking like one free agency's steals. Among WRs, only DeSean Jackson averaging more yards per catch than Brown's 22.5.

10. Redskins (16): Clearly, they upset someone in NFL scheduling office. Upcoming MNF game at New Orleans is sandwiched by premature bye and a short week.

11. Packers (17): Aaron Rodgers upset that Green Bay at “non-playoff team offensive level.” While his knee mends amid 2-1-1 start, should he R-E-L-A-X?

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12. Titans (20): They're plus-two in win column (3-1) and plus-two in points column (75-73). Reminder, we picked Mike Vrabel as preseason coach of the year.

13. Eagles (4): They're close. Carson Wentz still settling in, which should (eventually) solve third down, red zone rates. NFL-high five fumbles a problem.

14. Bears (18): Khalil Mack MVP train? Chicago's newest transcendent linebacker has at least one sack and forced fumble in every game for first-place team.

15. Falcons (6): All three losses occurred in final seconds, perhaps the key indicator that this defense just can't withstand its personnel losses.

16. Steelers (10): Good as James Conner has been, Le'Veon Bell's ongoing absence (for now?) puts too much burden on Big Ben, who's on track for 744 passes.

17. Vikings (19): Lot of issues, including defense's apparent ongoing deterioration. But it would help if RBs had more than 17 total carries past two weeks.

18. Dolphins (9): To quote George Bush 43: “Fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me — you can't get fooled again.” You owe us the apology, Miami.

19. Buccaneers (5): “Jameis Winston is the guy that’s going to be here way longer than I am,” Dirk Koetter said Monday. Could 'way longer' be a few months?

20. Broncos (21): Defense did decent job containing Mahomes train Monday night, but Denver didn’t get big throw from Case Keenum in the clutch.

21. Seahawks (25): With owner Paul Allen again battling cancer, and S Earl Thomas breaking his leg, the local mood reflective of Seattle's autumn weather.

22. Cowboys (27): Despite strong Sunday, Dak Prescott not among NFL's top 25-rated passers ... poor metric for someone eligible for offseason extension.

23. Lions (23): Time to start giving rookie RB Kerryon Johnson more than 12 touches per game. He's earned it, and it ultimately preserves Matthew Stafford.

24. Browns (14): Anti-Tyrod — Baker Mayfield sparked offense to season-high 42 points, 487 yards. Anti-Tyrod — Baker Mayfield committed four turnovers.

25. Giants (29): Saquon Barkley continues to impress as backfield receiver. He's on track for 108 catches, which would eclipse Matt Forte's RB record (102).

26. Texans (30): Need a fantasy tip? Rookie WR Keke Coutee's 11 receptions in his NFL debut are the most by any player in his first game since 1970 merger.

27. Raiders (28): Don't look now, but Jon Gruden's offense suddenly ranks second in the league, though too many yards still of empty-calorie variety.

28. Colts (15): Is it fair to blast Frank Reich for a boneheaded decision while admiring his swagger as he tries to rebuild Indy's culture. Yes? Cool.

29. Jets (22): How's it going? Offense scored four TDs in opener ... and has four since. Defense allowed one TD in opener ... and surrendered eight since.

30. 49ers (31): After season's first month, TE George Kittle's 82-yard TD Sunday is longest from scrimmage in entire league. Nice to have a bright spot.

31. Bills (26): No team's allowed more sacks (21) or is more inept passing (132.5 ypg). Getting a “franchise passer” pointless if you don't help him, guys.

32. Cardinals (32): One key reason they're so bad? Anemic offense can't sustain drives, leaving D on field 35-plus minutes per game, easily most in league.

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