Three teams remain undefeated and eight others have dropped just one game through four weeks — but which club is truly the top team right now?
You were right. I’ve read your messages and accepted some of the pushback. After four weeks, I’m adjusting my rankings. There’s a new No. 1, and I’ve moved several squads I’d previously undervalued — notably Seattle, Jacksonville, Carolina, Las Vegas, and Cleveland — higher than before. I still believe the Packers are underperforming and I remain skeptical of the Vikings’ offense, though.
Below are my updated Power Rankings heading into Week 5.
(Note: Super Bowl odds are from DraftKings.)
Tennessee Titans
– Record: 0-4 | Prev: 31 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +50000 | Next: vs. Texans (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Cam Ward was visibly frustrated after another rough outing — not surprising given how little the offense has produced. Rookie WR Carnell Tate looks like a promising piece, but overall Tennessee’s attack remains dysfunctional.
Stat to know: The Titans have opened 0-4 in consecutive seasons for only the second time in franchise history (the other was 1983–84).
Miami Dolphins
– Record: 0-4 | Prev: 32 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +100000 | Next: vs. Bengals (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
They deserve a small bump for pushing the Vikings close, but don’t get comfortable: they’re still awful overall and likely the worst club in the league. RB Ollie Gordon filled in well for an injured DeVon Achane, but QB Malik Willis continues to struggle.
Stat to know: Miami has the NFL’s worst point differential (-55) and has scored a league-low 46 points (11.5 PPG).
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
– Record: 0-4 | Prev: 30
– Super Bowl odds: +15000 | Next: @ Cowboys (Thu, 8:15 p.m. ET)
I didn’t expect much from rookie Jalon Daniels and the Bucs offense has been a mess even when Baker Mayfield was available. Defensive rankings are a bit misleading given the weak offenses Tampa’s faced; their running game and receiving corps have not delivered.
Stat to know: Tampa Bay is 0-4 for the first time since 2013.
New York Jets
– Record: 1-3 | Prev: 28 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +30000 | Next: vs. Browns (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
They dropped another spot after an ugly loss where they were badly outgained. Geno Smith’s 8-of-15 for 119 yards was a big step backward for a team that’d been competitive early.
Stat to know: The Jets recorded their first defensive interception in 637 days; their previous regular-season interception was Jan. 5, 2025.
Los Angeles Chargers
– Record: 0-4 | Prev: 29 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +10000 | Next: vs. Broncos (Sun, 4:05 p.m. ET)
Justin Herbert’s rocky start in Seattle put the Chargers in a big hole. The defense has been solid recently and they can run a bit, but at this point wins would likely come despite Herbert, not because of him.
Stat to know: The Chargers have lost seven straight games dating to Week 16 of 2025.
Arizona Cardinals
– Record: 1-3 | Prev: 27
– Super Bowl odds: +30000 | Next: vs. Lions (Sun, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Plenty of talent surrounds QB Jacoby Brissett, but his three interceptions — including a game-sealing pick just outside the end zone — expose the limits of this offense. With a legitimate QB from the 2027 draft, the Cardinals could quickly rise.
Stat to know: Arizona has forced seven turnovers in four games, fifth-most in the NFL.
Houston Texans
– Record: 0-4 | Prev: 22 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +4500 | Next: @ Titans (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
The Ryans–C.J. Stroud era had been promising, but 2026 has been hampered by a defense that isn’t creating turnovers. They still generate pressure and sacks, but takeaways have plummeted from last year.
Stat to know: The last time Houston began 0-4 was in 2020.
Green Bay Packers
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 26 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +6500 | Next: vs. Bears (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
There’s growing scrutiny on Matt LaFleur as the Packers have looked uninspiring in narrow wins over weak opponents. Even with some defensive help pending, they should be performing better than this.
Stat to know: Green Bay has started 2-2 or better through four games for the 20th straight season — the longest such streak in NFL history.
Washington Commanders
– Record: 1-3 | Prev: 24
– Super Bowl odds: +9000 | Next: vs. Giants (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
The team is counting the days until Jayden Daniels returns after relying on third-string Athan Kaliakmanis in London. Daniels’ availability could determine whether this season is salvageable or whether the club pivots to a rebuild.
Stat to know: Washington has allowed 122 points over four weeks, tied for second-most in the league.
New Orleans Saints
– Record: 1-3 | Prev: 15 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +9000 | Next: vs. Vikings (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Close losses to start the year gave way to a blowout against Atlanta. Losing RB Travis Etienne hurts, and their run defense has been porous — opponents rushed for more than 200 yards Monday, and they’ve allowed nearly 600 rushing yards in four games.
Stat to know: The Saints have five lost fumbles this season, most in the NFL through four weeks.
Pittsburgh Steelers
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 14 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +10000 | Next: vs. Colts (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Aaron Rodgers’ game is increasingly inconsistent — he showed flashes but can’t be relied upon every week. Pittsburgh’s offense and defense both have shortcomings that put pressure on him to be perfect.
Stat to know: Their Week 4 game was the first time the Steelers allowed two or more rushing TDs since Week 1 of 2025.
Atlanta Falcons
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 25 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +8000 | Next: vs. Ravens (Sun, 8:20 p.m. ET)
With Michael Penix Jr. at QB, the Falcons’ offense sprung to life, and Bijan Robinson and Drake London have been productive. A tough stretch (Ravens, Bears, 49ers) looms, but the offense’s recent surge is encouraging.
Stat to know: Atlanta scored 80 points in the last two weeks — the most in the NFL over that span — and rushed for five TDs Monday, tying a franchise single-game record.
New York Giants
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 21 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +15000 | Next: @ Commanders (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
They sit atop the NFC East, but I’m wary of overrating wins against two of the league’s weakest teams. Still, the Giants’ defense has shown resilience despite missing Brian Burns, and this is the first time they’ve led the division since 2015.
Stat to know: The Giants are alone in first place in the NFC East for the first time since 2015.
Cleveland Browns
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 23 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +18000 | Next: @ Jets (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Todd Monken’s energetic approach and a roster sprinkled with young offensive talent (Harold Fannin, Denzel Boston, Quinshon Judkins) have this team trending up. Rookie mistakes (14 penalties vs. Pittsburgh) still rear their head, but 3-1 is hard to argue with.
Stat to know: The Browns are 8-0 on Thursdays since 2018 — the longest active Thursday winning streak in the NFL and tied for third-longest in league history.
Indianapolis Colts
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 19 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +6500 | Next: @ Steelers (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Daniel Jones’ turnovers (seven so far) and the absence of WR Alec Pierce have exposed Indianapolis’ passing defense issues. They’re close to being a winning team, but Jones needs to clean up the mistakes for them to keep that momentum.
Stat to know: Colts opponents’ quarterbacks have thrown for 1,105 yards — third-most in the NFL to open the season.
Dallas Cowboys
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 18 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +2700 | Next: vs. Buccaneers (Thu, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb remind us they can carry this offense when clicking, but the defense continues to give up too many yards. The Cowboys look similar to last season — explosive scoring potential, inconsistent defense.
Stat to know: Dak Prescott earned his 85th regular-season win as a Cowboys starter, tying Roger Staubach for second in franchise history (Troy Aikman leads with 94).
Detroit Lions
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 13 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +2400 | Next: @ Cardinals (Sun, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Despite producing 15 sacks (second in the league), Detroit’s defense is allowing a league-worst 31.8 PPG. They play like a high-scoring Dallas team — if the defense steadied even a bit, this offense could make them real contenders.
Stat to know: If their 31.8 PPG average holds, it would be the third-worst defensive start in NFL history, behind the 2008 and 2020 Lions.
New England Patriots
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 17 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +2500 | Next: vs. Raiders (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Drake Maye showed signs of progress in Buffalo, rebounding from early-season struggles. The Patriots still need him to carry the offense if they’re going to compete.
Stat to know: New England is tied for the most turnovers in the NFL this season with 10.
Las Vegas Raiders
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 20 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +7400 | Next: vs. Patriots (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Despite a narrow loss to the Chiefs, the Raiders’ play validated their earlier 3-0 start. Their defense generated a huge number of takeaways and Kirk Cousins has played well; Klint Kubiak deserves credit early on.
Stat to know: Las Vegas leads the NFL with nine takeaways through Week 4.
Philadelphia Eagles
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 11 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +2400 | Next: vs. Jaguars (Sun, 9:30 a.m. ET)
The Eagles should be worried: Jalen Hurts’ offense looks out of sync, the defense collapsed late against the Rams, and injuries are mounting to key players like DeVonta Smith and Saquon Barkley.
Stat to know: Philadelphia went 0-for-12 on third downs against the Rams — the most consecutive third-down attempts without a conversion by any team since 2020.
Carolina Panthers
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 16 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +8000 | Next: BYE
Bryce Young has been excellent — nine TDs and two INTs while averaging a league-best 317 passing yards per game. The defense is inconsistent, but in a weak division the Panthers should be able to separate.
Stat to know: Tetairoa McMillan became the only Panther to post 14+ catches, 190+ receiving yards, and 2+ TDs in a single game.
Cincinnati Bengals
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 7 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +1900 | Next: @ Dolphins (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
Cincy’s defense has outperformed expectations recently, but the offense has lost some explosiveness. Even before Ja’Marr Chase’s concussion, the rushing attack was anemic — they managed only 23 yards on the ground vs. Jacksonville.
Stat to know: The Bengals rushed for 23 yards on Sunday, their lowest in a regular-season game since 2012.
Minnesota Vikings
– Record: 4-0 | Prev: 12 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +2200 | Next: @ Saints (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
I’ve been nudged into placing the Vikings in the top 10 — grudgingly. Their defense, led by Brian Flores, has been the primary reason for the ranking; the offense has looked shaky, and Kyler Murray’s play hasn’t been convincing.
Stat to know: Minnesota has recorded at least four sacks in seven straight games, tied for the second-longest streak since sacks became official in 1963.
Baltimore Ravens
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 8 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +850 | Next: vs. Falcons (Sun, 8:20 p.m. ET)
A win that still felt underwhelming against the Titans and Lamar Jackson’s ankle issue are concerns — his mobility is a cornerstone of Baltimore’s success. Jesse Minter’s 3-1 start is the best four-game opening by any head coach in Ravens history.
Stat to know: Jesse Minter’s 3-1 start is the best four-game record for a Ravens head coach in franchise history.
Denver Broncos
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 3 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +2000 | Next: @ Chargers (Sun, 4:05 p.m. ET)
They’ve faced a brutal early slate — Chiefs, Jaguars, Rams, 49ers — and mostly held their own. Still, an uneven offense and lackluster rushing production leave questions about whether they can beat the league’s best.
Stat to know: Denver has a -20 point differential through four games.
Los Angeles Rams
– Record: 2-2 | Prev: 9 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +650 | Next: vs. Bills (Mon, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Despite a tense finish in Philadelphia, the Rams’ defense played well overall and the offense found traction late. L.A. still clearly belongs in the Super Bowl contender conversation.
Stat to know: According to Next Gen Stats, the Rams’ win probability dipped as low as 3.2% with just over eight minutes left in their comeback vs. the Eagles.
Jacksonville Jaguars
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 10 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +1500 | Next: vs. Eagles (Sun, 9:30 a.m. ET)
The Jags have earned a top-10 spot — largely thanks to a defense that hasn’t allowed more than 20 points in any game and leads the league in takeaways. Their plus-6 turnover margin is the best in the NFL.
Stat to know: With the Bengals win, Jacksonville is 11-1 over its last 12 regular-season games — the best record in the NFL during that span.
Buffalo Bills
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 1 ↓
– Super Bowl odds: +750 | Next: @ Rams (Mon, 8:15 p.m. ET)
Sunday’s home loss to New England exposed defensive weaknesses. Offensively Josh Allen remains historic — he’s now the Bills’ all-time scrimmage TD leader — but the defense must improve for Buffalo to dominate the AFC East.
Stat to know: Josh Allen became the Bills’ all-time leader in scrimmage touchdowns (88), passing Andre Reed and Thurman Thomas.
Chicago Bears
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 6 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +1800 | Next: @ Packers (Sun, 1 p.m. ET)
They dominated the stat line vs. the Jets but struggled to finish in the red zone with backup QB Tyson Bagent; the ranking assumes Caleb Williams returns soon. Even without him, Chicago’s rushing attack is a big strength.
Stat to know: Since 2025, the Bears have four games with 230+ rushing yards — the most in the NFL in that span.
Seattle Seahawks
– Record: 3-1 | Prev: 5 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +950 | Next: vs. 49ers (Sun, 4:25 p.m. ET)
I was slow to elevate the defending champs, but Seattle’s defense remains elite and the offense has posted 30+ points in three straight weeks. It’s worth noting their schedule so far featured mostly poor opponents, but their home win streak is impressive.
Stat to know: Sunday marked the Seahawks’ ninth straight home win (including playoffs), extending the NFL’s longest active home win streak.
Kansas City Chiefs
– Record: 4-0 | Prev: 4 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +900 | Next: BYE
Their Week 1 dismantling of the Broncos set the tone, and Patrick Mahomes is playing at an MVP-like level. Adding RB Kenneth Walker III, the NFL’s leading rusher, has boosted their offense, though they could use more pass rush help.
Stat to know: Through their first 151 career starts (regular season and playoffs), Patrick Mahomes and Tom Brady now each have a 116–35 overall record.
San Francisco 49ers
– Record: 4-0 | Prev: 2 ↑
– Super Bowl odds: +850 | Next: @ Seahawks (Sun, 4:25 p.m. ET)
Wins over the Rams and Broncos have reinforced that the 49ers are the league’s best team right now. They’ve beaten other top clubs and their current trajectory suggests they’re the benchmark in the NFL.
Stat to know: The 49ers are 4-0; historically, every team that started 4-0 under this franchise reached the NFC Championship Game that season.
Fan Take:
This weekly shakeup matters because early results are revealing more about team identities than preseason expectations — the NFL can pivot quickly and breakout or regress just as fast. For fans, that means every game carries weight: momentum, injuries, and schematics now can reshape playoff races and the long-term perception of contenders.
Source: www.foxsports.com
