NFL Power rankings: Week 4

By Evan Copeland

It’s been all change in the NFL this week, with the defending champions finally beaten, multiple contenders slipping in the rankings and the first international fixture in the books.

Starting in Green Bay and finishing in Chicago, week three offered us plenty of entertainment. Looking towards week four, we will welcome the first teams to London as the Colts and Commanders face off at Tottenham Hotspur stadium. That is just the beginning of the NFL action coming our way this week.

D Tier – Watch out for an early tank

32. Tennessee Titans (-2) – Another really difficult week on offense for Cam Ward and the Titans, scoring their first points with only five minutes remaining. Ward needs to step up his game, or the doubts will continue over his ability to lead this team, they should be targeting star receiver Jeremiah Smith in next year’s draft.

31. Miami Dolphins (=) – I actually thought the Dolphins looked impressive, despite losing to the Chiefs sin week three. They stayed in the game for longer than most would’ve expected, despite the continued issue of Malik Willis’ performance. The injury to DeVon Achane, ending his season, is a killer blow to an already struggling offense.

C Tier – Time to press the panic button

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-5) – Despite some good news around Baker Mayfield, who will only miss three games after a thumb injury rather than anything long term, Tampa is in freefall. I fear for this team going forward, I think the decision to tick with Todd Bowles this offseason has cost them, and they just can’t seem to get any momentum on offense.
Somehow, they are still only one game off the lead in the NFC South and a playoff berth but will need to find some form to catch the impressive Saints.

29. Los Angeles Chargers (-6) – Another big drop in the rankings for Justin Herbert and the Chargers, who might go down as one of the biggest preseason letdowns in recent memory. They looked better against Buffalo, staying in the game thanks to multiple turnovers from Josh Allen, but fell eventually to 0-3.
I simply don’t know what’s gone wrong in LA, after all the hype around this team it feels something has to give this offseason, if they don’t make the playoffs.

28. Green Pay Packers (-8) – Again, like the Bucs, they are only one game off the top of their division at 1-2, but that is far from the full picture in Green Bay. Matt Le Fleur might be the first coach fired in 2026, with the week three loss to the Falcons compounding a torrid start to the year. This team needs Micah Parsons back, and soon, if they want to reach the postseason.

27. New England Patriots (-16) – Do we need to start asking questions about Drake Maye? Six picks through three games, the MVP runner up had his worst game of the lot against the Jags. Something seems off with the Patriots this season, whether that’s the harder schedule coming back to bite them or not remains to be seen, but this isn’t the same team that made the Super Bowl.

26. Houston Texans (-9) – A crucial loss for the Texans in week three, who not only have started 0-3 but suffered an in-division defeat which could be crucial down the stretch. They just haven’t been able to get in gear so far this season, the defense which has been so impressive hasn’t quite hit those standards yet. One to watch to see if they can turn it around.

B Tier – Middle of the pack mediocrity

25. Arizona Cardinals (+1) – Fell to the high-flying 49ers in a one score game in San Francisco, after rallying in the second half. It was a much-improved performance on the offensive side of the ball compared to last week’s loss against the Seahawks, with Jacoby Brissett producing a solid showing through the air.

24. New York Jets (+3) – Whether or not they have just played some awful defenses through the first three weeks of the season, the Jets with Geno Smith look a strangely competent offensive unit. This team has huge potential and the chance to add to that with three first round picks in the next draft. If the organisation can stay out of its own way, they are one to watch for the future.

23. Atlanta Falcons (+9) – When you give the ball to your best players, it tends to give you a better chance of winning, no matter what sport. The Falcons found that out on Thursday night against the Packers, as Bijan Robinson exploded for over 200 scrimmage yards and two touchdowns to end a losing start to the year. Michael Penix being back under centre will help this team, who have the tools to contend for the NFC South.

22. Cleveland Browns (+6) – This has been some turnaround for DeShaun Watson and the Browns. After a pretty terrible first week, they have secured successive wins and currently sit tied top of the AFC North. I’m not sure it’s going to last, but Cleveland fans, enjoy it while it does. I still expect the franchise to draft a quarterback in next year’s draft.

21. Carolina Panthers (-2) – What seemed like a bit of a gimme against the Cleveland Browns will now have caused a few concerns in the Panthers organisation. A step back for Bryce Young, who didn’t exactly live up to his first two weeks. I will put this down as a blip, but I’m keeping an eye on this team for upcoming games.

20. Washington Commanders (+9) – Despite missing Jayden Daniels, the Commanders were hugely improved in week three, taking down the reigning champion Seattle Seahawks in a topsy-turvy clash. Marcus Mariota looked great in that offense, making a few gutsy plays down the stretch, the Commanders could contend in the NFC East.

19. Indianapolis Colts (+2) – A crucial win. Despite a rocky start to the year at 1-2, the Colts have improved every week and picked up a great victory against a division rival, the Texans. The offense looked a bit uninspiring, but enough to put one in the win column.

18. Dallas Cowboys (-2) – A classic Cowboys loss. I just don’t know what to say about this team, who keep finding ways to surprise everyone and embarrass themselves. With the uncertainty surrounding Philadelphia and the Giants, I still have the Cowboys in serious contention to win the division, but they need to stop getting in their own way.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers (+7) – I know I said last week that this Steelers offense wasn’t going to work, and that still may be true. But I think they may have found their own way to win. Aaron Rodgers looked really impressive against the Bengals, with the entire unit looking significantly better than last week against New England. I don’t have much faith in this team, but they could prove me wrong!

16. Las Vegas Raiders (+6) – Klint Kubiak deserves a tonne of praise for what he has done for his franchise, who have already matched last season’s win total after an unbeaten start. He has Kirk Cousins playing some excellent football and now with Brock Bowers back, this team is at full strength offensively. They could be a dark horse for a playoff spot.

15. New York Giants (+3) – I’m really not sure where I stand with this team. Yes, they sit 2-1 and top of the division, but key injuries to Jaxson Dart and Brian Burns have derailed the momentum. The quarterback situation is the real issue here, but I like the move to bring in JJ McCarthy. By trading only a fifth-round pick, they aren’t risking much and I still believe McCarthy has the potential to excel in the NFL. Time will tell in New York.

A Tier – True playoff contenders

14. Philadelphia Eagles (-4) – The loss to the Bears was the culmination of two weeks of poor performances from Philly, who were 2-0 but looked pretty suspect. I don’t see where this offense is going, it can never seem to go one game without a mistake from Jalen Hurts which is becoming a real issue. They face a tough game against the Rams this week.

13. New Orleans Saints (=) – A tough defeat against the high-flying Raiders in week three, with a couple of mistakes down the stretch costing them in the end. I thought Tyler Shough played great, but any team that give up three unanswered touchdowns and multiple turnovers late in the game will always struggle to win in this league.

12. Chicago Bears (-3) – I can’t fully judge this team until we see Caleb Willaims back for an extended run of games. When this offense is at full strength, I feel it can rival anyone in the league. This team has the potential to win it all, but I need to see more from the defense to prove they can compete.

11. Cincinnati Bengals (-4) – The Bengals didn’t exactly play poorly in week three, particularly on offense where they put up 27 points on an impressive Steelers defense. But its fair to say their own defensive unit regressed significantly, allowing 30 points to Aaron Rodgers and a struggling Pittsburgh team isn’t a great look. They will face the Jaguars in week four.

10. Detroit Lions (+5) _ A great bounce back win against the Jets, but I still fear for this defense. They have given up 95 points across the first three game so far this season, including 24 to Geno Smith and Jets. It seems as if they are trying to overpower and outscore teams, which will only get the Lions so far despite this incredible offense.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars (+5) – The clear favourites to win the AFC South, especially after tough starts for the Colts and Texans. They got back to winning ways in week three, dominating the Patriots despite being outgained overall. The playoffs will be the true acid test for this team and Trevor Lawrence.

8. Minnesota Vikings (+4) – I’m still not sure how much I trust Kyler Murray as the starting quarterback in Minnesota, especially after Carson Wentz looked excellent as his replacement during a concussion injury. This defense can only carry them so far but should carry them to a 4-0 start as they face the Dolphins next week.

7. Los Angeles Rams (-3) – I think this Rams team is nowhere near its full potential so far, which should have the rest of the league on high alert. They played okay against Denver on Sunday night, missing multiple key players and having a couple of controversial calls go against them down the stretch.
I fully expect them to contend at the top of the NFC come the end of the season; this team has all the tools to be a formidable force in the playoffs.

6. Baltimore Ravens (+2) – They got back on track in Rio, beating the Cowboys after some classic Dallas antics in the dying seconds of the game. I’m nit sure how much I want to read into the international games. The lead changed multiple times between these sides and truly it was anyone’s game heading into overtime, before the infamous late field goal for the Ravens.

I don’t think there is as much difference between the two as the rankings suggests.

5. Denver Broncos (+1) – This team’s first half performances continue to worry me, but as long as they keep winning games, I can’t find too much issue with it! While it’s fair to say the Broncos got away with one against the Rams on Sunday night, they showed lots of fight to get back in the game, down 16 at halftime. They face another NFC West team in week four, a blockbuster clash with the 49ers.

S Tier – Super Bowl favourites

4. Seattle Seahawks (-2) – The champions are finally beaten, ending a franchise record 12 game winning streak dating back to week 11 of 2025. The offense looked rusty on Sam Darnold’s return, turning the ball over multiple times, and this team still can’t run the football. They will face a dogfight to retain the NFC West.

3. San Francisco 49ers (+2) – This team continues to go about their business, not generating much outside noise but quietly sitting as the leading force in the NFC. It’s fair to say most would have underrated the 49ers heading into the year, especially given the strength of their division on paper. They will face another big test this week against the Denver Broncos to prove if they are true contenders.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (+1) – It wasn’t as flashy as the first two weeks, but the Chiefs remain unbeaten and I feel there is more to come from this team. The wide receiver rooms still feel a bit suspect, but I trust Mahomes to get the job done.

1. Buffalo Bills (=) – A step back from the first two weeks, but a win is a win, and they remain unbeaten in 2026. After looking unstoppable to start the season, Josh Allen regressed significantly against the Chargers with multiple turnovers, but this Bills team has proved they can win ugly and when they’re not at their best, that will help them down the stretch.

EVAN COPELAND

NFL ANALYST

Evan is a Los Angeles Rams fan and sports journalism student at Lincoln University, with a keen interest in NFL writing, alongside golf and football. You can keep up with all of his content on X at @EvanCopeland26.

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