NFL Power Rankings, After Week 4 of the 2019 Season
The Patriots won their first three games by significant margins, defeating the Steelers, Dolphins, and Jets, but lost their fourth game to the Buffalo Bills. In these four games, New England's defense allowed only 27 total points. They are really good. The Patriots are undefeated. The question is, which team will beat them? I think they are going to wreck the Cowboys unless the Cowboys think carefully.
Jumped out early, then faced their first challenge this year. No team can be expected to maintain such a dominating pace all year, so it was nice to actually see them grind one out.
Next: @ Washington
The Chiefs began the season with four consecutive victories, beating the Jaguars, Raiders, Ravens, and Lions. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw for over 1,500 yards across these games, showcasing a powerful passing offense. Got all they could handle from the Lions but closed them out.
Next: Indianapolis
The Saints went 3-1 in their first four games, with wins against the Texans, Seahawks, and Cowboys, and a loss to the Rams in Week 2. After quarterback Drew Brees was injured in Week 2, backup Teddy Bridgewater led the team for the remaining games. Playing very well in Brees' absence, they are playing fundamentally sound football, and it's impressive.
Next: Tampa Bay
The Cowboys opened the season with three straight wins against the Giants, Redskins, and Dolphins, followed by a loss to the Saints in Week 4. In these games, Dak Prescott threw for over 1,100 yards, and Ezekiel Elliott provided strong support on the ground. I really want them to stay undefeated. I hate the fumbles that they made against the Saints.
No reason to drop the 'Boys too far. Lost a close one to another very good team.
Next: Green Bay
The Bears finished their first four games with a 3-1 record, securing wins over the Broncos, Redskins, and Vikings, but losing to the Packers in Week 1. Their defense was key, allowing fewer than 60 points in total over the four games. The Monsters of the Midway are back. That defense is flat-out nasty.
Next: @ Oakland
Had the week off. The only reasons I see to not put them in the top 5 are their youth and the lack of a top-tier opponent.
Next: Cleveland
The Rams started 3-1, defeating the Panthers, Saints, and Browns before losing to the Buccaneers in Week 4. Los Angeles allowed 55 points in the Week 4 game, a marked contrast to their first three defensive performances. Made a number of big mistakes and fell behind 21-0 to the Bucs. This forced them to play more wide-open, a formula that clearly led to the ridiculous final score. Had a chance late, but one more turnover, a scoop and score by none other than former Ram Ndamukong Suh, was the final nail.
Still, the Rams have too much talent to let this hiccup keep them off this list, at least for this week.
Next: @ Seattle
The Packers began 3-1, with victories over the Bears, Vikings, and Broncos, but fell to the Eagles in Week 4. Green Bay's defense was notably strong in its first three games, allowing an average of 11.7 points per game. Kind of stupid to play a wide-open style game when they had all the evidence they needed to stay the course of sound, fundamental football winning them games. LaFleur took the blame for that in the post-game interview, but we should have known something was up with Rodgers claiming all week that he had to pick up the pace for the offense.
Next: @ Dallas
Detroit went 2-1-1 in their first four games, with wins against the Chargers and Eagles, a tie with the Cardinals, and a loss to the Chiefs. The Lions' defense allowed a season-high 34 points against Kansas City in Week 4. Played very well against the Chiefs, but they are not at that level yet. They are 2-1-1, though, and having watched the game, it was really cool to see the Detroit fans be that excited again. It has been a while. To whomever believes they don't belong here, that's fine. But I see a long-struggling organization coming to life, and I like it.
Next: Bye
The Browns split their first four games 2-2, losing to the Titans and Rams while defeating the Jets and Ravens. Baker Mayfield threw for over 1,000 yards, although the offense struggled with consistency in some games. Impressive offensive performance against the Ravens on the road. With one fell swoop, they lead the AFC North. Consistency is the next goal for this young, talented team.
Next: @ San Francisco
Seattle achieved a 3-1 start, with victories over the Bengals, Steelers, and Cardinals, and a loss to the Saints in Week 3. Russell Wilson led the offense, amassing 1,141 passing yards in these four games.
The Bills went 3-1 in their first four games, defeating the Jets, Giants, and Bengals before falling to the Patriots. Buffalo's defense was particularly strong, holding opponents to an average of 15.75 points per game.