Week 3 of the regular season saw many thrilling moments, shocking upsets and commanding wins.
With a three-game sample size, the NFL landscape is starting to take full shape. Several teams enjoying unexpected success aim to prove they’re not pretenders in Week 4, while others simply hope to get their seasons on track.
With that in mind, here’s how each team stands in our power rankings entering Week 4. (Week 4 matchups are on Sunday unless noted.)
1. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) | Week 3: W 22-17 (at Atlanta) | Last week: 1
What else is there to say? The Chiefs aren’t playing anywhere close to their best football, but they keep finding ways to win, mainly because of their remarkable ability to capitalize on their opponents’ mistakes.
Week 4: at Chargers (4:25 p.m. ET | CBS)
2. Buffalo Bills (3-0) | Week 3: W 47-10 (vs. Jacksonville) | Last week: 3
Although they aren’t at the top of our power rankings, the Bills have arguably been the most complete team to begin the season. Despite having a new-look receiving corps, QB Josh Allen (nine total touchdowns and zero turnovers this season) is off to the best start to his career and should be considered the early MVP front-runner.
Week 4: at Baltimore (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)
3. Detroit Lions (2-1) | Week 3: W 20-13 (at Arizona) | Last week: 5
Detroit’s offense isn’t playing at the level it needs to be, but the defense — led by edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson, the current NFL sack leader (6.5) — has looked sharp all season long. If QB Jared Goff can regain his 2023 form, the Lions could prove to be the NFC’s most dangerous team.
Week 4: vs. Seattle (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC)
4. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1) | Week 3: W 15-12 (at New Orleans) | Last week: 8
The Eagles bounced back from their devastating Week 2 home loss to Atlanta in a big way, shutting down the high-powered Saints offense on the road behind a strong defensive performance by DC Vic Fangio’s unit. Although Philadelphia’s offense played well, the team needs more consistency from QB Jalen Hurts, who has the most turnovers in the NFL since the start of last season (26).
Week 4: at Tampa Bay (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
5. Minnesota Vikings (3-0) | Week 3: W 34-7 (vs. Houston) | Last week: 19
Minnesota followed up its dominant Week 2 performance against San Francisco with an even more impressive statement win this past Sunday. QB Sam Darnold, the NFL leader in touchdown passes (eight), isn’t just thriving in HC Kevin O’Connell’s system; he’s playing like a legitimate MVP candidate.
Week 4: at Green Bay (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Green Bay Packers quarterback Malik Willis (2) throws past Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons (98) during the fourth quarter at Nissan Stadium in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.
Andrew Nelles / The Tennessean / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
6. Green Bay Packers (2-1) | Week 3: W 30-14 (at Tennessee) | Last week: 10
Less than a month after being traded by Tennessee, QB Malik Willis got his revenge on his former team, setting career highs in passing (202) and rushing yards (73) to propel Green Bay to victory. In light of his impressive work with Willis, it’s fair to say that Packers HC Matt LaFleur has solidified himself as the early favorite for the AP Coach of the Year Award.
Week 4: vs. Minnesota (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
7. New York Jets (2-1) | Week 3: W 24-3 (vs. New England) | Last week: 11
Four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers dissected the Patriots defense during a vintage performance on “Thursday Night Football,” throwing for 281 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, second-year edge-rusher Will McDonald IV continued to step up in Haason Reddick’s absence, notching his fourth and fifth sacks of the season against New England.
Week 4: vs. Denver (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
8. Houston Texans (2-1) | Week 3: L 34-7 (at Minnesota) | Last week: 2
Houston received a wake-up call from the surging Vikings, resulting in the most lopsided loss of the DeMeco Ryans era. The Texans offense desperately needs RB Joe Mixon (ankle) back in the lineup, seeing as though the team rushed for just 38 yards on 14 attempts.
Week 4: vs. Jacksonville (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
9. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0) | Week 3: W 20-10 (vs. Chargers) | Last week: 15
If not for Darnold, Pittsburgh’s Justin Fields would have the most impressive redemption arc among quarterbacks this season. After finishing 25-of-32 passing for 245 yards, one touchdown and an interception while adding a score on the ground, Fields earned himself another start and has given Pittsburgh every reason to consider trading QB Russell Wilson.
Week 4: at Indianapolis (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Sep 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Jarran Reed (90) sacks Miami Dolphins quarterback Tim Boyle (14) during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images
10. Seattle Seahawks (3-0) | Week 3: W 24-3 (vs. Miami) | Last week: 13
Seattle is in the driver’s seat in the NFC West, largely due to the success of new HC Mike Macdonald’s formidable defense. As pointed out by NFL Media’s Dante Koplowitz-Fleming, the Seahawks are the first team since the 1979 Steelers to start 3-0 and allow fewer than 150 passing yards in each game.
Week 4: at Detroit (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC)
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) | Week 3: L 26-7 (vs. Denver) | Last week: 6
The three-time defending NFC South champion was overwhelmed by a desperate Broncos team, suffering a deflating loss at Raymond James Stadium. QB Baker Mayfield couldn’t build upon his promising start to 2024, completing 25 of his 33 passes for a mere 163 yards, one touchdown and an interception.
Week 4: vs. Philadelphia (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
12. New Orleans Saints (2-1) | Week 3: L 15-12 (vs. Philadelphia) | Last week: 7
The Saints offense crashed back down to Earth in Week 3, with the team racking up just 219 total yards compared to Philadelphia’s 460. Now that Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy will be sidelined for six to eight weeks with a groin injury, it’ll be fascinating to see whether New Orleans can get its offense rolling again.
Week 4: at Atlanta (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
13. San Francisco 49ers (1-2) | Week 3: L 27-24 (at Rams) | Last week: 4
Even though WR Jauan Jennings broke out for 175 yards and three touchdowns on 11 receptions, San Francisco blew a 10-point fourth-quarter lead to its division rival Los Angeles in a battle of injury-riddled teams. The reigning NFC champion’s injury troubles continued to pile up, with DT Javon Hargrave suffering a partially torn right triceps, which will likely end his season.
Week 4: vs. New England (4:05 p.m. ET | Fox)
14. Baltimore Ravens (1-2) | Week 3: W 28-25 (at Dallas) | Last week: 9
Following two relatively disappointing performances by his usual standards to begin the season, free-agent signing Derrick Henry proved his worth for the Ravens against Dallas, rushing for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 25 carries. Baltimore didn’t rely on QB Lamar Jackson’s arm much, though it appears the team has finally found its identity after a sluggish start to 2024.
Week 4: vs. Buffalo (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)
Sep 22, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins (18) throws a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
15. Atlanta Falcons (1-2) | Week 3: L 22-17 (vs. Kansas City) | Last week: 18
The Falcons were a few plays away from knocking off Kansas City in Week 3, but they showed that they’re a team that can’t be taken lightly. Kirk Cousins was unable to replicate his primetime success from Week 2, but he’s at least proving he can still be an above-average quarterback.
Week 4: vs. New Orleans (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
16. Dallas Cowboys (1-2) | Week 3: L 28-25 (vs. Baltimore) | Last week: 12
Dallas’ comeback bid against Baltimore fell short, with the offense’s lackluster rushing attack and the defense’s inability to defend the run playing significant roles in the game’s outcome. Getting the running game on track might be a bigger priority than tightening up the defense in the short term for the Cowboys, seeing as though they rank 29th among teams in rushing yards (221).
Week 4: at Giants (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Amazon Prime Video)
17. Los Angeles Chargers (2-1) | Week 3: L 20-10 (at Pittsburgh) | Last week: 20
The Chargers’ injury woes continued against the Steelers, as QB Justin Herbert, OTs Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt and edge-rusher Joey Bosa all left the game early. With a matchup against Kansas City on deck, this could be the beginning of a sizable rough patch for HC Jim Harbaugh’s team.
Week 4: vs. Kansas City (4:25 p.m. ET | CBS)
18. Washington Commanders (2-1) | Week 3: W 38-33 (at Cincinnati) | Last week: 28
QB Jayden Daniels properly introduced himself to the NFL world on “Monday Night Football” with a near-flawless outing against Cincinnati, posting a rookie record 91.3% completion rate while accounting for 293 total yards and three touchdowns. Washington’s defense remains a massive concern, but the unit’s ineffectiveness might not matter all that much if the offense, which hasn’t punted in two consecutive games, continues to produce.
Week 4: at Arizona (4:05 p.m. ET | Fox)
19. Los Angeles Rams (1-2) | Week 3: W 27-24 (vs. San Francisco) | Last week: 24
The Rams have saved their season for the time being, upsetting the 49ers in a game where their probability was as low as 3.2%, according to Next Gen Stats. Los Angeles proved that as long as it has HC Sean McVay and QB Matthew Stafford, the team has a shot to defeat any opponent.
Week 4: at Chicago (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
Arizona Cardinals place kicker Matt Prater (5) kicks a field goal against the Detroit Lions in the first half at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024.
Rob Schumacher/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
20. Arizona Cardinals (1-2) | Week 3: L 20-13 (vs. Detroit) | Last week: 22
The Cardinals offense finally cooled off after scoring 69 points across their first two games, and the team dropped a winnable game as a result. On the bright side, Arizona’s defense turned in another impressive performance, pitching a second-half shutout against Detroit’s star-studded offense.
Week 4: vs. Washington (4:05 p.m. ET | Fox)
21. Cincinnati Bengals (0-3) | Week 3: L 38-33 (vs. Washington) | Last week: 14
QB Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense were clicking on “Monday Night Football,” scoring on seven of their eight drives, but it was ultimately not enough to compensate for the team’s dismal defensive effort. While their season isn’t over by any means, the Bengals’ odds of making the playoffs are undoubtedly stacked against them, given that only 2.5% of teams to start 0-3 since 1990 went on to reach the postseason.
Week 4: at Carolina (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
22. Indianapolis Colts (1-2) | Week 3: W 21-16 (vs. Chicago) | Last week: 25
The Colts hung on for their first win of the season despite another troubling performance from second-year QB Anthony Richardson (10-of-20 passing for 167 yards and two interceptions). Indianapolis desperately needs more consistency from Richardson quickly to continue turning its season around, especially with winnable games against Jacksonville, Tennesee and Miami slated for Weeks 5 through 7.
Week 4: vs. Pittsburgh (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
23. Chicago Bears (1-2) | Week 3: L 21-16 (at Indianapolis) | Last week: 21
Rookie QB Caleb Williams had his most productive outing of his career this past Sunday, throwing for 363 yards and two touchdowns, but the No. 1 overall pick’s three turnovers proved costly in the loss. While Williams has made some questionable decisions with the ball in his hands, the offensive line and OC Shane Waldron’s play-calling have been far more concerning for the Bears.
Week 4: vs. Rams (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
24. Denver Broncos (1-2) | Week 3: W 26-7 (at Tampa Bay) | Last week: 30
Denver stunned Mayfield and the red-hot Buccaneers to get into the win column, with its defense turning in another stellar showing. Rookie QB Bo Nix still hasn’t thrown a touchdown pass, though he rebounded nicely from his disappointing Week 2 performance, completing 25 of 36 passes for 216 yards while rushing for 47 yards and one TD.
Week 4: at Jets (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Sep 22, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Malik Nabers (1) makes a touchdown reception under coverage by Cleveland Browns cornerback Martin Emerson Jr. (23) during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
Scott Galvin-Imagn Images
25. New York Giants (1-2) | Week 3: W 21-15 (at Cleveland) | Last week: 31
The Giants fumbled the opening kickoff and allowed a 24-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage but still managed to embarrass a struggling Browns team to secure their first victory of the season. Rookie Malik Nabers (23 receptions for 271 yards and three touchdowns this season) is the real deal, and one could argue he’s already a top 10 wide receiver in the NFL.
Week 4: vs. Dallas (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Amazon Prime Video)
26. Miami Dolphins (1-2) | Week 3: L 24-3 (at Seattle) | Last week: 16
The Dolphins offense couldn’t find a rhythm without Tua Tagovailoa in the starting lineup, and the team’s quarterback situation only got worse, as backup Skylar Thompson left Sunday’s game with a third-quarter rib injury. If Thompson is unavailable in Week 4, Miami could call on recently signed Tyler Huntley to start at quarterback, though that might not be enough to turn its season around.
Week 4: vs. Tennessee (Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN)
27. Cleveland Browns (1-2) | Week 3: L 21-15 (vs. Giants) | Last week: 17
QB Deshaun Watson threw for 196 yards and two touchdowns against the Giants, but he still performed well below average, though his struggles were partly due to his offensive line’s ineffectiveness (eight sacks allowed). At 1-2, Cleveland is still only in second place in the AFC North standings, but its only chance of making the playoffs begins with benching Watson.
Week 4: at Las Vegas (4:25 p.m. ET | CBS)
28. Carolina Panthers (1-2) | Week 3: W 36-22 (at Las Vegas) | Last week: 32
Perhaps QB Bryce Young was the problem for the Panthers after all. Thanks to veteran signal-caller Andy Dalton’s three touchdown passes and WR Diontae Johnson’s career day (8 receptions for 122 yards and one TD), Carolina scored its most points in a game since Week 16 of the 2022 season.
Week 4: vs. Cincinnati (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
29. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) | Week 3: L 36-22 (vs. Carolina) | Last week: 23
Las Vegas, which earned a surprising road upset over the Ravens last week, couldn’t maintain its momentum and clearly underestimated the Panthers in its home opener. It’ll be intriguing to see how the Raiders respond to HC Antonio Pierce’s post-game comments criticizing his team’s effort.
Week 4: vs. Cleveland (4:25 p.m. ET | CBS)
Sep 19, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) pre game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
30. New England Patriots (1-2) | Week 3: L 24-3 (at Jets) | Last week: 29
After tormenting the Jets over the last quarter century, the Patriots finally got a taste of their own medicine last Thursday, getting outplayed in all facets of the game. Jacoby Brissett clearly isn’t the best quarterback on New England’s roster, but considering the team has a revolving door of an offensive line, it might not be able to risk turning to rookie Drake Maye just yet.
Week 4: at San Francisco (4:05 p.m. ET | Fox)
31. Tennessee Titans (0-3) | Week 3: L 30-14 (vs. Green Bay) | Last week: 27
The Titans offensive line didn’t do him any favors — allowing eight sacks — but QB Will Levis failed to take care of the ball once again in Week 3, committing three turnovers. Levis hasn’t had much success in the NFL since his four-touchdown debut last season, and if Tennessee’s offense struggles in Week 4, HC Brian Callahan may have to make a change at quarterback.
Week 4: at Miami (Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN)
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) | Week 3: L 47-10 (at Buffalo) | Last week: 26
RB Travis Etienne Jr.’s costly Week 1 fumble has seemingly derailed the Jaguars’ season, as they’ve been playing uninspiring football ever since. HC Doug Pederson is firmly on the hot seat, and Jacksonville might need to consider an in-season coaching change if the team comes out unprepared like it has in Weeks 2 and 3.
Week 4: at Houston (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
