Miami is for real, regardless of injuries. Lamar Jackson continues to prove he’s worth every penny. Once Buffalo gets healthy we can revisit their argument for number one team in the NFL. Are the Eagles the best team in the NFC? Cooper Rush has the Cowboys afloat, which has Jerry Jones embracing a quarterback controversy in Dallas.
Here’s my Week 4 Power Rankings:
1. Philadelphia Eagles
The wide receiver duo of Devanta Smith and AJ Brown has driven defensive coordinators bonkers through three weeks. Smith went bizerk in Sunday’s win versus the Commanders – finishing with 156 yards and one touchdown. Philadelphia’s defense tallied nine sacks, first in the NFC East, but the Eagles have no time to slack with the 2-1 Jacksonville Jaguars heading to the city of Brotherly love Sunday.
2. Miami Dolphins
Possessing the ball just 19:20 minutes and still pulling out the victory over the previously ranked number one Bills was quite impressive. Yes, Buffalo’s defense was missing key components and dehydration took out All-Pro receiver Stephon Diggs during the their final drive, but that doesn’t negate the 21-19 final score. The Dolphins sit atop the AFC – answering the bell for three consecutive weeks. Remarkable enough, speedster Tyreek Hill only had two catches the entire game, but his impact – drawing 2-3 guys per pass play – was felt.
3. Buffalo Bills
Injuries derailed the Bills on Sunday. Imagine having 50 more plays than your opponent and still losing. Mark your calendars for the rematch in December at Orchard Park.
4. Los Angeles Rams
Holding the Cardinals to four field goals shows when clicking, the Rams are still a force.
5. Kansas City Chiefs
Pat Mahomes and offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy drew storylines all week with their sideline dispute. The Chiefs have looked vulnerable – at times. A muffed punt and kicking game sealed the Chiefs’ fate against the Colts. Miscues were the difference maker Sunday.
6. Baltimore Ravens
Repeat after me – “Pay the Man.” Every Sunday the cost goes up. Lamar Jackson is worth every dime. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick had no answers against the Ravens. The emergence of a healthy J.K. Dobbins, and Lamar accounting for five touchdowns, illustrates how dynamic Jackson is in, and outside, of the pocket. The defense made plays when they needed, including the game-sealing interception by Marlon Humphrey.
7. Dallas Cowboys
If you thought the Cowboys would flop due to Dak Prescott’s hand injury, you were sadly mistaken. Dallas has won two straight and sit in second place within the NFC East. Trevon Diggs’ game-sealing interception against the Giants gave Jerry Jones a million reasons to smile. Jerry has embraced having a quarterback controversy and their defense is something to be accounted for. The Cowboys have the pieces to make some noise, but the question will always remain…are they an accident waiting to happen?
8. Green Bay Packers
All Aaron Rodgers has asked for this offseason was a weapon on the outside. Romeo Doubs’ eight receptions Sunday gave Rodgers a viable weapon alongside veteran Randal Cobb. The run game gives the Packers another dimension, with Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon both being capable of causing destruction from the backfield.
9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Yes, Tom Brady’s production has dropped off with Mike Evans being suspended, and Chris Godwin and Julio Jones nursing injuries. The Bucs lost to the Packers, but still sit atop the NFC South with the Panthers’ defeating the Saints. Things don’t get any easier for Brady and company with the Chiefs coming to town.
10. Minnesota Vikings
It wasn’t pretty early, but the Vikings made a fourth quarter comeback to defeat the Detroit Lions. What needs to be monitored throughout the week is Dalvin Cook’s shoulder injury, which caused him to leave the contest. Alexander Mattison stepped up when his number was called – averaging four yards per carry and scoring a touchdown. The Vikings have to find a way to get Adam Thielen some looks, as opposing defenses are game-planning to take away Justin Jefferson.
UNC Continues to Shine into the Final Stretch