Our NFL Power Rankings voters came away impressed with the Rams after their thorough beatdown of the champion Buccaneers in the matchup of Week 3’s top two teams. All but one of our panelists placed Sean McVay’s squad — perhaps the NFL’s most complete team — at the top of their rankings ballot. The Rams enter Week 4 as our new No. 1.
Their SoFi Stadium co-tenant also made an early season statement, as the Chargers came back to beat the Chiefs in Kansas City. Our voters moved the 2-1 Bolts from the unranked all the way up to No. 4.
There’s also a major development at the bottom of the rankings. Urban Meyer’s Jaguars are no longer the cellar dweller despite falling to 0-3. Our new No. 32 is the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets who were shut out in Denver in dropping to 0-3.
The Top 10
1. Los Angeles Rams (3-0, Last week: 2): The defense remains Super Bowl-caliber, so give new coordinator Raheem Morris some much-deserved props.
2. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1, Last week: 1): The loss in L.A. revealed what they need to work on, and the top priority is not having Tom Brady lead the team in rushing.
3. Arizona Cardinals (3-0, Last week: 5): When you can win “ugly” like they did in Jacksonville, you know you’re a good team.
4. Los Angeles Chargers (2-1, Last week: Not ranked): Justin Herbert was the best quarterback on the field last Sunday at Arrowhead, believe it or not.
5. Las Vegas Raiders (3-0, Last week: 6): Playing the Tua-less Dolphins at home was a classic trap game that they normally would've lost, but they didn’t.
6. Baltimore Ravens (2-1, Last week: 7): The best thing to come out of their outrageous comeback win in Detroit, without question, was this Justin Tucker video.
7. Green Bay Packers (2-1, Last week: NR): In the Pack’s season-opening stinker against New Orleans, Aaron Rodgers had a QB rating of 36.8. Since then: 133.8 in back-to-back wins.
8. Denver Broncos (3-0, Last week: 8): It’s no fun playing against a defense that ranks second in total yards allowed (221.7 per game), third against the pass (162.3), second against the run (59.3) and first in points allowed (8.7).
9. Carolina Panthers (3-0, Last week: 9t): They get their biggest test yet this Sunday when they go to Texas to take on the Cowboys — without Christian McCaffrey.
10. Buffalo Bills (2-1, Last week: NR): Welcome back, Josh Allen the MVP candidate.
DROPPED OUT: San Francisco 49ers (2-1, Last week: 3), Kansas City Chiefs (1-2, Last week: 4), Cleveland Browns (2-1, Last week: 9t).
The Bottom Five
32. New York Jets (0-3, Last week: 31): Zach Wilson has a lot to learn, but the rookie QB’s growing pains are being exacerbated by his lack of help up front.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3, Last week: 32): It’s play calls like this that make it feel like you’re “playing Alabama” every week.
30t. Houston Texans (1-2, Last week: Not ranked): The team reportedly is more open to trading Deshaun Watson.
30t. Indianapolis Colts (0-3, Last week: Not ranked): Their former starting QB who’s coaching high school football might be able to fare better than the current starter with two sprained ankles.
28. New York Giants (0-3, Last week: 28): At least Saquon Barkley scored his first touchdown since 2019.
MOVING OUT: Detroit Lions (0-3, Last week: 29), Atlanta Falcons (1-2, Last week: 30).
