MY NEW NFL POWER RANKINGS

It’s the last day of September and that means most NFL teams have played four games. So what do the power rankings look like at the quarter poll?

It’s safe to say that the fourth chapter of the 2018 NFL season got off to a rousing start. The Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams squared off the Coliseum on Thursday night and when it was all said and done, Sean McVay’s undefeated club remained that way with a wild 38-31 victory. Elsewhere, Week 4 also saw the first of the midseason vacations for teams. Both the Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins enjoyed a little rest and relaxation this past weekend.

All told, we saw at least one overtime game for the fourth week (3 in total) and three-quarters of the teams in the AFC South played extra football. But when it came to the very top teams on this list, there wasn’t a lot of movement – with the exception of one very notable defending Super Bowl champion.

32: ARIZONA CARDINALS 0-4

Last week: L, 20-17 vs SEA

Last rank: 32nd

Recap: After scoring a combined 20 points and three touchdowns in their first three games, Cardinals’ head coach Steve Wilks opted to give rookie quarterback Josh Rosen the nod against the rival Seattle Seahawks. The 10th overall pick in April’s draft saw some action late last week against the Bears and got the nod on Sunday and appeared to be unfazed by the pressure. But the Arizona offense still couldn’t generate a lot of yards (263) or enough points. Meanwhile, Steve Wilks’ defensive unit didn’t have any answers for Seattle’s running game, which gained 171 total yards. And veteran Phil Dawson missed a pair of crucial field goals.

Next Week: For the second straight week and the third time in four games, the Cards have to deal with an NFC West rival as they travel to the Bay Area and renew acquaintances with the 49ers. Arizona has won six straight meetings in this divisional setting, including three straight at San Francisco.

Playoff hopes: By no stretch of the imagination do these Cardinals resemble a team capable of making a playoff run. Yes, stranger things have happened but there has only even been one club in NFL history (1992 Chargers) to lose their first four games and still make a postseason appearance. But this is a very limited team.

31: BUFFALO BILLS 1-3

Last week: L, 22-0 at GB

Last rank: 29th

Recap: Off their stunning upset of the Vikings at Minnesota, the Bills looked to even their record this season as they took on the Packers at Lambeau Field. It was the third road game for Sean McDermott’s club in four weeks and Buffalo’s much-maligned offensive front had no answers for Green Bay’s pass rush. Quarterback Josh Allen looked like a rookie as he was sacked seven times, picked off twice and lost a fumble. Buffalo’s offense managed only 145 total yards by game’s end and the team failed to score a touchdown for the second time in four weeks. The growing pains continue for a club that has a lot of work ahead.

Next week: Following a two-game road swing through the NFC North, the Bills return home and take on the Tennessee Titans in a meeting of the two clubs that earned wild-card berth in 2017. The teams’ last encounter came in 2015, a 14-13 Buffalo victory at Nashville that snapped a five-game losing streak in this series.

Playoff hopes: A year ago, the Bills reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. But the organization opted to make a lot of changes on both sides of the ball, although the upheaval on the offensive line can’t be totally blamed on the front office. Four games into the season, that Week 3 win at Minnesota looks like a bit of a fluke.

30: OAKLAND RAIDERS 1-3

Last week: W, 45-42 vs CLE (OT) 

Last rank: 30th

Recap: Jon Gruden’s return to the NFL sidelines had seen the Raiders off to a 0-3 start. And in each instance, the team had owned a lead in the third quarter before finding a way to come up short. Now the Silver and Black hosted the inspired Cleveland Browns and rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield, making his first NFL start. And this time around, it was the Raiders who rallied in the second half as Derek Carr and company trailed 28-14 in the third quarter. The talented quarterback served up two more interception but also threw for 437 yards and four scores. Marshawn Lynch ran for 130 yards and the Oakland defense turned over Mayfield four times.

Next Week: The struggling Silver and Black head to Los Angeles and will renew pleasantries with the rival Chargers in a series that took an about-face a season ago. The Raiders were swept by the Bolts for the first time since 2014, this after Oakland had won four consecutive meetings from 2014-15.

Playoff hopes: There’s obviously a long way to go but after four weeks of play, the Raiders are the only team in the AFC West with a losing record. And one of those setbacks was a one-point loss at Denver. Gruden’s club needs to string together some wins, especially at the expense of their divisional rivals.

29: DETROIT LIONS 1-3

Last week: L, 26-24 at DAL

Last rank: 28th

Recap: Following a Sunday night thrashing of the New England Patriots, Matt Patricia’s was hoping to come up with another stellar effort on Sunday at Dallas. Despite trailing by double digits in the third quarter, the team rallied to take a one-point lead with 2:17 to play. But the Detroit defense really had no answers for Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott, who burned Patricia’s team for 152 yards on the ground and another 88 yards (1 touchdown) through the air. Wide receiver Golden Tate was a bright spot for the Lions, catching all eight throws aimed his way for 132 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Next Week: The Lions and Green Bay Packers renew acquaintances at Ford Field as these franchises clash for the 178th time (including playoffs). Yes, there was no Aaron Rodgers in either meeting between these clubs last season. And that was certainly a big factor in Detroit pulling off its first sweep of this series since 1991.

Playoff hopes: With the exception of the rousing win over the New England Patriots, Detroit’s defense has been a major disappointment to date. This was a club that was supposed to be better at running the ball and improved when it came to stopping the opposition. But that’s been the exception rather than the rule after four weeks.

28: NEW YORK JETS 1-3

Last week: L, 31-12 at JAC

Last rank: 25th

Recap: The Jets headed south looking to end a brief two-game skid following that Monday night blowout of the Lions at Detroit. And Todd Bowles’ team would take on a frustrated Jacksonville Jaguars’ team that failed to score a touchdown in a Week 3 loss to the Titans. New York’s offense was virtually non-existent on the afternoon as quarterback Sam Darnold and friends managed a mere 178 total yards on 51 plays. Chad Bates’ offense was also only 3-of-13 on third down. Meanwhile, the Jets’ supposedly-improved defense permitted a whopping 503 total yards and allowed Jacksonville to control the football for 37:35.

Next Week: The Green and White play hosts to the Denver Broncos, who will be coming off a Monday night home tilt with the Kansas City Chiefs. The Jets have dropped three straight and five of their last six meetings in this series dating back to 2005, the latest a 23-0 setback last season in the Mile High City (Week 14).

Playoff hopes: Bowles’ team has failed to recapture that magic in the Motor City that was on display in Week 1. That 48-17 triumph over the Lions has been followed with three consecutive losses in which the Jets have totaled only 41 points in those contests. And there appears to be some big-time issues along the offensive line.

27: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1-3

Last week: L, 37-34 vs HOU (OT) 

Last rank: 26th

Recap: A season ago, the Colts won only four games but two of them came at the expense of the Houston Texans. And Indianapolis owned a 14-2 lifetime home record in this series (dating back to ‘02) entering Sunday’s tilt. But the Colts’ offensive line couldn’t keep quarterback Andrew Luck out of harm’s way as he was sacked three times in the first half and four times by game’s end. Inevitably, it was Frank Reich’s defense that couldn’t hold up it end of the bargain as the Texans came up with 466 total yards. And it was the head coach’s questionable decision to go for it on fourth down late in overtime that proved extremely costly.

Next Week: The last time the Colts went into Foxborough and won a game was 2006 and the starting quarterback was Peyton Manning. Including a pair of postseason defeats in ‘13 and ‘14, the team’s current losing streak to the New England Patriots stands at seven games dating back to 2010 – those setbacks by a combined score of 285-152.

Playoff hopes: There have been three straight seasons without a playoff appearance for a franchise that appeared on the way up. Now Reich and his team are off to a shaky start, bad news in a division that has gotten considerably better over the years. And some of the Colts’ recent problems are starting to resurface.

26: HOUSTON TEXANS 1-3

Last week: W, 37-34 at IND (OT) 

Last rank: 31st

Recap: Bill O’Brien’s team was on the road for the third time in four weeks and looking to end a nine-game losing streak that dated back to Week 12 of ‘17. A year ago, the Texans were swept by the Andrew Luck-less Colts. The Houston defense would show up in a big way, sacking Luck four times, twice each by J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney. Still, O’Brien’s club squandered a 28-17 lead in the fourth quarter and eventually fell behind 34-31 in overtime. But the fortunate Texans were bailed out by a pair of Ka’imi Faribairn field goals, the game-winner for Houston set up thanks to a questionable coaching gamble by Indianapolis’ Frank Reich.

Next Week: It’s the battle of the Lone Star State as the Texans host the Dallas Cowboys on NBC’s Sunday Night Football. It’s just the fifth lifetime regular-season meeting between the franchises (Cowboys, 3-1). Houston fans will recall the team’s 19-10 home win in 2002 in the Texans’ first-ever regular-season contest.

Playoff hopes: O’Brien’s squad finally got into the win column but is looking up in a big way in the AFC South at both the Jacksonville Jaguars and Tennessee Titans. Houston’s defense is beginning to show signs of life in terms of the pass rush but the team still allowed Luck to orchestrate a comeback. But the Texans will take the victory.

25: CLEVELAND BROWNS 1-2-1

Last week: L, 45-42 at OAK (OT) 

Last rank: 27th

Recap: The Bengals’ defense had a rough afternoon at Carolina last Sunday, as did quarterback Andy Dalton. Now Marvin Lewis’ club looked to rebound at Atlanta and take on a Falcons’ team looking to make amends for their own performance last week. It wound up being quite the duel between the eight-year signal-caller and one-time NFL MVP Matt Ryan. The former was sacked three times and picked off once but also wound up throwing for 337 yards and three scores, including the game-winner to wide receiver A.J. Green with only seven seconds to play to give Lewis’ spunky team the road victory.

Next Week: The Bengals return home to face the surprising Miami Dolphins as the club hosts this series for the second time in three years. The last time these clubs met, Cincinnati came away with a 22-7 Thursday night win at Paul Brown Stadium in 2016 – snapping a three-game losing streak to the ‘Fins.

Playoff hopes: At 3-1, it will be interesting to see if Lewis and the club can take advantage of their upcoming schedule. Starting with the tilt vs. the visiting Dolphins, the Bengals will be on the road only once in a six-week span. You have to like the fact that this squad scratched out a late victory over a quality opponent.

24: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1-3

Last week: L, 29-27 at LAC

Last rank: 23rd

Recap: The 49ers feared the worse after last Sunday’s loss at Kansas City and it was announced that quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would be lost with a knee injury. So enter second-year pro C.J. Beathard in a match-up with the Chargers. And he had his good and bad moments, throwing for 298 yards and a pair of scores while also being picked off twice. But the bottom line was that Kyle Shanahan’s club owned a surprising 17-6 lead in the second quarter. The Niners’ defense didn’t have a lot of answers for Bolts’ running back Melvin Gordon, who totaled 104 of the team’s 126 rushing yards.

Next Week: San Francisco plays host to the Arizona Cardinals and looks to get back on track in this divisional rivalry. The Niners have lost six straight games in this NFC West dating back to 2015, including three straight on their own home field – the most recent a 20-10 setback a season ago (Week 9).

Playoff hopes: The last time the 49ers made a postseason appearance, quarterback Colin Kaepernick and company were coming up short in the 2013 NFC title game at Seattle. Since then, the team owns a 22-46 regular-season record and are now down starting quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. The team is still lacking a bit on offense.

23: NEW YORK GIANTS 1-3

Last week: L, 33-18 vs NO

Last rank: 21st

Recap: Pat Shurmur got his first win as the Giants’ head coach last Sunday at Houston. Now the team returned home looking to cool off Drew Brees and a hot New Orleans’ offense. But James Bettcher’s defensive unit had no answers for Saints’ second-year running back Alvin Kamara, who gouged Big Blue for 134 yards rushing and three touchdowns – including a dagger 49-yard score with 2:06 left on the clock. Giants’ rookie Saquon Barkley had exactly 100 yards from scrimmage and scored one of the team’s two touchdowns. But New York’s offensive front couldn’t adequately protect Eli Manning, who had one of the team’s two lost fumbles.

Next Week: Current Giants’ general manager Dave Gettleman spent years with the Carolina Panthers before returning to New York. Now Big Blue makes its first appearance at Charlotte since 2013 looking to end a brief two-game losing streak in this series. Including playoffs, the Giants own a 4-6 lifetime record vs. the Panthers.

Playoff hopes: The team couldn’t follow up last week’s win at Houston and fell at home for the second time this season. Shurmur’s club is trying very hard to put all the pieces together but Bettcher’s erratic defense isn’t helping matters. This is a team with talent but it’s still trying to find its identity four weeks into 2018.

22: DENVER BRONCOS 2-2

Last week: MNF vs KC

Last rank: 24th

Recap: It’s still hard to figure what can be expected from the Denver Broncos this season. The club scratched out a win over the Seattle Seahawks (27-24) and Oakland Raiders (20-19) in the first two weeks of the season before falling at Baltimore last Sunday. Quarterback Case Keenum has made his share of both big plays and miscues while throwing more interceptions (5) than touchdown passes (3). The running game and offensive line look better than a season ago and that should pay off as the season wears on. Despite nine sacks in their first three games (4 by Von Miller), Denver’s pass defense still has some things to work out.

Next Week: It’s a short week for the Men from Mile High and they must head east to MetLife Stadium to collide with the New York Jets. A year ago at Denver (Week 14), Joseph’s club pitched a 23-0 shutout in this match-up. All told, the Broncos have won the last three encounters in this setting dating back to 2011.

Playoff hopes: It’s a crucial couple of games for the Broncos, who have made a habit of getting out of the blocks fast in recent years and then struggling the remainder of the season. Denver’s defense has had some ups and downs to date and the club’s struggles against opposing quarterbacks can’t be ignored.

21: DALLAS COWBOYS 2-2

Last week: W, 26-24 vs DET

Last rank: 22nd

Recap: The Cowboys’ offense looked sluggish in its first three outings and was hoping to turn things around against the visiting Detroit Lions. And for the first time in four outings this season, Jason Garrett’s club scored more than 20 points thanks to a huge effort from third-year running back Ezekiel Elliott. He touched the ball a combined 29 times on Sunday and finished with 240 total yards from scrimmage. He not only took a toss from Dak Prescott and turned it into a 38-yard touchdown, his 34-yard downfield reception late in the fourth quarter helped set up the game-winning field goal. Dallas rolled up an impressive 414 total yards in the two-point victory.

Next Week: It is back to the road and a return to prime time as Garrett’s club makes the short trip to Houston for a Sunday night encounter with the struggling Texans. While the clubs have met often in the preseason, it’s only the fifth regular-season clash between the franchises and the Cowboys have won the last three encounters.

Playoff hopes: It’s quite the early logjam in the division as the ‘Boys, Eagles and Giants have already lost at least two games. Dallas’ offense was very balanced against the Lions and that was a deciding factor as this unit bailed out the Cowboys in a big way. Can Garrett’s squad build off its best performance of the season?

20: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 2-2

Last week: W, 20-17 at ARI

Last rank: 20th

Recap: Seattle got its first win of the season last week at home against the Dallas Cowboys. Now the club hit the road for the third time in four games. However, the Seahawks were 4-0-1 in their previous five trips to the desert as they took on the Cardinals and rookie quarterback Josh Rosen. And Pete Carroll’s club continued its road success in this divisional rivalry. Led by Mike Davis 101 yards and two touchdowns, Seattle rolled up 171 yards on the ground while quarterback Russell Wilson threw for 172 yards. Following a missed field goal by Arizona’s Phil Dawson, Sebastian Janikowski nailed a 52-yarder at the gun to give the team a second straight win.

Next Week: The Seahawks tackle a divisional opponent for the second straight Sunday and have their work cut out for them as they host the explosive 4-0 Los Angeles Rams. A year ago in Week 15 at home, Pete Carroll’s club was embarrassed by Sean McVay’s eventual NFC West champion to the tune of 42-7.

Playoff hopes: After five straight playoff appearances from 2012-16, including back-to-back trips to the Super Bowl (XLVIII and XLIX), the Seahawks own a combined 11-9 record since the start of ’17. But Carroll’s team has won two straight after a 0-2 start and get a shot at the unbeaten Rams next Sunday in the Pacific Northwest.

19: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 2-2

Last week: L, 48-10 at CHI

Last rank: 14th

Recap: A short week and a road game doesn’t usually add up to good things for many teams. But that’s what the Buccaneers faced on Sunday as they arrived in Soldier Field to take on the surging Bears. And Mike Smith’s defensive unit was a no-show in the Windy City as there were no answers for second-year Chicago quarterback Mitch Trubisky. He threw five touchdown passes in the first half and six by game’s end. By afternoon’s end, Tampa’s defense surrendered 483 total yards. And quarterbacks Ryan Fitzpatrick (1) and Jameis Winston (2) combined for three interceptions while each was sacked twice.

Next Week: With a 2-2 record after four weeks, the Bucs now have some extra time to get ready for a trip to Atlanta to face the division-rival Falcons in Week 6. Tampa Bay has dropped three straight in this series dating back to the clubs’ second meeting in ’16, this after the Buccaneers had prevailed in three consecutive encounters.

Playoff hopes: Things have come apart defensively for this team in the span of seven days as Trubisky and Ben Roethlisberger teamed to throw nine touchdown passes in eight quarters. And don’t forget the team allowed 40 points in a Week 1 win at New Orleans. Smith has a lot of retooling to do if the Bucs are going anywhere this year.

18: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 2-2

Last week: W, 29-27 vs SF

Last rank: 17th

Recap: The Chargers’ defense and special teams failed the team in the loss to the Rams. Now the Bolts looked to rebound against a San Francisco 49ers’ team that was without its starting quarterback. But Los Angeles’ kicking game continued to be an issue as Caleb Sturgis missed a pair of PATs and also pulled a 54-yard field goal wide right. Still, the Bolts’ offense got another steady performance from running back Melvin Gordon, who ran for 104 yards on 15 carries and also caught seven passes for 55 yards and a touchdown while also hauling in a two-point toss via quarterback Philip Rivers. Gus Bradley’s defense did allow 364 total yards but picked off Niners’ quarterback C.J. Beathard twice and limited San Francisco to 76 yards on the ground.

Next Week: The Bolts play host to the Oakland Raiders and look to build on last season’s success in this longtime AFC West rivalry. A year ago, the Chargers swept the Silver and Black for the first time since 2014, including a convincing 30-10 victory a year ago in Los Angeles on the final Sunday of the season.

Playoff hopes: It’s a team that still isn’t firing on all cylinders. But 2-2 after four games beat the heck out of a 0-4 start. The Chargers’ defense missed end Joey Bosa and apparently the club hasn’t solved its kicking woes after all. But these Bolts remain an intriguing team that could still have a lot to say when it comes to the AFC West race.

17: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1-2-1

Last week: L, 26-14 vs BAL

Last rank: 15th

Recap: The Steelers finally got into the win column last Monday night at Tampa Bay and looked to extend their recent winning ways in their longtime rivalry with the visiting Ravens. After falling behind 14-0 early in the first quarter, Mike Tomlin’s club managed to knot up the score by intermission and rolled up 237 total yards by intermission. But this club failed to score a point in the final 30 minutes of the game and an uninspired offense managed a stunning 47 total yards over that span. It’s not often that a Tomlin club looks flat but give big-time credit to a Baltimore team that won the battles in both trenches.

Next Week: It’s a second straight home game for Tomlin’s club as they welcome the Atlanta Falcons to Pittsburgh for the first time since 2010. The Steelers own an overwhelming 13-2-1 lifetime advantage in this series that dates back to 1966 and posted a 27-20 win in 2014 at Atlanta when last these clubs squared off.

Playoff hopes: It appears that Pittsburgh’s defense is going to have to rely on takeaways if it’s going to be a contributing factor this season. The team continues to pile up sacks while at the same time allowing far too many yards through the air. And if things don’t improve, it could be an uncharacteristic long year in the Steel City.

16: WASHINGTON REDSKINS 2-1

Last week: OFF

Last rank: 19th

Recap: There’s a lot to be encouraged about when it comes to Jay Gruden’s team. However, there’s also room for a bit of skepticism. One aspect of the team that has been steady so far is the defense, which is off to a somewhat surprising good start considering the Redskins’ recent predecessors. Greg Manusky’s unit allowed only 90.7 yards per game on the ground and only six offensive touchdowns during the club’s 2-1 start. While quarterback Alex Smith has been very efficient with his newest team, veteran running back Adrian Peterson has found new life in D.C. The 12-year pro has run for 236 yards and three touchdowns on 56 carries this season.

Next Week: With an extra week to prepare, Gruden’s club heads south to the Big Easy for a Monday night clash with the New Orleans Saints. A year ago at the Superdome (Week 11), the ‘Skins couldn’t protect a 31-16 lead with 5:58 left in the fourth quarter and wound up losing in overtime, 34-31.

Playoff hopes: The ‘Skins have been somewhat of a mystery to date, posting solid wins over the Cardinals and Packers while falling at home to the Colts in a game in which the team failed to score a touchdown. A lot more will be known once the team starts taking an NFC East foe – beginning in Week 7 vs. the Cowboys at FedExField.

15: CINCINNATI BENGALS 3-1

Last week: W, 37-36 at ATL

Last rank: 16th

Recap: The Bengals’ defense had a rough afternoon at Carolina last Sunday, as did quarterback Andy Dalton. Now Marvin Lewis’ club looked to rebound at Atlanta and take on a Falcons’ team looking to make amends for their own performance last week. It wound up being quite the duel between the eight-year signal-caller and one-time NFL MVP Matt Ryan. The former was sacked three times and picked off once but also wound up throwing for 337 yards and three scores, including the game-winner to wide receiver A.J. Green with only seven seconds to play to give Lewis’ spunky team the road victory.

Next Week: The Bengals return home to face the surprising Miami Dolphins as the club hosts this series for the second time in three years. The last time these clubs met, Cincinnati came away with a 22-7 Thursday night win at Paul Brown Stadium in 2016 – snapping a three-game losing streak to the ‘Fins.

Playoff hopes: At 3-1, it will be interesting to see if Lewis and the club can take advantage of their upcoming schedule. Starting with the tilt vs. the visiting Dolphins, the Bengals will be on the road only once in a six-week span. You have to like the fact that this squad scratched out a late victory over a quality opponent.

14: CHICAGO BEARS 3-1

Last week: W, 48-10 vs TB

Last rank: 18th

Recap: Three weeks into the season, the Bears found themselves the only team in their division above the .500 mark. Now Matt Nagy’s team look to make in three straight wins, something this club hasn’t managed since 2013. Enter quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick and the improved Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the real story was Bears’ hurler Mitch Trubisky, who threw for 289 yards and five scores in the first half and finished the afternoon with 354 yards and six touchdowns. During his rookie campaign, the second overall pick in the 2017 draft finished with only seven TD passes in 12 outings. Chicago finished with 483 yards of total offense.

Next Week: The Bears will take some time off and will return to action in Week 6 when they travel south to take on the surprising Miami Dolphins. The clubs will square off for the first time since 2014 when the Dolphins showed up at Soldier Field and came away with a 27-14 win.

Playoff hopes: The Bears have won three straight games for the first time since opening 3-0 in 2013. Since then, there have been four straight last-place finishes in the NFC North. But Chicago’s defense has been lights out the last three weeks and Trubisky and the offense is starting to catch up.

13: MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1-2-1

Last week: L, 38-31 at LAR

Last rank: 7th

Recap: A week ago, Mike Zimmer’s club managed a total of 46 yards in the first half of an eventual 27-6 home loss to the Buffalo Bills. On Thursday night at the Los Angeles Coliseum, the Vikings took the opening kickoff 75 yards on 13 plays and jumped out to a 7-0 lead over the NFC West-leading Rams at Los Angeles. Despite a game effort by quarterback Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota offense, Zimmer’s squad couldn’t keep pace. And who would have thought that this team would put 29 and 31 points on the board on the road against the Green Bay Packers and Rams, respectively, in the first four weeks and find a way not to win either contest?

Next Week: The reeling Vikings are back in the City of Brotherly Love for an NFC Championship Game rematch with the Eagles. Back in January, Nick Foles led an offensive explosion that resulted in a stunning 38-7 victory for the Birds and denied the Purple Gang the chance to play a Super Bowl in front of their home fans.

Playoff hopes: A team that lost only three times during the regular season in 2017 has won just once in four games this fall. And it’s been the defensive side of the football that has disappointed. The issues along the offensive line haven’t help as well. As of now, the Vikings are looking up when it comes to the NFC North standings.

12: BALTIMORE RAVENS 3-1

Last week: W, 26-14 at PIT

Last rank: 13th

Recap: What version of the Ravens might we see on Sunday night at Pittsburgh? Would it be the team that limited the Bills and Broncos to a combined 17 points in a pair of home wins? Or would the Baltimore defense resemble the unit that allowed 34 points in a Week 2 loss at Cincinnati? The club got out of the gates quickly at Heinz Field but by halftime the teams were tied at 14-all. However, John Harbaugh’s defense dominated the second half and blanked Mike Tomlin’s team. Reliable Justin Tucker added four field goals and by game’s end, coordinator Marty Mornhinweg’s offensive attack rolled up 451 total yards on their bitter rivals.

Next Week: The Ravens renew acquaintances with another AFC North rival as they travel to Cleveland to face the Browns. It’s the third time in five weeks that Harbaugh’s club will play a divisional road game. Baltimore owns a 29-9 lifetime record in this series dating back to 1999 and has prevailed in five consecutive meetings.

Playoff hopes: A postseason regular during Harbaugh and Flacco’s first five seasons with the franchise, this has basically been just over a .500 club (43-41) since 2013. But the Ravens came up big in Pittsburgh on Sunday night and now has a road divisional victory on its 2018 resume. This is suddenly a very interesting team.

11: MIAMI DOLPHINS 3-1

Last week: L, 38-7 at NE

Last rank: 8th

Recap: The Dolphins had lost nine straight games at New England dating back to 2009. And seven of those defeats by double digits. That’s the kind of history that Adam Gase’s club faced as they clashed with the angry Patriots on Sunday. And the ‘Fins simply weren’t up to the task as the team managed only 75 total yards in the game’s first two quarters and were down 24-0 at intermission. The Patriots ran 30 more offensive plays (75) than Miami (45) and Gase’s team only had the football for 23:38. The ‘Fins were also flagged 10 times for 89 yards, quite a number considering the club’s ground attack managed only 56 yards on 18 attempts.

Next Week: The Dolphins host the Chicago Bears for the first time since 2010. When last these franchises squared off, Miami came away with a 27-14 win at Soldier Field in ’14. In fact, the road team has prevailed in three straight meetings dating back to 2006. Meanwhile, it’s a reunion of sorts for one-time Bears’ offensive coordinator Gase.

Playoff hopes: In 2016, the Dolphins began 1-4, finished 10-6 and reached the playoffs. A season ago, Gase’s squad won four of its first six games before dropping eight of their last 10 contests. So what to make of this team’s first quarter of 2018? For now, this has been nothing more than a streaky club under their current head coach.

10: ATLANTA FALCONS 1-3:

Last week: L, 37-36 vs CIN

Last rank: 6th

Recap: The Falcons would wrap up their three-game home stand with a visit from the surprising Bengals. And given the amount of injuries on Dan Quinn’s defense, a high-scoring affair was in the cards. By halftime, Cincinnati (28) and Atlanta (24) had already combined for 52 points. And there would be more fireworks in the second half by both teams. But the Falcons’ undermanned defensive unit simply could not stop quarterback Andy Dalton and company when they needed to most in the fourth quarter. In back-to-back homes losses to the New Orleans Saints and Bengals, Atlanta has been stung for a whopping 80 points.

Next Week: Quinn’s club heads north to the Steel City. It’s one of the NFL’s more unusual series as the teams only meet every four years. But the Falcons and Steelers played to overtime in 2002 (tie), ‘06 (Falcons’ win) and ‘10 (Steelers’ win). Pittsburgh came away with a 27-20 victory in 2014 at Atlanta in the clubs’ last clash.

Playoff hopes: A year ago, this team jumped out to a 3-0 start and while there were some bumps along the way, the team finished 10-6 and managed to reach the postseason for the second straight year. The Falcons’ defensive injuries are proving to be costly and there doesn’t seem to be any immediate answers on the horizon.

9: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 2-2

Last week: W, 38-7 vs MIA

Last rank: 9th

Recap: Apparently all it took was a visit from the Dolphins for Bill Belichick’s club to get well. The Patriots opened up a 24-0 halftime advantage on a Miami team that had won its first three games in 2018. But New England outgained their guests a combined 272-75 in the first 30 minutes and 449-172 by game’s end. Rookie running back Sony Michel ran 25 times for 112 yards and one score, while Tom Brady offset a pair of interceptions with three touchdown passes. And a New England defensive unit that was overrun in the Motor City last Sunday night limited Adam Gase’s club to 56 yards on the ground.

Next Week: It’s a short week for the defending conference champions but the Patriots are at home against the Indianapolis Colts. It’s a series that has been dominated by Belichick and company as of late. Including playoff blowout wins in 2013 and ’14, New England has taken the last seven clashes between the clubs dating back to ’10.

Playoff hopes: The last time the Patriots failed to reach the postseason was 2008. And the last time the team finished below .500 was Belichick’s first season (5-11) at the helm in 2000. And Sunday’s impressive win over the Dolphins is exactly why this team can’t be counted out no matter how shaky they looked in recent weeks.

8: CAROLINA PANTHERS 2-1

Last week: OFF

Last rank: 12th

Recap: Following a sluggish start that somehow still resulted in a 16-8 win over the visiting Dallas Cowboys back in Week 1; the Carolina Panthers’ offense has looked a lot better as of late. The team scored a combined 55 points in their split with the Atlanta Falcons (loss) and Cincinnati Bengals (win). Quarterback Cam Newton and running back Christian McCaffrey (428 yards from scrimmage) are off to solid starts. But this talented team still has some defensive issues – most notably in the secondary. And that latter issue was the primary reason that the franchise recently opted to bring on one-time San Francisco 49ers’ safety Eric Reid.

Next Week: When Ron Rivera’s club returns to action in Week 5, the team will host the New York Giants. It will be a reunion of sorts when one-time Panthers’ general manager Dave Gettleman returns to Charlotte. The teams will be meeting for the first time since 2015, a 38-35 Carolina win at MetLife Stadium.

Playoff hopes: It’s a franchise still in search of consecutive winning campaigns. But it’s a team that has been to the playoffs four of the past five seasons and has enjoyed some success in the postseason. The NFC South produced three playoff participants in ’17, so emerging from this group this season would add up to big things.

7: GREEN BAY PACKERS 2-1-1

Last week: W, 22-0 vs BUF

Last rank: 10th

Recap: The Packers bounced back from last week’s humbling setback at FedExField and played its most complete game of the season. Mike McCarthy’s squad did have a few issues in the second half getting into the end zone. But quarterback Aaron Rodgers led a balanced attack that amassed 423 total yards on 74 plays. That included 141 yards on the ground on 32 attempts, with Aaron Jones running for 65 yards and one score. Elsewhere, linebacker Kyler Fackrell had three of the team’s seven sacks of Bills’ rookie quarterback Josh Allen. All told, Mike Pettine’s defenders limited Buffalo’s offense to only 145 yards.

Next Week: For the third time in five games, the Packers will face a longtime divisional opponent. Only this week, it will be on the road as McCarthy’s club travels to the Motor City to face a Lions’ squad that swept this series a season ago. Dating back to ’13, these rivals have split their last 10 meetings.

Playoff hopes: This is a Green Bay team that still has a lot of question marks, especially when it comes to their defense. They found a few answers on Sunday but did take advantage of a Bills’ offensive line that is one of the worst in the league. Still, the Packers are back above .500 and have not lost a game within the division.

6: TENNESSEE TITANS 3-1

Last week: W, 26-23 vs PHI (OT) 

Last rank: 11th

Recap: Following that bizarre Week 1 loss at South Florida, the club has rebounded smartly with divisional wins over the Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars. But the stakes went up a little this week with the defending Super Bowl champion Eagles in town. Mike Vrabel’s club fell behind by 14 points in the third quarter but Dean Pees’ defensive unit rose up the remainder of the afternoon and kept Philadelphia out of the end zone in the fourth quarter and overtime. Resilient Marcus Mariota finished the game with 344 yards through the air, one scoring run and a pair of TD toss to wideout Corey Davis – the latter the game-winner in overtime.

Next Week: The Titans head north to Orchard Park for the first time since 2012 and look to continue their recent success in their series with the Bills. All told, Buffalo pulled out a 14-13 victory three seasons ago at Nashville in the teams’ last meeting, a win that snapped Tennessee’s five-game winning streak in this storied setting.

Playoff hopes: Suddenly Vrabel’s squad has scratched out three consecutive victories, all by exactly three points. The team has hung tough the past two weeks in knocking off a pair of 2017 divisional champions. The Titans last won an AFC South title in 2008 and there’s a long way to go but you have to like this team’s resiliency.

5: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 3-1

Last week: W, 33-18 at NYG

Last rank: 5th

Recap: After throwing the football all over the lot in the first three weeks of the season, Sean Payton’s offense turned to the 2017 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and running back Alvin Kamara responded in a big way. After setting for four field goals in the first half against the Giants, the second-year performer came up with 134 yards rushing by game’s end and reached the end zone three times in the second half. Defensively, Saints’ linebacker Demario Davis came up big. The one-time member of the New York Jets finished with 11 tackles and two sacks and kept the heat on veteran quarterback Eli Manning.

Next Week: Payton’s team collides with a second consecutive NFC East foe and welcomes the Washington Redskins to the Crescent City on Monday night. The teams have had their share of high scoring tilts in recent years. Dating back to 2008, the last five meetings between the clubs have averaged an astonishing 62.8 points per tilt.

Playoff hopes: Make it three consecutive victories for the defending NFC South champions following that Week 1 home debacle against the Buccaneers. The Saints’ defense still has some work to do but the productive Brees and the New Orleans’ attack continues to prove that it has numerous ways to frustrate you.

4: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 2-2

Last week: L, 26-23 at TEN (OT) 

Last rank: 3rd

Recap: The Philadelphia offense ran up 225 yards in the first half at Nashville but still only managed 10 points. Still, Doug Pederson’s squad owned a seven-point lead at intermission over the physical Titans. But as the afternoon wore on, quarterback Carson Wentz began to look a lot more comfortable. And the presence of wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, back on the field for the first time this season, wound up making a huge difference. But the Eagles couldn’t protect a 17-3 third-quarter lead and their offense stalled the remainder of regulation and throughout the overtime session. And Philly’s defense couldn’t stop Tennessee on fourth down (3-for-3).

Next Week: The Birds renew acquaintances with the Minnesota Vikings in a rematch of last season’s NFC title game, won by the Eagles at Philadelphia (38-7). What’s interesting is that the quarterback match-up that day saw Philly’s Nick Foles and the Vikings’ Case Keenum take the field – the latter now with the Denver Broncos.

Playoff hopes: As usual, the NFC East is all bunched up and with the exception of the idle Washington Redskins; every team in the division has already lost at least two games. These Birds just aren’t in sync quite yet and the missed opportunities by the Philadelphia offense cost Pederson’s team dearly in their two setbacks this year.

3: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 3-1

Last week: W, 31-12 vs NYJ

Last rank: 4th

Recap: The Jacksonville offense was a no-show last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans. So Doug Marrone’s team looked to make amends this week against the visiting New York Jets as the Jaguars played their third consecutive home game. And thanks mainly to quarterback Blake Bortles and wide receivers Dede Westbrook and Donte Moncrief, Marrone’s squad totaled exactly 31 points for the second time in three games. Running back Leonard Fournette made a brief appearance and ran for 30 yards on 11 carries. But it was T.J. Yeldon who rushed for 52 yards and a score. Meanwhile, Bortles led an attack that amassed an impressive 503 total yards in the win.

Next Week: Jacksonville plays its first road game since Week 1 and has quite the tall order ahead of it as the club must try to cool off a hot Chiefs’ offense at Arrowhead Stadium. It’s the Jaguars’ second visit to Kansas City in three years and the club is looking to end a three-game losing streak in this infrequent series.

Playoff hopes: The Jaguars did an exceptional job of bounding back from last week’s home disappointment vs. the Titans and thoroughly dominated the visiting Jets. The franchise hasn’t been to the playoffs in consecutive seasons since making four straight appearances from 1996-99. There’s a lot of talent on this roster.

2: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 4-0

Last week: MNF at DEN

Last rank: 2nd

Recap: It’s not like we haven’t seen this scenario before. The Chiefs are once again off to a blistering start. A year ago, Andy Reid’s time won its first five games before dropping six of their final contests and then squandering an 18-point lead in a first-round home playoff loss to the Tennessee Titans. Second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes has thrown 13 touchdown passes and zero interceptions during the club’s 3-0 start. Kansas City has already scored 118 points and reached the 38-point mark in each contest. But coordinator Bob Sutton’s generous defense could eventually prove to be the factor that cost the team in the end.

Next Week: Six days after a trip to the Mile High City, Reid’s team takes on the defending AFC South champion Jacksonville Jaguars and their big-play defensive unit. It could be one of the top chess matches of the year as Mahomes and wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins clash with cornerback Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye.

Playoff hopes: For the third time in six seasons under their current head coach, the Chiefs have won at least their first three games (9-0 in 2013, 5-0 in ’17). And dating back to Week 7 of ’15, Kansas City is an imposing 35-10 in their last 45 regular-season contests. Can they finally make something happen come playoff time?

1: LOS ANGELES RAMS 4-0

Last week: W, 38-31 vs MIN

Last rank: 1st

Recap: The Rams looked to remain undefeated as they took on the visiting Minnesota Vikings on Thursday night. Sean McVay’s team would be without cornerback Aqib Talib but injured tandem mate Marcus Peters wound up being a surprise starter. Quarterback Jared Goff answered an opening possession touchdown drive by Kirk Cousins with an 8-yard TD toss to running back Todd Gurley and he was just getting warmed up. When the night was over, the third-year pro would throw for 465 yards and five scores. Talk about progression? McVay’s team has rolled up 33, 34, 35 and 38 points, respectively, in the team’s first four contests.

Next Week: It’s a date with the rival Seattle Seahawks in the Pacific Northwest. And it’s a series that the Rams have pretty much owned as of late, winning five of the last eight meetings dating back to 2014. A year ago at CenturyLink Field (Week 15), McVay’s club came away with a stunning 42-7 win.

Playoff hopes: The explosive Rams have more wins than the other three teams in the NFC West combined. The absence of Talib will certainly hurt but as of now, there doesn’t seem to be a significant threat within the division. McVay is a young, confident and aggressive head coach who has the pulse of his football team.