Week 3 of the 2024 NFL season has officially wrapped up and just five teams are remaining in the league without a loss, but where do those teams stack up in The Dallas Express Week 4 Power Rankings?
The official Dallas Express Week 4 NFL Power Rankings are as follows:
1. Kansas City Chiefs (Previous Ranking: 1)
Kansas City just keeps winning. The Chiefs are seemingly always involved in games that come down to the final possessions, yet they always come out on top due to brilliance from Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid. The defense has been impeccable all season, allowing less than 26 points in every game this season, and the offense always scores just enough points to come out with a win.
2. Buffalo Bills (Previous Ranking: 6)
The Bills look unstoppable through the first three games of the season and are one of only three teams in the AFC to be 3-0 to start the year alongside Kansas City and Pittsburgh. Buffalo is currently outsourcing their opponents by an incredible 112-48 margin as both the offense and defense have been firing on all cylinders. Josh Allen’s ability to remain in control and avoid turnovers will likely remain a question mark all season, but he is clearly the second-best quarterback in the league and the Bills look like the second-best team in the league when he is playing well.
3. Detroit Lions (Previous Ranking: 5)
Running the ball has always been the Lions’ best option on offense and the team went back to this strategy in their Week 3 win against a porous Arizona Cardinals defense. Detroit rushed for a total of 187 yards and one touchdown against Arizona. While there are still questions regarding Jarden Goff’s ability to win high-scoring games, the Lions have one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league and will be a nightmare for any team they match up against.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (Previous Ranking: 4)
The Eagles walked away with a 15-12 win in New Orleans after impressive closing drives by both the offense and defense to seal the victory. The offensive line remains one of the best in the league and the Eagles might have the best skill position players in the NFL with Saquan Barkley, Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and a healthy A.J. Brown. The defense remains suspect but has played well enough to win games and help the team to a 2-1 record. Philadelphia will enter a relatively easy stretch of games over the next few weeks and will be fighting for the top overall seed in the NFC by the end of the year.
5. San Francisco 49ers (Previous Ranking: 2)
The 49ers are entering Week 4 of the NFL season and have already been crippled by injuries. Christian McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, and George Kittle each missed the 49ers’ Week 3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams, and the team now has to deal with injuries to Javon Hargrave and Brock Purdy. This team is one of the best in the entire NFL when healthy, but falling behind in the standings early in the season could quickly end any Super Bowl hopes.
6. Baltimore Ravens (Previous Ranking: 7)
The Ravens looked good against the Cowboys in Week 3 until the fourth quarter, which has become a concerning trend for this team to begin the season. After going up 28-6 through the first three-quarters of the game, a Ravens victory seemed inevitable despite a late surge by Dallas to get the score within one possession. While the Ravens moved up in the power rankings due to their win over the Cowboys, the near collapse at the end of the game did hold them back from moving even higher.
7. Green Bay Packers (Previous Ranking: 8)
Matt LaFleur is the early leader for the 2024 Coach of the Year after getting the Packers to 2-0 without Jordan Love. The Packers’ defense and run game have each looked impressive through the first three weeks and have shown no signs of slowing down. Malik Willis played incredible in wins over the Colts and Titans, and he could have the toughest challenge of his career if Love is unable to play in Week 4 against the Vikings. Matchups against the Colts and Titans have surely helped this team in the games without its starting quarterback, and they still have more to prove against better competition later this season. Once healthy, Love and the Packers could be the most dangerous team in the league within a few weeks.
8. Minnesota Vikings (Previous Ranking: 13)
Minnesota may have already claimed the most impressive two-week stretch that will be played all season. After easily defeating the 49ers in Week 2, the Vikings dismantled the Texans 34-7 in Week 3. This Brian Flores-led defense is allowing just 10 points per game despite playing two of the most prolific offenses in the league. There are still questions surrounding Sam Darnold’s ability to win big games, but Head Coach Kevin O’Connell has done an incredible job of putting him in positions to succeed.
9. Houston Texans (Previous Ranking: 3)
The Texans looked rattled against the Vikings. CJ Stroud seemed unable to get anything done against a stout Vikings defense, throwing for only 215 yards and two interceptions, while the defense could not get a stop through the first three-quarters of the game. The return of Joe Mixon to the lineup should give the Texans a boost moving forward as the offense starts to find more of a rhythm. Houston is still one of the better teams in the AFC but opponents may look to recreate the sets used by Minnesota in Week 3.
10. New York Jets (Previous Ranking: 11)
Aaron Rodgers and the Jets’ offense made their Week 3 win over the Patriots look effortless. Rodgers has looked healthier in each of the Jets’ three games to start the year and they have now scored 24 points in back-to-back weeks. The Jets’ defense will continue to be one of the most impactful in the league and this team should be competing for first place in their division.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Previous Ranking: 9)
Baker Mayfield may have come back to earth against the Denver Broncos in Week 3, as he threw for only 163 yards, one touchdown, and one interception in the blowout loss. Tampa Bay is good but not great at the majority of positions on the field, which will keep them competitive in the vast majority of their games. This team will be competing for first place in the NFC South division all season but could have a few games in which nothing seems to connect on either side of the ball.
12. New Orleans Saints (Previous Ranking: 12)
Yet another NFC South team seemingly came back down to earth in Week 3 after a dominant first two weeks of the season. The New Orleans offense looked unstoppable in the first two weeks of the season but managed just 12 points against Philadelphia as Derek Carr threw a game-ending interception on the final drive of the game. The Saints’ defense continues to impress but there are still concerns about how consistent the offense can be in meaningful games with Carr under center.
13. Dallas Cowboys (Previous Ranking: 10)
The Cowboys lost 28-25 to the Ravens, but the final score does not tell the full story. Dallas was getting blown out through the majority of the game and was only able to come close to the comeback due to an onside kick in the fourth quarter after the Ravens turned down the intensity. The Cowboys have now played two good teams this season, the Saints and the Ravens, and gotten blown out both times, which is a concerning trend for America’s Team. There are holes throughout the roster at running back, linebacker, and wide receiver that could prevent the Cowboys from ever reaching their full potential this year.
14. Pittsburgh Steelers (Previous Ranking: 17)
The Steelers play the best complimentary football in the entire league as the defense and offense look to be in sync through the team’s first three games of the year. The Steelers’ defense features multiple game-wrecking players while Justin Fields and the offense consistently score just enough points to claim the win. Pittsburgh has yet to score more than 20 points this season, yet they are 3-0 and sit atop the AFC North division with more winnable games coming in the next few weeks.
15. Seattle Seahawks (Previous Ranking: 21)
Seattle has started the season 3-0 but still does not have a terribly impressive win on their résumé, as they narrowly defeated the Broncos and Patriots in the first two weeks while beating the Dolphins without their starting quarterback in Week 3. However, being a 3-0 team in the NFL is not an easy accomplishment and the Seahawks have looked good on offense behind new coordinator Ryan Grubb. The next portion of their schedule will help unveil whether Seattle should be taken seriously as a contender, as they will face the Lions, 49ers, and Falcons in three of the next four weeks.
16. Atlanta Falcons (Previous Ranking: 16)
Although the Falcons sit at just 1-2 on the season, the team has looked more impressive in each of their games. Atlanta was likely a missed pass interference penalty away from beating the Chiefs and putting themselves into the conversation for Super Bowl contenders. Regardless, the penalty was not called and the Falcons now have three straight division games against the Saints, Buccaneers, and Panthers that will likely determine whether the team can even make the playoffs.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (Previous Ranking: 15)
Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers have done nothing but run the ball all season, and it has worked pretty well for them through the first three weeks. While this strategy works well in games in which the Chargers are leading, they will likely struggle all season in games they are trailing. Quarterback Justin Herbert and rookie tackle Joe Alt are now dealing with injuries that could sideline them for a few games, which could drastically change the look of the offense as opposing teams will have to pay even less respect to the passing game.
18. Los Angeles Rams (Previous Ranking: 23)
The Rams will never be truly out of a game with Matthew Stafford and Sean McVay on the field. Despite their Week 3 home game against the 49ers feeling like an away game, the Rams completed an impressive comeback in the fourth quarter to avoid an 0-3 start. Los Angeles still has injury concerns with multiple receivers and offensive linemen expected to miss a few more weeks, but treading water until their return could help propel this team to the playoffs.
19. Cincinnati Bengals (Previous Ranking: 14)
Cincinnati is already in danger of missing the playoffs after an 0-3 start to the year, including losses to the Patriots and Commanders that were initially expected to go down as wins. As a member of the AFC North division, the Bengals now have an incredibly difficult path to the playoffs. The Bengals are hoping the return of wide receiver Tee Higgins can help give them a spark, but they are already in must-win mode with the upcoming game against the Panthers in Week 4.
20. Arizona Cardinals (Previous Ranking: 19)
Kyler Murray and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. already have some of the best chemistry in the NFL, with the two players combining for three touchdowns in their last two games. Arizona’s Week 3 loss against Detroit was a good indication that this team is not good enough to compete with the top teams in the league, but their dynamic duo has the potential to be the most lethal in the league within the next two years.
21. Miami Dolphins (Previous Ranking: 18)
Miami could be in for a rough season if Tua Tagovailoa is not able to return from his concussion soon. Skylar Thompson started for the Dolphins at quarterback and was later replaced by Tim Boyle after an injury, but the two quarterbacks only managed to score three points in the loss. Miami’s defense does not have the firepower to stop opposing teams from scoring consistently and now the offense looks like it won’t be able to keep up in high-scoring games. If Tagovailoa is not able to return within the next three to four weeks, the Dolphins’ season might be effectively over before the midway point of the season.
22. Cleveland Browns (Previous Ranking: 20)
The Browns’ Week 3 loss to the New York Giants is inexcusable and a product of poor quarterback play from Deshaun Watson. Watson still hasn’t found his footing since arriving in Cleveland in 2022 and he may be the worst contract in all of professional football. Cleveland’s defense, which has been one of the best in the league the last few seasons, gave up 21 points while the offense only managed to score 15 points. The Browns put up just 217 total yards of offense and turned the ball over twice in the loss. Unless Watson is able to turn back the clock and re-emerge as one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL, the Browns could have many games this year that look like this.
23. Indianapolis Colts (Previous Ranking: 25)
The Colts offense looked better against the Bears in Week 3, but it was still not overly impressive after scoring 21 points and turning the ball over twice. Anthony Richardson flashed his big play abilities but still had issues with his accuracy on short and medium throws. Their run defense looked much more impressive in Week 3 than either of the first two weeks to start the year, but this may have also been due to the Bears’ issues along the offensive line. Indianapolis has the potential to be a very solid team this season, but this potential relies heavily on Richardson completing the easy throws and avoiding turnovers.
24. Washington Commanders (Previous Ranking: 28)
Washington might have their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels. The rookie helped orchestrate a 38-point showing against a solid Bengals defense in which Washington did not punt a single time in the win. The offseason additions to this team, coupled with the growth of Daniels throughout the season, could result in a shockingly successful year for this franchise.
25. Chicago Bears (Previous Ranking: 24)
The Bears’ defense looks like it might be the best in the NFL after giving up 21 points or less in all three of their games. However, the Bears’ offense has also looked dreadful behind rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. The struggles of the offense should not all be put on Williams since the Bears’ offensive line has also been awful and made it hard for him to work through his progressions, but the rookie has struggled at times with his decision-making and accuracy. Williams is going to keep improving as the season progresses, but the Bears currently look like one of the worst teams in the league after a brutal loss to the Colts.
26. Denver Broncos (Previous Ranking: 30)
Bo Nix and the Broncos’ offense finally found a rhythm against the Buccaneers in Week 3, as the rookie quarterback finished with 263 total yards and one touchdown in the win. Denver still has issues along the offensive line, which partially explains the lack of a rushing attack, but Head Coach Sean Payton has compensated for this by getting Nix outside the pocket more consistently. Regardless, the offense will likely have significant struggles all season and will put a cap on how good this team can be.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (Previous Ranking: 22)
While multiple teams across the league have shown improvements in every game this season, the Jaguars have actually looked worse every time they are on the field. Jacksonville got demolished on Monday Night Football and looked completely unable to accomplish anything on offense or defense. With a difficult stretch of games coming up in the next three weeks, the Jacksonville front office could look to make serious changes to the personnel or coaching staff.
28. New York Giants (Previous Ranking: 31)
Malik Nabers has arrived. The rookie wide receiver became the first player in NFL history to accumulate 20 receptions and three receiving touchdowns in his first three games. There is little to be excited about on this Giants team outside of Nabers, but his presence alone is providing a spark for this Giants team.
29. Carolina Panthers (Previous Ranking: 32)
Are the Panthers actually a decent team or did Andy Dalton just have enough juice to beat another one of the worst teams in the league? Carolina opted to start the veteran Dalton over Bryce Young in Week 3 and the results were very different. Dalton led the Panthers to a 36-22 win over the Raiders, which was the most points they have scored since Week 16 of the 2022 season. Carlona will now prepare for a match-up against a desperate Bengals team in a Week 4 game that will say a lot about the state of both teams.
30. Las Vegas Raiders (Previous Ranking: 26)
It is no surprise that the Raiders had a disappointing performance after their emotional comeback win against the Ravens in Week 2. Regardless, the Raiders are still one of the worst teams in the league and will likely continue to struggle all season. The two biggest concerns for this team are the offensive line and quarterback, which are two of the most crucial aspects of any NFL team. While the Raiders have good enough skill positions and defense to compete in some games this year, they are going to be at the bottom of the standings by the end of the season.
31. New England Patriots (Previous Ranking: 27)
New England started the season on a high note with a win against the Bengals in Week 1, but the past two weeks have been much more disappointing. The offensive line is still a mess and there has yet to be a pass catcher that has stood out as the clear first option. The Patriots’ defense is still solid but could struggle as the offense continues to find its footing as the year progresses. New England is likely to be making a selection at the top of the 2025 NFL Draft and should already be looking at ways to improve this offense.
32. Tennessee Titans (Previous Ranking: 29)
There is not much to say about the Titans through three games this season. Will Levis once again accounted for multiple turnovers in the Titans’ loss to Green Bay, as he threw two interceptions and led the team to only 14 points in Week 3. Without more consistent play at the quarterback position, the Titans seem destined to be consistently blown out by opponents.
