NFL Power Rankings: Raiders a Surprise 3-0 Contender Through Week 4
Undefeated Raiders top AFC West, while Texans remain winless as NFL season enters unexpected territory.
The NFL season has delivered significant surprises through its first three weeks, with the Las Vegas Raiders emerging as an unexpected contender in the AFC West and the Houston Texans finding themselves winless. This stark reversal of preseason expectations was highlighted in The Post's NFL power rankings for Week 4.
Unforeseen Leaders and Stragglers
Referencing the adage, "You are what your record says you are," the Raiders stand at 3-0, positioning them as a legitimate threat in a competitive division. Conversely, the Texans are winless, a scenario few anticipated at the season's outset. The early results have prompted re-evaluation of teams like the Bills, 49ers, and Chiefs, while also questioning the trajectories of teams such as the Texans, Buccaneers, and Chargers, who share records with teams like the Dolphins and Titans.
The league has also seen a notable number of close contests, with a single-day record of 12 one-score games occurring on Sunday.
Week 4 Power Rankings Highlights
The Buffalo Bills (3-0) maintained their top position despite a sloppy performance against the Chargers, overcoming a 10-point deficit to secure a 24-16 victory. Josh Allen and James Cook III scored crucial fourth-quarter touchdowns, aided by a late interception from C.J. Gardner-Johnson and a defensive stop.
Following closely are the San Francisco 49ers (3-0), who narrowly defeated the Cardinals 36-30. Brock Purdy threw four touchdown passes, including the game-winner to George Kittle with just over a minute remaining. The team faced injury concerns with Mike Evans and Trent Williams.
The Kansas City Chiefs (3-0) moved up to third place after a 24-10 win over the Dolphins. Kenneth Walker III contributed on the ground and through the air, while Patrick Mahomes connected with Travis Kelce for a late touchdown.
The Denver Broncos (2-1) made a significant leap to fourth after staging a remarkable second-half comeback against the Rams, winning 30-26. Talanoa Hufanga was instrumental with two late interceptions, including a pick-six, and Bo Nix scored the go-ahead touchdown.
The Minnesota Vikings (3-0) secured their spot at fifth with a 23-16 victory over the Buccaneers. Kyler Murray found Jordan Addison for a crucial touchdown, and special teams play was a key factor with a punt return touchdown by Miles Price and multiple field goals from Will Reichard.
The Chicago Bears (2-1) climbed to sixth, thanks to a strong performance from third-string quarterback Case Keenum, who threw two touchdown passes and ran for another in a 27-7 win against the Eagles. An interception by Dillon Thieneman in the end zone was a pivotal moment.
The Seattle Seahawks (2-1) dropped to seventh after a 33-31 loss to the Commanders, decided by a late pick-six thrown by Sam Darnold.
The Baltimore Ravens (2-1) secured an improbable 34-31 win over the Cowboys in Brazil with a last-second field goal from Tyler Loop after a quick drive led by Lamar Jackson. Derrick Henry also had a strong rushing performance.
The Los Angeles Rams (1-2) fell to ninth after relinquishing a 16-point halftime lead in their loss to the Broncos. Matthew Stafford threw a record-breaking pick-six in the fourth quarter.
Surging into the top 10 at number 10 are the Las Vegas Raiders (3-0). The combination of head coach Klint Kubiak and quarterback Kirk Cousins led a comeback 35-27 victory against the Saints. Brock Bowers made his season debut, contributing significantly with 10 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown.
Other Notable Movements
Teams like the Bengals, Eagles, Jaguars, Lions, and Steelers all hold 2-1 records and appear in the middle of the rankings. The New York Giants (2-1) also saw a jump after a gritty 12-7 win against the Titans, powered by four field goals from rookie kicker Dominic Zvada and a game-sealing interception by Jevón Holland.
Teams struggling at the bottom include the New Orleans Saints (1-2), New England Patriots (1-2), Indianapolis Colts (1-2), Dallas Cowboys (1-2), Cleveland Browns (2-1), and Washington Commanders (1-2).
The Houston Texans (0-3), Carolina Panthers (1-2), Atlanta Falcons (1-2), and Green Bay Packers (1-2) are among those further down the standings.
The New York Jets (1-2) suffered a 31-24 loss to the Lions despite a strong second-half performance from Geno Smith. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3), Los Angeles Chargers (0-3), Tennessee Titans (0-3), and Miami Dolphins (0-3) occupy the bottom positions in the Week 4 power rankings.