2014 NFL Power Rankings Week 4

Well, there aren't many changes at the top because the top three teams enjoyed an early bye this past weekend. While the top three remain the same there is some movement within the ranks as this weekend saw one of the last unbeatens (Philly) fall and one of the last winless teams (Tampa Bay) break into the W column. Let's see how they stack up this week.

1. Seattle Seahawks (2-1) ~ Why oh why do I smell a trap game this week? Seattle is not nearly as dominant on the road as they are at home. They also aren't nearly as dominant on the east coast. They square off Monday night in D.C. against a desperate Redskins team. It's a trap Indy! (Last Week's Ranking 1)

2. Denver Broncos (2-1) ~ The Broncos will host one of the remaining unbeatens (Arizona) this week and both teams will be rested coming off of the bye. This might be the game of the week. (LWR 2)

3. Cincinnati Bengals (3-0) ~ The bye week allowed A.J. Green some extra time to rest his injured toe. Cincy will need him if they plan to remain in the ranks of the unbeaten. (LWR 3)

4. Arizona Cardinals (3-0) ~ Drew Stanton did a better job than I expected while filling in for the injured Carson Palmer. He may be back to his normal spot on the bench this week, however, as Palmer is due back from his shoulder injury. (LWR 5)

5. San Diego Chargers (3-1) ~ There was a Keenan Allen sighting this past weekend as the highly touted receiver caught a career-high 10 passes for 135 yards. If he gets it going this passing attack can be lethal. (LWR 9)

6. Baltimore Ravens (3-1) ~ In his first game against the team he spent his first 13 years with Steve Smith had himself a day: seven catches for 139 yards and two scores in a rout against Carolina. (LWR 11)

7. Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) ~ This time it was the Eagles who blew the double digit lead. Maybe they should try falling behind early again this week when the Rams come to town. (LWR 4)

8. Indianapolis Colts (2-2) ~ Andrew Luck simply cannot be stopped right now. The star QB is averaging over 300 yards a game and three touchdowns. If he does that all year he will challenge some all-time records. (LWR 12)

9. Detroit Lions (3-1) ~ Calvin Johnson may be the best receiver in the league but he hasn't played like it over the past three games. He has totaled 14 catches for 177 yards and no touchdowns after racking up 164 yards and two scores in Week One. (LWR 13)

10. San Francisco 49ers (2-2) ~ Remember Frank Gore? The Niners did this week getting their back heavily involved early and he rewarded them with his first 100-yard rushing day of the season and added a 55-yard touchdown catch as well. (LWR 16)

11. Green Bay Packers (2-2) ~ After falling to 1-2 Aaron Rodgers told Packers fans to relax. It looks like he knew what he was talking about after his four touchdown performance in the dismantling of the Bears. (LWR 17)

12. Dallas Cowboys (3-1) ~ DeMarco Murray had his fourth straight game with at least 100 yards rushing and a touchdown to start a season joining a list with Jim Brown, O.J. Simpson and Emmitt Smith. That's some pretty good company. (LWR 20)

13. Atlanta Falcons (2-2) ~ At home they look great. On the road? Not so much. This week they are on the road in New York. If I were a betting man (and I am) I'd stay away from this game. (LWR 7)

14. Houston Texans (3-1) ~ They've already surpassed last season's win total and it isn't even October yet. Sure it's a few hours away but that blows up my narrative so shhhh. (LWR 19)

15. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2) ~ Jamaal Charles and Knile Davis are wreaking havoc on defenses across the NFL. San Francisco, you're next. (LWR 21)

16. New England Patriots (2-2) ~ Maybe, just maybe, the Pats aren't that good this year. After a dozen years of dominance they were due. (LWR 6)

17. Chicago Bears (2-2) ~ For the Bears offense to thrive Brandon Marshall needs to be healthy. The star receiver has just 25 combined receiving yards in the last two weeks. That simply won't get it done. (LWR 8)

18. New York Giants (2-2) ~ Eli Manning threw for four scores and ran in another during Thursday's blowout win against the rival Redskins. Is it me or do these Thursday games stink? (LWR 22)

19. Carolina Panthers (2-2) ~ Cam Newton may be the best runner on the team but they need someone to come out of the backfield. Jonathan Stewart, DeAngelo Williams and Mike Tolbert are all hurt which may lead to Darrin Reaves getting his first NFL start Sunday. (LWR 10)

20. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) ~ Antonio Brown set an NFL record by recording at least five catches in his 20th consecutive game. That doesn't take the sting away from losing at home to previously winless Tampa Bay. (LWR 14)

21. New Orleans Saints (1-3) ~ Similar to Atlanta this year the Saints are terrible on the road and very good at home. Luckily for them they are back in the Superdome come Sunday. (LWR 15)

22. Miami Dolphins (2-2) ~ All it took was a date with Oakland to get back on their winning ways. Too bad they had to fly all the way to London to play the game. The 'phins have earned the bye this week. (LWR 23)

23. Buffalo Bills (2-2) ~ EJ Manuel has been benched in favor of Kyle Orton. I'm sorry Bills fans. (LWR 18)

24. Cleveland Browns (1-2) ~ Ben Tate is due back from injury this week and will look to give the Browns the lead back they haven't had since the year of Peyton Hillis. (LWR 24)

25. Minnesota Vikings (2-2) ~ Teddy Bridgewater looked good in his first NFL start but was forced to leave with an ankle injury. Will he be ready for a quick turnaround this week Thursday night in Green Bay? (LWR 27)

26. New York Jets (1-3) ~ Jets fans are clamoring for Michael Vick but Rex Ryan doesn't seem to want to make the switch. Another loss and it might force his hand. (LWR 26)

27. Tennessee Titans (1-3) ~ If Jake Locker is forced to miss more time the season will be as good as over for the Titans. (LWR 28)

28. Washington Redskins (1-3) ~ As good as Kirk Cousins looked against the Eagles he looked just as bad against the Giants. A regular Jekyll and Hyde. (LWR 25)

29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-3) ~ Mike Glennon made his first start of the season and led Tampa on a game-winning drive with less than a minute left in the fourth quarter. This team may be better off with Glennon than McCown. (LWR 31)

30. St. Louis Rams (1-3) ~ Austin Davis may have been a feel good story the last few weeks but one has to wonder if the sports world is shifting to the baseball diamond in St. Louis as the Cardinals begin the playoffs this week. (LWR 29)

31. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-4) ~ With Blake Bortles officially leading the way the Jags will shock someone this year. I'm not sure who or when but it will happen. They won't go winless this year. (LWR 32)

32. Oakland Raiders (0-4) ~ One month into the season and the first coach has been axed. Dennis Allen is gone in Oakland and in steps Tony Sparano in the interim. Things are not looking good in Oakland. (LWR 31)