Thursday, September 30, 2021

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 2.4 (2nd)
  • Best ranking: 2nd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 4th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Bucs in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 2

Even without a consistent ground game, which sets up their play-action and keeps opposing defenses from teeing off on him, Tom Brady has been absolutely terrific, throwing for 1,087 passing yards (second most in the league through three games) while his 10 touchdowns are tops in the NFL. He looks far more comfortable than he did a year ago in Bruce Arians' offense, which continues to adapt to what he does best; and the Bucs' red zone scoring has picked up significantly, although they struggled in that department in their 34-24 loss to the Rams. Brady doesn't seem to be slowing down anytime soon. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 2

Is it too early to panic about the defense? The Buccaneers have allowed 300-plus passing yards and at least two passing touchdowns to each QB they've faced this season. Matthew Stafford was the latest passer to light them up in a 34-24 loss, Tampa Bay's first defeat since last November. Through three weeks, the defense has allowed 29.3 points per game, a full seven points higher than what it allowed in 2020. The Tom Brady-led offense will provide cover on most weeks, but the Bucs won the Super Bowl last season because they put it together on both sides of the ball. Tampa Bay has lost that balance, and it's on Todd Bowles to figure out how to restore it. Brady vs. Belichick looms next Sunday night. Any storylines worth following there?

CBS Sports -- Rank: 4

They've had injuries on defense that are showing up each week. This is the return of Tom Brady to New England this week, so that's the story. Bet he can't wait.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

As if the football world obsessing over Brady's return to New England on Sunday night isn't enough, he also needs just 68 passing yards to break Drew Brees' NFL career record (80,358) in front of the "road fans."

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

Surprise! The Bucs brought back all 22 starters and most of their key backups, but that depth is already being tested, particularly in the defensive secondary. Tampa Bay enjoyed some injury luck last year on the way to its title -- getting defensive tackle Vita Vea back for a postseason run was massive, literally -- but the first three weeks of the season have been a reminder of how quickly that can change. The Bucs are already down two cornerbacks (Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean) and a pass rusher (Jason Pierre-Paul, who is dealing with a nagging shoulder injury) and the Rams were able to exploit those weaknesses in ways future opponents like the Patriots and the Dolphins cannot.

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Denver Broncos Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Denver Broncos rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 12.6 (13th)
  • Best ranking: 10th (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 16th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Broncos in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 13

Teddy Bridgewater has been what a team with a potentially elite defense needed -- a calming, prepared and opportunistic passer who can close out drives and avoid turnovers. Yes, the Broncos' first three opponents are now 0-9, but the Broncos won those games by 14, 10 and 26 points. Bridgewater leads the league in completion percentage, is seventh in average length of completion and is fifth in passer rating. He already has become a leading voice in the locker room. And most importantly for a team that led the NFL in both giveaways overall as well as interceptions last season, he has not turned the ball over. -- Jeff Legwold

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

Sure, the Broncos' undefeated start has come at the expense of also-ran squads that are a combined 0-9 through three weeks, but let's give credit where credit is due: Vic Fangio has this team playing well on both sides of the football. The soft schedule is undeniable, but so too is the quality tape Denver has put out for three weeks. Fangio's balanced defense continued to feast on the top of the 2021 NFL Draft, shutting down No. 2 pick Zach Wilson one week after beating up on No. 1 pick Trevor Lawrence. The D's dominance has put Teddy Bridgewater and the offense in good position for three weeks. A Week 4 matchup against the Ravens should present a greater challenge all around.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 10

At 3-0, they've beaten three teams without a win, which makes it hard to evaluate how good they are. We know how good the defense is, that's for sure.

USA Today -- Rank: 16

It's tempting to rate them higher -- and they deserve credit for their 3-0 start -- it's just their three opponents so far are a collective 0-9.

The Athletic -- Rank: 12

Surprise! Teddy Bridgewater putting up stats -- like three straight games with a 75 percent completion rate, 100-plus passer rating and zero interceptions -- that only Peyton Manning has produced in Denver is a major reason the Broncos have won their opening three games for the first time since 2016. The schedule gets much tougher from here, but the Broncos appear to have made the right choice after a tight training camp battle between Bridgewater and Drew Lock.

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Houston Texans Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Houston Texans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 28.6 (29th)
  • Best ranking: 28th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 29th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Texans in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 28

The Texans are 1-2, but the team felt really good about Tyrod Taylor's play through the first six quarters of the season, before he injured his left hamstring against Cleveland. Now, Houston hopes to see growth from Davis Mills. The rookie quarterback will play at least two more games with Taylor on the injured reserve, and coach David Culley said he thought Mills showed that "he can handle a lot more than what we felt like, because of the way he handled himself" in his first NFL start. -- Sarah Barshop

NFL.com -- Rank: 28

The Texans feel like the AFC's answer to the Lions: A talent-deficient roster that fights hard for its coach but ultimately lacks the firepower to keep up. Houston struggled to limit chunk gains from a Sam Darnold-led Panthers offense that played without Christian McCaffrey for most of the game, while the Texans' ground attack was practically non-existent in a 24-9 loss in prime time. Davis Mills had moments in his NFL starting debut -- most of them during Houston's lone touchdown march late in the first half -- but he's a third-string rookie quarterback who's been pressed into duty before he's ready. The kid needs help, and Mark Ingram, Phillip Lindsay and the rest of the Texans' run game couldn't give it to him on Thursday night.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

Davis Mills did some good things against the Panthers, but they were too restrictive in their play calling. It's time to let him play a little looser going forward.

USA Today -- Rank: 29

No matter the quarterback, you have to admire WR Brandin Cooks' constant production -- his numbers currently spiking to 107 receiving yards per game despite Houston's offensive issues.

The Athletic -- Rank: 29

Surprise! The Texans hoped to improve their running game after languishing near the bottom of the league last season. It was something Houston thought it might be able to rely on once its quarterback situation -- first with Deshaun Watson's legal issues and then with Tyrod Taylor's injury -- devolved into arguably the league's worst. Instead, the Texans have the worst rushing attack in the league measured by EPA per rush. New additions Phillip Lindsay and Mark Ingram have not met expectations.

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Cleveland Browns Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Cleveland Browns rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 6.6 (7th)
  • Best ranking: 3rd (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 8th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Browns in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 6

Despite what his QBR suggests, Baker Mayfield has played well. He has been unlucky with touchdown passes, as the Browns lead the NFL with eight touchdown runs (no other team has more than five). His QBR also is being dragged down by nine sacks; he is last in the sack element that factors into QBR. Considering he also ranks fifth with a completion rate of 73.8% and fourth with 9.75 yards per passing attempt, Mayfield's QBR will be just fine once he eliminates some of those sacks and a few of those Browns scoring runs turn into Mayfield touchdown passes. -- Jake Trotter

NFL.com -- Rank: 8

The 26-6 final score doesn't reflect just how badly the Browns beat up on the poor Bears. Cleveland was in total control from the opening kickoff, and Myles Garrett set a franchise record with 4.5 sacks, a performance that quiets talk of a slow start by the game's premier defensive end. Justin Fields was under constant duress as Chicago managed a single net yard of passing. The Browns continue to get impact performances from their running game, as well: Kareem Hunt totaled 155 total yards, including the game-sealing touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Then there's Odell Beckham, who made his season debut and looked like himself in a five-catch day. The Browns are in a good place.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 8

The defense came alive against the Bears, with Myles Garrett playing a huge role with 4.5 sacks. At 2-1, they face a tough road trip to Minnesota this week.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

Revamped defense arrived Sunday, posting nine sacks while limiting Chicago to 47 total yards and 1.1 per play. WR Odell Beckham Jr. (87 yards from scrimmage) also apparently arrived. The possibilities for Cleveland remain exciting.

The Athletic -- Rank: 8

Surprise! The Browns have 10 sacks through three games (second in the NFL) after racking up just 38 all of last season. Yes, 4 1/2 of those came from former No. 1 pick Myles Garrett in Sunday's demolition of the Bears, but Jadeveon Clowney (another past No. 1) has two already this season after earning none in eight games last year with the Titans. Pressuring the quarterback and running the ball on offense is a pretty good formula for winter success in the AFC North.

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Arizona Cardinals Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Arizona Cardinals rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 6.0 (5th)
  • Best ranking: 2nd (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 11th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Cardinals in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 8

Kyler Murray's growth from last season to this season is very evident. He has taken the necessary jumps from Years 1 and 2 to Year 3, and it's showing on the field. He is putting up MVP-like numbers with 1,005 passing yards (third most in the NFL) and seven passing touchdowns (fifth most). And he's going to keep getting better. As long as he stays healthy, he'll finish the season among the best quarterbacks in the league. But there's more. He also has rushed for a touchdown in each of his first three games. Murray's dual-threat ability makes him among the most -- if not the most -- difficult quarterbacks to defend in the league. -- Josh Weinfuss

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

The worst moment of Sunday was obvious: Kliff Kingsbury's misbegotten decision to let Matt Prater try a 68-yard field goal in the final seconds of the first half, a bold move rewarded with a 109-yard touchdown return by Jacksonville. Luckily for Kingsbury, the Cardinals have a superstar quarterback who can cover up for the sins of the head coach and others. Kyler Murray threw for 316 yards, and Arizona had two 100-yard receivers -- neither named DeAndre Hopkins -- in a 31-19 win over the hapless Jaguars. After the game, the Cardinals neatly spun the special teams catastrophe into an opportunity to display their apparent team growth. "The last two years," Murray said, "we would have lost that game for sure." OK.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 2

It hasn't always been pretty for this team, but they are 3-0. They are making a lot of big plays on both sides of the ball.

USA Today -- Rank: 5

Whatever suspicions their 3-0 start might have sown will be tested over the next three weeks as Arizona face the Rams and Browns on the road while hosting the 49ers in between those dates.

The Athletic -- Rank: 4

Surprise! We knew the Cardinals had good wide receivers, but that group has exceeded expectations. Christian Kirk is on pace for a career year. Second-round pick Rondale Moore leads all rookies in yards after the catch (162). A.J. Green looks like he has plenty in the tank at 33. DeAndre Hopkins has been, well, DeAndre Hopkins. Kyler Murray and these weapons have made for a highly entertaining offense.

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Pittsburgh Steelers Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Pittsburgh Steelers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 20.8 (T-20th)
  • Best ranking: 20th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 22nd (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Steelers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 21

Ben Roethlisberger's performance through three games is only surprising if you ignore his age and the offensive line's many red flags. The offense is undeniably bad, but that doesn't fall entirely on Roethlisberger. Even with his limited mobility, he is still the best quarterback on the roster, with Mason Rudolph and Dwayne Haskins being the others. Roethlisberger has been hit 22 times in three games, and some bad passes are the result of near-constant duress or miscommunications with receivers. But the biggest indictments of his slow start are the coverage sacks and the interceptions during the loss to the Bengals. Roethlisberger has to be smarter with the football if he is going to spur an offensive turnaround. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

We learned just how much T.J. Watt means to the Steelers' defense on Sunday. Pittsburgh entered its matchup against the Bengals with a sack in an NFL-record 75 straight regular season games. As Watt watched from the sideline with an injured groin, the Steelers' streak was unceremoniously halted by a pedestrian Cincinnati line that had struggled to keep Joe Burrow upright a week before against the Bears. While the defense sputtered, the offense remained stuck in neutral. This was particularly apparent on an 18-play, 88-yard, nine-minute drive that ended with a field goal in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh was still down 24-10 after the Chris Boswell kick, with a chunk of the second half now lost for good. The Steelers have big problems on offense with no easy solutions.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 22

This is a bad team right now. The offense doesn't scare anybody. In fact, it's a downright mess. How did they beat the Bills?

USA Today -- Rank: 20

After a Week 1 aberration, Pittsburgh has sunk to last place in the AFC North, thanks largely to an O-line that's been as bad as forecast. Rookie RB Najee Harris is actually averaging more receiving yards (49.7) than rushing (41.0) per game.

The Athletic -- Rank: 21

Surprise! The Steelers' confidence in an aging Ben Roethlisberger was misguided. But perhaps this isn't really a surprise at all. (We watched the film of Roethlisberger's 2020 season.) Now, after a particularly futile offensive effort in a home loss to Cincinnati, the Steelers are having to answer questions about potentially benching Roethlisberger. But for who? Mason Rudolph? Dwayne Haskins? Old Ben it is, we guess.

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Dallas Cowboys Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Dallas Cowboys rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 13.0 (14th)
  • Best ranking: 8th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 16th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Cowboys in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 14

The fact that Dak Prescott has started the season as well as he has is only somewhat surprising, what with all the time missed after suffering the ankle injury in October and then in training camp because of a latissimus strain. In his first game in 11 months, he threw for more than 400 yards. In his second game, he completed better than 85% of his passes. In his third, he completed 21 of 26 passes and threw for three touchdowns. He has shown no rust or ill effects from either injury early in the season, which is a plus for the Cowboys, because as Prescott goes, they will go. -- Todd Archer

NFL.com -- Rank: 14

The Cowboys look like the best team in the NFC East -- and it's not particularly close right now. America's Team had its way with the Eagles on Monday Night Football, jumping out to an early lead and never looking back in a 41-21 win at Jerrah World. How lopsided was this matchup? The 'Boys had a 19-1 advantage in first downs by the end of the first half. Dak Prescott continues to play like a legitimate MVP candidate, and big performances by running back Ezekiel Elliott (116 total yards, two TDs), tight end Dalton Schultz (6/80/2) and emerging cornerback Trevon Diggs (game-sealing pick-six) have Dallas cutting the profile of a legitimate power player in the NFC.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

They looked like the best team in the NFC East in their rout of the Eagles. They just might run away with the division.

USA Today -- Rank: 8

CB Trevon Diggs is on pace to pick off 17 balls this year ... which would be a new regular-season record. Dallas is also on pace to reclaim the NFC East crown coming off a dominant Monday night win.

The Athletic -- Rank: 13

Surprise! When Jerry Jones handed Dak Prescott the richest contract in team history this offseason -- four years, $160 million -- it came with a clear expectation that the 28-year-old would cement his place as one of the league's top quarterbacks. But this? After last year's gruesome ankle injury? After the shoulder injury in training camp? Prescott leads the NFL in completion percentage (77.5) and appears as in-control as he's ever been during his six seasons in the league.

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Buffalo Bills Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Buffalo Bills rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 4.4 (3rd)
  • Best ranking: 3rd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 7th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Bills in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 3

Josh Allen called out his own play after the first two games of the season, but he took a big step in the right direction during the win over Washington in Week 3. He had five total touchdowns and found success in the middle of the field, completing 20 of 25 passes for 225 yards and a touchdown on throws between the painted field numbers, per ESPN Stats & Information research. Allen's overall play should improve from the small sample size of the first three weeks, but it remains to be seen if he will match last season's consistent high-level success for an entire campaign. -- Alaina Getzenberg

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

The Bills have it cooking on both sides of the ball now. Josh Allen picked apart a supposedly good Washington defense with surgical precision, cutting perfect spirals through gusting winds like Joe Namath at Shea Stadium in a casually dominant 43-21 win over the Football Team. Allen's chemistry with his receivers was palpable on Sunday: Stefon Diggs made his usual assortment of impact plays and Cole Beasley showed off his uncanny knack for finding the defense's soft underbelly, while Emmanuel Sanders has profiled as a significant upgrade over John Brown. Buffalo might have the AFC East locked up by Thanksgiving.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 5

That Week 1 oss to the Steelers will look strange at the end of this season. The defense isn't getting enough credit for how well it is playing, which bodes well for the long term.

USA Today -- Rank: 7

With 78 points scored the past two weeks, Buffalo is clearly heating up. A struggling offensive line passed Sunday's test against Washington and may not face another stiff one until December.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

Surprise! The 34-year-old Emmanuel Sanders looking like a 27-year-old version of himself has been a pleasant development for the Bills. Sanders leads a talented Buffalo receiving corps in receiving yards (194), yards per catch (17.6) and touchdowns (two). Sustainable? Sure, if Sanders remains healthy. The Buffalo offense appears to be a perfect fit for the still-speedy veteran's talents.

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Wednesday, September 29, 2021

Atlanta Falcons Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Atlanta Falcons rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 26.2 (26th)
  • Best ranking: 25th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 28th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Falcons in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 25

Matt Ryan has become a short-field passer this season under new coach Arthur Smith. Without star receiver Julio Jones, he is registering his lowest yards per attempt (6.04) and yards per dropback (5.29) of his career. That could have to do with how often he has been hit -- a career-worst 20.7% of the time -- yet he is on pace to complete a career-high 70.9% of his passes. Atlanta's offense hasn't been pretty for much of the season, and there haven't been many shot plays involved, which is why the Falcons' QBR is where it is. -- Michael Rothstein

NFL.com -- Rank: 25

Matt Ryan and the Falcons' offense has been extremely uneven to start the season, but the Atlanta attack perked up in the final quarter of Sunday's 17-14 comeback win over the Giants at MetLife Stadium. Ryan engineered a 72-yard touchdown drive to draw the Falcons even, then connected on big gainers to Cordarrelle Patterson and Kyle Pitts to set up Younghoe Koo's game-winning 40-yard field goal as time expired. Koo's boot officially put Arthur Smith in the win column as an NFL head coach, and now the Falcons have a chance to reset their season with Washington and the Jets on tap in the next two weeks.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 27

They showed some life in coming back against the Giants. Will that jump-start their season? Maybe, but they have to be better up front, especially this week against a Washington defense that has talent on the line.

USA Today -- Rank: 28

Who would have guessed 33-year-old blocking TE Lee Smith would find the end zone before widely acclaimed rookie Kyle Pitts?

The Athletic -- Rank: 26

Surprise! The Falcons have the third-worst offensive EPA in the league. Even during a 4-12 season in 2020, Atlanta finished 14th in that category. It's jarring to see Matt Ryan have such trouble getting the ball down the field. His 4.25 air yards per attempt are 32nd among 33 qualifying NFL quarterbacks.

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Baltimore Ravens Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Baltimore Ravens rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 8.0 (8th)
  • Best ranking: 5th (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 13th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Ravens in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 7

Lamar Jackson has been uncharacteristically sloppy at times, committing five turnovers (three interceptions and two fumbles) in the first three games. But Jackson has more than redeemed himself with how he has carried the short-handed Ravens this season. In an upset victory over the Chiefs, he came back from a double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter by running for two touchdowns. In the last-second win at the Lions, Jackson had one of the best passing days of his career and converted a fourth-and-19 with a 36-yard completion to Sammy Watkins. Asked why no one should count out the Ravens despite the numerous injuries, wide receiver Marquise Brown said, "Because we got Lamar Jackson." -- Jamison Hensley

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

Justin Tucker was already on a Hall of Fame track before Sunday in Detroit. He might have cemented his place in Canton with an NFL record-setting 66-yard field goal to beat the Lions and touch off a huge celebration at a suddenly silent Ford Field. Tucker's brilliance covered up for the sins of his team: Marquise Brown dropped three potential touchdown passes in the first half, and the Baltimore defense folded in the fourth quarter against a tepid Detroit offense. But the Ravens still had Tucker, the not-so-secret weapon who has dominated at his position for a decade. Said John Harbaugh: "He's the best kicker in history." There's nobody else even close.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 13

They are 2-1, but when you have to beat the Lions on a 66-yard field goal at the buzzer, it's telling. They haven't played a full game yet on both sides of the ball.

USA Today -- Rank: 6

They're leading league in rushing despite being decimated at running back ... and that passing attack is showing significant signs of life, too.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

Surprise! Justin Tucker's NFL-record 66-yard field goal Sunday covered up another suspect effort from Baltimore's defense, which has been surprisingly vulnerable against the pass. Yes, injuries in the secondary play a role, but the Ravens also have had trouble creating pressure. Only four teams have fewer sacks than Baltimore's five.

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Carolina Panthers Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Carolina Panthers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 11.8 (12th)
  • Best ranking: 9th (CBS Sports)
  • Worst ranking: 14th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Panthers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 12

If there were a comeback player of the year for somebody who wasn't injured that previous season, Sam Darnold would have a big head start. He has gone from the worst total QBR (41.4) over the past three seasons with the Jets to No. 6 so far this season. He has completed 68.2% of his passes, way up from his league-worst 59.8% in New York. He has thrown three touchdowns to only one interception and has three rushing touchdowns, two fewer than he had from 2018 to 2020. According to recently traded tight end Dan Arnold, now with the Jaguars, Darnold is playing at a "premier level," a level that could continue. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 13

"We're a football team. We're not the Carolina Christian McCaffreys." Panthers left tackle Cameron Erving struck a tone of defiance after McCaffrey exited Thursday night's win over the Texans with a hamstring injury that will likely cost him multiple weeks. The Panthers took advantage of a soft schedule to jump to a 3-0 start, but they enter the teeth of their slate without their superstar running back or rookie first-round pick Jaycee Horn, who broke multiple bones in his foot against Houston. Carolina addressed the secondary loss with a bold trade on Monday, sending tight end Dan Arnold and a third-round pick to the Jaguars for cornerback C.J. Henderson, last year's ninth overall pick.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

They haven't exactly lit up a murderous schedule, but 3-0 is 3-0. The injuries have to be a concern, especially with Christian McCaffrey down for a bit and Jaycee Horn down for longer - maybe the season.

USA Today -- Rank: 11

Reminder that the wife of Panthers coach Matt Rhule urged him to draft RB Chuba Hubbard when he dropped to the fourth round of this year's draft. (Julie Rhule was well aware of Hubbard's ability after watching him play against her husband's Baylor squad in 2019.) With Carolina RB Christian McCaffrey out for an indefinite period, Julie Rhule's advice now seems especially sage.

The Athletic -- Rank: 14

Surprise! D.J. Moore was already trending toward becoming one of the NFL's top receivers, but that doesn't make his quick chemistry with Sam Darnold any less impressive. Moore's 16 receptions for a first down are tied for second in the NFL -- one behind Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce -- and his 285 receiving yards rank eighth. Carolina will need Moore to continue to put up elite numbers to make up for Christian McCaffrey's absence.

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Green Bay Packers Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Green Bay Packers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 5.6 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 3rd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 13th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Packers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 4

If Aaron Rodgers' uninspiring performance in the 38-3 season-opening loss to the Saints had you thinking he was a shell of his MVP self, then the past two games should have snapped you out of it. Since throwing two interceptions in Week 1, Rodgers has six touchdowns and no picks. Rodgers tried to tell people not to be worried about him or his team's play after just one game, and now he has given them reason not to be. "It gives some legitimacy to some of the things we've been talking about," Rodgers said. "That [Saints loss] was kind of an aberration and that we are a talented football team." -- Rob Demovsky

NFL.com -- Rank: 3

"How can you not be romantic about football?" a whimsical Aaron Rodgers asked moments after he led the Packers on a final-minute field-goal drive to steal a win from the 49ers -- the same game the 49ers appeared ready to steal from the Packers only minutes before. It was that kind of night in Santa Clara, in the second Sunday Night Football classic in as many weeks. Rodgers was nails in those final seconds, connecting on two downfield strikes to Davante Adams to set up Mason Crosby's game-winner from 51 yards out. The icy midfield handshake between Kyle Shanahan and Matt LaFleur added even more drama to a rivalry that deserves another chapter come January.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

Winning on the road at San Francisco the way they did was impressive. They dominated for much of that game, lost the lead, and still found a way to win it. Aaron Rodgers has been great the past two weeks.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Back alone atop the NFC North, their Week 1 loss is shaping up as the outlier QB Aaron Rodgers claimed it was -- he and WR Davante Adams now performing like the singular free agent combo they could be in six months.

The Athletic -- Rank: 5

Surprise! The Packers' offensive line has held up well despite key injuries, including one to All-Pro left tackle David Bakhtiari. The unit more than held its own against San Francisco's vaunted pass rush in a thrilling Week 3 win. The Packers are also involving multiple tight ends on offense far more frequently than they did last season -- 35 percent of plays in 2021 compared to 25 percent in '20 -- so schematic adjustments have also helped keep Aaron Rodgers upright. The humiliating Week 1 loss to New Orleans already seems like a distant memory.

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Washington Football Team Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Washington Football Team rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 23.0 (23rd)
  • Best ranking: 22nd (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 24th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for Washington in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 22

The quarterback play has been as expected, given that starter Ryan Fitzpatrick was hurt in the second quarter of the opener. Taylor Heinicke is a terrific story, and he is capable of helping, but he is limited. He threw for 336 yards and two touchdowns in a win over the Giants, but he had only 212 passing yards and forced two throws for ugly picks versus the Bills. While he can spark a team, he is unable to carry one. The sad thing is, it's better overall play than last season, when Washington ranked last with a 32.6 rating. But going forward, Washington will look, once more, for a long-term solution in the offseason. -- John Keim

NFL.com -- Rank: 24

The Washington Football Team is one gift-wrapped victory from the Giants away from an 0-3 start, and the failure of the defense to meet expectations is the main reason why. Washington surrendered points on seven of Buffalo's first nine possessions on Sunday, as Josh Allen picked apart the secondary without being sacked once in a 43-21 loss in Orchard Park. The Bills scored 27 points in the first half; Allen was over 300 yards passing with nine minutes to play in the third quarter. Washington has time to sort things out, but the team's primary strength has turned into its biggest weakness. Said Ron Rivera: "We got a long way to go."

CBS Sports -- Rank: 23

The defense, which looked like it would be dominant before the season, has been a disaster. It can't stop anybody. That's hard to believe with the talent of the front seven.

USA Today -- Rank: 23

A defense that was the league's second best statistically in 2020 is currently its second worst and has only six sacks despite its vaunted front.

The Athletic -- Rank: 23

Surprise! We were told Washington's defensive line would be dominant. What happened? Where are they? The lack of production from the collective group of Chase Young (who has yet to record a sack this season), Montez Sweat, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne has been one of the biggest early mysteries of this season.

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Las Vegas Raiders Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Las Vegas Raiders rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 6.2 (6th)
  • Best ranking: 4th (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 9th (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Raiders in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 5

The question bandied about by both Derek Carr fans and detractors alike -- is Carr elite? -- might finally have an answer. Because if being in the top eight in QBR is indeed elite, then, yes, he is. For now. This is the most in command Carr has looked in Jon Gruden's offense, and it should be considering they are now in their fourth season together, right? With little to no running game early in contests to speak of and a makeshift offensive line held together by duct tape, the one-dimensional attack has thrived rather than suffered. -- Paul Gutierrez

NFL.com -- Rank: 9

Pro football in Las Vegas is thriving, and the Raiders are 3-0 for the first time since their Super Bowl season of 2002. Their 31-28 OT win over the Dolphins was a weird one: Miami scored the first 14 points, the Raiders ripped off the next 25, and then the 'Phins answered with the final 11 points of regulation to force OT. Derek Carr was nails once again in money time. His gorgeous, over-the-shoulder dime to Bryan Edwards went for 34 yards on second-and-15, the key play in the drive that ended with Daniel Carlson's game-winning field goal. Two home games with a crowd at Allegiant Stadium, and two classics for anyone lucky enough to be there. The Raiders are a vibe.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

At 3-0, they are one of the early-season surprises. They showed some fight rallying from down 14 early to beat Miami. Now comes a tough one with the Chargers on the road.

USA Today -- Rank: 4

QB Derek Carr has been off the charts, averaging 401 passing yards per game -- more than 150 better than his career average -- which puts him on pace for 6,817 over 17 games.

The Athletic -- Rank: 7

Surprise! The NFL's leader in quarterback pressures is ... Maxx Crosby? Crosby, the Raiders' third-year edge rusher, has 21 pressures in three games according to Pro Football Focus and TruMedia. That's five more than well-established pass rushers like Aaron Donald and Myles Garrett, to go along with 12 quarterback hits. His pressures have resulted in only two individual sacks, but his emergence as a consistent pass-rushing threat has given the Raiders' defense an element that's been missing since the Khalil Mack trade three years ago. Is Crosby's production sustainable? Maybe. If so, imagine what that would do for the Raiders' ceiling.

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