NFL Week 4 Power Rankings: Dolphins’ Historic Surge and the Return of Chiefs’ Dominance

NFL Power Rankings for Week 4

The tumult continued in Week 4 of the NFL as the rankings experienced another shuffle within the top ten. The Saints, Cowboys, Ravens, Falcons, and Jaguars all faced defeat in Week 3, causing reverberations through the league standings. On the other hand, the Chiefs seem to be rediscovering their championship-winning formula, demolishing the Bears with a 41-10 defeat. However, the crescendo of Week 3 was unequivocally the Miami Dolphins’ historical obliteration of the Denver Broncos on their home turf. The Dolphins not only soared to the top rank but also etched their names in the annals of NFL history, becoming the fourth team ever— and the first in 57 years—to amass a staggering 70 points in a single game, a feat inclusive of postseason exploits. The echoes of this unprecedented scoreline will undoubtedly resonate as we venture deeper into the season.

Strike 7 Elite: Power Rankings 1-10

1. 49ers: 3-0

Kicking off their home opener on Thursday Night Football, the San Francisco 49ers, despite operating on a short week, demonstrated why they are the reigning NFC West champions, securing a smooth 30-12 victory over the New York Giants. Deebo Samuel, with his explosive agility, blazed past the Giants’ defense, racking up six catches, 129 receiving yards, and a touchdown, showcasing the relentless offensive firepower of the 49ers. This win marks their third of the season, maintaining their command of the NFC West, even with the Seattle Seahawks closely trailing behind in momentum. For the third consecutive week, the unparalleled performance of the Niners solidified their position as our number-one ranked team.

2. Dolphins: 3-0 (Previous Ranking 4th)

Ascending to second from a fourth-place ranking, the Miami Dolphins continue to ripple waves across the league in our latest power rankings. Since the commencement of the previous season, the team’s offense has undergone a transformative elevation under the stewardship of second-year head coach Mike McDaniel. Their clash against the Denver Broncos in Week 3 was a monumental display of their burgeoning force in the AFC this season, amassing a staggering 726 yards of offense—marking the second-highest in a single game in NFL history. Rookie running back De’Von Achane was the linchpin in Sunday’s remarkable 70-20 rout of Denver, churning out a season-high 203 rushing yards and crossing the pylon five times. With their compelling performance, the Dolphins appear formidable contenders in the AFC landscape this season.

3. Eagles: 3-0

Maintaining their undefeated record, the Philadelphia Eagles, ranked third in our listings, showcased their resilience by conquering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 25-11 on Monday Night Football despite grappling with challenging terrains. The journey has been fraught with gritty and less-than-ideal performances, but the Eagles have managed to carve pathways to victory.

The clash against Tampa marked a promising uptick in offensive synergy. Wide receiver AJ Brown displayed his catching prowess with nine receptions for 131 yards, complemented by the dynamic rushing of D’Andre Swift, who racked up 131 yards on just 16 carries. While their victories may not have been picture-perfect, the Eagles are steadily refining their approach, evolving with every game.

4. Chiefs: 2-1 (Previous Ranking 7th)

It seemed like just another day at the office for the Kansas City Chiefs as they faced a seemingly rudderless Chicago Bears team. Kansas City unleashed a torrent of points, hitting a season-high 41 in their triumphant Sunday clash in Week 3 against Chicago. Travis Kelce, seemingly rejuvenated after a speedy recovery from a hyperextended knee and bone bruise sustained in the final practice of Week 1, displayed his trademark finesse. He hauled seven catches for 69 yards and contributed a touchdown to the Chiefs’ substantial tally in Sunday’s game. The synchronicity and prowess shown by the Chiefs indicate that they are back on track and poised for more victories.

5. Bills: 2-1 (Previous Ranking 14th)

Elevating from the second-tier category of Strike 7’s rankings, the Buffalo Bills have swiftly asserted themselves as one of our elite teams, claiming the number 5 spot in our power rankings. Demonstrating remarkable consistency, they’ve delivered commanding performances in consecutive weeks. The Bills unleashed a 38-point offensive torrent against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 2’s home opener and maintained their high-octane pace with a 37-point display against the Washington Commanders. Their defense has been an impenetrable wall throughout this two-game winning surge, conceding a mere 13 points. The upcoming fixture pits the Bills against the surging Miami Dolphins in a much-anticipated showdown, promising a battle of titans in the race for supremacy.

6. Cowboys: 2-1 (Previous Ranking 2nd)

Experiencing a slide from the second to the sixth spot in our Strike 7 Elite Top 10, the Dallas Cowboys found themselves on the unfortunate end of one of the season’s biggest shockers, succumbing to the Arizona Cardinals. Despite a 1-2 record, the Cardinals have displayed resilience, challenging every opponent they’ve faced, and Dallas was no exception.

The Cowboys had several golden opportunities in the red zone but were consistently thwarted by a relentless Cardinals defense. Quarterback Dak Prescott managed to amass 249 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. For a squad brimming with talent like the Cowboys, leaving this unexpected setback in the rearview mirror and refocusing is essential, as they can outperform adversaries like the Cardinals.

7. Packers: 2-1 (Previous Ranking 9th)

The Packers were down but not totally out of it in their game against the New Orleans Saints. They rallied from being down 17 points when Saints starting QB Derek Carr left the game with a shoulder injury. Backup Jameis Winston entered the game, but the Saints’ offense remained neutral. Green Bay took advantage of their deficiencies and swung the game’s momentum in the second half. Going into Week 4, a divisional showdown with the Detroit Lions awaits them.

8. Saints: 2-1 (Previous Ranking 6th)

The inevitable finally happened to the New Orleans Saints in their Week 3 contest against the Green Bay Packers. The unavoidable event I am referring to is the offensive line’s dismal performance displayed since the season started. Their offensive line’s production injured Derek Carr in Sunday’s game against the Packers. He was slammed into the ground by linebacker Rashan Gary, which resulted in a shoulder injury.

According to head coach Dennis Allen, the Saints dodged a bullet with the injury, and Carr’s status is week-to-week. If Carr cannot play against the Buccaneers this Sunday, expect Jameis Winston to be the main guy under center for New Orleans. Aside from that, the Saints need to figure out why the offense has become so stale over the years. In previous years, it was almost a given that the Saints would produce touchdowns in the red zone. Fast-forward to 2023 that has not been the case.

9. Steelers: 2-1 (Previous Ranking 17th)

After getting off to a shaky start to the season against the San Francisco 49ers, the Pittsburgh Steelers have put together back-to-back successful wins. Their latest victory came on the road against longtime hated rival, the Las Vegas Raiders.

10. Ravens: 2-1 (Previous Ranking 5th)

Even with the list of injuries to key personnel, the Baltimore Ravens were expected to defeat the Indianapolis Colts in Week 3. The Colts took the Ravens into overtime and would leave M&T Bank Stadium with a 22-19 victory. The team was expected not to be heavily dependent on quarterback Lamar Jackson this season because of the influx of talent on offense, but so far, the season is almost a repeat of what has occurred in the past. Since the start of the 2023 campaign, the Ravens have dealt with a rash of injuries to key personnel such as J.K. Dobbins, Ronnie Stanley, Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Williams, Odafe Oweh, and Odell Beckham Jr.

Second Tier: NFL Power Rankings 11-20

11. Seahawks: 2-1

12. Browns: 2-1

13. Lions: 2-1

14. Commanders: 2-1

15. Buccaneers: 2-1

16. Falcons: 2-1

17. Bengals: 1-2

18. Chargers 1-2

19. Jaguars: 1-2

20. Patriots: 1-2

Bottom Tier: NFL Power Rankings 21-32

21. Giants: 1-2

22. Cardinals: 1-2

23. Colts: 1-2

24. Texans: 1-2

25. Rams: 1-2

26. Raiders: 1-2

27. Titans: 1-2

28. Jets: 1-2

29. Vikings: 0-3

30. Panthers: 0-3

31. Bears: 0-3

32. Broncos: 0-3

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