NFL power rankings entering Week 4 of the 2024 season (previous rank in parentheses):
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1): Have they looked more impressive than the 31 other teams through three weeks? Probably not, especially given all of their victories were associated with close calls (and non-calls). And perhaps an already beaten-up offense appears a bit disjointed as teams take Pro Bowl TE Travis Kelce away. But a crew on a three-peat mission refuses to lose, QB Patrick Mahomes and the defense making key plays right when they’re needed. Pure respect will carry them atop this list until a loss, whether on the field or personnel-wise, necessitates a change.
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5. Philadelphia Eagles (9): Per Next Gen Stats, RB Saquon Barkley’s pivotal 65-yard TD sprint Sunday was the most remarkable run of the young season, spanning 62 yards further than expected.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers (12): Hard to say how close to maxed out their top-ranked defense is, but the demands on QB Justin Fields seem certain to escalate as offensive players around him continue to go down.
16. Los Angeles Chargers (14): Bad week for Team Harbaugh. With QB Justin Herbert and both starting offensive tackles injured and S Derwin James now suspended, can the Bolts just opt for a two-week bye rather than host K.C. – to whom they’ve lost five in a row – this Sunday?
18. Washington Commanders (27): Their ‘nice college offense,’ per Cincy CB Cam Taylor-Britt, scored Washington’s most points (38) in four years as QB Jayden Daniels set a rookie record for completion percentage in a game (91.3%) in Monday’s victory. The Commanders haven’t punted since Week 1. If the season ended today – it doesn’t – they’d be in command of the NFC East.
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23. Carolina Panthers (32): Veteran QB Andy Dalton came off the pine to pass for 319 yards and three TDs – totals benched Bryce Young has never surpassed in the NFL – in Sunday’s upset of Las Vegas.
29. Miami Dolphins (25): Since they’re apparently not anteing up for QB Russell Wilson – yet – it appears QBs Tim Boyle and/or Snoop Huntley will be charged with keeping the season afloat next Monday night against the even more hapless Titans.
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Follow USA TODAY Sports’ Nate Davis on X, formerly Twitter, @ByNateDavis.