The Detroit Lions Took Another Step Back In This Week’s Power Rankings.

Last week’s list – Week 3 Power Rankings

And a quick rundown of the specifics –

Rankings are based on what I have seen thus far. Last season or expectations for the rest of this season won’t be a factor. This is 2018.

Overall record is not the final decider. Matchups do matter. Winning a tight game at home against a bad team may not be a big deal. Same goes for losing a close road game to a good team.

Head to head matchups become impossible to use as a metric as the season wears on. X beat Y, but Y beat Z and Z beat X. Keep that in mind before yelling at me.

Major injuries are being accounted for.

1. Los Angeles Rams (4-0) * Last Week – 1

The Rams offense isn’t missing a beat, Jared Goff is an early contender for MVP, and I still don’t see any teams in the NFC that look like they’re on the same level.

2. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) *2

If Goff is in the running, Patrick Mahomes has to be the front-runner. The Broncos gave KC a scare Monday, but the comeback was on and the Chiefs took care of their business. I still have concerns about the defense, but nobody can be flawless.

3. Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) *3

The defense went out and continued their dominance. We get a big showdown this week. Chiefs offense against the Jags defense. This should be very telling. I think its the opposite sides of the ball that will determine this one though. Can the Jags offense produce or will the Chiefs put up a fight on D?

4. New Orleans Saints (3-1) *6

The Saints can do it in whatever way they choose on offense. Drew Brees and Alvin Kamara are an unfair tag-team. Throw in Michael Thomas and I’m not sure how anyone is supposed to stop this team. By the way, Mark Ingram is coming back from his suspension this week. Look out.

5. Carolina Panthers (2-1) *7

Nothing new about the Panthers after their bye. They do move up based on some teams ahead of them slipping this week.

6. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) *9

The Bengals put on quite the impressive showing this week by going into the dome in Atlanta and outscoring the Falcons in a shootout. Dalton is looking better than ever, and Joe Mixon is on the brink of returning from injury. Cincy may have a real shot at surprising everyone and taking the AFC North crown this year.

7. Chicago Bears (3-1) *17

Up 10 spots from last week. I hate to say it, but this Bears team looks very good. I’ve never been a believer of Mitch Trubisky, and I’m still not. But if he can play even half as well on a consistent basis as we just saw Chicago is going to be a legit contender. I think the Bucs porous pass defense was the major variable in Trubisky’s success Sunday. But hey, I could be wrong. It has happened before.

8. Tennessee Titans (3-1) *20

Up 12 spots from last week. I guess I have to start respecting the Titans a little bit. They keep themselves around in these games and so far have found a way to win most of them. Even their loss was an overtime game in Miami (3-1). Maybe they’re actually good? Color me surprised.

9. Baltimore Ravens (3-1) *11

While I’m on the topic of surprises, let’s talk Ravens. I didn’t think they were in for a great year. So far they look legit though. Flacco looks like a rejuvenated kid out there. Keep in mind, their only loss came to the 3-1 Bengals. I’m on board.

10. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) *4

Starting the year off 2-2 with as many injuries as Philly has dealt with seems reasonable to me. Wentz is back, Jefferey is back, and the running backs are getting healthy as a unit. I don’t think the Eagles are worried at all, and I don’t blame them. They’re going to be fine.

11. Washington Redskins (2-1) *12

12. New England Patriots (2-2) *21

13. Green Bay Packers (2-1-1) *18

14. Denver Broncos (2-2) *14

15. Los Angeles Chargers (2-2) *15

16. Minnesota Vikings (1-2-1) *10

17. Seattle Seahawks (2-2) *23

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2-1) *13

19. Miami Dolphins (3-1) *5

20. Dallas Cowboys (2-2) *29

21. Atlanta Falcons (1-3) *16

22. Cleveland Browns (1-2-1) *22

23. Tampa Bay Bucs (2-2) *8

24. Detroit Lions (1-3) *19

Another close loss for the Detroit Lions makes the upset win over New England seem like months ago. The defense was completely unable to stop Ezekiel Elliot in a game where he was truly the only weapon on offense for Dallas. The Lions offense looked good. Matthew Stafford was sharp, and the running game is still showing signs of life even if it was a step backward from last week. I’m really going to miss Golden Tate when he’s gone. Green Bay is coming to Ford Field this week and this is about as “must-win” as a game in week 5 can really get. Slipping to 1-4 while Green Bay and Chicago keep rolling is a hole too deep to climb out of. We’ll see what Matt Patricia and company have ready for Mr. Rodgers when they come to town. Maybe the Lions D can only beat GOOD quarterbacks? *Fingers Crossed*

25. New York Giants (1-3) *26

26. Houston Texans (1-3) *28

27. Indianapolis Colts (1-3) *24

28. Oakland Raiders (1-3) *31

29. San Franciso 49ers (1-3) *30

30. New York Jets (1-3) *25

31. Buffalo Bills (1-3) *27

32. Arizona Cardinals (0-4) *32

Like the rankings? Hate the rankings? Want to berate or congratulate me?

You can find me at @MrEasyStreet or on the Detroit Lions subreddit.