NFL Weekly Ranking: Week four sees the Kansas City Chiefs on top

Contributor Patrick Lepre says we should expect to see the Kansas City Chiefs holding on to the number one spot for the weeks to come.

Photo via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons license.

Contributor Patrick Lepre says we should expect to see the Kansas City Chiefs holding on to the number one spot for the weeks to come. Photo via Wikimedia Commons under Creative Commons license.

Patrick Lepre, Contributor

With the emergence of COVID-19 across the world, it was inevitable that it would affect the NFL. With tons of protocol and little to no fans in the stadium, the season can seem quite odd. Despite the current status of the world, the season has gone on with all 32 teams. Here is how the top 10 teams rank so far:

1. Kansas City Chiefs (4-0)

The Chiefs again proved their dominance with a 26-10 win over the Patriots. The Chiefs’ defense is also showing it’s just as elite as the offense. They look like they are destined for another Super Bowl run this year, playing at a level above the others. Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ offense success has carried over from last year to this season. There are just too many weapons on this team for another team to win matchups. I believe the Chiefs will be ranked number one for many weeks to come.

2. Seattle Seahawks (4-0)

Russell Wilson once again makes a case for his first MVP award. The Seahawks beat the Miami Dolphins 31-23. This Seahawks offense once again shows their explosiveness. With the likes of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett and Chris Carson, Wilson just has to pick his poison. This offense has been able to survive its poor defensive play so far. The Seahawks have been in shootout games all year and won all of them, putting up 31 plus points per game this season. The defense looks to be the Achilles heel for this team, especially the secondary. The Seahawks will be a Super Bowl contender this year and I believe they’ll stay in the top three of these rankings for the majority of the season.

3. Green Bay Packers (4-0)

The Packers beat a desperate Falcons team this week 30-16. Aaron Rodgers looks completely comfortable in this new system with head coach Matt Lafleur. Rodgers is making a great case for MVP. Despite the Packers not drafting any receivers in this year’s draft, Rodgers is working with what he’s got. The emergence of Robert Tonyan was huge this week. The tight end caught three touchdowns, which was more than he had his whole career. The idea of the next man up for this Packers team is being held true. With no Davante Adams, this Packers team still put up 30 points. The defense also made the Falcons explosive offense work for their 16 points. A huge standout defensively was Jaire Alexander who held league-leading receiver Calvin Ridley to zero catches all night. If this defense can step up consistently, the Packers can compete down the stretch, unlike last year. I believe the Packers will be a top five team throughout the season.

4. Buffalo Bills (4-0)

The Bills beat the Raiders last weekend 30-23. It was another week of Josh Allen magic. Allen is slowly establishing himself as a top-tier QB in the NFL. The wisdom of the acquisition of Stefon Diggs was prominently displayed this week as he picked up 115 receiving yards. The Bills also have one of the top defenses in this league that carried over from last year. The Bills are looking great now and for the future of the AFC East. I believe the Bills will stay a top team for this season.

5. Baltimore Ravens (4-0)

After last week’s struggles against the Chiefs, the Ravens bounced back with a definitive win against the Washington Football Team 31-17. Lamar Jackson set the tone with an explosive 50-yard run for a touchdown. Jackson showed his true dual-threat ability with his running and passing ability that is too much for almost any team. The Ravens’ defense struggled the previous week but gave the Washington Football Team some problems. They weren’t locked down against Dwayne Haskins, who threw for 314 yards but they clearly did enough to win, holding Washington to 17 points. The Ravens will surely continue to be a top-five team..

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)

The Steelers did not play a game this week due to the Tennessee Titans’ COVID outbreak. The Steelers were a toss-up team coming into the season with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger coming back from injury last season. Roethlisberger is slowly getting back in his groove with a young, explosive receiving core to help him. The defense has shown just like last year they are in the conversation for the best. The defense’s ability to rush four and still be able to wreak havoc with the likes of TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward, Bud Dupree and Tyson Alualu. The Steelers are on a great track to compete and make a run for their seventh Super Bowl this season.

7. Tennessee Titans (3-0)

The Titans did not play due to their COVID outbreak. Before the outbreak, the momentum of last year’s playoff run has poured into this season. Ryan Tannehill has shown so far that he was deserving of his new contract. Derrick Henry is once again proving that he should get a contract extension rather than a franchise tag. The Titans have one of the better defenses in the league, which will surely help out if they plan to make another run in the playoffs.

8. Los Angeles Rams (3-1)

The Rams beat a poor Giants team 17-9 in week 4. The Rams struggled offensively, with no real standouts. On the defensive side, Aaron Donald, and his mates were a brick wall, holding the Giants to three field goals. This Rams team looks to bounce back from last year’s disappointing season. It has been a great start and the Rams will probably earn a wildcard spot down the line.

9. New Orleans Saints (2-2)

The Saints defeated the Lions 35-29. Drew Brees is looking to get back to his old self after a poor start. It was a solid game for Brees despite the absence of top receiver Michael Thomas. It was another great week for Alvina Kamara, who is having an excellent season as a dual threat in the running and passing game. The Saints have a good defense, and are extremely stout against the run. With their last few years ending the ways they did, the Saints are desperate to make a Super Bowl Run.

10. New England Patriots (2-2)

Cam Newton did not play after being diagnosed with COVID-19. Despite not having Newton, there were bright spots for the Patriots in the 26-10 loss to the Chiefs.,. The defense stepped up against the Chiefs and gave them a rough time. Had Newton played, this game would have been a lot closer. With a revenge season on Newton’s mind and a great defense, this Patriots team will definitely make the playoffs and possibly even a run for the title.

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