The Philadelphia Eagles remain atop the NFL Power Rankings as the only unbeaten team remaining. Nick Sirianni’s Eagles pass the eye test as a well-rounded, effective and multi-dimensional team – able to beat teams in a variety of ways. While his passer rating of 72.8 was the lowest he’s recorded so far in 2022, and he averaged just 4 air yards per completion, the Eagles were able to enforce the run game with some authority. They rushed for 210 yards, moving their expected rushing points across the entire season up to over 16 – the third highest in the NFL.
Elsewhere at the top
The top of the league is mostly remains the same with a few adjustments on positioning. Bouncing back from their loss last week, the Buffalo Bills topped the Baltimore Ravens on the road in a thrilling 23-20 victory. Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was heavily criticized for his decision to go for it on a 4th and goal from the Bills 2-yard line with just over 4 minutes left in the 4th-quarter. With the game tied at 20-20, Lamar’s pick gave the Bills the chance to get all the way up the field and score the winning field goal.
The Ravens go for it on 4th and Goal… Poyer picks it!!
📺: #BUFvsBAL on CBS
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/cByfmcze7G pic.twitter.com/iNoCsDgF8G— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
As ever, Harbaugh went with the analytical decision. The probability of the Bills coming back from 7 points behind compared to 3 points behind was around 25% more difficult. Not to mention, the Ravens are a top 5 team when it comes to converting in the redzone, with a 71.4% conversion rate. When it works, you’re a genius; when it fails, it’s a bad call. Such is the NFL.
The other unbeaten team heading into week 4 was the Miami Dolphins, who fell to the Bengals on a tough Thursday Night game, dropping 4 spots to number 7.
The San Francisco 49ers were also big winners from week 4, after taking the Rams apart in brutal fashion on Monday Night Football. They’re the only team in the NFL holding teams to under 4 yards per play (3.9), and Jimmy Garoppolo knows exactly how to maximize the offense. Deebo Samuel had a catch percentage of over 80% and averaged 17.7 yards after catch per reception. This was classic Deebo…
Deebo just ran by the entire defense! @19problemz
📺: #LARvsSF on ESPN
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/keYveuhX3P pic.twitter.com/qDMjV1kbO5— NFL (@NFL) October 4, 2022
Tennessee and Seattle among the biggest risers
The two biggest positive movers in the Power Ranking board were the Tennessee Titans – who have won two straight – and the Seattle Seahawks, who put up over 550 yards of total offense in Detroit. Both teams are now 2-2 and right in the middle of their division races almost a quarter through the season.
The Seahawks rank 5th in rushing yards per attempt (5.2), and Geno Smith had himself a game in week 4. He went 23/30 for 320 yards, 2 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Seattle are a team that many wrote off early in the season, and they do rank the worst team in the NFL for yards-per-play allowed. But if they stick to what they know, they’ll cause problems for teams all year long.
Geno Smith & Will Dissly open the scoring in Detroit! #Seahawks
📺: #SEAvsDET on FOX
📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/CvE1Ql7jkg pic.twitter.com/YiLZbeB9BW— NFL (@NFL) October 2, 2022
The biggest drop of the week was the Pittsburgh Steelers who fell 11 spots to number 24. Their loss to the New York Jets at home was a disappointment to all Pittsburgh fans. Could this be the first losing season for Head Coach Mike Tomlin?
Zach Wilson turned out for the Jets for the first time this season and put up over 250 yards.
On the bright side, rookie QB Kenny Pickett made his debut and played well enough to give the Steelers Nation some hope.
