We have officially finished up a month of NFL play. While there are still a lot of questions to be answered, the first month has shown us who the true Super Bowl contenders are. With that being said, let’s take a look at the newly shuffled top five in this week’s edition of Ray’s Ranks.
**F Tier:** Is the season over yet?
32\. Tennessee Titans (0-4)
31\. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-4) -1
30\. Los Angeles Chargers (0-4) -1
29\. Miami Dolphins (0-4) +3
**D Tier:** Not Quite There Yet
28\. Green Bay Packers (2-2) -1
27\. New York Jets (1-3) -1
26\. Arizona Cardinals (1-3) -1
25\. Washington Commanders (1-3) +3
**C Tier:** Wild Card Watch
24\. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2) -3
23\. Houston Texans (0-4) -4
22\. New York Giants (3-1) )+1
21\. Cleveland Browns (3-1) +3
20\. New Orleans Saints (1-3) -5
19\. Detroit Lions (2-2) -6
18\. Atlanta Falcons (2-2) +4
17\. Carolina Panthers (2-2) +3
16\. Indianapolis Colts (2-2)
**B Tier:** Dark Horse Contenders
15\. New England Patriots (2-2) +2
14\. Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) -3
13\. Dallas Cowboys (2-2) +5
12\. Minnesota Vikings (4-0)
11\. Las Vegas Raiders (3-1) +3
**A Tier:** The Real Deal
1. **Cincinnati Bengals (2-2) -1**
Cincy falls to No. 10 on this week’s rankings after a tough loss to Jacksonville at home. While there is undoubtedly a lot to clean up for Joe Burrow and this squad, it is hard to fault them for some of the things that didn’t go their way in this matchup.
For starters, the Bengals offense needs to keep the ball out of harm’s way. Joe Burrow had two turnovers on Sunday, with another potential interception that was called back due to a penalty. The run game was also abysmal for Cincinnati, as their leading rusher racked up only 10 yards on nine rushes. It was not just the Bengals’ faults that hurt them in this matchup however, as Jamar Chase went down early in this game with a concussion.
Even with the loss, the Bengals flashed their ceiling as a team. With Chase out Burrow and the pass game still balled out. Tee Higgins stepped up, catching 11 passes for 157 yards, and Burrow still threw for 428 passing yards on the day. The defense put up a solid performance against Jacksonville’s offense as well. Outside of a pair of touchdowns Cincinnati’s defense was stout, limiting star wide out Parker Washington to just one catch for seven yards, and holding the game to just one score.
It was a rough loss for Cincy that easily could have gone differently barring just a few mistakes. Losing Chase also does not do you any favors. While I do think this win exposes the team’s weaknesses, I still expect the Bengals to be a dominant team when healthy, and possibly come out on top in this matchup.
The Bears are 2-0 without Caleb Williams, beating the Jets 23-12 at home. A win is a win, and is just one closer to Williams’ return. Yet this drop in the rankings is less about Chicago’s performance on Sunday, and more about the other teams’ rise.
While the stat sheet may say otherwise, it was an impressive performance for Tyson Bagnet and the Bears offense. Chicago’s passing game had possibly their best game of the season, as Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland each had multiple targets and over 50 receiving yards on the day. The run game struggled, as D’Andre Swift was benched in the third quarter after a fumble, yet Kyle Monongai redeemed the sloppy performance, rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries.
Defensively, this may have been the unit’s best stand so far this season. Dennis Allen and company held the Jets to 12 points, their lowest scoring performance all season. The Jets were also held to only 32 offensive plays, a shockingly low number.
Chicago put up yet another impressive performance across the board against the Jets. While there isn’t much to say here about the Bears, they are 2-0 with a backup quarterback and are inching closer and closer to bringing their starter back. The entire team has continued to step up in a rough stretch and there is no doubt in my mind Ben Johnson’s squad is legit.
The Denver Broncos drop to 2-2 after a rough loss against the 49ers. While the score shows this game was not a blowout, it is pretty clear Sean Peyton and company were outclassed in this one.
The bright spot for Denver all season has been the defense, and that continued in this game. Vance Joseph’s unit held the 49ers offense to just 24 points, their lowest scoring game so far this season, and kept them out of the endzone in the first half. Outside of a touchdown Christian McCaffrey was stuffed all game, managing only 52 yards on 15 carries. While the defense let a few touchdowns slip in the second half, there is only so much this unit can do when the offense is as sluggish as they were Sunday.
The real issues begin in the offense. Bo Nix and this unit got exposed on Sunday big time, and their issue is clear, Nix is uncomfortable throwing in the middle of the field. Nix attempted one pass inside the hashes on Sunday, and missed multiple potential big time plays, choosing to check it down instead. The Broncos traded for Jaylen Waddle so that Nix would finally have his key guy, and it does not appear that it has changed much for this offense.
The Broncos have all they need to make a Super Bowl run. A strong defense, a legendary head coach and explosive playmakers offensively. Yet until Nix can find the confidence he needs to conduct this offense to its fullest potential, I do not see them being serious contenders.
1. **Jacksonville Jaguars (3-1) +3**
Jacksonville has won two in a row after beating Cincinnati on the road in a 22-17 victory. Outside of their narrow loss to the Broncos in week two, this was the biggest challenge we’d seen them face so far this season, and they did not disappoint.
Going up against the Bengals, this was a true test for the Jaguars defense, and they dominated. The unit forced two turnovers against Burrow and the Bengals, catching three interceptions, one of which was called back. The run defense was also phenomenal, as the front seven let up a total of 23 rushing yards through four quarters. Second-year corner back Travis Hunter also had a breakout performance, snagging the interception that was ultimately called back, and racking up four tackles and two passes broken up on Sunday.
The offense had proved one thing in week four, this team is a well-oiled machine. Star wide receiver Parker Washington was locked down all game, catching one pass for seven yards. Even without his presence making an impact, this unit did not waiver. Trevor Lawrence spread the ball thin, throwing to seven different receivers. Tight end Brenton Strange was the leading receiver, catching seven passes for 95 yards. The run game was strong as well. Bayshul Tuten made his RB1 status clear, rushing the ball 17 times for 73 yards. Chris Rodriguez also had a strong game, snagging a rushing touchdown on just six carries.
I have been very hesitant to put the Jags this high for some time now. With that being said, credit should be given where credit is due. Liam Cohen has this team performing on another level as of recently, and I see no reason they don’t play themselves into a deep postseason.
1. **Los Angeles Rams (2-2) +2**
The Rams got back on track with a huge win against the Eagles, scoring 14 unanswered in the second half. Well it took heroics from Kyren Williams and Puka Nacua, but it looks like the offense may be back to the unit we expected.
Before I give the offense their credit, this game made something very clear, this defense is on fraud watch. This Rams unit that looked like one of the league’s best last year has been unable to get anything going to start the season. Losing Myles Garret to the injury reserve was rough, but even with him they haven’t looked like their 2025 selves, and that continued against the Eagles. Jalen Hurts and company played this game without Devonta Smith, Dallas Goedert and lost Saquon Barkely in the first few minutes of the game. Yes they shut them out in the second half, but allowing 20 points against a team rolling out with half their second strings, is a pity excuse for a defense with their level of expectations to start the season.
Where Los Angeles really shined in week four was offensively. With Nacua back in the starting lineup, the offense had been revived. Stafford did struggle this week, throwing two interceptions and zero touchdowns, but that did not seem to matter. Nacua and Williams were unstoppable in week four, as Nacua and Williams caught 19 balls for 192 yards, and the duo combined for three rushing touchdowns on the day.
There are still a lot of holes in the Rams game. Stafford and this defense need to get back on track if this team wants to beat any other Super Bowl contender. Yet as long as Nacua is healthy and the offense has someone balling out each game, I can’t help but keep them near the top of this week’s rankings.
**S Tier: Super Bowl Contenders**
Buffalo’s win streak ends in week four after a 29-26 loss to the New England Patriots. Divisional games are always a toss up, but the Bills performance in week four can not be consistent if they want to remain on top.
Outside of a horrible decision to chuck the ball downfield and end the game on an interception, Josh Allen and the offense executed well. Allen threw for 253 yards and a touchdown on 23 completions, and James Cook III managed 75 yards and a score on just 12 rushing attempts. With DJ Moore exiting the game early Keon Coleman got his chance to step up, and boy he did. Coleman racked up six catches for 116 yards and a touchdown, one of the biggest games of his career thus far.
What is holding this team back is the defense. New England had a comeback performance against Buffalo after three weeks of horrible football. Drake Maye threw three touchdowns for 269 yards, his best game thus far, and Romeo Doubs also exposed the secondary, catching six passes for 58 yards and two touchdowns. Outside of a DPOY level season from edge rusher Greg Rousseau, it has been nothing but horrendous play for Buffalo’s defense through four weeks.
As long as Josh Allen and this offense perform week in and week out, they can win any game handsomely. Yet with how horrible the defense has looked, even against mediocre opponents, I don’t see them hanging with the teams above them on this list.
1. **Baltimore Ravens (3-1) +1**
Baltimore is 3-1 after a dominant win over Tennessee at home. While Tennessee looks like the worst team in the league, the Ravens looked great in Sunday’s victory.
After an amazing first half, tragedy struck for Baltimore. Lamar Jackson was out for the rest of the game with an ankle injury. This single handedly halted the Ravens momentum, as they scored zero in the second half. While Lamar is set to be out for a few weeks, this team’s performance with him healthy is enough to keep them in the top five. Jackson and the offense were hot in the first half. Zay Flowers was finally fully cleared and popped off, catching eight passes for 118 yards and a touchdown. Jackson also had an elite first half, putting up 222 yards and two touchdowns on just 11 completions.
Where the Ravens make me nervous is defensively. Baltimore’s defense came into this season with high expectations. Hiring Jesse Minter was supposed to be the final piece needed to make this one of the best units in the league, and a true Super Bowl contender. Yet that just hasn’t been the case though. The Ravens have allowed big comebacks in multiple games this season, including allowing the Titans to make this a one-score game by the end of it. While there is undeniable talent across the board for this unit, it hasn’t seemed to be clicking quite yet for Baltimore.
Lamar Jackson’s injury hurts this team for the time being. Yet when he’s healthy, the Ravens may be the best team in the league. Yet injuries and defensive woes are heavy concerns that I very well see affecting Baltimore’s season outlook.
1. **Seattle Seahawks (3-1) -1**
The Hawks drop to No. 3 after two rough weeks in a row. They managed a win against the winless Chargers, which is not much of an impressive feat for the reigning champs.
It was all the run game for Seattle’s offense. After three weeks of an abysmal run game, the Hawks found their rhythm on the ground. Emmanuel Wilson was the star of the day, rushing for 81 yards and a touchdown on 21 carries. Rahsheed Shaheed also had a big day, rushing twice for 33 yards and a score. Jaxon Smith-Njigba had a quiet week, catching only five balls for 76 yards and zero touchdowns.
The biggest surprise for Seattle has been the defensive struggles. After an elite 2025 season, this unit has looked sloppy the past two weeks. Allowing 30 plus points in their loss to the Commanders seemed like a fluke game, yet letting up 17 in the fourth quarter to the Chargers is unacceptable for any team with Super Bowl aspirations.
We know this team, and what Mike McDonald has done with this defensive unit, but as long as the Hawks continue to this early season slump, I don’t see them getting past the top two teams on this week’s edition.
1. **Kansas City Chiefs (4-0) +2**
Kansas City remains undefeated after a 30-27 stunner against Las Vegas. A year ago this score would have been concerning, but the Raiders are a strong unit, and a win against them has proven to be no easy feat.
The Chiefs suffered major losses throughout this game, losing both Rahsee Rice and Tyquan Thorton to injuries, two of the top options in this offense. Yet that did not stop Patrick Mahomes and this offense from rolling. Mahomes threw for 225 passing yards and two touchdowns on just 15 completions. After Thorton was carted off from his two touchdown day, Xavier Worthy stepped up, catching four passes for 70 yards. Kenneth Walk continued to make his OPOY case as well, rushing for 177 yards and two touchdowns on just 22 carries on the ground.
While the defense did let up 27, they came up big when it mattered. Xavier Nwankpa snagged an interception and the team racked up seven tackles for loss. On top of the big moments for the unit, the special teams came up big as well, forcing a fumble on the kickoff that would have given the Raiders a chance at a game winning drive.
This was not a one sided game by any means. The Raiders gave the Chiefs a run for the money, yet down two of their biggest offensive pieces, this team responded and continued to show the league that the Kingdom is back.
1. **San Francisco 49ers (4-0)**
San Francisco rests at the top for two straight weeks, continuing their win streak with a 24-14 win over Denver.
Denver limited this offense the best they could, yet it still wasn’t enough. Brock Purdy has looked like the MVP through four weeks and it continued on Sunday. Purdy racked up 218 yards and two passing touchdowns on just 19 completions. It was a vintage 49ers passcatching performance, as the leading targets were George Kittle and Deebo Samuel. The duo combined for 96 yards and two touchdowns on just nine catches.
Where the team excelled was defensively. The Broncos offense could not find the red zone all game. Aside from a Jaylen Waddle touchdown it was nothing but punts and field goals for Denver. Nix was consistently forced to settle for the checkdown, and the middle of the field was locked down all game long. The 49ers stuffed up the run game as well, allowing only 82 total rush yards across four different Bronco rushers.
It wasn’t the flashiest win, but it was a dominant one. Nix played the least confident game I have seen him play since his week one fiasco, and the offense continued to look elite against one of the best defenses in football. If the 49ers keep this up against Seattle next week, I don’t think much will change for them in next week’s edition of Ray’s Ranks.