It's been an exciting season already, filled with surprise success stories and disappointing failures - here are the power rankings for the season up through Week 4.
1. Green Bay Packers (4-0)
The defending champs are as good as they've ever been, thanks to phenomenal play from my top MVP candidate, Aaron Rodgers.
2. New England Patriots (3-1)
They let one game slip from them, but this offense is just too high-powered to leave out of the top 2.
3. Baltimore Ravens (3-1)
Defense wins championships, they just happen to have a really good running back, quarterback, and set of receivers.
4. Detroit Lions (4-0)
They're undefeated, but not quite there yet. The offense looks great, but the defense worries me.
5. New York Giants (3-1)
Strong running game, tough defensive line, and playmaking receivers make the G-Men legitimate contenders.
6. Houston Texans (3-1)
People are underestimating Matt Schuab and the Texans, who beat Indy and Pittsburgh already.
7. New Orleans Saints (3-1)
The Saints are quietly asserting themselves as playoff contenders, thanks to the departure of Reggie Bush and the addition of home-run hitter Darren Sproles.
8. San Diego Chargers (3-1)
I'm not quite sold on the Bolts just yet, but Ryan Matthews seems to have a good hold on the running game and Phillip Rivers is an elite QB.
9. Tampa Bay Bucaneers (2-1)
This position depends on whether or not they beat the Colts tonight, but Josh Freeman and the Bucs have put together a strong start thus far.
10. New York Jets (2-2)
If they can get back to the running game, they'll get back to winning.
11. Tennessee Titans (3-1)
Give Matt Hasselbeck credit - he's old, but he's throwing like he's 21 again.
12. Atlanta Falcons (2-2)
Matt Ryan is finally getting used to his new receivers, and once this offense gels, the Falcons will be on their way to another playoff appearance.
13. Buffalo Bills (3-1)
Ryan Fitzpatrick has surprised a lot of folks, but we'll see if he can keep this dream season alive.
14. San Francisco 49ers (3-1)
The 9ers success depends on Frank Gore and the running game, which finally took off against the Eagles.
15. Washington Redskins (3-1)
Rex Grossman has impressed, and the Redskins defense has held up nicely.
16. Chicago Bears (2-2)
The offensive line needs to protect Cutler better if the Bears want to keep their playoff hopes alive.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-2)
I don't know what's wrong with Big Ben, but he's gonna be in Big Trouble if he can't find his groove.
18. Cleveland Browns (2-2)
Colt McCoy is getting better and better each week, while their running game is getting worse and worse. #MaddenCurse
19. Cincinnati Bengals (2-2)
You gotta love the intensity Andy Dalton plays with.
20. Oakland Raiders (2-2)
Darren McFadden quietly leads the league in rushing yards.
21. Philadelphia Eagles (1-3)
The "Dream Team" is looking more and more like a nightmare.
22. Carolina Panthers (1-3)
Cam Newton is establishing himself as a future NFL star.
23. Kansas City Chiefs (1-3)
Without Jamaal Charles, it's going to be a long season.
24. Dallas Cowboys (2-2)
Tony Romo is as reliable as flat tire.
25. Denver Broncos (1-3)
We want Tebow, we want Tebow!
26. Seattle Seahawks (1-3)
This offense has dangerous weapons, they just don't work very well.
27. Minnesota Vikings (0-4)
Adrian Peterson is doing all that he can, but the poor guy gets no help.
28. Arizona Cardinals (1-3)
There's been a nice connection between Larry Fitzgerald and Kevin Kolb, we'll see if this turns into anything.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-3)
The Jags are a decent team, but until Blaine Gabbert develops into a better QB, they'll stay at just decent.
30. St. Louis Rams (0-4)
The Rams need Steven Jackson healthy and Sam Bradford accurate.
31. Miami Dolphins (0-4)
Reggie Bush sucks at football.
32. Indianapolis Colts (0-3)
We have now verified that the Colts are, in fact, nothing without Peyton Manning.
