2019 NFL power rankings, Week 4: Saints rise, Chargers slide

Recap: After spotting the host Eagles a 3-0 lead, third-year pro Jamal Agnew took the ensuing kickoff back 100 yards for a score. After falling behind once again, the Lions would wind up taking a 20-10 lead into the half. Detroit defenders came up big time and time again, thwarting the Eagles twice on fourth down. Meanwhile, the club’s offensive front did not allow 11-year quarterback Matthew Stafford to be sacked. While Matt Patricia’s team only ran for 86 yards, it was the 28 attempts that were much more important. As for that aforementioned defense, Detroit came up with a pair of Philadelphia fumbles and sacked Eagles’ quarterback Carson Wentz three times.

Next Week: For the second time in three weeks, Patricia’s squad hosts an AFC West foe as the Chiefs invade Ford Field for the first time since 2011. The Lions did come away with wins the last two times (2007 and ’11) that they faced Kansas City at home. But the Chiefs rolled to a 45-10 victory in 2015 in London in the clubs’ last encounter.

Playoff hopes: It may be time for some to take these resourceful Lions a little more seriously as the club has yet to lose a game after three weeks. The team has made its share of timely plays on defense and special teams and the offense is more committed to the run these days. But this week’s clash with the potent Chiefs will be a huge test.

Recap: Frank Reich’s hard-nosed club managed a split in their first two outings and now welcomed the Atlanta Falcons to Lucas Oil Stadium in the team’s first home game of 2019. Quarterback Jacoby Brissett got off to a hot start, hitting on his first 16 throws. He finished the afternoon with 310 yards through the air and scores to wide receivers T.Y. Hilton and Zach Pascal. The offensive line had another solid showing as the Colts’ signal-caller was sacked only once and didn’t allow a lot of pressure. Marlon Mack ran 16 times for 74 yards and one score. And with Darius Leonard out of action, middle linebacker Anthony Walker led the way with a game-high 14 tackles.

Next Week: A year ago at Oakland (Week 8), the Colts scored a season-high 42 points in a 14-point win over the Silver and Black. Now Reich’s team plays host to the Raiders, who are making their first appearance at Indianapolis since 2013. Regardless of the venue, the Colts are 5-1 in the last six games in this series dating back to 2004.

Playoff hopes: It’s extremely early and after three weeks, there doesn’t appear to be a dominant team in the AFC South. The Titans and Texans are having their issues on the offensive line, something the Colts don’t have to worry about. After a 1-5 start a year ago, Indianapolis owns a sturdy 11-2 record in their last 13 regular-season games.

Next: Nos. 12 and 11