2021 NFL power rankings, Week 4: Cardinals rolling, Chiefs reeling
49. . 2-1. Previous: . Green Bay Packers. 12. team
The Packers headed to San Francisco for the third consecutive year as these teams clashed in prime time once again. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers got off to quite the start and Green Bay owned a 17-7 lead at intermission.
Matt LaFleur’s team would fall behind, 28-27, and Aaron Rodgers had just 37 seconds to get his team into field goal range. He did just that and Mason Crosby connected from 51 yards out on the final play of the game for the win.
11. team. 13. . 2-1. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers
The Bolts headed east to Arrowhead Stadium looking to renew the rivalry with the chiefs. A year ago, Justin Herbert and company won at Kansas City in week 17 when Andy Reid’s team was resting some starters.
This time around, the Chargers gave up 437 total yards but also came up with four takeaways. Herbert threw for 281 yards and four scores – two to Mike Williams – the second with 32 seconds to play which proved to be the difference.
87. . 3-0. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 10. team
The Panthers headed to Houston for the second time in three years looking to remain unbeaten. The Carolina pass rush made life miserable for Davis Mills – who was sacked four times.
Meanwhile, while he did put the football on the turf twice, Sam Darnold avoided turning over the football. He threw for 303 yards and ran for two touchdowns. The Panthers outgained Houston, 407-193, in total yards, and have allowed a combined 30 points in three games.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – SEPTEMBER 26: Clyde Edwards-Helaire #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs runs the ball during the first half in the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Arrowhead Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
team. 124. . 1-2. Previous: . Kansas City Chiefs. 9
Off a stinging primetime loss at Baltimore, the Chiefs hosted their first divisional rival of the year in the talented Chargers. Andy Reid’s team coughed up the ball twice in the fourth quarter last Sunday night and vs. the Bolts, the Chiefs turned over the rock four times – including two Patrick Mahomes’ interceptions.
The Kansas City secondary had no answers for Chargers’ wideout Mike Williams, who caught seven passes for 122 yards and two scores.
team. 45. . 3-0. Previous: . Denver Broncos. 8
The Broncos sought their first 3-0 start since 2016 when they hosted the Jets in the team’s home opener. Vic Fangio’s defense limited rookie Zach Wilson and New York’s offense to 162 total yards. They dropped the young signal-caller five times and stole two of his passes.
Meanwhile, Denver racked up 344 yards (121 on the ground) while Teddy Bridgewater threw for 235 yards. The Broncos limited the Jets to a mere 43 yards on the ground.
26. . 2-1. Previous: . Baltimore Ravens. 7. team
Baltimore made its first appearance in the Motor City since 2013 and kicker Justin Tucker wound up making NFL history. The team fell behind by one point late in the fourth quarter before Lamar Jackson got his club into long field goal range.
Tucker attempted a record-setting 66-yard kick, it hit the crossbar and bounced through for the victory. Jackson threw for 287 yards and one score. But he was sacked four times and picked off once in the win.