But at the moment, the power rankings after Week 4 have to reflect the poor status of the Eagles. That means they not only belong outside of the top 10 and 15, but probably outside of the top 20 as well. Teams like Philadelphia that were supposed to top the power rankings are not having an easy time so far. In fact, with the exception of the Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens, most of the current NFL leaders so far are surprising most experts if not all.
With unlikely clubs like the Detroit Lions, Washington Redskins, Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers starting off so strongly, it leaves the Packers as an even more solid No. 1. We all know that Green Bay has earned the right to be No. 1 until further notice, yet it will still take a while to prove that the Lions, Redskins and Bills are in this for the long haul.
Few will be surprised if order is eventually restored and the early season surprises slip down the standings and power rankings, while the likes of the Eagles get themselves back on their feet. That would be a relief for Philadelphia fans, especially if Washington comes down to earth in the meantime. But at this point, it seems more like a fantasy than a reachable reality - at least until the Eagles hold on to a fourth quarter lead.
While the Eagles try to rescue themselves from the abyss, many others hope that their early season performances are not flukes. As such, my take on the NFL power rankings could look quite foolish in about a month. Or perhaps it won't look so odd to see the Lions, Redskins and Bills in the top 10 down the line - or look so odd to see the Eagles buried behind them.
1. Green Bay Packers: 4-0
2. New England Patriots: 3-1
3. Detroit Lions: 4-0
4. New Orleans Saints: 3-1
5. Baltimore Ravens: 3-1
6. San Diego Chargers: 3-1
7. Washington Redskins: 3-1
Read more: http://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/news?slug=ycn-10138631
