Week 4 is over and done with, so now it is time to see how the teams fared and where they are ranked heading into Week 5 of the 2021 NFL season.
Remember you can go over our nifty tool explanation with our Week 1 post and remember to check back every Tuesday for the latest analysis of the adjustment in the positions.
Let’s review our Top 10 teams and see if you agree.
Power Rankings
1. Buffalo Bills (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) Next: at Chiefs – How could the Bills not remain at the top of the heap after their thorough dismantling of the Houston Texans last week? Quarterback Josh Allen was good but the Bills defense was even better as they stymied the Texans all game long en route to a 40-0 shutout of the worst team in football.
This week they will travel to Arrowhead Stadium in a marquee matchup with the Chiefs. As you can see, our handicapping algorithm differs greatly from the NFL odds being offered at all of the best online sportsbooks. If you agree, then bet the Bills!
2. Tampa Bay Bucs (3-1 SU, 1-3 ATS) Next: vs. Dolphins – Tom Terrific returned to his old stomping grounds and came out with a hard-fought, 19-17, win against the Patriots in Foxborough.
It wasn’t the dominating effort many believed Brady would have against his former team but the weather conditions weren’t ideal and the sheer emotion of the long-awaited matchup may have had something to do with his rather erratic passing performance. The Bucs should notch another W this week when the Dolphins come to town.
3. New Orleans (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) Next: at Washington Football Team – No, you’re not seeing a typo, the Saints have maintained their tenuous grip on the No. 3 spot despite an upset loss to the Giants and a 2-2 record in the NFC South.
A dominating victory over the Packers in Week 1 and a convincing win over the Patriots in Week 3 is enough to make us believe the Saints have the right stuff this season but need a bit more tweaking. Do you agree?
4. Baltimore Ravens (3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) Next: vs. Colts – The Ravens swooped into Mile High and flew out with a victory, knocking off the previously unbeaten Broncos. It was Baltimore’s 43rd consecutive 100-yard rushing game, tying the record set by Pittsburgh which ran from 1974 through 1977. Lamar Jackson is back in a groove and the Ravens are dangerous…again.
It’s a Long Way to the Top (If You Wanna Rock ‘n’ Roll)
5. Arizona Cardinals (4-0 SU, 3-1 ATS) Next: vs. 49ers – The Cardinals are the only undefeated team remaining after an impressive victory over their NFC West rival, the Los Angeles Rams. The win snapped an eight-game Rams winning streak between the two teams and signaled that the Cardinals are the real deal and a legitimate NFC powerhouse.
6. Green Bay Packers (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) Next: at Bengals – The Steelers drew first blood last week but the Packers won the war as they sailed to a 27-17 win over Pittsburgh and are now perched atop the NFC North standings.
Aaron Rodgers and the rest of the offense have certainly mobilized since their stunning 38-3 loss to the Saints on the opening week of the season and will now travel to the Queen City to take on the upstart Bengals this week.
7. Kansas City Chiefs (2-2 SU, 1-3 ATS) Next: vs. Bills – The Chiefs just haven’t looked like themselves this season but that could be changing after posting a 42-30 victory over the Eagles in hostile territory last week.
Patrick Mahomes was immense in tossing for five touchdown passes and connecting on a sizzling 80 percent of his passes while Tyreek Hill was a force of nature in catching 11 passes for 186 yards and three touchdowns. The Chiefs’ offensive engine is getting revved up but a clash of the AFC titans is waiting this week when they welcome Buffalo to Arrowhead.
8. Los Angeles Rams (3-1 SU, 2-2 ATS) Next: at Seahawks – It’s not surprising the Rams fell to the Cardinals last week after an impressive victory over the Bucs the week before. Perhaps they were due for a letdown but now they must dust themselves off and travel to Seattle to take on the Seahawks. Expect a much more motivated performance in this one.
9. Los Angeles Chargers (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) Next: vs. Browns – The Chargers shoved their way to the Top 10 courtesy of another dominating performance, this time against the previously undefeated Raiders on Monday night.
What made this win even more impressive was that they were doing it after knocking off the Chiefs last week and keeping their wits about them for a dangerous Las Vegas team. Justin Herbert seems to get better by the week and a thunderous rushing attack, led by Austin Ekeler, has the Bolts moving up the charts.
10. Seattle Seahawks (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS) Next: vs. Rams – After two consecutive losses, the Seahawks got well with a 28-21 road win over the 49ers. Russell Wilson fired a pair of touchdown passes to lead the Hawks past their NFC West foes and now they will welcome one of the best in the business when Matthew Stafford and the Rams come to town.
For the complete list of the OddsTrader Power Rankings click here. And remember to check back for more betting strategy at the OddsTrader blog. Happy betting!
