NFL Power Rankings By Adrian Hasenmayer, FOXSports.com
Updated: October 1, 2008, 1:55 PM ET 985 comments

With the Cowboys losing at home while the Giants enjoyed a bye week, it's clear that the Giants deserve their No. 1 ranking until they prove otherwise. Though this week could be that otherwise, especially if Plaxico Burress can't convince mean ol' Tom Coughlin to let him play.

With the Cowboys losing at home while the Giants enjoyed a bye week, it's clear that the Giants deserve their No. 1 ranking until they prove otherwise. Though this week could be that otherwise, especially if Plaxico Burress can't convince mean ol' Tom Coughlin to let him play. COOL STAT: The Giants have allowed 43 points in three games, a full 70 points fewer than the Lions defense. THIS WEEK: vs. Seahawks (1-2)

They may not finish the season at No. 2, but going into Dallas without Jason Taylor and dominating the trenches earned the Redskins the NFL's most impressive win of 2008 thus far. While their wins have all been tight, they have proved to be the tougher team (against tough teams, with combined 10-5 record) down the stretch in each victory.

They may not finish the season at No. 2, but going into Dallas without Jason Taylor and dominating the trenches earned the Redskins the NFL's most impressive win of 2008 thus far. While their wins have all been tight, they have proved to be the tougher team (against tough teams, with combined 10-5 record) down the stretch in each victory. COOL STAT: Against Dallas, Washington held possession for 38:09 vs. 21.51 for the Cowboys. THIS WEEK: at Eagles (2-2)

In a strange way, losing in September might be the best thing to happen for loosey goosey coach Wade Phillips. With expectations spiraling out of control since training camp, a division loss at home will be a great tool for him to push his talented, yet combustible team to refocus.

In a strange way, losing in September might be the best thing to happen for loosey goosey coach Wade Phillips. With expectations spiraling out of control since training camp, a division loss at home will be a great tool for him to push his talented, yet combustible team to refocus. But Wade, how did Marion Barber and Felix Jones combine for only 8 carries last week? COOL STAT: Bad company -- Dallas is one of two teams without an interception this season, along with 0-3 Detroit. THIS WEEK: vs. Bengals (0-4)

Where are the glowy TV features on Jeff Fisher, the NFL's longest-tenured current head coach? He keeps putting together tough-minded teams (his current backup QB notwithstanding) built around strong running and killer defense.

Where are the glowy TV features on Jeff Fisher, the NFL's longest-tenured current head coach? He keeps putting together tough-minded teams (his current backup QB notwithstanding) built around strong running and killer defense. This might be his best team yet, but we won't know for sure until the schedule toughens up. COOL STAT: Tennessee's first-ever 4-0 start comes against opponents with a combined 3-12 record. THIS WEEK: at Ravens (2-1)

Against a tougher opponent than Atlanta, Carolina could have struggled last week after suffering 11 penalties and the loss of both starting offensive tackles to injury. But expect this team to slowly build throughout the season into one of the NFC's top contenders, now that Jake Delhomme is healthy and has plenty of new weapons on offense.

Against a tougher opponent than Atlanta, Carolina could have struggled last week after suffering 11 penalties and the loss of both starting offensive tackles to injury. But expect this team to slowly build throughout the season into one of the NFC's top contenders, now that Jake Delhomme is healthy and has plenty of new weapons on offense. COOL STAT: Despite losing both OTs to injury, Jake Delhomme was not sacked once by Atlanta. THIS WEEK: vs. Chiefs (1-3)

How do the Steelers drop after winning a tough game to go to 3-1? Unfortunately, MNF's Pyrrhic victory over the Ravens came at quite a price: the loss of starting guard Kendall Simmons and rookie first-round RB Rashard Mendenhall to season-ending injuries.

How do the Steelers drop after winning a tough game to go to 3-1? Unfortunately, MNF's Pyrrhic victory over the Ravens came at quite a price: the loss of starting guard Kendall Simmons and rookie first-round RB Rashard Mendenhall to season-ending injuries. Pittsburgh still has plenty of talent to take the NFC North, but their Super Bowl hopes took a major hit. COOL STAT: Discounting a defensive TD scored against Baltimore, the Steelers offense has scored just 32 points in their last three games. THIS WEEK: at Jaguars (2-2)

Here comes the hate mail … I know your Bills are 4-0, that Trent Edwards is the new Captain Clutch, the defense rocks, the special teams is special, yada yada … The Bills are good and getting better, just not enough yet for the Fab Five.

Here comes the hate mail … I know your Bills are 4-0, that Trent Edwards is the new Captain Clutch, the defense rocks, the special teams is special, yada yada … The Bills are good and getting better, just not enough yet for the Fab Five. They had perfect storm wins over the injury-savaged Seahawks and Jags at the time, survived the Raiders at home and had to come back against the 0-4 Rams. Consider full judgment withheld as the tests continue, but No. 7 ain't too shabby. Enjoy it. COOL STAT: Buffalo's 4-0 start comes against opponents with a combined 4-11 record. THIS WEEK: at Cardinals (2-2)

The Derrick Brooks-led defense and an effective running game has spearheaded the Bucs' early season run to 3-1. But can Chucky ever find the quarterback that he's looking for? If revenge is a positive motive, Brian Griese goes for his next victim in Denver this week.

The Derrick Brooks-led defense and an effective running game has spearheaded the Bucs' early season run to 3-1. But can Chucky ever find the quarterback that he's looking for? If revenge is a positive motive, Brian Griese goes for his next victim in Denver this week. COOL STAT: While Brian Griese is 3-0 as Bucs starting QB, his six interceptions over the past two games leads all NFL QBs. THIS WEEK: at Broncos (3-1)

Their string of good luck ended with a shocking thud against the Chiefs. Not that the defensive issues were a big secret, but watching the previously-winless Chiefs run at will was striking on the rare day the offense could not bail them out.

Their string of good luck ended with a shocking thud against the Chiefs. Not that the defensive issues were a big secret, but watching the previously-winless Chiefs run at will was striking on the rare day the offense could not bail them out. The next three games against the Bucs, Jaguars and Patriots will be telling. COOL STAT: The Broncos have both gained and allowed over 400 total yards per game this season. THIS WEEK: at Chiefs (0-3)

The Chargers appear poised to start climbing the rankings again. Sure they struggled a bit against the Raiders. But LaDainian Tomlinson's fourth quarter explosion could foreshadow his full return to health, which would put the entire league on alert.

The Chargers appear poised to start climbing the rankings again. Sure they struggled a bit against the Raiders. But LaDainian Tomlinson's fourth quarter explosion could foreshadow his full return to health, which would put the entire league on alert. COOL STAT: After spotting the Raiders a 15-0 halftime lead, the Chargers outscored Oakland 28-3 to close out their win. THIS WEEK: at Dolphins (1-2)

Brian Urlacher and Co. can exhale after avoiding a third straight blown fourth-quarter lead, thanks to a heroic goal-line stand late in the fourth quarter against Philly. After a tough first quarter of the season, Da Bears must avoid any traps against softer competition on their upcoming back-to-back road games against Detroit and Atlanta.

Brian Urlacher and Co. can exhale after avoiding a third straight blown fourth-quarter lead, thanks to a heroic goal-line stand late in the fourth quarter against Philly. After a tough first quarter of the season, Da Bears must avoid any traps against softer competition on their upcoming back-to-back road games against Detroit and Atlanta. COOL STAT: After a flawless season opener, the Bears have committed eight turnovers in the last three games. THIS WEEK: at Lions (0-3)

Big drop by the Birds in this week's rankings, which might seem too harsh at first considering this team is Top 5-worthy with a healthy Brian Westbrook. Well right now, the Little Engine is out and without him, the Eagles continue their troubling recent trend of not making the key plays in the fourth quarter of winnable games -- traits that dogged the 8-8 team in 2007.

Big drop by the Birds in this week's rankings, which might seem too harsh at first considering this team is Top 5-worthy with a healthy Brian Westbrook. Well right now, the Little Engine is out and without him, the Eagles continue their troubling recent trend of not making the key plays in the fourth quarter of winnable games -- traits that dogged the 8-8 team in 2007. COOL STAT: On four second-half possessions inside Bears' territory, the Eagles scored just six points. THIS WEEK: vs. Redskins (3-1)

So let's get this straight: Packers legend Brett Favre started 253 consecutive games in a Packers uniform over 16 seasons, but it's taken just four games until replacement Aaron Rodgers got hurt.

So let's get this straight: Packers legend Brett Favre started 253 consecutive games in a Packers uniform over 16 seasons, but it's taken just four games until replacement Aaron Rodgers got hurt. Favre fanatics in Green Bay have to love/hate this. There's still time for him to pull a Favre, as Rodgers still hopes to play this week with his shoulder sprain. COOL STAT: RB Ryan Grant had five 100-yard games in '07, but has averaged just 31 yards in his last three games. THIS WEEK: vs. Falcons (2-2)

It's been pretty simple for the Colts. They can't run and they can't stop the run. How much the return of center Jeff Saturday means to the dormant running game remains to be seen, but never has a team needed a bye week to heal up just three games into the season.

It's been pretty simple for the Colts. They can't run and they can't stop the run. How much the return of center Jeff Saturday means to the dormant running game remains to be seen, but never has a team needed a bye week to heal up just three games into the season. COOL STAT: Peyton Manning's Colts are 27th in scoring this season after ranking in the NFL's Top 3 in each of the last five seasons. THIS WEEK: at Texans (0-3)

This weekend Doctor Evil will emerge from the Patriots' bye week, and after getting embarrassed by Miami in Week 3 he has to have something tricky up his sleeve, right? New England plans to stay in California for its two-game road trip against the Niners and Chargers.

This weekend Doctor Evil will emerge from the Patriots' bye week, and after getting embarrassed by Miami in Week 3 he has to have something tricky up his sleeve, right? New England plans to stay in California for its two-game road trip against the Niners and Chargers. COOL STAT: The Pats are 6-2 under Belichick after a bye week, with their last loss in 2002 -- also the last time they missed the playoffs. THIS WEEK: at 49ers (2-2)

Ray Lewis is most definitely not over the hill. The Ravens defense is back, and even though RB Willis McGahee left the Steelers game injured, rookie QB Joe Flacco handled his first Monday night test fairly well considering the opposition.

Ray Lewis is most definitely not over the hill. The Ravens defense is back, and even though RB Willis McGahee left the Steelers game injured, rookie QB Joe Flacco handled his first Monday night test fairly well considering the opposition. COOL STAT: The Ravens have allowed an NFL-low two offensive touchdowns this season. THIS WEEK: vs. Titans (4-0)

This was supposed to be the year the Jags took over the AFC South from the Colts. That job has fallen to the Titans instead, as Jacksonville's defense has not been its normal force through four games this season.

This was supposed to be the year the Jags took over the AFC South from the Colts. That job has fallen to the Titans instead, as Jacksonville's defense has not been its normal force through four games this season. The Jags are still playing the close games, with all four having been decided by seven points or less. COOL STAT: The Jags have just five sacks in four games, more than just two other teams who have played four games in '08. THIS WEEK: vs. Steelers (3-1)

DEUUUUUCE!!! The return of Deuce McAllister was a huge addition to the Saints' offense, especially with WR Marques Colston and TE Jeremy Shockey both injured. Now if he could only play defense … COOL STAT: The Saints have committed at least one turnover in 21 straight games.

DEUUUUUCE!!! The return of Deuce McAllister was a huge addition to the Saints' offense, especially with WR Marques Colston and TE Jeremy Shockey both injured. Now if he could only play defense … COOL STAT: The Saints have committed at least one turnover in 21 straight games. THIS WEEK: vs. Vikings (1-3)

The defense has played much better than the final scores have indicated thus far, but the Vikings may lose an important piece this week in leading tackler E.J. Henderson. They'll need him as they gear up for their season's first shootout possibility against New Orleans.

The defense has played much better than the final scores have indicated thus far, but the Vikings may lose an important piece this week in leading tackler E.J. Henderson. They'll need him as they gear up for their season's first shootout possibility against New Orleans. COOL STAT: Minnesota's four turnovers last week led to 21 points for Tennessee in the Vikings' 30-17 loss. THIS WEEK: at Saints (2-2)

Guess the Wrangler guy ain't done yet, eh? Ol' No. 4 only leads the NFL in QB rating, TD passes and completion percentage. Man, when's this guy gonna retire already? COOL STAT: Last week the Jets somehow allowed 35 points in the second half, and won.

Guess the Wrangler guy ain't done yet, eh? Ol' No. 4 only leads the NFL in QB rating, TD passes and completion percentage. Man, when's this guy gonna retire already? COOL STAT: Last week the Jets somehow allowed 35 points in the second half, and won. THIS WEEK: Bye

Kurt Warner's been so good for a while now in the desert, it was getting harder to remember why he eventually became a backup QB in the first place. Six turnovers last week in New York proved an effective reminder.

Kurt Warner's been so good for a while now in the desert, it was getting harder to remember why he eventually became a backup QB in the first place. Six turnovers last week in New York proved an effective reminder. COOL STAT: After allowing just 47 points in their first three games combined, the Cards gave up 56 against the Jets in Week 4. THIS WEEK: vs. Bills (4-0)

Losing at New Orleans was a tough blow, even moreso when looking at the Niners' upcoming schedule: vs. Patriots, vs. Eagles, at Giants. Let's see how good this bunch really is. COOL STAT: After holding opposing QBs to a combined 59.3 rating in Weeks 1-3, Drew Brees put up a 116.7 rating in Week 4.

Losing at New Orleans was a tough blow, even moreso when looking at the Niners' upcoming schedule: vs. Patriots, vs. Eagles, at Giants. Let's see how good this bunch really is. COOL STAT: After holding opposing QBs to a combined 59.3 rating in Weeks 1-3, Drew Brees put up a 116.7 rating in Week 4. THIS WEEK: vs. Patriots (2-1)

It feels like the season is about to start over again with the Seahawks getting at least one of their two injured starting wide receivers back on the field this week against the defending champion Giants.

It feels like the season is about to start over again with the Seahawks getting at least one of their two injured starting wide receivers back on the field this week against the defending champion Giants. Deion Branch is giddy after announcing his return, while Bobby Engram has quietly continued his rehab. Seattle needs him back quickly, with a tough schedule stretch about to begin. COOL STAT: The Seahawks averaged 33.5 ppg against NFC West foes San Francisco and St. Louis, after scoring just 10 against Buffalo in Week 1. THIS WEEK: at Giants (3-0)

Ronnie Brown and the original multi-purpose RB LaDainian Tomlinson face off this week -- who will throw for more touchdown passes? COOL STAT: The Dolphins have won six straight games against the Chargers, dating back to 1993.

Ronnie Brown and the original multi-purpose RB LaDainian Tomlinson face off this week -- who will throw for more touchdown passes? COOL STAT: The Dolphins have won six straight games against the Chargers, dating back to 1993. THIS WEEK: vs. Chargers (2-2)

Rookie QB Matt Ryan continues his ongoing NFL education this week with a trip to Lambeau Field. He's faced two cupcakes at home and two juggernaut defenses on the road. Is he ready yet to win a big road game? COOL STAT: The Falcons have averaged 36 ppg in two home games, versus 9 ppg in two away games this season.

Rookie QB Matt Ryan continues his ongoing NFL education this week with a trip to Lambeau Field. He's faced two cupcakes at home and two juggernaut defenses on the road. Is he ready yet to win a big road game? COOL STAT: The Falcons have averaged 36 ppg in two home games, versus 9 ppg in two away games this season. THIS WEEK: at Packers (2-2)

Head coach Romeo Crennel says QB Derek Anderson is still his quarterback. Crennel's trigger finger had to be awfully itchy against Cincy, as Anderson was only 8-16 for 72 yards and a pick in the game's first three quarters.

Head coach Romeo Crennel says QB Derek Anderson is still his quarterback. Crennel's trigger finger had to be awfully itchy against Cincy, as Anderson was only 8-16 for 72 yards and a pick in the game's first three quarters. After one good quarter -- against the winless Bengals -- Anderson declared after the game the offense's swagger has returned. We'll see. COOL STAT: It took 228 minutes and 54 seconds until the Browns surpassed the 10-point mark in a game this season (4th quarter, Week 4 at Bengals). THIS WEEK: Bye

All it took for a Chief uprising was the return to health of their only true NFL QB on the roster, Damon Huard. It also didn't hurt that the Broncos defense seemingly forgot that Larry Johnson was still in the NFL.

All it took for a Chief uprising was the return to health of their only true NFL QB on the roster, Damon Huard. It also didn't hurt that the Broncos defense seemingly forgot that Larry Johnson was still in the NFL. Now can L.J. put up digits against Carolina and Tennessee the next two weeks? COOL STAT: The Chiefs rumbled for 213 rushing yards against Denver in Week 4 after averaging 113.7 rushing yards/game in Weeks 1-3. THIS WEEK: at Panthers (3-1)

Matt Schaub finally got his game back against the Jaguars last week in a losing effort. Now what's up with that defense that was supposed to emerge? Texans not named Mario Williams have just one sack in three games so far.

Matt Schaub finally got his game back against the Jaguars last week in a losing effort. Now what's up with that defense that was supposed to emerge? Texans not named Mario Williams have just one sack in three games so far. COOL STAT: Going back to last season, the Texans have allowed 30+ points in four of their past five games. THIS WEEK: vs. Colts (1-2)

Has any person in NFL history ever been so thoroughly napalmed like Lane Kiffin was by Al Davis? Whether or not you believe Kiffin's or Davis' side, watching Davis shred Kiffin step-by-step was Exhibit A that the elder owner still has his A game when it comes to character assassination.

Has any person in NFL history ever been so thoroughly napalmed like Lane Kiffin was by Al Davis? Whether or not you believe Kiffin's or Davis' side, watching Davis shred Kiffin step-by-step was Exhibit A that the elder owner still has his A game when it comes to character assassination. Cold-blooded. COOL STAT: Oakland has won five games or less in every season since 2002. NEXT WEEK: Bye (as in, bye bye Lane Kiffin)

Carson Palmer's screaming elbow barked at possibly the worst time possible, with a winnable Week 4 game against the Browns on the schedule and 0-3 staring back from the Standings page. Despite a gritty effort, Cincy missed its chance to revive its season and now gets to visit a Dallas team stinging from its first loss.

Carson Palmer's screaming elbow barked at possibly the worst time possible, with a winnable Week 4 game against the Browns on the schedule and 0-3 staring back from the Standings page. Despite a gritty effort, Cincy missed its chance to revive its season and now gets to visit a Dallas team stinging from its first loss. COOL STAT: After allowing a franchise record low 17 sacks in 2007, the Bengals have already given up 12 sacks in four games this season. THIS WEEK: at Cowboys (3-1)

The Greatest Show on Turf is back! The Rams are progressively improving on the scoreboard at least, scoring 8, 13, 13 and 14 points each week in '08. Eat your heart out, Mike Martz! COOL STAT: The Rams have been outscored 80-17 in the fourth quarter this season.

The Greatest Show on Turf is back! The Rams are progressively improving on the scoreboard at least, scoring 8, 13, 13 and 14 points each week in '08. Eat your heart out, Mike Martz! COOL STAT: The Rams have been outscored 80-17 in the fourth quarter this season. THIS WEEK: Bye

Ding dong, the witch is dead! With general manager Matt Millen gone, will head coach Rod Marinelli be far behind? COOL STAT: Detroit fell behind Atlanta and Green Bay 21-0 in each of its first two games, then 21-3 against San Francisco in Week 3.

Ding dong, the witch is dead! With general manager Matt Millen gone, will head coach Rod Marinelli be far behind? COOL STAT: Detroit fell behind Atlanta and Green Bay 21-0 in each of its first two games, then 21-3 against San Francisco in Week 3. THIS WEEK: vs. Bears (2-2)