As we reach NFL Week 4 of the 2025 season, it’s time to reflect on how all 32 teams are stacking up. This week’s Power Rankings, compiled by a panel of over 80 reporters, editors, and analysts, highlight key areas of concern for each team. The dynamic performances from Week 3 showcased a heightened focus on both offense and defense, with specific defensive issues being identified across the league.
Top Teams in Focus
Buffalo Bills (Rank 1)
- Week 3 Result: Beat the Dolphins 31-21
- Biggest Defensive Issue: Converting third downs into stops. The Bills’ defense has struggled to end drives, allowing the Dolphins to convert a staggering 10 of 15 third-down attempts. A return to health for key players like linebacker Matt Milano could help remedy this.
Philadelphia Eagles (Rank 2)
- Week 3 Result: Beat the Rams 33-26
- Biggest Defensive Issue: Defensive rush success rate. The Eagles have the worst success rate against the run, yielding a first down or touchdown on over 34% of attempts. This statistic should be fixable with quality players like Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis on the field.
- Detroit Lions (Rank 5)
- Week 3 Result: Beat the Ravens 38-30
- Biggest Defensive Issue: A faltering pass rush outside of Aidan Hutchinson. With a league-low pass rush win rate of 22.0%, outside pressure needs to improve, especially with Hutchinson facing increased attention from opposing offenses.
Mid-Tier Struggles
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Rank 10)
- Week 3 Result: Beat the Jets 29-27
- Biggest Defensive Issue: Fourth-quarter stops. With defensive struggles in clutch moments leading to close game outcomes, the Buccaneers need to tighten their defense to secure victories.
- Denver Broncos (Rank 13)
- Week 3 Result: Lost to the Chargers 23-20
- Biggest Defensive Issue: Closing games. The Broncos have allowed last-minute drives that resulted in game-winning scores as they fail to hold leads effectively.
Bottom of the Rankings
New England Patriots (Rank 30)
- Week 3 Result: Beat the Packers 13-10
- Biggest Defensive Issue: Generating turnovers. The Patriots have only forced three turnovers in three games, a stark contrast to their identity as a defense that seeks to create ball disruption.
- Arizona Cardinals (Rank 32)
- Week 3 Result: Lost to the Seahawks 44-13
- Biggest Defensive Issue: Allowing big plays in the passing game. The Cardinals have struggled with coverage, allowing long gains and failing to hinder opposing offenses from moving the football effectively.
Conclusion
As this season progresses, teams are starting to establish their identities, both offensively and defensively. Teams like the Buffalo Bills and Philadelphia Eagles have emerged at the top of this week’s rankings, but they also face significant challenges that could prevent them from sustaining their success. Meanwhile, struggling franchises like the Arizona Cardinals and New England Patriots need to address their defensive deficiencies if they hope to climb out of the bottom tier.
In summary, NFL Week 4 serves as a pivotal juncture for these teams as they work to shore up defensive weaknesses and harness their strengths in hopes of a successful 2025 campaign. Fans and analysts alike will be eagerly watching how these dynamics unfold in the coming weeks as teams reposition themselves for both divisional showdowns and playoff aspirations.
