Updated: September 28, 2010, 2:10 PM ET

2010 NFL Power Rankings: Week 4

Week:
ESPN.com

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 3-0 start without Ben Roethlisberger has convinced our experts to reward them with the top slot for the latest ESPN.com NFL Power Rankings.

Convincing in their 38-13 demolition of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Charlie Batch-led Steelers vaulted four places to take the top slot. Still, they're not a unanimous choice for No. 1 in our poll. Read more about the voting here.

The New Orleans Saints slipped to No. 2 in the wake of their overtime loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The Indianapolis Colts rank third, just ahead of the Green Bay Packers and the Falcons at Nos. 4 and 5, respectively.

Yes, the Packers rank two rungs ahead of the unbeaten Chicago Bears, who defeated Green Bay 20-17 on ESPN's "Monday Night Football."

Although the Donovan McNabb-Michael Vick matchup in Philadelphia will snag the lion's share of headlines this week, the AFC North showdown between the No. 1 Steelers and No. 8 Baltimore Ravens should have the most interest to power rankings followers.

• More: Voting | Bloggers | SN: Rank 'Em | Pick' Em | Team Power Rankings charts since 2002

Editor's note: "LW" indicates each team's ranking in Week 3 edition of the 2010 Power Rankings.

2010 Power Rankings: Week 4
RANKTEAM / RECORD TRENDINGCOMMENTS
1
4
Last Week: 5		Who knew fourth-stringer Charlie Batch was the answer to Pittsburgh's QB woes? (Walker)
2
1
Last Week: 1		NFC South has a legitimate rivalry now that Falcons have won at New Orleans. (Sando)
3
1
Last Week: 4		In Denver, the Colts gave up a lot of yards, but they made defensive plays in red zone. (Kuharsky)
4
2
Last Week: 2		It's hard to beat anyone when you're committing 18 penalties. (Walker)
5
5
Last Week: 10		Victory at New Orleans affirmed the good vibes resonating with this team. (Sando)
6
6
Last Week: 12		Back-to-back wins over Dallas and Green Bay show the Bears are a force in the NFC. (Walker)
7
Jets
2-1
1
Last Week: 6		For those judging QB development, Mark Sanchez has a slight lead over Chad Henne. (Clayton)
8
--

Last Week: 8		WR Anquan Boldin (three touchdowns in Week 3) showed why the Ravens acquired him. (Walker)
9
6
Last Week: 3		The Texans' offense has to overcome defensive deficiencies. (Kuharsky)
10
1
Last Week: 9		With a defense giving up an average of 27.3 points a game, Bill Belichick isn't afraid to bench anyone. (Clayton)
11
4
Last Week: 7		QB Chad Henne is pretty good. The difference between him and the Jets' Mark Sanchez isn't much. (Clayton)
12
1
Last Week: 11		The Bengals are winning with defense. But is it time to start worrying about QB Carson Palmer? (Walker)
13
2
Last Week: 15		Michael Griffin and defense playing like it's 2008. (Kuharsky)
14
2
Last Week: 16		Now that Michael Vick is the new king of Philadelphia, do you think he'd let Donovan McNabb run some plays from the Wildcat for him? (Clayton)
15
5
Last Week: 20		The Chiefs are deserving of the believers they gain each week. (Kuharsky)
16
1
Last Week: 17		If you include the two losses and five preseason games, the Cowboys had the league's longest training camp. (Clayton)
17
1
Last Week: 18		Vikings go into the bye with a win but still plenty of concerns. (Walker)
18
5
Last Week: 13		AFC West dominance no longer a given. (Kuharsky)
19
7
Last Week: 26		Seahawks seem calm and cool, just like their low-key coach. (Sando)
20
1
Last Week: 21		Victories over the Browns and Panthers will fade with Bengals, Saints next. (Sando)
21
7
Last Week: 14		The pressure is on Donovan McNabb and Mike Shanahan for Sunday's trip to Philadelphia. (Clayton)
22
2
Last Week: 24		Schedule toughens up with San Diego, New Orleans in next two weeks. (Sando)
23
1
Last Week: 22		Offense needs to figure out the red zone after Indy debacle. (Kuharsky)
24
5
Last Week: 19		With all the penalties and turnovers, the Giants appear to be a team in disarray.(Clayton)
25
2
Last Week: 23		Niners seem tight and wound up, just like their high-strung coach. (Sando)
26
1
Last Week: 25		The Jags made strong bid for bottom slot with showing versus Eagles. (Kuharsky)
27
Rams
1-2
4
Last Week: 31		Rams seeking first division win since 2007 when Seattle visits in Week 4. (Sando)
28
1
Last Week: 27		Field goal folly a breathtaking way to lose. (Kuharsky)
29
1
Last Week: 28		The Panthers are 0-2 at home already and have been outscored by 39 points overall. (Sando)
30
--

Last Week: 30		The Browns have been in every game but have zero wins to show for it. (Walker)
31
2
Last Week: 29		So much for the Lions being a sleeper in 2010. (Walker)
32
--

Last Week: 32		Wonder if Trent Edwards will label Sept. 27 as Independence Day after being released after years of struggles. (Clayton)
  • Biggest Jump:
  • 7
  • Biggest Drop:
  • 7
Glossary
The rankings were determined by a poll of five voters on ESPN.com's NFL staff: writers John Clayton (AFC South), Ashley Fox (AFC West), Dan Graziano (NFC East, NFC North), Jamison Hensley (AFC East, AFC North), and Mike Sando (NFC South, NFC West).

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