2021 NFL Power Rankings, Week 4: Rams claim top spot, Steelers and Bears plummet

INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 26: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates a third quarter touchdown throw by Matthew Stafford #9 in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at SoFi Stadium on September 26, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images) /

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Denver Broncos. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Denver Broncos. 9. team. 45. . . Previous: 16th

In the simplest terms, the Denver Broncos did exactly what a good team should do. Vic Fangio’s club was one of seven remaining undefeated teams in the NFL heading into Week 3 and they welcomed a winless and hapless Jets team to Mile High for their first home game of the season. And they dominated New York.

While Teddy Bridgewater continued to play well despite losing another wide receiver to injury with K.J. Hamler leaving this game. The quarterback complete 19-of-25 passes for 235 yards, though he didn’t throw a touchdown pass, but also remained interception-free for the 2021 season.

This was a defensive showcase for the Broncos as they took advantage of a bad offense, registering five sacks, nine QB hits, picking Zach Wilson off twice and limiting the Jets to just 162 yards of total offense on the day.

But now we’ll start to learn just how good Denver is. As noted by Ryan O’Halloran of The Denver Post, the Broncos’ schedule increases substantially in difficulty as their opening three games against the Giants, Jaguars and Broncos now leads them to play the Ravens, Steelers, Raiders and Browns over the next four weeks.

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