2022 NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Dolphins and Eagles take top spots

28. Carolina Panthers

For the first time this season, the Carolina Panthers were able to secure a win. They haven’t really put it all together on offense, despite having some talented players. This is clearly an indictment on head coach Matt Rhule but also on Baker Mayfield who was just 12-of-25 for 170 yards in the win. His lone touchdown went for 67-yards but most of that was Laviska Shenault running after the catch.

The main reason Carolina won this game was the defense. They forced three turnovers and had a defensive touchdown as well. Now at 1-2, they’re still alive — and winning a divisional game helps — but this seemed to be more about the Saints being bad than the Panthers being good.

27. Detroit Lions

It was nearly a second win in a row for the Detroit Lions as they entered the fourth quarter with a 24-14 lead over the Minnesota Vikings. However, the defense gave up 14 points as the offense turned it over on downs, missed a field goal, then had an interception in their final three possessions.

Jamaal Williams had a great game with 87 yards and two touchdowns but Jared Goff was unable to keep the passing game going late in the game which kept them from holding off Minnesota. Now instead of an impressive 2-1 start, they’re sitting at 1-2 but could turn it back around with a couple more 1-2 teams on the schedule with Seattle and New England over the next two weeks.