NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Philadelphia Eagles win with Carson Wentz

2018 NFL Power Rankings Week 4: Eagles earn tough win in Carson Wentz’s return

By Dan Parzych | Sep 23, 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - SEPTEMBER 23: Running back Wendell Smallwood #28 of the Philadelphia Eagles celebrates his game-winning touchdown with teammates wide receiver Jordan Matthews #80, punter Cameron Johnston #1 and wide receiver Nelson Agholor #13 against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field on September 23, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Philadelphia Eagles won 20-16. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

28 of 33

(Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /

6. Carolina Panthers

Remember all of the unnecessary pressure Cam Newton was feeling over the first two games after leading the Carolina Panthers in rushing yards during both contests? Well, Newton may have rushed for two touchdowns of his own during Sunday’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals on top of the two he completed through the air, but luckily Christian McCaffrey put together the kind of rushing performance Panthers fans have been waiting to see.

To say McCaffrey was a workhorse would be a huge understatement after seeing the second-year running back rush for 184 yards on 28 carries, taking a ton of that pressure off the shoulders of Newton. Hopefully, McCaffrey continues to play at this kind of level since this is the main reason why Carolina was willing to invest a first-round pick on the former Stanford star in the first place.

Through three weeks, the Panthers continue to make it clear about being one of the top teams to beat in the NFL after handing the previously undefeated Bengals their first loss of 2018. And after four total touchdowns on Sunday, Newton could find his name in the running for MVP if he continues to play at this effective level moving forward.

Home/Philadelphia Eagles