NFL power rankings Week 4: Dak Prescott & Co. bounce back

There are just two undefeated teams in the league after week three (Chiefs & Falcons), and 16 teams with a 2-1 record, meaning a little over half the league has a winning record.

Based purely on their record over the first three weeks, the Cowboys could be ranked anywhere from No. 3 through No. 19, and so could be the Eagles and Redskins. The Giants on the other hand should probably be lumped in with the four other teams with an 0-3 record.

You'd think that the win last night would move the Cowboys up the rankings, but that kind of logic doesn't necessarily hold sway in the world of power rankings.

Here's a summary of where the Cowboys are ranked this week, and a little further down you can see how that compares to the rest of the NFC East.

Chicago Tribune - No. 4 (LW: 8)

DeMarcus Lawrence off to a hot start with 6.5 sacks.

Washington Post - No. 6 (LW: 13)

The offense was balanced Monday night in Arizona. The Cowboys ran the ball effectively with RB Ezekiel Elliott and got some big plays from QB Dak Prescott. The pass rush, led by DeMarcus Lawrence, was formidable. Elliott is ensured of playing one more game — this coming Sunday against the Rams — before a federal appeals court hears oral arguments Monday on the NFL’s request for a stay of the injunction keeping his suspension on hold.

Sagarin Rating - No. 7 (LW: - -)

These are rankings based on W/L record, points differential and schedule strength.

NY Daily News - No. 7 (LW: 8)

Dak Prescott & Co. bounced back from a terrible road loss in Denver to pull off a primetime win in the Arizona desert. The Dallas secondary remains a decimated mess.

Sporting News - No. 8 (LW: 10)

Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott needed to come through like that in Arizona with the Redskins and Eagles emerging as their new threats to the NFC East crown. DeMarcus Lawrence also been key for their D so far.

Yahoo - No. 8 (LW: 8)

The Cowboys defense might be much improved. Dallas needs to get healthy in the secondary. But the pass rush, led by DeMarcus Lawrence, is legit. That’s a great place to start.

Detroit Free Press - No. 9 (LW: 12)

Nice, gritty win by Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in Glendale. I still give them the slight edge out of the NFC East, even with the emergence of the Redskins and Eagles.

ESPN - No. 9 (LW: 8)

Dak Prescott: 60.8 Total QBR. Sometimes less is more. Prescott needed to throw only 18 passes Monday, but he averaged 10.2 yards per attempt, a big improvement from his 5.7 average from his first two games. Balance is key for the Cowboys and will continue to be with upcoming games against the Rams and Packers.

SI.com - No. 12 (LW: 9)

No comments provided, but the Eagles move up three spots after a last-second field goal against the hapless Giants, while the Cowboys drop three spots after the win in Arizona.