Week 4 NFL Energy Rankings: 1-32 ballot, plus the most important problem on offense for each crew

Welcome to Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season.

The undefeated Minnesota Vikings, Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers continued to show heads in Week 3. In the meantime, the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins every misplaced their second straight video games. The New Orleans Saints‘ high-powered offense was introduced again right down to earth within the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, and the Baltimore Ravens earned their first win of the season over the Dallas Cowboys.

After three weeks of play, we’re slowly getting an thought of how every crew stacks up in our Energy Rankings.

Along with our rankings, the NFL Nation reporters named the most important problem on offense for each crew. From purple zone struggles to mounting accidents, we took a have a look at what’s plaguing each crew’s offense.

Let’s try the brand new 1-32 rankings beneath.

Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.

Earlier rankings: Preseason | Week 2 | Week 3

Soar to a crew:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Week 3 rating: 1

Largest problem on offense: Crimson zone scoring

The Chiefs have scored a landing on solely 44% of their journeys contained in the 20, which is tied for twenty second within the league. They’ve kicked seven subject targets, and one in every of their greatest purple zone threats, tight finish Travis Kelce, has but to attain. Kansas Metropolis has performed three video games determined by one rating, with two coming right down to the ultimate play. They’ve received all three video games however reside dangerously. This might have been averted in the event that they have been higher at ending drives. — Adam Teicher

---

Week 3 rating: 2

Largest problem on offense: Creating the large receiver room

Discovering a difficulty with the Payments’ offense by the primary three weeks of the season is solely nitpicking, as this group has proven it might probably have success in a wide range of methods and has been among the finest offenses within the NFL. However there are steps ahead this large receiver group can proceed to take. Outdoors of Khalil Shakir — who has caught all 14 of his targets to this point — one other reliable and constant large receiver hasn’t but emerged. One to observe is rookie Keon Coleman, who was benched for the primary quarter vs. the Jaguars on Monday for tardiness however then caught a landing. There’s additionally room for Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins to develop their roles. How this room continues to develop will likely be value watching. — Alaina Getzenberg

---

Week 3 rating: 11

Largest problem on offense: Proper guard play

There have not been many points for a crew that ranks fourth within the NFL in each scoring (26 factors per recreation) and general offensive effectivity (72.03). But when we’re nitpicking, the Vikings proceed to cowl for subpar play from proper guard Ed Ingram. By means of three weeks, Ingram ranks 54th in go block win charge (82%) and forty fourth in run block win charge (68.1%) amongst guards. The Vikings might combine in veteran Dalton Risner when he’s activated from injured reserve, but when the worst factor you’ll be able to say about an offense is that one inside offensive lineman is underperforming, you are most likely in fairly good condition. — Kevin Seifert

---

Week 3 rating: 10

Largest problem on offense: Cross safety

The Seahawks rank thirtieth in go block win charge (46.1%) and twenty third in permitting strain (33.0%). They’re sixteenth in sacks allowed per dropback (7.1%), however that comes with the caveat that QB Geno Smith is getting the ball out on the sixth-fastest charge of any quarterback (2.66 seconds on common). Life will not get any simpler for Seattle’s offensive line now that it will be right down to its third choice at proper sort out for the foreseeable future. Stone Forsythe is changing George Fant, who had been filling in for Abraham Lucas earlier than touchdown on injured reserve. Lucas is not anticipated to return off the bodily unable to carry out listing till midseason on the earliest. — Brady Henderson

---

Week 3 rating: 5

Largest problem on offense: Crimson zone scoring

Even after a Week 3 win, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown acknowledged that the Lions’ offense might step up extra. The principle statistic that jumps out is that the Lions are 5-of-13 (38.5 %) scoring touchdowns on purple zone alternatives. For context, by three video games in 2023, the Lions have been 5-of-9 (55.6%) in purple zone scoring. When it was upset by Tampa Bay in Week 2, the Lions had six purple zone drives with no landing, their most in a recreation since 1981, per ESPN Analysis. — Eric Woodyard

---

Week 3 rating: 6

Largest problem on offense: QB Jalen Hurts‘ ball safety

Hurts has thrown 4 interceptions and been charged with three fumbles by three video games. He has 12 turnovers in his previous 9 regular-season video games, probably the most within the league, and has thrown an interception in seven straight, probably the most by an Eagles quarterback since Ty Detmer in 1996. With accidents piling up on offense, it is extra necessary than ever that Hurts limits his miscues. — Tim McManus

---

Week 3 rating: 12

Largest problem on offense: Crimson zone scoring

Although the Steelers discovered the tip zone twice — and have been stopped simply brief a 3rd time — of their Week 3 win, they’re nonetheless tied for final in purple zone scoring, scoring touchdowns on simply 25% of their purple zone journeys. That is down from 48.89% in 2023. There are various elements contributing to the low mark — a new offensive coordinator, a backup quarterback tapped to start days earlier than the season opener, a slew of offensive line accidents and ill-timed penalties. Sunday might’ve marked the beginning of a turnaround with a 20-point outing, however the Steelers nonetheless needed to flip to kicker Chris Boswell when drives stalled out 10 and 12 yards away from the tip zone. — Brooke Pryor

---

Week 3 rating: 4

Largest problem on offense: Offensive line

The Texans’ offensive line is not taking part in nicely sufficient. The Texans have the 14th highest run stuff charge (17.1%) and are not constantly creating working lanes, as they’re tied for fifteenth in yards earlier than contact (1.3). Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been sacked 11 instances by three weeks and is on tempo to be sacked greater than 55 instances. — DJ Bien-Aime

---

Week 3 rating: 3

Largest problem on offense: An absence of YAC

It is nearly arduous to imagine that the crew recognized for yards after the catch (YAC) in 2023 has been so inefficient in that class by the primary three video games this season. The Niners are averaging simply 3.1 YAC per reception, which ranks final within the NFL. Accidents to their three greatest gamers at YAC (receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., working again Christian McCaffrey and tight finish George Kittle) have not helped, however this offense is basically predicated on making large performs after the catch. The absence of that further yardage has compelled San Francisco to be extra meticulous with its drives and has resulted in a purple zone landing charge of fifty%, which is tied for fifteenth within the league. — Nick Wagoner

---

Week 3 rating: 9

Largest problem on offense: Accidents to C Erik McCoy and TE Taysom Hill

McCoy left three snaps into the Saints’ recreation in opposition to the Eagles on Sunday due to a groin harm, which presents a serious problem for New Orleans if he’s out for any size of time. McCoy is a captain and one of the best participant on the offensive line. That loss, mixed with the absence of Hill (chest) in opposition to the Eagles, was probably a part of the rationale the Saints’ offensive output plummeted from 45 factors factors per recreation in Weeks 1-2 to solely 12 in Week 3. They’re going to want each gamers wholesome to completely bounce again. — Katherine Terrell

---

Week 3 rating: 15

Largest problem on offense: Penalties

The Packers are tied for probably the most offensive penalties within the league by three video games and have the second-most offensive penalty yards. They’ve a league-high 9 offensive holding infractions, together with 4 by left sort out Rasheed Walker (who has a team-high six penalties general). Penalties usually have been an issue for the Packers, who had 10 on Sunday in opposition to the Titans and 26 general in all three phases. “There’s rather a lot to wash up, clearly, with the penalties,” coach Matt LaFleur mentioned after Sunday’s win at Tennessee. — Rob Demovsky

---

Week 3 rating: 13

Largest problem on offense: TE Mark Andrews‘ sluggish begin

The three-time Professional Bowler has gone from being QB Lamar Jackson‘s favourite goal to a shocking nonfactor within the passing recreation. Andrews has been restricted to 6 catches for 65 yards, each of that are his fewest three weeks into the season. It looks like the emergence of tight finish Isaiah Likely has taken away a few of Andrews’ targets, and the addition of working again Derrick Henry has eliminated a few of Andrews’ purple zone alternatives. On Sunday, the Ravens went with a run-heavy recreation plan, which resulted in Andrews not making a catch for the primary time in 76 video games. — Jamison Hensley

---

Week 3 rating: 7

Largest problem on offense: Lack of a run recreation

It is early and the Bucs are 2-1, however bettering from the league’s worst statistical speeding assault final yr will take a while, and shedding beginning proper sort out Luke Goedeke for two-plus video games is not best, both. The Bucs need to do one thing to get this floor recreation going to assist out QB Baker Mayfield, who has been sacked 12 instances in two weeks. The 2 30-plus-yard runs from Bucky Irving in Weeks 1 and three are skewing their 4.0 yards per rush stat rather a lot. Tampa Bay ranks twenty seventh in speeding yards per recreation (91). — Jenna Laine

---

Week 3 rating: 16

Largest problem on offense: WR Garrett Wilson‘s lukewarm begin

Fifteen receptions in three video games is ok — that is an 85-catch tempo — however extra is anticipated of Wilson, who raised the bar with two sturdy seasons. Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers aren’t clicking but, as Wilson hasn’t exceeded 68 receiving yards in a recreation. Their previous two opponents, the Patriots and Titans, had their high cornerback journey with Wilson on nearly each play — Christian Gonzalez and L’Jarius Sneed, respectively. That, plus a heavy dose of split-safety appears to be like, has prevented Wilson from having a breakout recreation. — Wealthy Cimini

---

Week 3 rating: 8

Largest problem on offense: Accidents to stars

Quarterback Justin Herbert (ankle) and offensive tackles Rashawn Slater (pectoral) and Joe Alt (MCL sprain) all left Sunday’s loss to the Steelers due to accidents. These are maybe the Chargers’ three most necessary offensive gamers, and with out them, L.A. can have bother working an efficient offense. Herbert left in a strolling boot, and receivers Joshua Palmer (elbow/calf) and DJ Chark Jr. (hip) are additionally nursing accidents that saved them out of Sunday’s loss. Now 5 Chargers offensive starters have lingering accidents heading into Week 4. — Kris Rhim

---

Week 3 rating: 14

Largest problem on offense: Operating again by committee

Coach Mike McCarthy can harp on the dearth of speeding makes an attempt — simply 49 by working backs in three video games — however when Rico Dowdle, Ezekiel Elliott or Deuce Vaughn have carried the ball, it has not been ok. Per NFL Subsequent Gen Stats, the Cowboys have picked up minus-74 speeding yards over expectation by three video games, which is third worst within the NFL behind Chicago and Miami. Along with the dearth of makes an attempt, the Cowboys’ speeding recreation hasn’t established any rhythm. Put one other approach: Quarterback Lamar Jackson had 1 fewer yard Sunday than Dowdle has to steer the Cowboys this season (88). — Todd Archer

---

Week 3 rating: 19

Largest problem on offense: Proper sort out depth

Simply three video games in, the Cardinals are already on their fourth proper sort out. Starter Jonah Williams is on injured reserve with a proper knee harm. His backup, Kelvin Beachum, missed Sunday’s loss to the Lions with a hamstring harm. His backup, Jackson Barton, left the sport with a toe harm, which left Arizona taking part in with Charlie Heck for the previous few minutes. For a crew that prides itself on working the soccer to arrange its dynamic passing recreation, being right down to the fourth-string proper sort out is lower than best. — Josh Weinfuss

---

Week 3 rating: 20

Largest problem on offense: Accidents to high large receivers

Not many groups can be able to overcoming accidents to their high two receivers in back-to-back weeks to begin the season, however that is the place the Rams are in. With Puka Nacua (MCL sprain) on injured reserve and Cooper Kupp (ankle sprain) out for an prolonged interval, the Rams leaned on working again Kyren Williams of their comeback victory in Week 3. The offense confirmed battle and enchancment late in opposition to the 49ers, however discovering consistency will likely be a tall process till Nacua, Kupp and a number of other starters on the offensive line can return. — Sarah Barshop

---

Week 3 rating: 27

Largest problem on offense: Crimson zone scoring

Getting into the Monday night time recreation, Washington ranked twenty seventh in purple zone scoring — largely as a result of having to kick six subject targets in Week 2 versus the Giants. 4 penalties helped stall drives in that win, however general execution should enhance. The passing recreation hasn’t labored within the purple zone (quarterback Jayden Daniels accomplished 1 of 5 purple zone passes within the first two video games), and the run recreation was tied for sixteenth, averaging 2.7 yards per carry. After Monday night time’s win over the Bengals, the Commanders scored a landing on 100% of their purple zone journeys, exhibiting a lot enchancment. — John Keim

---

Week 3 rating: 17

Largest problem on offense: Sustaining drives

Over their first three video games, 19 of the Dolphins’ 33 offensive drives resulted in 5 performs or fewer. That incapability to place collectively lengthy drives has led to fewer scoring alternatives and, finally, the NFL’s worst scoring offense to this point. Miami has scored simply 33 factors this season — an outrageous stat for a crew that scored 70 factors in Week 3 final season. Taking part in with out quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (concussion) has been a problem for this crew relationship again to 2022, and it is nonetheless unclear precisely how lengthy the Dolphins will likely be with out him this season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

---

Week 3 rating: 23

Largest problem on offense: Offensive line accidents

The Falcons’ offense seemed prefer it had lastly discovered its footing early in opposition to the Chiefs, till proper sort out Kaleb McGary (knee) after which heart Drew Dalman (ankle) went down with accidents within the second quarter. Quarterback Kirk Cousins fumbled on two consecutive performs after Dalman left the sport. With the 2 O-line starters on the sector, Cousins was 7-of-9 for 118 yards and a landing. With out them? He was 13-of-20 for 112 yards and an interception. Each determine to overlook time, so backup linemen Storm Norton and Ryan Neuzil should step up at sort out and heart, respectively. — Marc Raimondi

---

Week 3 rating: 21

Largest problem on offense: Lack of steadiness on offense

Positive, the Raiders have discovered themselves trailing by a minimum of 10 factors within the fourth quarter of all three video games and needing to throw extra, however Las Vegas is already passing twice as a lot because it’s speeding. The Raiders have run 55 instances, averaging simply 2.8 yards per carry, and have thrown 111 passes. “If [we] cannot win on early downs, groups are going to simply preserve teeing off on us,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce mentioned. “We’ll go into the lab and … chip away.” — Paul Gutierrez

---

Week 3 rating: 22

Largest problem on offense: No identification

The Browns’ try at forming a revamped offense round quarterback Deshaun Watson has fallen brief, and there is blame to go round. Watson continues to battle together with his really feel and accuracy; his 24.5% off-target share is third worst within the NFL. The offensive line has regressed and suffered a number of accidents to starters. The shortage of continuity has made it robust to ascertain an identification within the run or go recreation. Sport plans that haven’t masked the offensive line’s weaknesses and Watson’s deficiencies have not helped issues. — Daniel Oyefusi

---

Week 3 rating: 28

Largest problem on offense: Quarterback inaccuracy

QB Anthony Richardson has had among the most explosive performs this season, main the NFL with 12.6 air yards per try. However his play-to-play consistency has been problematic, costing the Colts some straightforward first downs. Richardson is finishing 49.1% of his makes an attempt, down from 59.5% within the 4 video games he performed as a rookie final season. His harm layoff might have negatively impacted his mechanics. — Stephen Holder

---

Week 3 rating: 18

Largest problem on offense: Offensive imbalance

The Bengals threw the ball as a lot as anybody by the primary two weeks of the season. They have been second within the league in designed go performs (70.4%), in response to ESPN Analysis. Nonetheless, they ranked twenty sixth within the league in anticipated factors added per dropback and twenty fourth in yards per dropback. Both the Bengals should be extra environment friendly of their passing recreation or maybe discover a higher approach to incorporate the run recreation. Cincinnati’s 58 rush makes an attempt by its working backs are the second-fewest within the league after Week 3. — Ben Child

---

Week 3 rating: 26

Largest problem on offense: No identification

The Bears have failed to ascertain their offensive identification by three weeks. Chicago spent big to amass working again D’Andre Swift, who’s averaging a team-low 1.8 yards per carry because the Bears’ lead again. And not using a run recreation to lean on, the Bears have been compelled to go the ball on the second-highest charge in with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams (118 makes an attempt). There is not any steadiness to what offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is drawing up proper now, and the problems in go safety have compounded issues all over the place (Williams is 4-of-21 for 36 yards, one landing and three interceptions when pressured in three video games). — Courtney Cronin

---

Week 3 rating: 30

Largest problem on offense: Division of labor at working again

Coach Sean Payton admitted it has been troublesome discovering a working again rotation that works, particularly if Tyler Badie‘s flashes are an indication of one thing greater. Badie leads the crew’s backs with 86 yards on solely 10 carries, whereas Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are every averaging simply 2.2 yards per carry. Very similar to we noticed from Badie in coaching camp, he patiently waits for openings earlier than popping a giant run — such because the 43-yarder in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers. However Payton has mentioned he sometimes leans on two-back rotations, whether or not it is “proper, flawed or detached.” So attempting to kick begin an inconsistent run recreation with three backs has proved difficult. — Jeff Legwold

---

Week 3 rating: 24

Largest problem on offense: Third downs

The offense has been such a multitude by the primary three weeks that narrowing it down to at least one problem is hard, however the crew’s incapability to proceed drives has prevented it from getting any momentum. The Jaguars have transformed simply 21.9% of their third downs by three weeks, the third-worst mark within the league. It is arduous for the Jaguars’ offense to do a lot harm when it might probably’t keep on the sector. — Michael DiRocco

---

Week 3 rating: 25

Largest problem on offense: Cross safety

Veteran QB Jacoby Brissett was hit 15 instances in a Week 3 loss and has now been hit 30 instances this season. He has been sacked 9 instances as poor communication alongside the offensive line has led to too many free rushers and working backs haven’t all the time been sturdy in blitz pickup. The Patriots haven’t got an elite separator on the skin, so even when Brissett has time to throw, the strain has gotten to him whereas he is ready for somebody to get open. — Mike Reiss

---

Week 3 rating: 31

Largest problem on offense: Turnovers

The Giants have 5 turnovers in three video games, and working again Devin Singletary had pricey fumbles in every of the previous two video games. New York was additionally lucky a roughing the passer penalty negated a would-be interception by QB Daniel Jones early in opposition to Cleveland in Week 3. For this group to get to the subsequent degree, New York must do a greater job at defending the soccer. Singletary, specifically, has to get the fumbling underneath management. Just one working again (Dalvin Cook) has extra fumbles than the 13 Singletary has since coming into the league in 2019. — Jordan Raanan

---

Week 3 rating: 32

Largest problem on offense: Quarterback play

Quarterback Andy Dalton proved coach Dave Canales was proper in benching Bryce Young, and that the Panthers have been shut if they’d a gradual presence underneath heart. With Dalton on Sunday, the Panthers seemed like an offensive juggernaut as a substitute of the lifeless unit they have been with Younger. Dalton had three landing passes within the first half in opposition to the Raiders. Younger has solely two TD passes in his previous 9 begins. The Panthers had a 300-yard passing recreation, 100-yard speeding recreation and 100-yard receiving recreation for the primary time since Week 8 of 2022. — David Newton

---

Week 3 rating: 29

Largest problem on offense: Cross safety

The Titans’ offensive line has struggled to guard quarterback Will Levis, who has been sacked 15 instances. Solely the Browns have allowed extra sacks. Whereas not all of them could be attributed on to the offensive line, the variety of instances gamers bought crushed up entrance is alarming. By means of three video games, Tennessee’s 51.8% go block win charge is the sixth worst within the NFL. The struggles in go safety have made it troublesome for coach Brian Callahan to name longer performs, particularly in third-and-long conditions. Levis has little time to scan the sector and is underneath fixed strain. — Turron Davenport