NFL 2012 Week 4 power rankings

Parity remains active, although some differences are becoming exposed.  Two divisions have a three-game difference between the top and bottom teams, and one has a four-game gap.

Top half of the league [Last week's position]
1.  Houston Texans (4-0) [1] : Clearly a powerful team, as they continue to dominate their opponents
2.  Atlanta Falcons (4-0) [2] : They nearly lost to Carolina, but they remain one of three unbeaten teams
3.  Chicago Bears (3-1) [6] : A complete domination of Dallas, including a record-tying FIVE interceptions of Tony Romo, establishes this team as one of the most opportunistic defenses in the league
4.  Baltimore Ravens (3-1) [4]
5.  Arizona Cardinals (4-0) [3] : They needed overtime, but the Cards remain the surprising unbeaten team in the league
6.  San Francisco 49ers (3-1) [15] : They shut out the Jets and completely shut down their (admittedly weak) offense
7.  New England Patriots (2-2) [8] : Their offense was sluggish until they fell behind 21-7, then they proved that no offense is more capable, when they are motivated, than the Patriots, scoring 45 points in two quarters
8.  San Diego Chargers (3-1) [9] : Strong offense, but the defense needs some work
9.  Denver Broncos (2-2) [17] : It took four weeks, but Peyton seems as strong as he was in 2010
10. New York Giants (2-2) [5] : A third team to fall to the Eagles, who seem to only be able win close games
11. Minnesota Vikings (3-1) [10] : Nice victory over Detroit keeps them on top the NFC North
12. Seattle Seahawks (2-2) [7] : Poor game against the Rams
13. Washington Redskins (2-2) [13] : Close win against the Bucs.  RGIII good, but still needs work
14. Green Bay Packers (2-2) [16] : Too close against the Saints
15. Cincinnati Bengals (3-1) [21] : Good victory against Jacksonville.  Defense looks better
16. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-2) [12] : Since they fell during a bye, it looks like teams are looking better

Divisional rankings [Last week's ranking]
1.  NFC West [3] : They are back on top after strong showings by the 49ers and Rams, and continued success by the Cardinals
2.  NFC North [1] : Without Detroit, this would be a powerhouse division
3.  AFC North [4] : Cleveland brings them down, but this is one of three divisions that has half of their teams with winning records
4. NFC East [5] : This division, and the NFC West, are the only two divisions that do NOT have a team with a losing record
5.  AFC East [1] : Miami nearly won, but New England was the only successful team this week
6.  NFC South [6] : The Falcons are unbeaten, but they are also the only team with a winning record in the division
7.  AFC West [8] : Peyton's improvement boosts the Broncos, but Oakland and KC are two of the worst teams in the league
8.  AFC South [6] : This division has the top team in the league, but Houston is the only team that has shown any kind of consistent performance.  This will likely be the first division title crowned.