The last two weeks tell a funny story about power rankings.
Despite coming from behind to beat the New Orleans Saints without several key starters, the Green Bay Packers dropped three spots in the latest NFL power rankings from USA Today.
The 18-17 win over the Saints dropped the Packers from No. 12 to No. 15 in the Week 4 rankings.
Interestingly enough, the Packers rose three spots to No. 12 after blowing a late lead against the Atlanta Falcons last week. Blow a lead, good? Come back to win, bad? Who knows. Power rankings are mysterious entities with no discernable meaning.
Here’s the Packers blurb from Nate Davis:
They were fortunate to win their home opener, but you also have to admire their grit given the continued absences of CB Jaire Alexander, LT David Bakhtiari, G Elgton Jenkins, RB Aaron Jones and WR Christian Watson.
The Saints entered the week as the No. 8 team and the Packers beat them — in dramatic fashion — without David Bakhtiari, Elgton Jenkins, Jaire Alexander, Aaron Jones and Christian Watson, and De’Vondre Campbell left in the first half with an ankle injury. Jordan Love engineered a 17-point comeback with three-straight scoring drives in the fourth quarter.
Next up is the Detroit Lions on Thursday night. The Lions are now the No. 6 overall team after beating up on the Falcons last week. The winner Thursday night at Lambeau Field will take an early and important lead in the NFC North.
Previous rankings
Week 1: No. 18
Week 2: No. 15
Week 3: No. 12
Week 4: No. 15