There are plenty of changes atop the newest edition of the Las Vegas Sports Consultants rankings this week. The top four teams are all new heading into Week 4, while the first two teams dropped in the rankings.
The New York Giants have vaulted into the top spot this week, following the 24-0 shutout at Tampa Bay. The Giants may not relinquish this position for several weeks, as New York plays Kansas City and Oakland the next two weeks. Tom Coughlin's club is one of seven 3-0 teams in the NFL.
The Ravens jumped two spots from 4th to 2nd, after Baltimore blew away Cleveland at home. The offense has helped lift the Ravens to this position, as Baltimore ranks second in the league in total offense. John Harbaugh's team has a huge test this week, travelling to Foxboro to battle the Patriots.
New England was atop the rankings the last two weeks, but slipped from 1st to 3rd, despite beating Atlanta, 26-10. Sunday's win was the first cover for the Pats this season, after back-to-back ATS losses against the Bills and Jets. New England is a short favorite on Sunday against Baltimore.
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The Saints vaulted from 8th to 4th, starting 3-0 for the first time since 2006, when New Orleans advanced to the NFC Title game. Sean Payton's team is coasting offensively, scoring over 40 points twice, while allowing only seven points at Buffalo last week. The Saints host the undefeated Jets this Sunday, looking for the first 4-0 start since 1993.
The Steelers tumbled five spots after their last-minute loss at Cincinnati. All three of Pittsburgh's games have been decided in the final minute (or overtime), as the Steelers try to rebound this Sunday night against San Diego. The Steelers are allowing a shade below 17 points/game, and 76.7 yards/game rushing, which ranks sixth in the league.
Despite losing in the final seconds at Minnesota, the 49ers did jump four spots from 18th to 14th. San Francisco is without its top offensive weapon, Frank Gore, for two to three weeks with a sprained ankle. The Niners return home, going for their third division victory over the lowly Rams.
The Dolphins have fallen on hard times, not only in the rankings (24th to 19th), but also on the field. Miami will be without starting QB Chad Pennington for the rest of the season, after he suffered a shoulder injury at San Diego. Chad Henne will get the start for the Fins this Sunday, playing their division opener against Buffalo.
