Niner Noise
FanSided

NFL power rankings: Week 5 sees 49ers stay low, a new team at No. 1

By Peter Panacy

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after overtime of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona won 18-15. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Carson Palmer #3 of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Brian Hoyer #2 of the San Francisco 49ers shake hands after overtime of the NFL game at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. Arizona won 18-15. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 01: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the sidelines during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – OCTOBER 01: Head coach Sean McVay of the Los Angeles Rams stands on the sidelines during the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on October 1, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

. Los Angeles Rams. 16. team. 51. . 3-1

On the polar opposite of the NFL power rankings spectrum, the Los Angeles Rams are quickly proving they’re for real in 2017.

L.A.’s Week 4 35-30 win on the road over the Dallas Cowboys might be head coach Sean McVay’s signature victory this season, and the Rams’ fortunes over the first four weeks are certainly anything but what the vast majority of fans have expected.

The difference between quarterback Jared Goff’s rookie campaign and his efforts this year couldn’t be any further apart. And he looked good in Dallas too, throwing for 255 yards and two touchdowns.

He’s getting help, of course, from running back Todd Gurley, who managed 121 yards on the ground.

The Rams defense, considered its lone strength entering this season, remains suspect. Defensive coordinator Wade Phillips’ squad is 28th in points allowed (105) and 26th in yards against (1,471).

Perhaps that gets ironed out in Week 5 against the Seahawks, who have been inconsistent, offensively, through the first four games of 2017.