NFL power rankings: Close isn't enough for 49ers entering Week 5

NFL power rankings: Close isn’t enough for 49ers entering Week 5

CARSON, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: D.J. Reed #32 of the San Francisco 49ers fumbles the ball during a kick return as he is tackled by Michael Davis #43 of the Los Angeles Chargers during the fourth quarter of the game at StubHub Center on September 30, 2018 in Carson, California. (Photo by Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images) /

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FOXBOROUGH, MA – SEPTEMBER 30: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots looks on during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on September 30, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

team. 47. . W, 38-7 vs. Dolphins. Previous: . New England Patriots. 8

Like we always say, never count the Patriots out until they’re actually out.

Week 4 was, in all likelihood, confirmation head coach Bill Belichick and Co. are back to their usual ways — dealing with some early question marks on the season by pulling off one of those decisive victories where everyone says, “See, I told you so.”

If anything, the 38-7 beatdown of their AFC East division rivals made the game seem closer than it was.

Despite losing tight end Rob Gronkowski early to an injury, quarterback Tom Brady still managed to get castoff weapons involved. Guys like Cordarrelle Patterson, Phillip Dorsett and James White each recorded touchdown passes during the game.

Oh, and rookie running back Sony Michel proved the Pats aren’t always going to be a pass-first, pass-often group either. He was outstanding, rushing for 112 yards and a touchdown.

Yep, the Patriots are proving to be who we thought they were all along.