NFL Power Rankings: Week Three

A wild week two is in the books! Sloppiness was a theme in week two, with tons of penalties, turnovers, and bone head plays. Let’s see how things look heading into the next slate of games. Where does your favorite team fall in the NFL Power Rankings: Week Three?

1. BUFFALO BILLS (2-0): On a day where Josh Allen threw for under 150 yards and scored no touchdowns, James Cook (132 yards, 2 touchdowns) and the defense (154 total yards allowed) took over. This was needed after the ground game and defense were a no-show last week against the Ravens.
2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (2-0): The Eagles won their Super Bowl rematch vs Kansas City, but Philly still has some things to work on. Their passing game has struggled mightily, and the offense hasn’t been efficient as a whole. Once they get the offense going, the defending Champs will show they should be considered the favorite in the NFC (currently Green Bay is the favorite).
3. GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0): Dominant performance against a team that many thought would be part of the NFC Championship conversation. Back to back wins against top conference opponents is a good sign. Gotta cut down on the penalties and be better on third down, though.
4. BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-1): The Ravens might have dropped 41 points, but they’re lucky they played the Browns. Baltimore was out gained by 80 yards, converted only three third downs, and struggled mightily on the ground (45 total rushing yards as a team). This team is still one of the best, but they need to find some consistency.
5. DETROIT LIONS (1-1): See “Final Thoughts” section below for Lions analysis.
6. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (2-0): Los Angeles was up 20-9 late in the fourth quarter, and the offense failed to slam the door shut. They had a turnover on downs after a Justin Herbert fumble, a quick three and out, then Herbert fumbled again (which Vegas recovered) – all in the last eight minutes of the game. Herbert played well overall, but the defense is the reason L.A. came out on top. They held the Raiders to under 220 total offensive yards and forced Geno Smith into three picks.
7. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-1): A week after running the ball for 220 yards against the Giants, Washington was only able to muster 51 rushing yards as a team, averaging under three yards per carry. Now, it’s being reported that Jayden Daniels is nursing a knee injury sustained in the loss, and Austin Ekeler is likely done for the year.
8. DENVER BRONCOS (1-1): This was a roller coaster of a game filled with missed opportunities for the Broncos. The supposedly sturdy defense allowed Jonathan Taylor to run wild all over them (25 carries, 165 yards rushing), and Daniel Jones to surpass 300 yards passing. Bo Nix threw an interception with a little over 11 minutes left in the fourth quarter, which led to a score. Will Lutz missed a 42-yard field goal with just over three minutes left, which led to the game winning drive. Indy then missed the game winning 60-yarder – just for a 15-yard Denver penalty, giving the Colts a second (successful) shot at the game winner.
9. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-2): Oh how the mighty have fallen. Ok, fine, maybe it’s too early to panic. Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes have earned the benefit of the doubt. This is Kansas City’s first 0-2 start since 2014, and the first time since Mahomes has been the starter. Since 2020, only about 12% of the teams that started 0-2 have made the playoffs. The Chiefs should be fine, but they need to commit to running the ball (with actual runningbacks), and are badly missing their top wide receivers.
10. LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-0): The Rams were down at halftime, but were absolutely dominant in the second half of their win over Tennessee. Stafford’s second quarter interception that set up the Titans scoring drive was his only real blip in the game. He threw two second half touchdowns, and the defense was causing havoc all game – recording five sacks. Their next game at Philadelphia will be telling.
11. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (2-0): San Francisco took the lead early and never looked back. In a game where Christian McCaffrey was held in check on the ground, and no Brock Purdy or George Kittle due to injury, backup QB Mac Jones was the hero. He threw a career high three touchdown passes, and spread the ball to eight different receivers.
12. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (2-0): Baker Mayfield came up clutch in the win over the Texans, throwing the game winner to Rashaad White in the closing seconds of the game. Earlier in that final game winning drive, Baker converted the biggest play of the game – a 15 yard scramble on fourth down to keep the drive alive. The defense was solid, holding Houston to just 12 first downs, and two for nine on third down.
13. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (2-0): If someone were to tell me that after two weeks the Colts would have a top three offense in the NFL – and second best passing game – I would have asked what they were on. Suddenly Daniel Jones looks like a decent quarterback, and the defense is looking like a strength. They need to stop with the penalties, and work on their redzone defense, but it’s a great start for Indy.
14. ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0): The Cardinals almost choked away a 24 point lead, committed 12 penalties, and were unable to muster any sort of threatening ground game. Runningback James Connor has to be better, or he will see his playing time give way to Trey Benson sooner than later. The Arizona defense came up with big plays at key moments, including the game winning sack.
15. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (1-1): Seattle struggled offensively in the first half against the Steelers, and Sam Darnold kept playing poorly, throwing two first half interceptions. They got some help in the second half, as the offense got it together, and the defense forced Aaron Rodgers into a couple of bad picks.
16. DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1): An offense that was entirely unimpressive in week one, showed its full potential against the G-men. Dak was on, Javonte Williams averaged 5.4 yards per carry, and eight different receivers caught the ball. As good as the offense was, kicker Brandon Aubrey was even better. This defense is horrid though…do you think they miss Micah Parsons yet?
17. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (1-1): Pittsburgh was undone by self-inflicted damage after heading into halftime with a touchdown lead. Rodgers threw two interceptions in the second half, the defense couldn’t stop Kenneth Walker, and rookie runningback Kaleb Johnson had a brain fart on a kickoff – leading to an easy touchdown for the Seahawks. This is now back to back weeks of bad defense for the Steelers.
18. ATLANTA FALCONS (1-1): They got the convincing win, but Atlanta struggled in the red zone. They were able to pound the rock and control the game, but the passing game wasn’t impressive. That’s ok though – you don’t need to pass much when your ‘backs are averaging over 5.5 yards per rush and your defense is dominating.
19. CINCINNATI BENGALS (2-0): Cincinnati has avoided the slow start that has plagued them in recent seasons, but that’s where the good news ends. Joe Burrow is hurt (again), and is likely to miss at least a couple of months due to a toe injury. Jake Browning led the Bengals to a win in relief, but he threw three interceptions in the process, and significantly lowers the ceiling of this offense. Runningback Chase Brown needs to get it going, after managing only 47 yards on 16 carries.
20. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-1): This offense lacks identity, and Trevor Lawrence just continues to underwhelm. They don’t know how to get Lawrence and Brian Thomas Jr. on the same page, Travis Hunter has been used poorly, and this loss was ugly. Once Burrow went down, and Browning started throwing picks, this game should’ve been in the bag. Bad teams find ways to lose games.
21. HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2): This team is floundering badly to start the year. No one outside of Nico Collins is a real threat in the passing game, and Tampa Bay did not appear scared of C.J. Stroud. Houston was unable to run the ball effectively, which didn’t help things. The defense can’t allow 169 rushing yards and expect to be successful.
22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-1): The Vikings were looking to build on a solid comeback win last week, but fell flat against Atlanta. J.J. McCarthy again played poorly, throwing two interceptions and getting sacked six times. Losing McCarthy, center Ryan Kelly, and runningback Aaron Jones to injury will set this offense back.
23. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-1): The Raiders were unable to overcome Geno Smith’s three interceptions – one on his first pass attempt, and two of which were just hideous throws into coverage. The offense being unable or unwilling to run the ball effectively is putting too much pressure on Smith, who now has just one touchdown compared to four interceptions. The Vegas defense is in the top five in scoring and against the run, but the secondary has to get it together.
24. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1): New England had WAY too many penalties, and they have to get it together in the secondary, but a win is a win. Drake Maye looked really good in this one, completing over 80% of his passes and accounting for three total touchdowns (one rushing). This is New England’s first win against Miami since 2022.
25. NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2): The offense came alive in a way that Giants fans haven’t seen much in the last decade. Unfortunately, their defense decided to allow almost 500 yards and the offense was a no-show in overtime. Committing 14 penalties is unacceptable – thank goodness they benched James Hudson early.
26. CHICAGO BEARS (0-2): No, Caleb Williams is not a bust – yet. It took Jared Goff and the Lions offense over a year to get into the swing of things in Ben Johnson’s high powered offense. While I’m not ready to throw in the towel on Williams, he has to be better. The defense also did him no favors, allowing the Lions to drop over 50 points and 500 offensive yards.
27. NEW YORK JETS (0-2): 0/11 on third down, 154 total offensive yards, and Justin Fields left the game with a concussion. The defense got no turnovers and only one sack. If Tyrod Taylor has to start next week, things might not get any better. The defense and ground game have to step it up if the passing offense is going to have these sort of problems. #JetsProblems
28. CLEVELAND BROWNS (0-2): Cleveland was down by only one score at halftime, but things unraveled quickly in the third quarter. The defense shut down Derrick Henry (11 carries, 23 yards), but allowed Lamar Jackson to throw three touchdowns in the second half. Joe Flacco has not been good thus far, but Coach Stefanski seems to be sticking with the vet – for now.
29. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (0-2): The Saints might not win many games, but at least they’re not just rolling over. Spencer Rattler had the best game of his young career, and this team got it down to a one score game midway through the fourth quarter, but they just didn’t have enough in the end.
30. MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2): Another game, another terrible defensive performance by the Dolphins. Miami’s offense played well through three quarters, then disappeared in the fourth. Tua threw a pick on fourth down with 2:21 left in the game, after the offense committed two dumb penalties, then got sacked on fourth down with under a minute left to seal the loss. There are already whispers that head coach Mike McDaniel might be on the hot seat.
31. CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2): Bryce Young had a rough start, losing a fumble that went back for a touchdown and throwing an interception on back to back drives to start the game. The whole Panthers offense was sleep walking until about mid way through the third quarter. Young ended up throwing three touchdowns passes in the second half, and had a career high 328 passing yards. Carolina still has a way to go, but it starts with less turnovers by Young.
32. TENNESSEE TITANS (0-2): Tell me if you’ve heard this before about the Tennessee Titans: they were undone by penalties and poor offensive line play. One penalty called back a Titans punt return touchdown, and a sack fumble lost by Cam Ward came with the game still in reach. Ward’s touchdown pass to Elic Ayomanor was one that only a handful of quarterbacks in the NFL have the balls and the requisite arm strength to pull off.

Final Thought:

I owe the Detroit Lions an apology. Coming into the week, I thought the Lions -6.5 line against Chicago was high and my “sus line of the week”. Detroit looked absolutely awful against Green Bay in week one, and I had already packed it in for the season. I guess being a Lions fan for 25 years will make you a bit more pessimistic than fans of other teams (everyone except maybe Jets fans or Bengals fans). A week two blowout win over Ben Johnson and Da Bears cured all.

Jared Goff looked like the stud he was last year, the running game got back on track, and Amon-Ra St.Brown caught three touchdowns. Aidan Hutchinson looked like his dominant, healthy self. The offense had over 500 yards of total offense, had no turnovers, and allowed no sacks. The defense forced two turnovers, and got four sacks, while the team committed only three penalties.