Week 3 Power Rankings
Yes, we are a little late to the party. But Week 3 hasn’t REALLY started yet. After a couple of weeks, teams identities are starting to come into form. But the end of September is when the teams who were down in the dumps last year really rise to make their mark. The teams at the top haven’t changed week over week, but there is a lot of jumping and hopping in the middle. Let’s get right to it.
Power Rankings - Week 2 (September 15th-18th)
San Francisco 49ers (-) Frisco had a more competitive game last week against the Rams, but the fans showed out as they took over SoFi Stadium. A win was never really in doubt.
Dallas Cowboys (-) For the second week in a row, the defense dominated. But the offense got going and handled a really good Jets defense. They have outscored their opponents 70-10 in the first two weeks and travel to Arizona. The loss of Trevon Diggs cannot be understated.
Miami Dolphins (-) Miami is now 2-0 on the road. Tua is 5-0 against Bill Belichick. The fins found another way to win by running the ball, and for the second week in a row the defense came up big when it needed to.
Philadelphia Eagles (-) I kept them here out of respect for them, but they have not looked good for two weeks in a row. They are a Justin Jefferson fumble and a Kayhson Bouttee foot from possibly being 0-2.
Baltimore Ravens (+6) Baltimore knew this game would be tough, but they handled their business and are now 2-0. For the Ravens though, the trend seems to be about how they finish, not how they start.
Kansas City Chiefs (+2) So far it’s been about defense. Against two high powered offenses, the Chiefs defense has given up two total touchdowns so far. Their secondary has vastly improved year over year.
Washington Commanders (+12) Sam Howell has looked very good after two weeks. The defense had seven more sacks and if not for the Hail Mary, they would have won comfortably in Denver. If they can find a way to beat Buffalo at home this week, you better start believing.
Buffalo Bills (+9) A complete 180 from week one. Josh Allen was almost perfect and the defense was excellent. They travel to Washington to face an up and coming Commanders team.
Detroit Lions (-2) The loss of CJ Garner-Johnson is huge. The secondary still has its issues defending the pass. 31 points should be enough to win at home, but until the Lions figure it out defensively, its hard to see them getting extremely far.
Jacksonville Jaguars (-5) The offense was pathetic on Sunday, not scoring once in four red zone trips. The defense has been outstanding, giving up a shade over 15 PPG in two weeks to start the year. They should be able to right the ship against Houston.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5) Baker has been playing loose and free, and it’s showing. The defense is not done yet, and these guys are playing inspired. Kudos to Todd Bowles, who we’ve crushed in the past for these guys getting off to a good start. Huge test Monday night against the Eagles.
New Orleans Saints (+1) The defense has been outstanding so far, although it’s been against two subpar offenses. The offense needs to figure out how to score in the red zone. That flaw has seemed to follow Derek Carr from Vegas to New Orleans.
Atlanta Falcons (+7) Gutsy win at home against Green Bay. This defense is legit. Another week of watching these boys and I’m doubling down on the NFC version of the Titans.
Cleveland Browns (-8) You can’t underestimate the loss of Nick Chubb. Probably the best pure runner in the game, he will be missed. Now all the pressure lies on the QB who is making the most guaranteed money in the NFL. And he hasn’t looked good in 8 contests in a Browns uniform.
Cincinnati Bengals (-3) For the fourth time in five years, the Bengals have started 0-2. I am not worried…yet. If this Burrow calf injury lingers, then yes, I will be officially worried.
Los Angeles Rams (-2) The Rams stayed competitive against San Francisco, but they did revert a little bit to 2022 Rams. We will see how things go on Monday against a desperate Bengals team who may or may not be without their star QB.
Green Bay Packers (-7) Jordan Love is playing well, but the accuracy is a clear issue. There is no doubt I think the Aaron Jones injury played a part in the loss on Sunday. But i’m fully blaming the defense for a 4th quarter collapse.
Seattle Seahawks (+7) In a game they had to win, Seattle walked into Detroit again and beat the Lions for the second straight season. Geno Smith was excellent, as was Tyler Lockett. The Hawks better figure out the defense though. Second week in a row they gave up 30+ points.
Tennessee Titans (+5) Is anyone surprised the Titans have played two games that came down to the wire? This time they came out on top, and Ryan Tannehill quelled the QB controversy talk for at least one week.
New York Jets (-11) Yes, they went against the vaunted Cowboys defense. But reality set in this week for the Jets. This is a vastly different team with Zach Wilson. They need to get the run game going, and the defense needs to step up in big games. A 14 game losing streak against the Patriots is on the line next week.
Indianapolis Colts (+6) We saw the full Anthony Richardson experience on display. He ran for two scores in the first quarter, but also got hurt for the second week in a row. This time, it was a concussion that took him out of the game and will reportedly miss week 3. The kid has to be able to protect himself.
Las Vegas Raiders (-4) Who are the real Raiders? We will find out Sunday Night as they host the Steelers. The offense hasn’t produced a 20 point game yet, and with Davante Adams and Josh Jacobs, you think that should be quite easy.
New York Giants (+7) Well, it took the Giants a massive second half comeback against the Arizona Cardinals to keep the NY fans from having a full blown panic attack. I wish we had a camera for Brian Daboll in that half time locker room.
Los Angeles Chargers (-9) I’m done with the Chargers. Is this team ever going to win a close game? Their season is on the line Sunday in Minnesota.
Minnesota Vikings (-2) After going 11-0 in one score games last year, the Vikes are now 0-2. The arrival of Cam Akers should help the run game, but they need a win Sunday at home to keep their season afloat.
Pittsburgh Steelers (+2) This is your yearly reminder to NEVER take pre-season to seriously.
New England Patriots (-5) It’s actually sad when you see a team playing hard and doing the best they can, but they’re just not good enough. That’s the reality in Foxborough. They just don’t have the horses. Bill always gets his guys up for Jets week though.
Denver Broncos (-7) Sean Payton has made this team more competent, sure. But they are still losing games. Two straight to start the year at home, and now they travel to Miami…
Houston Texans (-2) CJ Stroud hasn’t looked bad at all, but the team is just not good. Now we have injuries to Derek Stingley, Laremy Tunsil, Jalen Pitre and Jimmie Ward. Woof.
Carolina Panthers (+1) Yes, they moved up after a loss. But that is an indictment on the team behind them.
Chicago Bears (-2) Dumpster fire.
Arizona Cardinals (-) “Caleb Williams, no matter what” (Kevin Costner voice)
