NFL Power Rankings
After Week 3
NOTE: Previous ranking is noted in the first parenthesis,
record in second parenthesis.
1. (1) Denver Broncos (2-1) – Despite playing at Seattle, a
place nobody wins, and taking on a team that destroyed them a few months ago in
the Super Bowl, the Broncos lost on a coin flip. If they had won possession in
OT, we’d be talking about a 3-0 team right now. Peyton’s last drive was epic,
and the defense played well in the game.
2. (4) Seattle Seahawks (2-1) – Russell Wilson showed
everyone once again that he is special. His final drive was textbook as he
mixed in quality runs with passes. Curious why he was shut down the entire second half
before OT?
3. (2) Cincinnati Bengals (3-0) – The Cincy defense showed
up again, and Dalton continues to lead a dynamic offense. They only got bumped
due to Seattle’s win.
4. (3) Philadelphia Eagles (3-0) – Philly survived another
scare thanks to a late INT and fourth down stop. McCoy’s lack of production is
a little worrisome, but Foles is playing great like he did a year ago.
5. (6) Arizona Cardinals (3-0) – We now come to a team that
I am likely not rating high enough. They are in first place in their division
over the team I ranked at #2. They don’t win pretty, but they continue to win.
Drew Stanton has done well in Palmer’s place.
6. (8) San Diego Chargers (2-1) – Another clinical
performance by the Chargers, although they did lose another RB... For those
confused about signing Donald Brown in the offseason, that move suddenly makes
a ton of sense!
7. (9) New England Patriots (2-1) – I actually want to move
them down the rankings after squeaking by Oakland at home. But like I said with
Arizona, you don’t have to win pretty to be effective. Nice to see the defense
playing well.
8. (12) Chicago Bears (2-1) – Winning back-to-back road
games is impressive in this league. Even more, they’ve played through a lot of
injuries. Kyle Fuller seems to be the real deal as a rookie.
9. (5) Carolina Panthers (2-1) – Carolina got punched in the
mouth on Sunday night, but they are still tied for their division lead. The
defense didn’t look as in sync as normal, and they need to find an offensive
identity.
10. (13) Baltimore Ravens (2-1) – It took a comeback at the
end, but the Ravens got a road win against a divisional opponent. They have
massive issues at RB though and may have lost Pitta for the season again. Good
thing they alternative weapons.
11. (15) Detroit Lions (2-1) – Don’t know where the offense
went, but their defense was phenomenal against Green Bay. They’ll be tough to
beat if they keep that up.
12. (16) Atlanta Falcons (2-1) – They looked great once
again on both sides of the ball. It was against an awful team and it came at
home where they dominate. But they looked great!
13. (17) Indianapolis Colts (1-2) – Spanking Jacksonville
looked easy, but it was just what this team needed to get back on track.
14. (21) Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) – They looked bad last
week, but winning at Carolina is straight up impressive. The AFC is already
feeling crowded, and they added their name to the mix as well.
15. (18) Dallas Cowboys (2-1) – When the game started, I
envisioned this team freefalling down the rankings. But they put together a
huge comeback on the road that actually impressed me. Well done.
16. (7) San Francisco 49ers (1-2) – If I’m a 49ers fan,
should I be worried? Maybe a little, but they really just need to learn to put
two halves together.
17. (10) Green Bay Packers (1-2) – The Green Bay offense has
been up and down so far this season. With a trip to Chicago on the docket for
Week 4, they better find their new gear.
18. (20) New Orleans Saints (1-2) – Playing Minnesota at
home should have been a huge blowout and it wasn’t. Makes me think this team
isn’t as good as we all thought despite picking up their first win.
19. (19) Washington Redskins (1-2) – Washington played
Philly neck and neck the entire game but fell short at the end. Cousins played
spectacular but had a costly INT and a bad throw on fourth down to end the
game. They’ll be alright though.
20. (11) Buffalo Bills (2-1) – The Chargers ended their
early season run, but they are still sitting pretty at 2-1. The issue is that
EJ Manuel looked bad in this game.
21. (28) Kansas City Chiefs (1-2) – Still question if this
team has enough playmakers on it to be a real threat, but they looked good this
week.
22. (14) Houston Texans (2-1) – And back down to earth
Houston comes. Granted, it was without Arian Foster, but they looked bad
against the pathetic Giants.
23. (23) New York Jets (1-2) – With a few things tweaked
here and there, New York could be sitting at 3-0. Instead, they have two losses
in a row and are looking for answers.
24. (24) Cleveland Browns (1-2) – Nearly toppled another
good team but fell short against Baltimore. The defense is playing inspired
ball as well as the running game. Need a little more oomph in the passing
attack though.
25. (32) New York Giants (1-2) – At least for week, New York
looked like a capable football team again. Was that the real squad?
26. (22) Miami Dolphins (1-2) – What happened to that team
that dominated New England in week 1? They couldn’t do anything positive on
Sunday.
27. (30) St. Louis Rams (1-2) – Had their record wrong last
week by accident so I bumped them up a few spots to adjust. Still choked
against Dallas on Sunday.
28. (26) Tennessee Titans (1-2) – Another poor offensive
performance, but this time their defense played poorly as well. They simply
aren’t very good.
29. (27) Minnesota Vikings (1-2) – I called it last week…
It’s time for Teddy. Things can’t get any worse right?
30. (29) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3) – It’s Bortles time, so
we’ll see if they can establish anything positive.
31. (31) Oakland Raiders (0-3) – Great effort against the
Pats, but couldn’t find a way to put real points up on the board.
32. (25) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-3) – Not only are they
winless on the season, they got blown out of the water in a primetime game.
They are destined to be last after that performance.
By: The Sports Guys
