NFL: WEEK 3
Power Rankings
Last week’s rankings in parenthesis 1. Rams 2-0 (2):
Loss of top kicker Greg Zuerlein would be big issue for many teams, but Rams are scoring in bunches and might not miss a beat.
2. Jaguars 2-0 (5):
Doug Marrone turned QB Blake Bortles loose against the Patriots this time, and the difference was a victory.
3. Chiefs 2-0 (7):
Patrick Mahomes has been amazing with 10 touchdown passes, but the defense has allowed an NFL-high 1,016 yards.
4. Vikings 1-0-1 (3):
Mike Zimmer was matter-of-fact when asked about the release of kicker Daniel Carlson: “Did you see the game?”
5. Patriots 1-1 (4):
Tom Brady’s record against Jaguars is 8-1 after loss Sunday. He needs Julian Edelman back pronto.
6. Eagles 1-1 (1):
Carson Wentz set to return in Week 3, which will help a passing game that has been limited by wide receivers.
7. Falcons 1-1 (8):
Without top running back Devonta Freeman, the Falcons still chewed up 170 yards on the ground in victory over Panthers.
8. Packers 1-0-1 (6):
Clay Matthews says roughing-the-passer penalties are “out of control,” and it’s hard to argue after the call on him Sunday.
9. Bengals 2-0 (14):
They were 31st in the NFL with 14 takeaways in 2017, but with new defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, they already have five.
10. Buccaneers 2-0 (15):
Ryan Fitzpatrick is off to a great start, and borrowing DeSean Jackson’s wardrobe was even better.
11. Panthers 1-1 (9):
D.J.Moore caught his first touchdown pass but missed a chance to force OT in Atlanta when he dropped pass in end zone.
12. Saints 1-1 (12):
Offense is far from clicking, but wide receiver Michael Thomas set an NFL record with 28 catches through two games.
13. Chargers 1-1 (13):
Safety Derwin James is a budding star. He had eight tackles, two for loss, with a sack, two QB hits and a pass breakup in win.
14. Dolphins 2-0 (17):
Won first two games for first time since 2013 as Frank Gore, 35, climbed into fourth on NFL’s all-time rushing list.
15. Steelers 0-1-1 (10):
Drama was running high with Le’Veon Bell’s holdout. Receiver Antonio Brown’s sideline outburst only escalates it.
16. Broncos 2-0 (19):
In rough week for kickers, Brandon McManus delivered with a 36-yarder to topple Raiderswith six seconds remaining.
17. Bears 1-1 (21):
If they can rush the passer like they got after Russell Wilson for four quarters, QBs will quickly fear this defense.
18. Ravens 1-1 (11):
Losing linebacker C.J.Mosley to bone bruise in his left knee is problematic, but bigger issue is struggling running game.
19. Jets 1-1 (16):
Two costly Sam Darnold interceptions against Dolphins brought Gang Green back to earth—for this week, anyway.
20. Titans 1-1 (22):
Second-round pick Harold Landry made a difference rushing the passer on third down in victory over Texans.
21. Cowboys 1-1 (24):
Dak Prescott struggled pushing the ball downfield. Deonte Thompson’s four catches led Cowboys receivers in win over Giants.
22. 49ers 1-1 (26):
Jimmy Garoppolo took too many sacks—six—in win over Lions and didn’t get enough help from his receivers.
23. Colts 1-1 (28):
Rookie linebacker Darius Leonard is one to watch. The second-round pick had 15 tackles, one sack and a forced fumble vs. Redskins.
24. Browns 0-1-1 (25):
Kicker Zane Gonzalez will not be around to see Browns get their first win since 2016 after his disastrous showing.
25. Seahawks 0-2 (27):
Defense was pretty good without Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright, but Russell Wilson has a lot on his shoulders.
26. Redskins 1-1 (18):
A 50-year sellout streak ended Sunday—and that’s after they won the opener at Arizona.
27. Texans 0-2 (20):
High hopes for a breakout season are fading quickly after road loss to Blaine Gabbert-led Titans.
28. Giants 0-2 (23):
Eli Manning looked like a sitting duck as Cowboys sacked him six times. Giants might be reminded about Sam Darnold often.
29. Lions 0-2 (30):
They have been outplayed badly in seven of eight quarters, and the special teams unit has been a disaster for Matt Patricia.
30. Cardinals 0-2 (29):
They ran one play—ONE—in Rams territory, and it was final play of the game. Clock is ticking on Sam Bradford era.
31. Raiders 0-2 (31):
They deserve some credit for battling but couldn’t hold 12-point lead in Denver despite Derek Carr finishing 29 of 32.
32. Bills 0-2 (32):
Cornerback Vontae Davis turned his back on teammates and coaches. They can only be better off without him.