NFL POWER RANKINGS
L.A. Rams 3-0 (last week’s ranking: 1):
The offense is prolific, but defensive coordinator Wade Phillips has an injury problem.
Kansas City 3-0 (2):
The NFL’s highest-scoring team, led by QB Patrick Mahomes, plays its third road game — a Monday night matchup at Denver.
Miami 3-0 (11):
Is there a bigger surprise than the unbeaten Dolphins? They lead the AFC East by two games going into their game at New England.
New Orleans 2-1 (12):
Led by Drew Brees, the Saints’ offense has piled up points against everybody. But the defense can’t stop anybody.
Philadelphia 2-1 (10):
With a healthy Carson Wentz back, the Eagles go on the road to play one of the league’s surprise teams, the Titans.
Tennessee 2-1 (19):
Somehow, the Titans won AFC South games over Houston and Jacksonville despite so many injury issues on offense.
Jacksonville 2-1 (3):
The Jaguars host the Jets in their third straight home game. They never know if bad Blake or good Blake is going to show up.
Carolina 2-1 (14):
After handing Cincinnati its first loss, the Panthers are in a three-way tie for first place in the NFC South.
Baltimore 2-1 (21):
Not only are the Ravens first in defense, but they’re perfect in the red zone. Joe Flacco has led them to 12 touchdowns.
Pittsburgh 1-1-1 (24):
The Steelers escaped Tampa Bay with their first win, but they have a big problem with a defense that’s been horrendous.
Tampa Bay 2-1 (4):
In the loss to Pittsburgh, Ryan Fitzpatrick became the first quarterback to throw for 400 yards in three consecutive games.
Washington 2-1 (23):
Adrian Peterson has been an outstanding addition, and Washington is tied with Philadelphia for first place in the NFC East.
Chicago 2-1 (18):
It looks strange, but the Bears are on top of the NFC North going into their next game against Tampa Bay at Soldier Field.
New England 1-2 (5):
The Pats have lost consecutive road games by double digits. They’re two games out of first for the first time since 2002.
Minnesota 1-1-1 (6):
The Vikings are coming off their embarrassing home loss to Buffalo. They’ll try to rebound Thursday night against the Rams.
Green Bay 1-1-1 (7):
After losing at Washington, the Pack will try to do what Minnesota could not — beat Buffalo at home as a double-digit favorite.
Denver 2-1 (8):
After winning their first two games at home, the Broncos slipped up at Baltimore. They return home against Kansas City.
Cincinnati 2-1 (9):
Despite losing to Carolina, the Bengals are still tied for first place in the AFC North entering their game at Atlanta.
Cleveland 1-1-1 (27):
If Baker Mayfield had been the starter at the start of the season, the Browns might be 3-0. He makes his first start at Oakland.
Atlanta 1-2 (13):
Losing at home in overtime to New Orleans left the Falcons in last place in the NFC South.
L.A. Chargers 1-2 (20):
The Chargers should be able to bounce back from their loss to the Rams and defeat San Francisco.
Seattle 1-2 (26):
The Seahawks defeated Dallas to earn their first victory. Now they’re looking to win their first road game at winless Arizona.
Dallas 1-2 (17):
The Cowboys are struggling on offense. Jerry Jones could be getting impatient with his coaches.
N.Y. Giants 1-2 (28):
In the victory at Houston, Eli Manning played like he did when the Giants won two Super Bowls.
Detroit 1-2 (30):
The Lions don’t have much time to celebrate their victory over New England. They try to make it two in a row at Dallas.
Buffalo 1-2 (32):
With rookie Josh Allen igniting the offense, the Bills pulled the biggest upset of the season with their stunning win at Minnesota.
Indianapolis 1-2 (16):
With Jacoby Brissett at QB, the Colts swept the Texans last season. Now Andrew Luck wants to extend that streak.
N.Y. Jets 1-2 (22):
The fast start evaporated with two losses. With a game at Jacksonville, the Jets should have a three-game losing streak.
San Francisco 1-2 (15):
Losing QB Jimmy Garoppolo for the season with a torn ACL should be devastating to the 49ers’ playoff dreams.
Houston 0-3 (25):
The Texans are trying to avoid their first 0-4 start since 2008. Their ninegame losing streak is the NFL’s longest.
Oakland 0-3 (29):
The Raiders have blown three second-half leads. They play at home against Cleveland and quarterback Baker Mayfield.
Arizona 0-3 (31):
The Cardinals average 6.6 points a game. They’ve turned to rookie quarterback Josh Rosen for a spark.