Brad Biggs’ Week 3 NFL rankings leading up to Sunday
Last week’s ranking in parentheses. 1. Patriots 2-0 (1) Antonio Brown made his Patriots debut with a touchdown, but the big story for is a defense that has allowed only three points through two games after shutting out the Dolphins 43-0 on Sunday. The offense remains a juggernaut and early returns are this is one of the best defenses Bill Belichick has had during his storied run in New England. The Jets, who likely will be using their third quarterback, Luke Falk, are up next. Could the Patriots post another shutout?
2. Chiefs 2-0 (2)
Patrick Mahomes is off to an insane start, and while that is not a surprise, he’s on pace to pass for 6,568 yards _ nearly 1,100 more than the single-season NFL record _ and the Chiefs’ offense is showing no signs of slowing down without Tyreek Hills after blitzing the Raiders for 28 points in the second quarter Sunday.
3. Rams 2-0 (4)
Officials cost the Saints a touchdown in the rematch of the NFC championship game, but this time it wasn’t the difference in another Rams victory, 279. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp had five catches for 120 yards for the Rams, who travel to Cleveland this week.
4. Cowboys 2-0 (7)
The Cowboys opened as a 20 {-point favorite over the Dolphins, the biggest point spread they have been favored by in more than 30 years, and a sign of how pathetic the Dolphins are. The Cowboys are only getting stronger as defensive end Robert Quinn will make his debut this week after serving a two-game suspension. That adds a new piece to a talented defense, one the Cowboys probably won’t need in this game.
5. Ravens 2-0 (8)
Lamar Jackson ran for a career-high 120 yards, but everyone was talking about the huge throw he made on third-and-11 with three minutes to play and the Ravens leading the Cardinals 23-17. He threw a beautiful dart to Marquise Brown for a 41-yard gain as the Ravens put the game away. After two weeks, Jackson leads the NFL with a 145.2 passer rating and is tied for first with seven touchdown passes. He is averaging 10.5 yards per attempt.
6. Eagles 1-1 (6)
Philadelphia left Atlanta limping Sunday night, nursing a series of injuries after the loss, issues that will have to be addressed before the Lions visit this week. Wide receivers Alshon Jeffery (calf) and Desean Jackson (groin) left the game and could miss time. Tight end Dallas Goedert (calf) also was banged up, and the worst injury likely was suffered by defensive tackle Tim Jernigan (foot). He could miss more than a month. While none of the moves may necessitate an IR move, the Eagles likely will have to do some roster juggling.
7. Saints 1-1 (3)
New Orleans suffered a major loss when Drew Brees went out with a torn ligament in his right thumb in Sunday’s loss to the Rams. Brees is expected to miss about six weeks, and the Saints will have to hang in there during his absence. It’s going to make it difficult for them to battle for the top seed and all-important home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs. How much do you believe in fill-in replacement Teddy Bridgewater? 8. Packers 2-0 (10) The Packers’ impressive start has given them a leg up in the NFC North as they followed a victory over the Bears with a 21-16 win against the Vikings. The offense was balanced as there were 34 passes and 33 runs with Aaron Jones carrying 23 times Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) hands off the ball to running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) during the fourth quarter of an NFL game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Redskins on Sunday, September 15 at Fedexfield in Landover, Maryland. for 116 yards and a touchdown. Jones could become the Packers’ first 1,000yard rusher since Eddie Lacy in 2014.