NFL power rankings, Week 3: Broncos rise, Bengals fall
![DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Denver Broncos running back C.J. runs after catching a short pass in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday, September 17, 2017. Anderson dove into the end zone for a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Steve Nehf/The Denver Post via Getty Images) DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 17: Denver Broncos running back C.J. runs after catching a short pass in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on Sunday, September 17, 2017. Anderson dove into the end zone for a touchdown on the play. (Photo by Steve Nehf/The Denver Post via Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/3623acf4f36ba9abe75cfd8db65096b7e0355dc9d3877604582e3a58d45d5ee6.jpg)
The Denver Broncos made a statement on Sunday by crushing the Dallas Cowboys, while the Cincinnati Bengals appear to be in freefall.
32
New York Jets 0-2
Last week: L, 45-20
Last rank: 32nd
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The Jets are going to struggle to win a single game this year. It’s a brutal roster.
31
Indianapolis Colts 0-2
Last week: L, 16-13 (OT) vs. AZ
Last rank: 31st
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Indianapolis is hopeless without Andrew Luck, and with Chuck Pagano.
30
San Francisco 49ers 0-2
Last week: L, 12-9
Last rank: 30th
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San Francisco played tough against Seattle, but Brian Hoyer wouldn’t allow it to win.
29
Chicago Bears 0-2
Last week: L, 29-7 at TB
Last rank: 29th
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The Bears are making the right move by starting Mike Glennon against Pittsburgh, but barring a miracle, that should be the end of his run.
28
Cleveland Browns 0-2
Last week: L, 24-10 at BAL
Last rank: 28th
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DeShone Kizer took a beating and threw three interceptions. This was a step back for the young Browns.
27
Buffalo Bills 1-1
Last week: L, 9-3 at CAR
Last rank: 26th
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The Bills are playing hard, tough football. Still, the offense is limited. Can they contest the Broncos this Sunday?
26
Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1
Last week: L, 37-16 vs. TEN
Last rank: 25th
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If the Jaguars had a real quarterback, they could be a playoff threat. With Blake Bortles? No chance.
25
Cincinnati Bengals 0-2
Last week: L, 13-9 vs. HOU
Last rank: 21st
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It’s time to clean house. If you think that’s being premature, just wait until after Sunday’s game in Green Bay.
24
New Orleans Saints 0-2
Last week: L, 36-20 vs. NE
Last rank: 23th
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At some point, ownership has to think about getting rid of Mickey Loomis and Sean Payton. That duo has run it course.
23
Los Angeles Chargers 0-2
Last week: L, 19-17 vs. MIA
Last rank: 20th
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Everyone talks about this team being unlucky. The Chargers aren’t unlucky, they simply don’t execute well enough.
22
Los Angeles Rams 1-1
Last week: L, 27-20
Last rank: 22nd
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Jared Goff threw a game-sealing pick in the final two minutes, and only completed 60 percent of his throws throughout the game. Los Angeles needs better from him.
21
Houston Texans 1-1
Last week: W, 13-9 at CIN
Last rank: 27th
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The offense is still impossibly bad, but the defense got back on track in a win over Cincinnati.
20
New York Giants 0-2
Last week: L, 24-10 vs. DET
Last rank: 17th
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New York can’t block and has scored 13 points in two games. If the Giants have any chance of turning this season around, they somehow have to beat the Eagles on the road.
19
Arizona Cardinals 1-1
Last week: W, 16-13 (OT) at IND
Last rank: 18th
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Teams almost never move down after a win in my book, but this is the exception. What a complete disaster.
18
Washington Redskins 1-1
Last week: W, 27-20 at LAR
Last rank: 24th
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Give the Redskins credit. With their backs to the wall, they responded with a road win against their former offensive coordinator.
17
Miami Dolphins 1-0
Last week: W, 19-17 at LAC
Last rank: 19th
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Miami looked good in its first foray with Jay Cutler. Nice job by the Dolphins, save Lawrence Timmons.
16
Minnesota Vikings 1-1
Last week: L, 26-9 at PIT
Last rank: 11th
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The defense is great and the weapons are solid, but without Sam Bradford, none of it works. Hopefully he’s back soon.
15
Philadelphia Eagles 1-1
Last week: L, 27-20 at KC
Last rank: 10th
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The Eagles have a ferocious front seven and Carson Wentz is developing into a star, but it wasn’t enough in Kansas City.
14
Baltimore Ravens 2-0
Last week: W, 24-10 vs. CLE
Last rank: 15th
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Baltimore doesn’t have much of an offense, but that defense is great. Already, 10 turnovers forced. Look out.
13
Tennessee Titans 1-1
Last week: W, 37-16 at JAX
Last rank: 13th
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Marcus Mariota needs to be better, but the defense stepped up and the rushing attack was potent. Nice win.
12
Detroit Lions 2-0
Last week: W, 24-10 at NYG
Last rank: 14th
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Detroit is silencing plenty of doubters who felt the Lions would fade from playoff contention early this season. The Lions are 2-0 and looking to make a statement this weekend against the Falcons at Ford Field.
11
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-0
Last week: W, 29-7 vs. CHI
Last rank: 12th
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There are big expectations on the Buccaneers this season, and they answered the bell in their opener. Tampa Bay looks ready to make a move.
10
Dallas Cowboys 1-1
Last week: L, 42-17 at DEN
Last rank: 6th
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For the first time in the Dak Prescott era, the Cowboys were humbled. Look for them to bounce back in a big way against the Cardinals on Monday night.
9
Carolina Panthers 2-0
Last week: W, 9-3 vs. BUF
Last rank: 9th
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The defense has been special, allowing only six points in two games. Conversely, the offense has been bad, and Greg Olsen is hurt. Which side of the ball wins out?
8
Denver Broncos 2-0
Last week: W, 42-17 vs. DAL
Last rank: 16th
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The Broncos made a clear statement on Sunday. They dismantled the Cowboys in every fashion. The AFC West is a three-team race.
7
Seattle Seahawks 1-1
Last week: W, 12-9 vs. SF
Last rank: 7th
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The Seahawks have Super Bowl aspirations, but if that offensive line doesn’t play better, good night. On the positive side, the defense is outrageous.
6
Green Bay Packers 1-1
Last week: L, 34-23 at ATL
Last rank: 4th
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The Packers are a very good team, but they got pounded in Atlanta. Luckily, their next game is a home date with the Bengals.
5
Oakland Raiders 2-0
Last week: W, 45-20 vs. NYJ
Last rank: 8th
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Oakland did exactly what it needed to do. The Raiders hammered a bad team and kept pace in a tough division.
4
New England Patriots 1-1
Last week: W, 36-20 at NO
Last rank: 5th
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Tom Brady threw for 447 yards and three touchdowns. The Patriots gained 555 yards of offense. Other than that, slow day in New Orleans.
3
Pittsburgh Steelers 2-0
Last week: W, 26-9 vs. MIN
Last rank: 2nd
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Pittsburgh won again, but moves back. spot. Why? The Steelers have been very ho-hum, while the Chiefs are rolling. This should be a battle all year.
2
Kansas City Chiefs 2-0
Last week: W, 27-20 vs. PHI
Last rank: 3rd
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No team has been more impressive than the Chiefs this year. Wins over the Patriots and Eagles have them vaulting the undefeated Steelers.
1
Atlanta Falcons 2-0
Last week: W, 34-23 vs. GB
Last rank: 1st
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Atlanta has to feel great. Of all the teams in the NFC, this one is the only one without a huge weakness.