NFL power rankings, Week 3: Rams rise, Vikings fall
The Los Angeles Rams seem to have rediscovered their old form, while the Minnesota Vikings look like a team without direction.
Fire Adam Gase.
Without Saquon Barkley, Daniel Jones now has no cover from a shoddy offensive line when New York is trailing. Not good.
The Lions’ defense is an atrocity, and the offense is mediocre. Right now, it looks like another long year in Motown.
Washington had a stirring victory in Week 1, but the offense is putrid and it showed in Arizona.
Joe Burrow is going to be a star. The offensive linemen will not. Yikes.
Teddy Bridgewater is playing great and the offense is solid, but the defense is a youthful mess.
Gardner Minshew is legitimate. Teams don’t typically ascend in these power rankings with a loss, but the Jaguars move up three spots. Playing with fight.
The injuries are mounting. Drew Lock is out. Von Miller is done for the year. It’s a rough time in Bronco Country.
Miami has played tough against the Bills and Patriots. The Dolphins aren’t as bad as the record suggests.
Fire Bill O’Brien and be done with it. The Texans are a train wreck.
Oh my God.
The Eagles are facing a last stand moment with the Bengals coming into town. Win or everybody’s seat gets white-hot.
Minnesota has no defense, and Kirk Cousins looked as though he’d never seen a football in the loss at Indianapolis. The Vikings face a must-win in Week 3 against the Titans.
Cleveland bounced back and Baker Mayfield played well. Now the Browns gets Washington with an extra three days of rest. Should be another win.
The Chargers lost to the Chiefs, but potentially found their quarterback in Justin Herbert. Also, Jerry Tillery is quickly becoming a dominant force on the interior.
The Colts took care of business against the Vikings. After losing to Jacksonville, Philip Rivers and Co. righted the ship. Well done. As a reward, here comes the Jets.
The Raiders have real weapons and at 2-0, should feel great. The long-term question is whether the defense can do enough on a weekly basis.
Chicago is 2-0, but the problems persist. Mitch Trubisky has looked good for three quarters this season. Without better quarterback play, this start will fade.
San Francisco moves down seven spots after a 31-9 win. Why? Injuries. The 49ers are besieged by major names going down. Looks like a tough year ahead.
Dallas won in ridiculous fashion despite itself. Three turnovers and two failed fake. punts somehow didn’t sink the Cowboys, who beat a Falcons team hellbent on self-destruction.
The Patriots were more impressive in defeat than victory. Cam Newton threw for 397 yards and looked the part of a star quarterback who can carry his offense.
Tennessee is clearly the top dog in the AFC South. The Titans haven’t been dominant, but Ryan Tannehill looks terrific and the rest of the division has huge questions.
Two games, two wins against quality NFC East opponents. The Rams have looked like a contender thus far, and now go to Buffalo for a showdown with the Bills.
Arizona was my sleeper team all offseason (seriously, listen to the Stacking The Box podcast) and the Cards are justifying my belief. The offense is fantastic, and the defense is making plays.
After everyone kicked dirt on Tom Brady and the Buccaneers, they rebounded for a solid win over the Panthers. Now, it’s onto Denver where Brady meets Jeff Driskel.
The big concern is Drew Brees. He hasn’t looked good thus far, and at 41 years old, maybe it’s not just a slow start.
The Bills are playing great football behind Josh Allen, who leads the league in passing yards. Buffalo has beaten two poor teams, yes, but it’s getting the job done.
Ugly win, but a win. Pittsburgh can’t be allowing Jeff Driskel to almost revive Denver from multiple two-score deficits at home. Not going to cut it against better teams.
Damn, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers’ offense looks great. The defense needs to clean up a few issues, but Green Bay is clearly a contender once more.
Seattle’s defense is below-average, but Russell Wilson is the MVP through two weeks and D.K. Metcalf is turning into a star. Big things ahead for the Seahawks.
The Ravens are playing like the best team in football right now. The defense is excellent, Lamar Jackson is evolving as a passer and the run game is still dominant.
The champs stay on top after surviving a horrid showing against the Chargers. Patrick Mahomes showed his greatness, running for 61 yards and throwing for 302 despite constant pressure. Now, it’s Baltimore on Monday night.