2021 NFL power rankings, Week 3: Raiders impress, Dolphins stifled

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 19: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders gestures during the first half of the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on September 19, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 19: Defensive end Brian Burns #53 of the Carolina Panthers celebrates with teammates during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Mike Comer/Getty Images) /

18. team. 57. . 1-1. Previous: . Chicago Bears

Matt Nagy’s club took on the Bengals as Andy Dalton got a look at his original employer for the second straight year. But the 11-year pro was knocked out with a knee injury. Enter Justin Fields, who was far from impressive – hitting on less than 50 percent of his 13 passes.

He was sacked twice, fumbled once (no turnover) and threw an interception. But Roquan Smith (53-yards TD return) and the Chicago defense picked off Joe Burrow three times.

team. 87. . 2-0. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 17

Matt Rhule’s club held off the Jets a week ago and now the Panthers would host Jameis Winston and the Saints. Carolina’s improving defense held New Orleans to 128 total yards on 43 offensive plays. Panthers’ quarterback Sam Darnold threw for 305 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

The mistake-prone signal-caller had one fumble (no turnover) and also threw an interception. But the Panthers blanked their guests for the first three quarters.

Philadelphia Eagles. 16. team. 54. . 1-1. Previous:

In a battle of 2020 last-place teams, the Eagles hosted the talented 49ers. Philadelphia’s offense moved the ball to the tune of 328 total yards. Second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for 190 yards and also ran 10 times for 82 yards and his team’s only touchdown of the afternoon.

But the Birds couldn’t punch it into the end zone until there was 4:02 left in the contest. And Nick Sirianni’s team wound up having the football for only 25:06 on Sunday.

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