2021 NFL power rankings, Week 3: Raiders impress, Dolphins stifled
15. . 1-1. Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 15. team
Off a 35-point victory over the Packers at Jacksonville, Sean Payton’s team made its way to Carolina for its first divisional game of 2021. Things didn’t come nearly as easy for the Saints as the team was shut out for the first three quarters.
Jameis Winston did run for one score but he hit on only 11-of-22 passes for just 111 yards. He was sacked four times and was picked off twice. All told, Payton’s offensive unit managed a disappointing 128 yards.
team. 47. . 1-1. Previous: . New England Patriots. 14
Bill Belichick’s team headed to MetLife Stadium looking to continue their recent dominance of the Jets. And the Patriots made it 11 straight wins in this series dating back to 2016. The New England offense managed only 260 total yards and rookie quarterback Mac Jones threw for only 186 yards.
He overcame three sacks and the Pats played turnover-free football while Belichick’s defense picked off Zach Wilson four times – twice by J.C. Jackson.
team. 55. . 1-1. Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers. 13
It wasn’t pretty but the Steelers notched a win over the defending AFC East champions at Buffalo last week. Now they took on a Raiders’ team that stunned the Ravens on Monday night. For the second straight week, the Pittsburgh offense had its struggles and that unit has reached the end zone just three times in two games. Keith Butler’s defense was lit up for 425 yards and outside linebacker T.J. Watt was missed after he left the game.