2017 NFL Power Rankings: Week 3
With Week 2 in the books, teams are trying to find their identities and become competitive units in the league. Teams continue to move up and down the rankings in what figures to continue to be an exciting season. So where do the teams fall heading into Week 3?
32. New York Jets (0-2, Previous Ranking: 31)
Last Week: L, 45-20, at Raiders
Next Week: vs. Dolphins (1-0)
No should expected the Jets to go into Oakland and pull off the upset. The Raiders flexed their muscles and overpowered the floundering Jets, but kudos to the Jets for putting up 20 points. Jermaine Kearse has been a nice addition to an offense lacking any reliable weapons. Josh McCown needs to be benched, though. He isn’t helping this team at all.
31. Indianapolis Colts (0-2, Previous Ranking: 32)
Last Week: L, 16-13 (OT), vs. Cardinals
Next Week: vs. Browns (0-2)
With the opportunity to come up with a big win at home against the Cardinals, the Colts let the game slip away after giving up a 13-3 lead in the 4th quarter and throwing a costly interception in overtime. Jacoby Brissett was a lot less painful to watch compared to Scott Tolzien, but this team is still a bottom-feeder in the league. And honestly, I don’t think a future return of Andrew Luck will change that fact. This team simply has too many holes.
30. Chicago Bears (0-2, Previous Ranking: 29)
Last Week: L, 29-7, at Buccaneers
Next Week: vs. Steelers (2-0)
Mike Glennon. Woof. This was a rough one for a guy that is working on one of the most bloated contracts in the league. Two interceptions and a fumble are not what you expect from your starting quarterback. The Bears will continue to roll out Glennon and as long as they do, this team will continue to lose. It might be getting close to consider throwing Mitchell Trubisky out there. What else does this team have to lose?
29. San Francisco 49ers (0-2, Previous Ranking: 30)
Last Week: L, 12-9, at Seahawks
Next Week: vs. Rames (1-1)
Playing in Seattle is never an easy task for a traveling team. Add in the fact division rivalry factor, and you have the makings of a potentially ugly game. Props to the 49ers for making this into a game in an unfriendly environment. Carlos Hyde averaged 8.3 YPC (15 rushes for 124 yards) against run defense that is normally stout. The 49ers will be competitive within the next couple of years, but don’t be surprised to see them squeak a couple of wins this year.
28. Cleveland Browns (0-2, Previous Ranking: 27)
Last Week: L, 24-10, at Ravens
Next Week: at Colts (0-2)
After a solid debut against the Steelers, DeShone Kizer looked a bit frazzled against the Ravens. Kizer committed 4 total turnovers (3 interceptions, 1 fumble) but this should be no surprise against a solid Ravens defense on the road. Everyone knew that the rookie quarterback had a lot of growing to do, and this just further validates that. How he responds to this adversity will be indicative of how he can grow as the Browns starter.
27. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2, Previous Ranking: 23)
Last Week: L, 13-9, vs. Texans
Next Week: at Packers (1-1)
Two games. Eight quarters. Zero touchdowns. The Bengals are spiraling out of control and even with the firing of offensive coordinator Ken Zampese, this team doesn’t appear close to having an answer for any of their problems. Who is to blame? Andy Dalton? Marvin Lewis? Something needs to change, but with a Week 3 matchup at Green Bay up next, odds point towards the Bengals starting 0-3. If Dalton and Lewis don’t turn it around, both will very securely be on the hot seat going into 2018.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1, Previous Ranking: 26)
Last Week: L, 37-16, vs. Titans
Next Week: vs. Ravens (2-0)
Honestly, I don’t think the Jaguars’ Week 1 showing was a fluke. Heading into halftime, the Jags and Titans were close and the game was relatively competitive. But in typical Blake Bortles fashion, the game blew open in favor of Tennessee after Bortles gave up 3 turnovers (2 interceptions and a fumble). The Jaguars have pieces in places to be a competitive team but with Bortles at the helm playing inconsistently, they’ll never reach their potential.
25. Buffalo Bills (1-1, Previous Ranking: 28)
Last Week: L, 9-3, at Panthers
Next Week: vs. Broncos (2-0)
On paper, this game shouldn’t have been close. The Bills have very little offensive power and questions scattered throughout their defense. But to keep this a single-digit game and sack Cam Newton 6 times is no small feat and is a step up for this unit against an electric offense. To win games, they’re going to have to move the ball on offense. Tyrod Taylor only had 125 yards passing but led the team in rushing with 55 yards on 8 carries while LeSean McCoy only had 9 yards on 12 carries. The Bills proved they can hang with decent teams but their offense just isn’t enough.
24. Los Angeles Chargers (0-2, Previous Ranking: 24)
Last Week: L, 19-17, vs. Dolphins
Next Week: vs. Chiefs (2-0)
The end of Week 1 and Week 2 have been heartbreaking for the Chargers. Part of me wants to put the blame on kicker Younghoe Koo since he needs to make these field goals, but quite frankly, the entire team needs to perform better through all four quarters. The Chargers have had their fair share of nail biters in recent years and have came up short in most of them. The only real bright spot from this game was Antonio Gates becoming the new tight end career touchdown record holder.
23. New Orleans Saints (0-2, Previous Ranking: 19)
Last Week: L, 36-20, vs. Patriots
Next Week: at Panthers (2-0)
This defense is rough. Through the first 2 weeks, the Saints have given up 512.5 yards per game, which is by far the worst total in the NFL. Sam Bradford did his best Tom Brady impression in Week 1 and then Tom Brady did his best impression of… well… himself. This offense is capable of getting the job done but as long as this defense continues to be Swiss cheese, the Saints will continue to be a below average team with a below .500 record.
22. Houston Texans (1-1, Previous Ranking: 25)
Last Week: W, 13-9, vs. Bengals
Next Week: at Patriots (1-1)
Is Deshaun Watson perfect? No, and he still has a lot of developing to do. But he proved against the Bengals that he gives the Texans the best chance of winning this season. His 49-yard touchdown run was a thing of beauty with the way that he felt the pocket collapsing and used his elite speed and great vision to weave through the defense to score the game’s only touchdown. If he can continue to develop, he could be the franchise quarterback that the Texans have been looking for to complete their team.
21. Arizona Cardinals (1-1, Previous Ranking: 16)
Last Week: W, 16-13 (OT), at Colts
Next Week: vs. Cowboys (1-1)
Honestly, the Cardinals had no business winning this game and were extremely lucky that the Colts’ untimely turnover practically sealed the game. Sure, the Cardinals are still coping with the loss of David Johnson, but the offense really needs to have weapons step up consistently. J.J Nelson helped that cause with 5 catches for 120 yards but overall, this team needs to pick it up considering that they were a field goal away from being 0-2 to start the season.
20. New York Giants (0-2, Previous Ranking: 13)
Last Week: L, 24-10, vs. Lions
Next Week: at Eagles (1-1)
Let me put this bluntly: this offense is a mess. Even with the return of Odell Beckham Jr. (who is still not 100% from his ankle injury), Eli Manning struggled behind a porous offensive line. This line has also been preventing the Giants from establishing any ground game as well. Oh, and Brandon Marshall offers little to this offense. On defense, the Giants top tier unit couldn’t prevent the Lions from putting up 138 yards on the ground. Something needs to change or else this is going to be a long season for the Giants.
19. Los Angeles Rams (1-1, Previous Ranking: 20)
Last Week: L, 27-20, vs. Redskins
Next Week: at 49ers (0-2)
Even with a loss in Week 2, this Rams football team is one that is developing into a better group than what we have seen in recent years. One concerning thing I noticed from this matchup was the Rams inability to stop the run, as the Redskins turned to the ground game early and often to the tune of 229 total yards. Regardless, the Rams are improving and have a chance to notch an important division win against the 49ers on Thursday.
18. Washington Redskins (1-1, Previous Ranking: 21)
Last Week: W, 27-20, at Rams
Next Week: vs. Raiders (2-0)
It wasn’t a pretty win, but a win is a win for the Redskins. The win is extra satisfying by beating their former offensive coordinator (Sean McVay) on the road. The run game was promising for the Redskins, but Kirk Cousins needs help from the weapons around him, namely Terrelle Pryor. They brought him on to be a go-to target for Cousins, but so far he has just 97 yards through 2 games with no touchdowns.
17. Minnesota Vikings (1-1, Previous Ranking: 14)
Last Week: L, 26-9, at Steelers
Next Week: vs. Buccaneers (1-0)
If Sam Bradford had been in at quarterback, this game could’ve been a closer game, but the Steelers’ defense came to play for the second straight game. Dalvin Cook is proving himself to be an excellent addition to this offense and can really help open things up down the road. The thing is, though, is that this team needs Bradford to return if they want to succeed this year. The offense is not the same without him.
16. Carolina Panthers (2-0, Previous Ranking: 10)
Last Week: W, 9-3, vs. Bills
Next Week: vs. Saints (0-2)
Honestly, I think the Panthers 2-o record is a bit deceiving, but wins are wins, especially in the competitive NFC South. This offense has a ton of talent but needs to start picking it up and that starts with Cam Newton and the offensive line, especially with the blow of losing Greg Olsen for the next 6-8 weeks with a broken foot. This team is plenty of capable of make a run this season, but things need to come together. A 9-3 win over the non-conference Bills at home is not the type of game to make a statement.
15. Miami Dolphins (1-0, Previous Ranking: 17)
Last Week: W, 19-17, at Chargers
Next Week: at Jets (0-2)
I was skeptical about how the Dolphins would perform with Jay Cutler under center but his reunion with Adam Gase seems to be positive. Cutler had a solid day with 230 yards, 1 touchdown and ZERO interceptions. Can’t ask for more. He has also seemingly developed chemistry with Jarvis Landry, targeting him a whopping 15 times, connecting on 13. Jay Ajayi also picked up right where he left off in 2016, rushing for 122 yards on 28 carries. The Lawrence Timmons storyline has the NFL buzzing, but the star on defense had to be his replacement Mike Hull, who put together 10 tackles on the day.
14. Tennessee Titans (1-1, Previous Ranking: 15)
Last Week: W, 37-16, at Jaguars
Next Week: vs. Seahawks (1-1)
Through the first 6 quarters of the season, the Titans were creating some serious questions about their competitiveness after losing to the Raiders and holding onto a 6-3 lead over the Jaguars. In the second half, the Titans looked more like the team we were hoping them to be, with Marcus Mariota taking unquestioned control of the game and Derrick Henry proving that he is the future of this team at running back. It’s hard to say if this was a result of the Jaguars regressing to what we are used to or if the Titans are ready to take the next step forward.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1, Previous Ranking: 12)
Last Week: L, 27-20, at Chiefs
Next Week: vs. Giants (0-2)
Right now, I think this Eagles team should be in the discussion of being the best team in the NFC East. No one expected Carson Wentz and the Eagles to walk into Kansas City and compete against the Chiefs in a hostile environment. The same Chiefs team that walked into New England and stole the upset in Week 1 against the Patriots. With the Cowboys and Eagles both sitting at 1-1, the Eagles have a great opportunity to snag a division win at home against the Giants in Week 3 and position themselves nicely in the standings.
12. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0, Previous Ranking: 11)
Last Week: W, 29-7, vs. Bears
Next Week: at Vikings (1-1)
Sure, they played the Bears at home, but boy, is this offense going to be exciting to watch. Jameis Winston continues to show that he is going to be one of the next elite quarterbacks in the next generation of players. I have said since the offseason that this is a team that has a legitimate shot at making a playoff run if they continue to grow. And the team still has the chance to be better once Doug Martin returns from suspension. They’ll have bigger challenges ahead to show that they belong, but their dominance in Week 1 was a nice start.
11. Baltimore Ravens (2-0, Previous Ranking: 18)
Last Week: W, 24-10, vs. Browns
Next Week: at Jaguars (1-1)
If this team makes a splash this season, it will be because of their defense. The Browns always seem to play up to their AFC North rivals and if it were not for rookie DeShone Kizer facing a top tier defense on the road, this game could have been a lot closer. But credit is due to this offense that is seeing Joe Flacco continue to knock off the rust from his injury. I’m still not 100% sold on the Ravens, especially as their injuries continue to pile up (Marshal Yanda is now lost for the season with an ankle injury). If they can compete against top competition, I’ll be a believer. But for now, they’re 2-0 and 2-0 against division competition.
10. Dallas Cowboys (1-1, Previous Ranking: 3)
Last Week: L, 42-17, at Broncos
Next Week: at Cardinals (1-1)
Honestly, I’m now starting to believe that the Cowboys Week 1 matchup wasn’t as impressive as it originally once was. The Giants are turning into an embarrassment and the Cowboys were at home. I thought the Broncos would give the Cowboys a game, but 42-17? I never saw that coming. Furthermore, I never thought Ezekiel Elliott would be held to 9 rushes for 8 yards. Additionally, his effort in this game was extremely concerning, specifically on the now viral clip of the interception return that Elliott didn’t attempt to stop. I know a lot of people are defending this due to his superstar status, but come on. That’s not a good look. This is a team that will likely still be in the playoff discussion by the end of the season, but their performance in Week 2 was not good. Period. Heading on the road again in Week 3 against the Cardinals won’t be an easy matchup, even with the Cardinals being a questionable team at this point. The Cowboys need to do some soul searching.
9. Denver Broncos (2-0, Previous Ranking: 22)
Last Week: W, 42-17, vs. Cowboys
Next Week: at Bills (1-1)
The Broncos were expected to keep it interesting and competitive. But a 42-17 victory over the 2016 13-3 NFC East champions? I didn’t see that happening in a million years. The defense wasn’t a question, but seeing a normally porous run defense hold Zeke to 8 yards is promising. Even more promising is seeing former 7th-round pick Trevor Siemian take control of this offense. Throwing for 231 yards a 4 touchdowns was a great feat for the young quarterback and if he can find some consistency to his overall game, this is going to be an extremely dangerous team. They don’t need Siemian to be Peyton Manning. They just need consistency.
8. Detroit Lions (2-0, Previous Ranking: 9)
Last Week: W, 24-10, at Giants
Next Week: vs. Falcons (2-0)
This was a quality win by the Lions on the road. Matthew Stafford only went 15/21 for 122 yards and 2 touchdowns, but don’t let that stat line fool you: he played a great game. His pocket and situational awareness has continued to grow throughout his career and that was on display on Monday night. Ameer Abdullah was a great presence on the ground, rushing for 86 yards on 17 carries. On defense, the Lions secondary looked to take some solid strides forward as a group, consistently shutting down the Giants. Why was their job easy? One person: Ziggy Ansah. He is a freak.
7. Seattle Seahawks (1-1, Previous Ranking: 5)
Last Week: W, 12-9, vs. 49ers
Next Week: at Titans (1-1)
The Seahawks are still the front-runner in the NFC West, but if they want to be taken seriously in the NFC, the offense needs to do something. Anything. Russell Wilson is the only chance this offense has, but without much help (offensive line, hint hint), they won’t win many games, especially against top teams on the road. The 12th man was barely an advantage against the 49ers, as the Seahawks made the 49ers’ defense look like one of the best units in football. The defense didn’t do much to inspire, giving up a ton of yards on the ground to Carlos Hyde. Derrick Henry is another tough running back and Marcus Mariota is a legitimate quarterback. Heading on the road against a promising Titans team could be tough if they don’t show something on offense.
6. Green Bay Packers (1-1, Previous Ranking: 1)
Last Week: L, 34-23, at Falcons
Next Week: vs. Bengals (0-2)
Aaron Rodgers is one of the best quarterbacks the league has ever seen. But he can only do so much without the players around him being healthy. Losing Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb during the game was a worst-case scenario for the Packers, so hopefully they can both be available this week and moving forward. The Packers’ defense allowed the Falcons to regain their 2016 form, but that is more of an indication of the power that the Falcons possess on offense. The Packers are still one of the top teams in the NFC, so there is no reason to write them off at this point. Remember, they wen’t 4-6 to start the season last year and still made it to the NFC championship game. Aaron Rodgers is there quarterback, after all.
5. New England Patriots (1-1, Previous Ranking: 7)
Last Week: W, 36-20, at Saints
Next Week: vs. Texans (1-1)
No one should be surprised that the Patriots came out swinging in Week 2 after giving up the league opener against the Chiefs at home. Tom Brady put to sleep any questions about whether he is still playing at top level, throwing for 447 yards and 3 touchdowns. Rob Gronkowski also put on a clinic of what we have come to expect from him, with 6 catches for 116 yards and a touchdown. It was against the Saints’ defense, which is arguably the worst defense in the league (statistically and just in general), but the Patriots looked like their dominate selves in Week 2.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0, Previous Ranking: 4)
Last Week: W, 26-9, vs. Vikings
Next Week: at Bears (0-2)
For the second straight week, the Steelers defense helped propel the team to a victory after the offense stalled. The Browns with rookie DeShone Kizer and the Vikings without Sam Bradford do not have excellent offenses. But in the past, we have seen this defense give up big yards against bad offenses. So seeing them hold their own against these gimmicks is nice. Offensively, the Steelers still need to find solid chemistry, but seeing Martavis Bryant shine shows how much they desperately needed a true #2 receiver in 2016. The scary part? His day could have been even bigger had it not been for a pass interference down the field. Le’Veon Bell is starting to really incorporate himself back into the offense and it is only a matter of time until it all clicks. With the defense really stepping up and a lethal offense, this team can be dangerous beyond belief.
3. Oakland Raiders (2-0, Previous Ranking: 6)
Last Week: W, 45-20, vs. Jets
Next Week: at Redskins (1-1)
The Raiders are one of my favorite teams to watch in the NFL right now, especially on offense. Derek Carr is an absolute field general and is making great use of all of the weapons around him. This is an extremely balanced offense that is capable of beating you through the air or on the ground. Michael Crabtree was the star of the game with 3 touchdowns, which shows the value of having a top tier #2 receiver. Crabtree could easily be a #1 on another roster. The defense still has questions, but with an offense capable of putting up major points, this team will be dangerous in an AFC that doesn’t have many truly elite teams.
2. Atlanta Falcons (2-0, Previous Ranking: 8)
Last Week: W, 34-23, vs. Packers
Next Week: at Lions (2-0)
After a shaky and conservative win over the Bears in Week 1, the Falcons’ offense looked like it did in 2016, jumping out to an early lead against the Packers. With the offense clicking and the defense getting more experienced, this is just as dangerous of a team as it was in 2016. Can Matt Ryan have another MVP-caliber season? I see no reason why not. Getting a solid win against your top NFC competitor is a great step forward and with the Cowboys being surrounded by question marks, the Falcons could be right back at the top of the conference by seasons end.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0, Previous Ranking: 2)
Last Week: W, 27-20, vs. Eagles
Next Week: at Chargers (0-2)
This game was closer than many (myself included) expected, but this team is better than it was in 2016. That is almost solely because of their improvements on offense, which was always their weak spot. The argument can be made that Travis Kelce is the best tight end in the league (mainly because of his durability compared to Gronk) and Kareem Hunt is making a name for himself early on and is a front-runner for the Offensive Rookie of the Year. With the all-important win against the Patriots under their belts, the Chiefs are primed to be the top of the AFC throughout the season unless someone can figure out how to contain this offense.
