Week 3 Power Rankings
Disclaimer: These are NOT professional opinions and only my
own opinions. Also, there are teams that beat teams that are ranked higher than
them. This is only because, as of now, the higher ranked team is still a better
overall team. (Ex: Redskins beat the Rams but the Rams are still ranked higher)
If you disagree, feel free to leave a comment or contact me via Twitter
@jcs436.
The NFL has quick turnarounds. The Jets are on top and the
Colts are at the bottom after two wild weeks of football. Never thought that
would happen, now did ya? Don’t worry, neither did I. Strange how the football
world works that way sometimes. On a sidenote, I didn’t do rankings last week
due to be being with college. So if the drops and rises of teams seem steep, it’s
from their rise and fall from the past two weeks.
1.
Green Bay Packers 2-0 (same)
Think I felt the Packers fans fear a little
bit when Wilson started running the ball well against them. Luckily the Packers
D showed up and forced a couple turnovers to let A. Rod and the Packers O work
their magic. They stay on top as the best overall team until proven otherwise.
2.
New England Patriots 2-0 (same)
What a game Tom Brady! 466 yards and 3
touchdowns were his stats against Buffalo and he is supposed to be in his
decline phase as a QB. Methinks that Brady is pissed off from a horrendous
offseason and wants to show he and his team are the top dogs in the NFL without
heavy “scandalous” (yes I hate myself) criticism. That will still be hard to
pull off, as the Patriot’s secondary is still pretty suspect. They have given up
53 points in the last two games. Not what Super Bowl defenses typically do.
3.
Arizona Cardinals 2-0 (+2)
If you want to criticize the Cardinals for
the reason behind their success being that they beat two bad teams, you’re
already too late. “Stop! You ain’t SHIT!” Head Coach Bruce Arians told them in
their team meeting Monday morning. Now this is the formula for an elite
football team. In the past, the elite football teams of the NFL have always
done two things. 1. They criticize their wins and hate their losses. 2. They
trash bad teams for the garbage they are and never give those bad teams a
chance. Arizona is doing both right now and showing their success isn’t a
fluke. Keep it going Arians. The current is in your favor.
4.
Denver Broncos 2-0 (+4)
The first 50 minutes of their game against the Chiefs showed the aging
Manning everyone feared we would see. The last 10 minutes of the game showed
the vintage Manning everyone knew was still there waiting to come out. What a
heroic two-minute drill by Manning, surgically cutting through a defense that
had been giving him trouble all game. The real hero (heroes) of the game,
though, was the Denver Defense. I said before the season in my first 2015-2016 rankings for people to not be surprised when Denver is known more for their
defense than offense. So far, that is looking like it may be the truth sooner
than later.
5.
Cincinnati
Bengals 2-0 (+8)
We have all seen this story before. Andy Dalton and the Bengal’s offense
looks new and reborn while the defense is stopping opposing offenses
efficiently. It happens every year yet somehow this team can never turn it on
when it really matters (the playoffs, prime night games, or any important
game). However, props to Andy Dalton for not letting the heavy criticism get to
his head and playing what looks like the best football he has ever played
before. Maybe this is the year he turns everything around? #tooearlytoknow
6.
Pittsburgh
Steelers 1-1 (+1)
Why hello Pittsburg, welcome back to stardom and dominance. The Steelers
slam dunked the 9ers 43-18 and it didn’t look like a mistake. The scary part?
This was without Le’Veon Bell who just came off of suspension. Look out AFC,
the real Pittsburgh Steelers are coming back. Well…kind of…sort of… their
defense still needs work.
7.
Kansas
City Chiefs 1-1 (+5)
I’m still laughing inside at those who said the Chiefs are better than
the Broncos after Week 1 came by. It’s still realistic that the Chiefs win the
division, but for those that discounted the Broncos when thinking the Chiefs
would be AFC West winners, I have something to say to you. Peyton Manning is
still better than Alex Smith. And as I said before, until proven otherwise, the
Chiefs are only second best in the division.
8.
Buffalo
Bills 1-1 (+9)
The score doesn’t even justify what the game really was. The Patriots
offense blew the Bills D out of the water. However, the game (besides the loss)
was entirely positive for the Bills. Tyrod Taylor showed grit when far behind
and tried to make a comeback. Taylor is going to be keep his offense going in
future games even when the game looks dreary just like this one did.
Congratulations Rex Ry…er…Buffalo, you have finally found a quarterback.
9.
Atlanta
Falcons 2-0 (+15)
Head Coach Dan Quinn has got something special going on in Atlanta. The
defense finally has a pass rush and doesn’t hold back their explosive offense
anymore. At this rate, the Falcons could be the cook’s specialty in a rather
lame NFC South Division. One last thing, Julio Jones, you are a beast! What a
catch last Sunday.
10.
Seattle
Seahawks 0-2 (-6)
Don’t hit the panic button yet 12s! Kam Chancellor is coming back into
the defensive lineup so that can hopefully kick start the defense back into
gear. However, I’m still scratching my head as to why they traded for Jimmy
Graham. If you are going to trade away one of your best offensive lineman for a
playmaker, at least use that playmaker. Two targets for one catch and 11 yards?
Not what I think GM Schneider had in mind when he made the trade. If you ask
me, Seattle was still mourning their Super Bowl loss and was imagining the
final play with someone like Jimmy Graham in the game. Little did they forget,
they’re already terrible offensive line got worse when they traded away Max
Unger. Don’t believe me? Watch Seattle’s run plays. It shows when Lynch is
getting tackled as soon as the ball is
in his hands.
11.
New
York Jets 2-0 (+11)
Watch out Seattle, the new sheriff is in town. The Jets played championship
level defense on Monday night and looked spectacular picking Andrew luck off a
whopping four times. This defense means business and the offense is the
business partner. And by business partner, I mean the one who gets things done
but screw up every once in a while. For now, that’s not a bad thing.
12.
San
Diego Chargers 1-1 (+2)
Tough loss against Cincy last week. Rivers is developing a nice
chemistry with Ladarious Green and Stevie Johnson these days. Wonder if it will
develop into the Chargers becoming the surprise top offense in the NFL. They
have the quarterback to make it happen. #onecandream
13.
Dallas
Cowboys 2-0 (-7)
Cowboys fall this far because no Bryant and no Romo = no bueno for the
Cowboys offense. However, this Dallas D is sneaky could and could win a few
games for the Cowboys. If the Boys can go 3-5 without Romo the next 8 weeks,
they’ll be in good shape to make a late run for the playoffs. Don’t give up on
America’s team yet.
14.
Carolina
Panthers 2-0 (+5)
After seeing that game against the Texans, it’s clear to see that Cam
Newton is the reason the Panthers will win or lose games. If he plays well,
they will more than likely win. If he sucks, so will the Panthers. Also, tough
break for the Panthers losing Luke Kuechly for now. Panthers better hope they
get him back as soon as possible from that concussion.
15.
Minnesota
Vikings 1-1 (+1)
Nice for Vikings fans to see a win at home after watching a brutal loss
on national TV. This match also showed what the Vikings are going to be about
this season. Having Adrain Peterson carry the offense by being the best running
back in the NFL. Oh, Bridgewater and the Vikings defense will make plays too.
16.
Indianapolis
Colts 0-2 (-13)
The Colts are showing their true colors. Andrew Luck can no longer hide
the problems Indy has always had; a mediocre defense and a terrible offensive
line trying to protect their QB.
17.
St.
Louis Rams 1-1 (+3)
Welcome back to the real world St. Louis. After beating the Seahawks,
people seemed to think the Rams were the real deal and contenders for the NFC
West. There is a small flaw though; IT WAS ONE GAME. The Rams look like the Rams
of old right now. Amazing defense + Bad offense = Mediocre team. Quite
unfortunate.
18.
Miami
Dolphins 1-1 (-3)
So much for the hype around the Dolphins this offseason. It’s clear that
the Dolphins are always destined for around a .500 season again for as long as
Joe Philbin is head coach. The Dolphins are a bland team with so much talent.
On paper, they look like a top 10 team. Unfortunately, Philbin just doesn’t
know what to do with his talent. This team will have high highs and low lows
the entire season from how it looks.`
19.
Baltimore
Ravens 0-2 (-9)
The Ravens miss Terrell Suggs. Oh I’m sorry I misspoke. They are crying
for Terrell Suggs and couldn’t even pressure Derek Carr without him. Unless the
rest of the defense can step it up, its going to be a long season for
Baltimore. On a positive note, the offense looked fantastic last week. The next
step for Baltimore? Don’t even worry about the injuries or critics. Sunday at
home vs the Bengals is a must win.
20.
Oakland
Raiders 1-1 (+7)
Now THERE is the potential analysts have been seeing in the Raiders. A
beautiful (yes beautiful and it hurts to say that) final drive steered by Derek
Carr won the game for Oakland. Now all they have to do is keep up the momentum
for future games. Next stop? Cleveland.
21.
Jacksonville
Jaguars 1-1 (+7)
A nice turnaround from Week 1’s disaster of a start for the Jaguars. The
defense is finally starting to click and Blake Bortles is having a nice start
to his sophomore year. As long as the improvement can be kept up, a positive record isn't out of the question for this young Jaguars team.
22.
Washington
Redskins 1-1 (+7)
How in the world does a “bad offense” beat an amazing defense? Simple.
You have one of the better offensive lines in the game create holes for a
talented backfield and that’s all the Skins had to do to create their winning
formula. Also the defense is looking stout right now. Time will tell if they
can keep this formula up though.
23.
San
Francisco 49ers 1-1 (+2)
Will the real San Francisco 49ers please stand up. This team goes from
locking down the best running back in the game to not being able to hold down
the oldest running back in the game. Doesn’t make sense to me. I wonder what
Jim Tomsula is thinking right now. What are you thinking 9ers fans?
24.
Cleveland
Browns 1-1 (+6)
I have scratched my head so much over the decision to bench Manziel and
put McCown back in, that my head is currently bleeding. Neither has shown the
capability to take the Browns to a winning season but at least Manziel can
still develop and become that QB who can take the Browns to a winning season.
If I were Mike Pettine, I would go with the gamble and start Manziel again.
Sooner or later you have to find out if he can be your franchise QB or if he is
worth a roster spot.
25.
Detroit
Lions 0-2 (-14)
Forget what I said about knowing by Thanksgiving. It’s already Week 2
and VERY clear that the Lions miss Suh’s presence. That being said, the defense
is completely at fault. When your supposedly “explosive” offense doesn’t use
your explosive players correctly (Johnson, Abdullah, Tate), can you really
expect to win games? I would so no, you can’t.
26.
Tennessee
Titans 1-1 (+6)
For all of the critics saying Mariota would flop in the NFL, he isn’t
looking too shabby at all and even refused to give up in a sure-fire loss. Yeah
he didn’t light up the Browns like everyone thought but it’s a positive sight
to see a rookie not giving up on a lost game.
27.
Philadelphia
Eagles 0-2 (-18)
I don’t think I have ever witnessed the Eagles play so bad before.
Starting to wonder whether Kelly’s coaching is the problem, or that the players
don’t synergize well together. However, you can’t judge a team off two games.
More needs to be seen and since the division is so week right now, 0-2 isn’t
the worst fate they could suffer. However, 0-3 or 0-4 would be a different
story.
28.
New
York Giants 0-2 (-7)
Something is up when you blow away two 10 point leads, especially when
one is at home. You would think a Coughlin-Manning led team would have sealed
away both games early in the fourth quarter. This Giants team has talent but if
the poor-decision making keeps on happening, not much is going to be expected
from this team. As of right now, I’m not even expecting much yet either.
29.
Tampa
Bay Buccaneers 1-1 (+2)
How the Bucs defense outplayed Drew Brees’ offense is anyone’s guess.
I’m still trying to figure out myself. I
don’t see this as a turnaround for the franchise since it was only the Saints,
but, hey, it’s a step forward and you take what you can get in the NFL.
30.
Houston
Texans 0-2 (-12)
Bottom line, until Hoyer or Mallet starts showing they can play QB, this
offense (let alone the team) won’t be going anywhere. Which really sucks
because the defense tends to play well. *in the distance you can hear Arian
Foster roaring back from injury to save the Houston offense*
31.
New
Orleans 0-2 (-8)
I won’t ever doubt a team led by Sean Payton and Drew Brees but this
team is off to a brutal start this season. What makes the situation worse is
that Brees is hurt and might be out for a couple games. The defense needs to step up its game or
there won’t be any hope for this team because right now anywhere between 5-11
to 7-9 is what this team is staring at.
32.
Chicago
Bears 0-2 (-6)
Welp,
suspicions have been confirmed. The defense sucks and now without Jay Cutler
out so will the offense. The Bears need
miracle turnaround if they want to salvage their season. Especially in a
division where you play Rodgers and Peterson twice.
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