NFL Power Rankings: Week Three

Eli Manning is starting to look like his brother, while his brother Peyton is finally starting to look like, well, himself.

Both the Colts and Giants have got it "going on" on offense, but it's their defense that has both teams in the top five, and the Giants in the top spot.

Julian Edelman did his best Wes Welker impression, but Tom Brady didn't find his rhythm all day as the Patriots fell to the Jets and out of the top spot.

Read on to see how the rest of the rankings shape-out, and to see who ranks dead last.



1. New York Giants (2-0)

How did we ever doubt this team? Eli Manning looks almost unstoppable with his new slew of solid receivers, and that defense can hassle opposing quarterbacks all day. They made Tony Romo look like an amateur.

2. Baltimore Ravens (2-0)

Their defense continues to take a back seat to their growing offense, and that's not necessarily a bad thing. They can air it out and kill you with three different running backs. Now, if that defense can get back to shutting teams down, this team could be very scary.

3. New Orleans Saints (2-0)

I don't care if they beat the Lions and a Kevin Kolb-led Eagles' offense. This offense is flat-out unstoppable, and their defense is clearly much better than it was in 2008. Drew Brees is possessed.

4. Indianapolis Colts (2-0)

Peyton Manning is doing some beautiful things with an under-manned offense. But the real story is this defense coming up with two straight game-saving stops.

5. Atlanta Falcons (2-0)

The Matt Ryan and Tony Gonzalez connection is saving this team, while the running game still hasn't come around. Add the loss of Peria Jerry to the mix, and the fact that this team is still 2-0 is very impressive.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)

They can't run the ball, have trouble protecting Ben Roethlisberger, and are missing Troy Polamalu. Good thing they have the Browns to make everything better in week three.

7. Minnesota Vikings (2-0)

People keep griping about Brett Favre's yardage, but it was his two touchdowns and error-free decision-making that helped the Vikings win on the road, not Adrian Peterson. This continues to be a well-balanced and well-coached team. They need to start games better, though.

8. New England Patriots (1-1)

Maybe we saw the true Patriots against the Bills, after all. While they can't prevent a huge drop from No. 1 after losing to the Jets, you can be sure this team will be determined to make things right going forward.

9. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

After blowing Carolina out of the water in week one, they let the Saints do the same to them. Did they really miss Donovan McNabb that bad, or is this defense just not very good?

10. San Diego Chargers (1-1)

That was a pretty good offensive performance against a well-respected Baltimore defense. Not having LT probably hurt the running game more than people believe.

11. New York Jets (2-0)

Mark Sanchez played big against the Patriots, while the defense held up their end of the bargain. Rex Ryan looks smarter by the day.

Looking for the final 21 teams and where they rank? Go here for the rest of Week Three's NFL Power Rankings.