2009 NFL Power Rankings: Week Three

(Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The 2009 NFL season is nearing its first quarter pole, and already the short season may have written some season-long implications.

“Separation Sunday” in Week Three brought some fantastic finishes (Vikings over Niners, Bengals over Steelers, and Bears over Seahawks), one huge upset (Lions ended their 19-game losing streak by scoring a 19-14 win over the Redskins), and a whole bunch of blowouts (Eagles over Chiefs, Giants over Bucs, Broncos over Raiders, Ravens over Browns, Packers over Rams, and Saints over Bills).

As we look at the standings after three weeks of NFL action, there is no doubt that parity is in the air. There are seven teams at 3-0, i.e. “The Haves”—Ravens, Jets, Giants, Vikings, Colts, Saints, and Broncos; nine teams at 2-1, i.e. “The Contenders”—Falcons, Niners, Packers, Eagles, Bengals, Patriots, Chargers, Bears, and Cowboys; nine teams at 1-2, i.e. “Stuck in the Middle”—Texans, Bills, Redskins, Jaguars, Steelers, Raiders, Cardinals, Lions, and Seahawks; and seven teams at 0-3, i.e. “The Have Nots”—Browns, Rams, Chiefs, Titans, Dolphins, Panthers, and Rams. 

For the poor 0-3 teams, their season is basically over, as only three teams with that record have made the playoffs since 1990.

The biggest surprises of the seven currently 0-3 teams has to be the three 2008 divisional champs—Tennessee Titans (AFC South champs, finishing with a 13-3 record), Miami Dolphins (AFC East champs, finishing with an 11-5 record), and the Carolina Panthers (NFC South champs, finishing with a 12-4 record).

The plight of these “fallen from grace” teams shows that every year is different in the NFL. Anything, whether it is injuries, a coach on the hot seat, a harder schedule, poor quarterback play, etc., can turn a champ into a chump real quick.

Now on to the rankings for this week.

1. Giants (3-0)

The G-Men found their physical running game as they pounded out more than 200 rushing yards in beating the hapless Bucs into an early submission. Someone at the NFL’s scheduling office must really like the Giants as they get another “cupcake” this week in the Chiefs.

2.  Colts (3-0)

This quietly undefeated squad, led by possible repeat MVP Peyton Manning, dismantled the Cardinals on "Sunday Night Football." Expect another offensive explosion as the Seahawks, playing without their starting quarterback, come to Indy.

3.  Jets (3-0)

Another week, another win for Rex Ryan’s young, tough squad. The Jets made a believer out of me as they outmuscled the Titans. The Jets’ No. 1-ranked defense will have the test of their lives as they travel to New Orleans to face the high-flying Saints.

4.  Vikings (3-0)

In an “Instant Classic” win over the Niners that ended with a last-second touchdown pass, quarterback Brett Favre showed the guts that made the Vikings take a chance on him. In the possible the game of the week, "Monday Night Football" will be abuzz as the Vikes host Favre’s former squad, the rival Packers.

5.  Ravens (3-0)

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