2010 NFL Power Rankings: Bleacher Report's Week 3 Edition

By (Senior Writer) on September 21, 2010

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LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 19:  Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans runs off the field after the game against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Larry
Larry French/Getty Images

Week 2 of the 2010 NFL season is in the books and now is the time to list the newest NFL power rankings.

More surprises, disappointments, and ridiculous moments (yeah you Brandon Jacobs) highlighted another week of NFL games.

Who would have thought that both the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers would be 2-0 right now...WOW.

Without delay, I am Daniel Wolf and I am the AFC Featured Content Coordinator and Assignment Desk Editor for Bleacher Report and here are your NFL power rankings.

 

Follow Bleacher Report's 2010 NFL coverage on Twitter by clicking here.

32. Carolina Panthers

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19:  Jimmy Clausen #2 of the Carolina Panthers against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 20-7 to Bucs

Last week's ranking: 31

The Matt Moore experiment is already over and it is time to try out the Jimmy Clausen experiment in week 3.
There are no good signs in this move for the Panthers and a loss to the Bucs moved them into last place on this week's ranking.

This week: Home versus Cincinnati Bengals

31. Buffalo Bills

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Head coach Chan Gailey of the Buffalo Bills watches as his team takes on the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Get
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 34-7 to Packers

Last week's ranking: 30

Has Chan Gailey been away from the game too long?

He needs to right this ship in Buffalo immediately before it gets worse.

This week: At New England Patriots

30. St. Louis Rams

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 19:  Eugene Sims #92 of the St. Louis Rams looks on against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 19, 2010 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 16-14 to Raiders

Last week's ranking: 28

A loss to the Raiders, after nearly beating the Cardinals in week 1, moves the Rams down a few notches.


This week: Home versus Washington Redskins

29. Cleveland Browns

CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 19:  Wide receiver Joshua Cribbs #16 of the Cleveland Browns runs by wide receiver Jeremy Horne #11 of the Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Photo by Matt Sullivan/Getty Images
Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 16-14 to Chiefs

Last week's ranking: 29

The Browns are barely able to maintain their spot at No. 29, but if they are winning at halftime in week 3 and then lose the game in the second half for the third straight week, then they will fall on this ranking.

Here's an idea—GET JOSH CRIBBS THE BALL MORE!

The Browns might just win if they do this moving forward.


This week: At Baltimore Ravens

28. Arizona Cardinals

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19:  William Moore #25 of the Atlanta Falcons tackles quarterback Derek Anderson #3 of the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 41-7 to Falcons

Last week's ranking: 24

The Cards are the lowest 1-1 team on this list because they barely were able to beat the Rams in week 1 and then they were blown out by the Falcons in week 2.

Looks like quarterback Derek Anderson is not the answer after all.

(This is where Browns fans say, "Told you so!")


This week: Home versus Oakland Raiders

27. Oakland Raiders

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 19:  Darren McFadden #20 of the Oakland Raiders runs against the St. Louis Rams during an NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on September 19, 2010 in Oakland, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 16-14 against the Rams

Last week's ranking: 32

Hello Darren McFadden and welcome the the NFL...finally.

Just keep giving him the ball and the Raiders will move up this ranking list quickly.


This week: At Arizona Cardinals

26. Detroit Lions

DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 19: Jahvid Best #44 of the Detroit Lions scores on a 75 yard pass from Shaun Hill #14 during the second quarter of the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Ford Field on September 19, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Leon Halip
Leon Halip/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 35-32 to Eagles

Last week's ranking: 26

Lions maintain this week and I do not remember who said it on SI.com, but the author said the Lions might have a chance to have both the Offensive and Defensive Rookie of the Year Award winners on their roster with running back Jahvid Best and defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh.


This week: At Minnesota Vikings

25. San Francisco 49ers

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20:  Frank Gore #21 of the San Francisco 49ers is introduced against the New Orleans Saints during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 25-22 to Saints

Last week's ranking: 22

The Niners were expected to win the NFC West, instead they are starting this new season in the basement.

Head Coach Mike Singletary really needs to rally the troops before this season gets ugly.


This week: At Kansas City Chiefs

24. Dallas Cowboys

LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 12:  Felix Jones #28 of the Dallas Cowboys runs the ball during the NFL season opener against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7. (Photo by Larry F
Larry French/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 27-20 to Bears

Last week's ranking: 18

The Cowboys are in the midst of a downward spiral and there are so many question surrounding Big D right now, without answers.

Could be a long season for America's Team.


This week: At Houston Texans

23. Jacksonville Jaguars

JACKSONVILLE, FL - SEPTEMBER 12:  Maurice Jones-Drew #32 of the Jacksonville Jaguars runs for yardage during the NFL season opener game against the Denver Broncos at EverBank Field on September 12, 2010 in Jacksonville, Florida.  (Photo by Sam Greenwood/G
Sam Greenwood/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 38-13 to Chargers

Last week's ranking: 22

The Jags dip down after losing to the Chargers in week 2, but they can move back up the ranking list once running back Maurice Jones-Drew gets rolling.

Jones-Drew has had two mediocre games compared to how his numbers usually look, but do not doubt that Jones-Drew will get running and defenses will have trouble stopping him.


This week: Home versus Philadelphia Eagles

22. Denver Broncos

DENVER - SEPTEMBER 19:  Quarterback Kyle Orton #8 of the Denver Broncos gets off a pass while under pressure from defensive end Red Bryant #79 of the Seattle Seahawks at INVESCO Field at Mile High on September 19, 2010 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos def
Doug Pensinger/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 31-14 versus Seahawks

Last week's ranking: 25

Quarterback Kyle Orton lit up the Seahawks' defense and he looks to keep the Broncos' offense going in the right direction going into a tough week 3 match up.


This week: Home versus Indianapolis Colts

21. Seattle Seahawks

SEATTLE - SEPTEMBER 12:  Free safety Earl Thomas #29 of the Seattle Seahawks follows the play during the NFL season opener against the San Francisco 49ers at Qwest Field on September 12, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images)
Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 31-14 to Broncos

Last week's ranking: 15

Earl Thomas and the Seahawks' defense got torched by the Broncos and look to redeem themselves after they were riding high on the week 1 upset of the 49ers.


This week: Home versus San Diego Chargers

20. Minnesota Vikings

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19:  Quarterback Brett Favre #4 of the Minnesota Vikings is sacked by Kendall Langford #70 of the Miami Dolphins during the second half of the game on September 19, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2010 Record: 0-2

Last game: Lost 14-10 to Dolphins

Last week's ranking: 11

The Vikings continued struggles on the field and losses are dropping them down the ranking very fast.

Brett Favre needs to find his grove and find it now.


This week: Home versus Detroit Lions

19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

CHARLOTTE, NC - SEPTEMBER 19:  Josh Freeman #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers against the Carolina Panthers during their game at Bank of America Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina.  (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 20-7 versus Panthers

Last week's ranking: 27

The Bucs are the lowest ranked undefeated team, but they haven't beat any top-tier opponents yet (sorry Browns and Panthers fans).

Quarterback Josh Freeman is a rising star, but the Bucs need to beat a tougher opponent to make a bigger move up this list.


This week: Home versus Pittsburgh Steelers

18. Kansas City Chiefs

CLEVELAND - SEPTEMBER 19:  Running back Thomas Jones #20 of the Kansas City Chiefs gets a block from Tim Castille #46 and Branden Albert #76 against the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Cleveland, Ohio.  (Photo by Matt
Matt Sullivan/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 16-14 versus the Browns

Last week's ranking: 21

The Chiefs are an interesting mix of both youth and veterans and it seems to be working after two games.

Thomas Jones is running hard, Mike Vrabel is still hitting hard, Dexter McCluster is ridiculously fast, and their young cornerbacks look solid in coverage.

And the Chiefs are in first place in the AFC West. CRAZY!


This week: Home versus San Francisco 49ers

17. Chicago Bears

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19:  Quarterback Jay Cutler #6 of the Chicago Bears looks to pass against the Dallas Cowboys at Cowboys Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Arlington, Texas.  (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 27-20 versus Cowboys

Last week's ranking: 23

Look what happens when quarterback Jay Cutler stays away from the interception bug—the Bears move up the power rankings list!


This week: Home versus Green Bay Packers

16. Washington Redskins

LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 12:  Donovan McNabb #5 of the Washington Redskins passes during the NFL season opener against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on September 12, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Redskins defeated the Cowboys 13-7. (Photo by Larry French
Larry French/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 30-27 to Texans

Last week's ranking: 14

McNabb nearly led the Redskins to a 2-0 record, albeit split second timing on a timeout by called by Texans Head Coach Gary Kubiak, preventing a game winning field goal in overtime, which was then missed in the second attempt.


This week: At St. Louis Rams

15. New York Giants

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - DECEMBER 27:  Brandon Jacobs #27 of the New York Giants against the Carolina Panthers at Giants Stadium on December 27, 2009 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images)
Nick Laham/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 38-14 to Colts

Last week's ranking: 9

If you are going to a game this year and the Giants are playing, watch for flying helmets into the stands.

Too soon?


This week: Home versus Tennessee Titans

14. Philadelphia Eagles

DETROIT - SEPTEMBER 19:  Michael Vick #7 of the Philadelphia Eagles warms up prior to the start of the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on September 19, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan.  (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
Leon Halip/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 35-32 versus Rams

Last week's ranking: 20

Michael Vick gives the Eagles the best chance to win games, whereas Kevin Kolb is still inexperienced as a starting quarterback.

Why Andy Reid is sticking with Kolb is beyond comprehension.


This week: At Jacksonville Jaguars

13. Miami Dolphins

MINNEAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19:  Vontae Davis #21 of the Miami Dolphins breaks up a pass intended for Greg Lewis #17 of the Minnesota Vikings during the game on September 19, 2010 at Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (Photo by Jamie Squ
Jamie Squire/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 14-10 versus Vikings

Last week's ranking: 16

There were questions about the Dolphins' defensive secondary, but three interceptions against Brett Favre in week 2 should quiet many doubters for the time being.


This week: Home versus New York Jets

12. Atlanta Falcons

ATLANTA - SEPTEMBER 19:  Michael Turner #33 of the Atlanta Falcons rushes against Adrian Wilson #24 of the Arizona Cardinals at Georgia Dome on September 19, 2010 in Atlanta, Georgia.  (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 41-7 over Cardinals

Last week's ranking: 12

In week 1, the Falcons took the Steelers into overtime and then beat up a Cardinals team that has no quarterback right now.

Add to that Michael Turner's uncertainty with his groin injury and the Falcons stick to No. 12 for one more week.


This week: At New Orleans Saints

11. Cincinnati Bengals

CINCINNATI - SEPTEMBER 19:  Quarterback Carson Palmer #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals makes a pass against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Cincinnati, Ohio.  (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 15-10 over Ravens

Last week's ranking: 17

The Bengals defense helped shut down the Ravens offense by picking off Joe Flacco multiple times, but if quarterback Carson Palmer doesn't get his arm going, then he will have to deal with the T.O. and Ocho show complaining to him.


This week: At Carolina Panthers

10. San Diego Chargers

SAN DIEGO - SEPTEMBER 19: Running back Ryan Mathews #24 of the San Diego Chargers carries the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Qualcomm Stadium on September 19, 2010 in San Diego, California. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)
Stephen Dunn/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 38-13 over Jaguars

Last week's ranking: 13

The Chargers regain their swagger after a tough week 1 loss to division rival the Chiefs.

Even though rookie running back Ryan Mathews went down with an ankle injury, it is now being said to be "not significant" and he should be ready for the Chargers' week 3 match up.


This week: At Seattle Seahawks

9. Tennessee Titans

NASHVILLE, TN - SEPTEMBER 19:  Vince Young #10 of the Tennessee Titans rolls out against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at LP Field on September 19, 2010 in Nashville, Tennessee.  (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Grant Halverson/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 19-11 to Steelers

Last week's ranking: 6

Vince Young got benched.

What's next?


This week: At New York Giants

8. New York Jets

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19:  Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets in action against the New England Patriots during their  game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium  in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 28-14 versus Patriots

Last week's ranking: 10

Quarterback Mark Sanchez had perhaps his best game as a pro in week 2, and whatever Head Coach Rex Ryan said to his team in the second half, he better repeat that all season long because the Jets destroyed the Pats in the last 30 minutes of the game.


This week: At Miami Dolphins

7. Baltimore Ravens

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 13:  Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens walks off the field after defeating the New York Jets during their home opener at the New Meadowlands Stadium on September 13, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Andre
Andrew Burton/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 15-10 versus Bengals

Last week's ranking: 3

Flacco and the Ravens offense feel off track in week 2 and they look to lit up the Browns at home in week 3.


This week: Home versus Cleveland Browns

6. New England Patriots

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 19:  Tom Brady #12  of the New England Patriots looks on against the New York Jetsduring their  game on September 19, 2010 at the New Meadowlands Stadium  in East Rutherford, New Jersey.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
Al Bello/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Lost 28-14 to Jets

Last week's ranking: 2

Looks like Tom is ready for a haircut.

Pats will bounce back after a tough loss to the Jets, their offense will pick back up because it is too high-powered to not get back on track.


This week: Home versus Buffalo Bills

5. Indianapolis Colts

INDIANAPOLIS - SEPTEMBER 19:  Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts  waits for a paly call from the bench during the NFL game against the New York Giants  at Lucas Oil Stadium on September 19, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana.  (Photo by Andy Lyons/Ge
Andy Lyons/Getty Images

2010 Record: 1-1

Last game: Won 38-14 over Giants

Last week's ranking: 8

The elder Manning won in the Manning Bowl, but how about that Colts defense?!

Bob Sanders who?


This week: At Denver Broncos

4. Pittsburgh Steelers

PITTSBURGH - SEPTEMBER 12:  Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers catches an interception thrown by Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons during the NFL season opener game on September 12, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by J
Jared Wickerham/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 19-11 over Titans

Last week's ranking: 7

Troy Polamalu is easily the most valuable defensive player on the Steelers' defense and the key to having a defensive unit that is always an impact.

With Big Ben still out for several more weeks, Polamalu alone is making up for his absence due to suspension.


This week: At Tampa Bay Buccaneers

3. Houston Texans

LANDOVER - SEPTEMBER 19:  Matt Schaub #8 of the Houston Texans passes against the Washington Redskins at FedExField on September 19, 2010 in Landover, Maryland. The Texans defeated the Redskins 30-27 in overtime. (Photo by Larry French/Getty Images)
Larry French/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 30-27 over Redskins

Last week's ranking: 5

Quarterback Matt Schaub was only three yards away from throwing for 500 passing yards in week 2.

Impressive and it seems that things are falling into place for the Texans to possibly make their first playoff appearance in franchise history this season.


This week: Home versus Dallas Cowboys

2. Green Bay Packers

GREEN BAY, WI - SEPTEMBER 19: Clay Matthews #52 of the Green Bay Packers awaits the start of play against the Buffalo Bills at Lambeau Field on September 19, 2010 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The Packers defeated the Bills 34-7. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Gett
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 34-7 over Bills

Last week's ranking: 3

Clay Matthews has six sacks after two games. You heard that right, six.

Add to that tight end Jermichael Finley breaking out for over 100 yards receiving and the Packers just get scarier as the weeks go by.


This week: At Chicago Bears

1. New Orleans Saints

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 20:  Drew Brees #9 of the New Orleans Saints warms up against the San Francisco 49ers during an NFL game at Candlestick Park on September 20, 2010 in San Francisco, California.  (Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)
Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

2010 Record: 2-0

Last game: Won 25-22 over Niners

Last week's ranking: 1

The Saints hold on to the top spot even though they have squeaked out victories in their first two games, but a win is a win and they are still reigning Super Bowl champions.


This week: Home versus Atlanta Falcons

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