NFL Power Rankings: Each Team's Strength and Weakness Entering Week 3 Games

The latest NFL power rankings show the San Francisco 49ers leading the way after two solid victories over playoff contenders. At the bottom you'll see a familiar trio—the Jacksonville Jaguars, Oakland Raiders and Cleveland Browns.

The rankings are somewhat eschewed with a record 20 teams at 1-1 heading into Week 3. Here is a list of the biggest strength and weakness of every team.

All rankings are based on the NFL.com Week 3 Power Poll and stats are from NFL.com.

32. Jacksonville Jaguars

Weakness: Run defense

Yes, the Jacksonville Jaguars have issues on offense—most notably at quarterback. But so far, it has been a soft run defense that has condemned them to an 0-2 mark.

Granted, their first two opponents have Adrian Peterson and Arian Foster. However, that barely excuses being 31st in run defense for a unit that ranked sixth overall in 2011.

Strength: Running game

It's scary to consider how bad the Jaguars would be without Maurice Jones-Drew. Last season's leading rusher continues to carry the team.

He has gained 137 yards on 31 carries for a 4.4 average, despite spending the offseason mired in a contract dispute. No matter whether the Jags want to pay him or not, the team will only go as far as Jones-Drew can take it.

31. Oakland Raiders

Weakness: Run offense

Despite the presence of Darren McFadden, the Oakland Raiders have not been able to generate any offense on the ground. They currently rank next to last running the football, having averaged a meager 34 yards over their first two games.

In Week 1, the Raiders were held to a paltry 45 yards by a San Diego Chargers defense that Oakland has annihilated on the ground in the past. Things were no better last week against the Miami Dolphins, as McFadden and company produced just 23 yards.

Strength: Carson Palmer

Veteran passer Carson Palmer is defying his critics as the lone bright spot for the 0-2 Raiders. Oakland's pass offense currently ranks fourth in the league and that's due to Palmer's stellar play.

Palmer has averaged 335 passing yards per game, and has thrown for two touchdowns and just one interception, which are certainly solid numbers.

30. Cleveland Browns

Weakness: Brandon Weeden

Rookie quarterback Brandon Weeden rebounded from his first-week struggles, but the former Oklahoma State star and the Cleveland Browns' pass offense remain the biggest concern.

Weeden endured the ultimate nightmare debut, posting an abominable 5.1 passer rating in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Things got better against the Cincinnati Bengals as Weeden threw for 322 yards and two touchdowns.

Strength: Trent Richardson

One of the reasons Weeden looked better against the Bengals was the improvement by Trent Richardson. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2012 draft lived up to his billing against the Cincinnati defense.

Richardson ran for 109 yards on 19 carries and two touchdowns—one rushing and one receiving. Based on this showing, the Browns may finally have the dynamic weapon their offense has needed for a long time.

29. Kansas City Chiefs

Weakness: Defense

It's strange to see coach Romeo Crennel's defense give up so many points, as the Kansas City Chiefs have allowed 75 points, the most in the NFL.

Granted, injuries and suspensions have played a part, but ultimately, the Chiefs have not played to their talent level. The pass rush appears almost non-existent, having produced just one sack. That lack of pressure is finally starting to undermine a young and capable secondary.

Just as concerning is despite the addition of mammoth rookie nose tackle Dontari Poe, the run defense has shown no signs of improvement and is currently ranked 27th.

Strength: Running game

Perhaps it's not too surprising that the Chiefs can still rely on a strong running game. They have both Jamaal Charles and Peyton Hillis in the backfield.

Both players are averaging more than four yards per carry, and the Chiefs are No. 5 in the league in rushing, averaging 151 yards in their first two games.

28. Tennessee Titans

Weakness: Rush offense

The Tennessee Titans currently have the dubious distinction of owning the worst running game in the NFL. The AFC South outfit is averaging just 29 yards per game.

Chris Johnson is a shell of his former dynamic self, and his lack of production has stifled the development of young Titans quarterback Jake Locker.

Strength: Michael Griffin

Active safety Michael Griffin is being called into action more than he should thanks to weaknesses elsewhere on the Tennessee defense. Griffin has coped with the challenge, and currently leads the team with 22 tackles and a forced fumble.

Titans defensive coordinator Jerry Gray needs to find ways to support Griffin and take advantage of his playmaking skills and versatility.

27. Minnesota Vikings

Weakness: Offensive line

The Minnesota Vikings aren't doing much to aid the development of young quarterback Christian Ponder. The offensive line has surrendered six sacks in two games, and Ponder is regularly sent fleeing from the pocket.

Protection was an issue last season, and things don't look a great deal better this campaign, even with the addition of fourth overall pick Matt Kalil.

Strength: Pass offense

Young tight end Kyle Rudolph is becoming a key part of the Vikings' pass attack. He has already hauled in eight catches for 102 yards and a touchdown. Percy Harvin is also back to his best, averaging more than 10 yards a catch.

Despite the pressure he has been under, Ponder has yet to throw an interception. The Vikings have the makings of a dangerous passing game, which is quickly becoming the driving force of the team.

26. Miami Dolphins

Weakness: Pass defense

The Miami Dolphins own the second worst pass defense in the NFL. That makes the 11th hour trade of Vontae Davis look like a major misstep.

Part of the problem has been a lack of pass rush. The Dolphins new-look 4-3 defense has registered a mere two sacks, and both of those came from defensive tackle Randy Starks in Week 1.

Losing veteran safety Yeremiah Bell was also a blow. The Dolphins' problems repelling the pass are putting too much pressure on an already suspect offense to try and keep pace with opponents.

Strength: Reggie Bush

Thanks to a stunning Week 2 performance from Reggie Bush, the Dolphins can boast the second-ranked ground game in the league. Bush has rushed for 241 yards on 40 carries and scored a pair of touchdowns in two games.

The 27-year-old has also added nine receptions for 71 yards. He is clearly the most potent weapon on the Dolphins offense and is continuing to prove he can carry a rushing attack as a featured back.

25. Indianapolis Colts

Weakness: Running game

The quarterback and face of the franchise might have changed from Peyton Manning to Andrew Luck, but the Indianapolis Colts still can't run the ball. Chuck Pagano's team ranks 29th in rushing, averaging a mediocre 73.5 yards in its two games.

The Colts' 2009 first-round pick Donald Brown still has not justified his draft status. They lack the offensive balance that would surely make Luck even more effective.

Strength: Andrew Luck

The No. 1 overall selection is already proving he can champion a revival in Indianapolis. Yes, he had his struggles against the Chicago Bears in Week 1, but Luck doesn't have the supporting cast that other rookie quarterbacks can rely on.

He doesn't have the running game that Robert Griffin III, Ryan Tannehill, Russell Wilson and Brandon Weeden all have at their disposal. He also lacks credible receivers aside from aging pass-catcher Reggie Wayne.

As if those weren't big enough issues, his offensive line has already given up five sacks. Yet none of that has stopped Luck from throwing for 533 yards and three touchdowns in his first two starts.

24. St. Louis Rams

Weakness: Offensive line

The St. Louis Rams always seem blighted by a host of injuries along their offensive line. Center Scott Wells, who was a prized free-agent acquisition, is already out. Things got worse in Week 2 when left tackle Rodger Saffold went down.

The Rams need to keep quarterback Sam Bradford healthy, and the only way to ensure his health is reduce the enormous number of hits he has taken over the past two years. That task gets harder as the Rams lose more linemen.

Bradford has already been sacked six times, and that's ominously reminiscent of the team's struggles in 2011.

Strength: Cortland Finnegan

Cortland Finnegan has already proved to be one of the best free-agent signings of the offseason. He already has 15 tackles and two interceptions, one of which he returned for a touchdown in Week 1 against the Detroit Lions.

Finnegan is championing a Rams pass defense that is certainly more opportunistic than in recent seasons, having totaled four interceptions already. His aggressive swagger is also helping change the mindset for a franchise that has been the league's whipping boys for much of the last five seasons.

23. Buffalo Bills

Weakness: Defense

Switching back to a 4-3 front and promoting Dave Wannstedt to defensive coordinator seemed like the ideal ways for the Buffalo Bills to fix their porous defense. But that formula has yet to produce success as the revamped unit has been abused through the air and on the ground.

A cast of high-profile additions, including premier free-agent defensive end Mario Williams and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, the 10th overall pick, have done little to bolster their performance. The Bills rank 28th in scoring defense and 26th in yards allowed.

Strength: Offensive line/C.J. Spiller

C.J. Spiller has rightfully dominated the headlines for the Bills in the first two weeks, and is the main reason why they lead the league in rushing offense. The ex-Clemson ace is one of the most exciting big-play specialists in the league.

Spiller's shifty feet and phenomenal speed have turned Buffalo's rushing attack into a potent, game-winning weapon. However, as good as Spiller has been, a rebuilt offensive line also deserves a major portion of the credit.

Not only has the group, featuring rookie left tackle Cordy Glenn, knocked open holes for Spiller, they have also kept quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick clean. The Bills have yet to surrender a sack, and if the defensive front can match the all-round play of the O-Line, the Bills will surely start to resemble a playoff contender.

22. New Orleans Saints

Weakness: Defense

Just like the Bills, the New Orleans Saints were relying on a new coordinator and fresh personnel to turn around a shaky defense. Just like the Bills, things haven't clicked for the Saints' new-look unit.

Coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's complex brand of fire zone pressures have yet to make an impact, and the Saints are currently the worst ranked defense in football. They are 32nd against the run and in total yards allowed.

Spagnuolo experienced similar early struggles when he implemented his system with the New York Giants in 2007. Saints fans must hope for a similar turnaround or their season could soon be lost.

Strength: Drew Brees

Despite the struggles on defense and a porous offensive line, Drew Brees continues to make the New Orleans Saints offense a major strength and one of the best units in the NFL. It's that kind of performance and name value that probably puts an 0-2 team 22nd in the league's power rankings.

Brees has seemed to be under pressure every time he has dropped back to pass this season. However, the NFL's best quarterback has still thrown for 664 yards and four touchdowns.

With Brees under center, the Saints can never be counted out and still have a great chance to rescue their season.

21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Weakness: Pass defense/Pass offense

On both sides of the ball, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are having trouble with the pass. They rank last in the league in pass defense and 29th in pass offense.

With a secondary that is learning a new scheme this season and veteran cornerback Ronde Barber at free safety, it allowed Eli Manning to throw for more than 500 yards in Week 2. Offensively, quarterback Josh Freeman remains a question, and wide receiver Vincent Jackson has yet to make a consistent impact.

Strength: Run defense/Run offense

As much trouble as the Buccaneers have experienced with the pass, they have been successful running the ball and defending the run. Their third-ranked rush defense can be partly attributed to their opponents' ability to pass.

However, there's no denying that holding the Cam Newton-led Carolina Panthers to only 10 yards rushing in Week 1 is an impressive achievement for any defense. 

On offense, rookie runner Doug Martin is justifying his first-round draft status. He has rushed for 161 yards and a touchdown in two games, and looks like the feisty workhorse the Buccaneers can build their offense around.

20. Cincinnati Bengals

Weakness: Defense

Now might be the time to consider Mike Zimmer's defense overrated. The unit has surrendered 434.5 yards per game already in the 2012 season.

This could have possibly been excused against the Baltimore Ravens, but allowing the Cleveland Browns to pile up yards and points are not good signs. The Bengals have been particularly soft against the pass, and a patchwork secondary has quickly become a liability.

Strength: Andy Dalton

Being sacked a whopping 10 times in two games hasn't stopped second-year quarterback Andy Dalton from compiling a 93.9 passer rating. He has thrown for three touchdowns and 539 yards, and looks likely to surpass his numbers from his impressive 2011 rookie season.

Dalton is decisive once he locates his receiver, and has the arm strength to test any secondary deep. If the Bengals can provide better protection, Dalton should be among the league's passing leaders by season's end.

19. New York Jets

Weakness: Offense

Questions will persist about Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets offense until they prove they can consistently challenge the top defenses in the league.

It may seem churlish to chide Gang Green for struggling to produce yards and points against the Pittsburgh Steelers' savvy defense. However, if the Jets are going to contend, the Steelers are the kind of team they have to beat.

The Jets are ranked 26th in total yards, 24th in passing and 18th in rushing. Those are pretty mediocre numbers for a team with lofty aspirations.

Strength: Pass rush

Rex Ryan's defense got to Ben Roethlisberger consistently and registered three sacks in Week 2 after drawing a blank against the Buffalo Bills in the season opener. That's a positive sign for a Jets team that has struggled to consistently pressure the passer.

The defensive line looks strong, and Ryan's rush schemes are still as aggressive and bold as ever. The defense will always carry the Jets no matter what experiments they try on offense, and the more pressure they generate, the better.

18. Carolina Panthers

Weakness: Run defense

The Carolina Panthers defense still looks soft in the middle, and head coach Ron Rivera may pay for opting against drafting a defensive tackle in the first round. The Panthers are the 28th-ranked rush defense in the NFL, allowing an average of 146.5 yards per game.

The main issue, aside from an inconsistent push up front, is poor tackling. It was easy to lose count of how many times the New Orleans Saints broke the first tackle against the Panthers in Week 2.

If they can't quickly solve their issues against the run, opposing teams will control the clock and keep Cam Newton off the field.

Strength: Cam Newton

After a poor start to the season against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Newton was back to his best against the Saints. Along with wideouts Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell and tight end Greg Olsen, Newton directed a prolific passing attack.

The threat of Newton's running always seems to be a defense's first concern. That leaves plenty of room for his weapons in the passing game to get free and cause damage.

17. Washington Redskins

Weakness: Pass defense

A charitable pass defense just beat out appalling special teams play as the Washington Redskins' biggest weakness. Potential problems in the secondary were evident before the season when starting safeties Brandon Meriweather and Tanard Jackson were lost by injury and suspension, respectively.

The replacements have struggled, allowing an average of 313.5 yards through the air in their first two games. Against the St. Louis Rams in Week 2, Washington's secondary was brutally victimized by crafty slot receiver Danny Amendola.

Against the New Orleans Saints in Week 1, the defensive backfield couldn't take full advantage of consistent pressure on Drew Brees, allowing 339 yards and three touchdowns. If the Redskins don't solve their secondary issues soon, they will find themselves embroiled in wild shootouts every week.

Strength: Robert Griffin III

Even though he was lucky not to be intercepted three times against the Rams, there's no doubt the Redskins are a better team with Robert Griffin III under center.

His technique and acumen on the play-action pass, along with his ability to make plays as a runner, consistently keep defenses guessing. Griffin's arm strength is also something to behold, and he now provides the Redskins with the big-play capability they've lacked for years.

16. Seattle Seahawks

Weakness: Pass offense

The Seattle Seahawks have yet to establish a credible passing complement to running back Marshawn Lynch. Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson has been efficient, but far from spectacular.

In fairness to Wilson, his wide receivers have been the chief culprits for the passing game's woes. Sidney Rice and Braylon Edwards have both been guilty of drops, particularly in Week 1 against the Arizona Cardinals.

Wilson also hasn't been afforded the best protection. The diminutive first-year passer has been sacked five times in the first two weeks.

Strength: Run defense

The one thing the Seahawks do really well is stuff the run. Pete Carroll's team boasts the second stingiest run defense in the NFL, yielding only 46 yards per game.

Hulking 5-technique defensive end Red Bryant is the foundation of Seattle's stout run defense, but veteran nose tackle Brandon Mebane is just as important. No team should expect to move the ball on the ground when taking on the Seahawks.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Weakness: Turnover ratio

The Dallas Cowboys always seem to find a way to undermine their own chances of success. So far this season, turnovers are costing an offense that should be among the league's best, but instead currently ranks 29th in scoring.

Tony Romo has been pressured into interceptions, while a revamped secondary has so far failed to force any of their own. The Cowboys must find ways to cut down the self-inflicted wounds if they are ever going to realize their potential.

Strength: Pass rush

As long as DeMarcus Ware occupies a place on the roster, pass rush should always be the main strength of the Cowboys. Five sacks in two games reinforces that point, as Ware and outside linebacker Anthony Spencer have combined for four of those five.

Defensive linemen Jason Hatcher and Jay Ratliff can also get to the passer, and coordinator Rob Ryan can rely on athletes like Sean Lee and Bruce Carter as pressure weapons.

14. Arizona Cardinals

Weakness: Pass offense

Issues at quarterback still plague the Arizona Cardinals, evident by their No. 30 ranking in passing yards. Kevin Kolb has stepped in for John Skelton, but production hasn't improved.

The Cardinals' average of 175 passing yards per game is poor considering Larry Fitzgerald is on the team. Continuity under center will certainly help, as will continued contributions from young wide receiver Andre Roberts.

Strength: Defense

It's a little sad that it took a road win over the New England Patriots for the league to take notice of the Cardinals' burgeoning defense. Intelligent, young coordinator Ray Horton molded a group that came on very strong toward the end of the 2011 campaign.

Horton's men have carried that momentum into this season. Youngsters like Sam Acho and Calais Campbell give the Cardinals an awesome pass rush that has already recorded seven sacks.

Combining a deep and talented rotation up front with Horton's scheming could give the Cardinals one of the league's most dangerous units this season.

13. Detroit Lions

Weakness: Running game

Despite a host of candidates, the Detroit Lions have yet to find a running back who can share the offensive burden with quarterback Matthew Stafford.

They couldn't find the right formula for success on the ground against either the St. Louis Rams or the San Francisco 49ers. Until they can find a credible ground game to give their offense balance, the Lions won't win the biggest games.

Strength: Defensive line

Detroit's powerful front four still leads the way for the team. Veteran rush end Kyle Vanden Bosch still creates problems on the edge, but the defensive tackle rotation is the real strength of the group.

Any two of foursome Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams, Nick Fairley and Sammie Lee Hill can form a devastating tandem at the heart of the Lions defense. The unit already has seven sacks with Fairley, Suh and Williams accounting for five of them.

12. Chicago Bears

Weakness: Offensive line

Jay Cutler has a blunt way of expressing himself, but he's not wrong to complain about the state of the Chicago Bears. That's because the offensive line has been a shambles the last two years, and looks just as weak this season.

Cutler has been sacked nine times in two games. He was barely afforded the chance to release a pass against the Green Bay Packers.

Strength: Pass rush

It's quite ironic that a team that yields sacks at an alarming rate is strongest at collecting quarterback takedowns. The Bears are tied for second in the league with eight sacks, thanks to a front four led by prolific duo Julius Peppers and Henry Melton.

The pair have already combined for five sacks and present matchup nightmares for any blocking scheme. Expect the front four to continue posting big numbers.

11. San Diego Chargers

Weakness: Rush offense

The San Diego Chargers were likely to struggle on the ground when they lost starter Ryan Mathews to injury. Their committee approach currently ranks 22nd in the league.

Jackie Battle, Curtis Brinkley and Ronnie Brown may combine for just enough yards to keep a defense honest. However, until Mathews returns, the pressure will be on Philip Rivers to carry the team.

Strength: Run defense

Stopping the run hasn't been a problem for the Chargers. The NFL's No.1 rush defense completely shut down the Oakland Raiders and Tennessee Titans in consecutive weeks.

That's an impressive achievement considering the talent level of Darren McFadden and Chris Johnson. Having a natural run plugger like Aubrayo Franklin has certainly been the key to this improvement.

A versatile, ferocious linebacking crew led by Shaun Phillips and Jarret Johnson has also helped. While they still strive for true balance on offense, the Chargers can at least rely on a defense that appears ready to return to its 2010 level. 

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Weakness: Offensive line

They may have a new coordinator in Todd Haley, but the Pittsburgh Steelers offense still struggles to adequately protect quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

The offensive line has already given up eight sacks through the first two weeks. While some protection issues are attributed to the maverick style of Roethlisberger in the pocket, the Steelers offensive line still has to accept some responsibility.

Strength: Defense

It's no surprise that the defense is still the driving force for the six-time Super Bowl champions. Dick LeBeau's veteran group continues to excel no matter how many faces change.

Larry Foote has replaced James Farrior at inside linebacker and leads the team in tackles with 16. On the outside, Jason Worilds has stepped in for James Harrison and has already claimed a sack.

The Steelers will remain a top contender for the Lombardi trophy as long as this defense plays at its usual lofty level.

9. New York Giants

Weakness: Running game

The defending Super Bowl champions still have a lackluster ground game, despite using their first-round pick on running back David Wilson. The rookie has yet to make any impact, while veteran Ahmad Bradshaw appears as brittle as ever.

The lack of production on the ground only increases the pressure on Eli Manning and his receivers to carry the scoring load. Big Blue are unlikely to go as far again without at least a semblance of a running game.

Strength: Pass offense

Thankfully, Manning can handle the burden of leading a one-dimensional offense. Maybe the finest clutch quarterback in the game, Manning produced more heroics by directing a comeback against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2.

Manning threw for more than 500 yards and three scores, helping the Giants post 41 points and avoid an embarrassing 0-2 start at home. He was helped by the return of Hakeem Nicks, who is criminally underrated when it comes to discussing the NFL's best wide receivers.

Manning can also rely on 2011 sensation Victor Cruz and free-agent tight end Martellus Bennett, who has proved a useful outlet so far. After spending decades associated with power running games, there is now no debate that the current Giants team only wins on the strength of its passing game.

8. Denver Broncos

Weakness: Offensive inconsistency

It is perhaps inevitable that the Denver Broncos are so far struggling to establish consistency on offense. After all, they did spend 2011 as the ground hogs of the NFL to accommodate Tim Tebow. Now the Broncos are experiencing a complete U-turn as they install the fast-paced, rhythm passing game favored by Peyton Manning.

It's a tricky transition and there have been some teething problems. Manning has thrown three interceptions, and the offensive line has already yielded five sacks.

There are signs that the Manning-led Broncos can be prolific, but it will take a little more time for things to operate smoothly.

Strength: Pass rush

Denver's defense could be even better than the group that carried the team to the playoffs last season. The unit's strength is a powerful pass rush led by dynamic rush linebacker Von Miller.

The second-year ace is beginning to resemble the late Derrick Thomas for his playing style and the level of dominance he can achieve in a single game. Top rookie Derek Wolfe is also providing a pressure threat as defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio's schemes are frequently freeing rushers.

7. New England Patriots

Weakness: Offensive line

Poor offensive line play was at the root of the New England Patriots problems in their shocking Week 2 loss against the Arizona Cardinals.

Tom Brady has been sacked five times in the first two weeks. That's far too many times for a team still utterly reliant on the play of its star quarterback.

Strength: Defense

Given their woeful showings in recent years, it's strange to point to the Patriots defense as a team strength. However, that's just what it's been during the first two weeks of the season.

Granted they have only faced the Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals—neither of which currently rank as offensive powerhouses. That shouldn't detract too much from the obvious defensive improvements the Patriots have made from 2011, when any offense dominated them.

Rookies Chandler Jones and Dont'a Hightower have both contributed big plays, and Bill Belichick and coordinator Matt Patricia now have the right weapons for their hybrid schemes.

6. Baltimore Ravens

Weakness: Pass protection

The Baltimore Ravens don't have many obvious weaknesses. But pass protection, particularly along the interior of the offensive line, rates as a slight concern. Cincinnati defensive tackle Geno Atkins broke through for two sacks in Week 1.

A week later, Philadelphia linebacker DeMeco Ryans exploited the middle for a sack. In all, Joe Flacco has been sacked five times this season. That's an issue the Ravens will need to fix if they wish to dominate the AFC.

Strength: Turnover binge

The Ravens defense has given up its share of yards in the first two weeks but has masked this deficiency by forcing turnovers. Five takeaways in two games is a handsome stat, and one that helped the offense lead the way for a change.

An opportunistic defense can be as useful as a dominant one in today's NFL. If the Ravens can continue to wrestle possessions away from the opposition, Flacco and company will continue to reap the rewards.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

Weakness: Turnovers

The Philadelphia Eagles would surely be NFC favorites, and possibly even Super Bowl favorites, if they could stop turning the ball over.

Even though their offense boasts some of the most exciting skill players in the league, no Philadelphia fan can rest easy any time the Eagles have the ball. Quarterback Michael Vick remains the chief culprit, having tossed six interceptions in two games.

Strength: Pass rush

Juan Castillo's defense is finally starting to receive some of the respect it deserves, thanks to its continued ability to apply major pressure to any passing game. Castillo and Jim Washburn's daring line alignments have caused havoc for opposing blocking schemes.

Jason Babin, Trent Cole and rookie Fletcher Cox are the the stars of a dangerous rotation. The Eagles pass rush is dominant enough to propel them back to the playoffs. 

4. Green Bay Packers

Weakness: Rush defense/Run offense

The Green Bay Packers are experiencing problems with the run on both sides of the ball. They own the 26th-ranked rush defense and the 27th-ranked running game.

Newcomer Cedric Benson has yet to make an impact as he has struggled to adjust to the demands of a West Coast offense. Defensively, the Packers have been outnumbered in the open field on several occasions.

Strength: Pass rush

The Packers lead the NFL with 11 sacks, and outside linebacker Clay Matthews has begun the season in dominant form. Defensive coordinator Dom Capers continues to outwit protection schemes with a variety of multiple-blitz pressures.

Capers' creativity is the key to the Packers defense, and as long as he continues to manufacture big plays, his unit should be elevated back to the league's elite.

3. Atlanta Falcons

Weakness: Run Defense/Running Game

Just like the Packers, the Atlanta Falcons could find their Super Bowl aspirations ruined by issues with the running game.

Defensively, the NFC South club is currently 25th against the run, allowing 135 yards per game through the first two weeks. On offense, the desire to expand the passing game has certainly paid dividends, but the result has been a paltry 2.6 yards-per-carry average for Michael Turner.

Strength: Pass Attack

The Falcons can afford to rely less on the running game, thanks to a trio of playmakers in the passing game. Wide receivers Roddy White and Julio Jones and tight end Tony Gonzalez all have 10 or more receptions already this season.

Quarterback Matt Ryan has also responded well to a more expansive playbook, currently posting a 117.6 passer rating and throwing for five touchdowns.

2. Houston Texans

Weakness: Pass offense/Strength of the opposition

If the Houston Texans look weak in any one area during the first two weeks, it is their 21st-ranked pass offense. Quarterback Matt Schaub is making a steady return from injury, as is star wideout Andre Johnson.

Another point of concern is as impressive as the Texans have looked going 2-0, they haven't faced top opposition. Dominating the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars is certainly not the same as putting the Pittsburgh Steelers or New England Patriots to the sword.

This week's trip to take on the Denver Broncos should provide a more accurate indication of whether the Texans are the class of the AFC.

Strength: Defense

Houston's defense has been in dominant form at the start of the 2012 season. It ranks first in points allowed, total yards allowed and pass yards allowed.

Wade Phillips' blitz-happy schemes continue to create plenty of big plays for the likes of J.J. Watt, Brian Cushing and Brooks Reed. 

1. San Francisco 49ers

Weakness: Big-play potential on offense

They may have added new weapons such as Randy Moss, but the San Francisco 49ers aren't that much more expansive on offense. This is still a team built to win close games via a consistent combination of smash-mouth running and strong defense.

That trusted formula might not be quite enough to create the big plays they need to win a Super Bowl.

Strength: Defense

When watching the San Francisco defense, it's amazing how little it actually does scheme-wise. That's not a criticism, but it's a compliment to coordinator Vic Fangio. He has installed a simple system that allows his players to use their strengths.

The result is a group that can routinely pressure the pocket without blitzing, and is possibly the best tackling unit in the league. There is certainly no doubt that the 49ers defense is Super Bowl-caliber.