NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Initial Standings Post-Thursday Night Football

Whether Thursday night’s game between Atlanta and Tampa Bay said more about the Falcons or Buccaneers remains to be seen as the NFL season progresses, but there was a clear difference between the two on the field.

The Falcons completely dominated the lowly Bucs in all facets of the game and demonstrated the difference between an upper-half squad and one of the league’s worst teams when it comes to the power rankings. 

With that in mind, here is a look at those power rankings after Thursday night’s blowout.

32. Oakland Raiders

We have mentioned this in past power rankings, but this year is all about establishing Derek Carr as a future NFL quarterback for the Oakland Raiders. That means there will be growing pains this season. 

Carr has struggled in the face of pressure, and Houston simply had its way with the Raiders offensive line behind its strong front four. There are going to be a lot of losses for the Silver and Black this season, but the future could be bright.

31. Jacksonville Jaguars 

Remember when the Jacksonville Jaguars looked like the most improved team in the league with a 17-0 lead against Philadelphia?

Since then, Jacksonville has been outscored 75-10 and will face a desperate Indianapolis team in Week 3. Perhaps it is officially time to play Blake Bortles now because this season just isn’t going anywhere.

30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Safe to say, Bleacher Report’s Matt Miller isn’t exactly jumping on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bandwagon anytime soon:

The temptation was there to put Tampa at No. 32 after it completely embarrassed itself on national television against Atlanta Thursday. However, we are big believers in the Falcons and thought there was no way Matt Ryan and company would fall short at home after losing in Week 2. 

The Buccaneers just happened to be the team in the way.

29. New York Giants

The New York Giants were handed an opportunity to even their record at 1-1 when Carson Palmer couldn’t go for the Arizona Cardinals. Instead, New York lost to Drew Stanton. 

The Giants have turned the ball over at least four times in five consecutive games, which makes it absolutely impossible to win in the NFL. Until Eli Manning and the offense can figure out a way to hold on to the football, the Giants simply are not going to win a lot of games.

28. St. Louis Rams

Austin Davis did enough to win the game for the St. Louis Rams in Week 2, but Greg Zuerlein is doing the heavy lifting from the kicker position. 

While the 10-second runoff rule was brutal for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at the end of that game, the Rams deserve some credit for their impressive defense. The talent is still there in the front seven, and St. Louis could move up these rankings rather quickly if it finds a way to corral DeMarco Murray Sunday.

27. Minnesota Vikings 

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

ESPN.com noted that there could be something of a quarterback controversy for the Minnesota Vikings: “Why were fans calling for Teddy Bridgewater? Matt Cassel is the first quarterback since 2006 to start Weeks 1 and 2 without completing multiple attempts deeper than 10 yards downfield.”

To make matters worse, the Vikings defense looked completely lost against the New England Patriots in Week 2. A struggling quarterback and a poor defensive performance is not exactly a winning combination in the NFL.

26. Kansas City Chiefs 

Fantasy football owners may be excited about the prospects of Knile Davis, but he is still no Jamaal Charles for the actual Kansas City Chiefs.

To Kansas City’s credit, it kept the game close against the Denver Broncos, but it never really felt like there was a realistic chance that the Chiefs would win. That may be the most telling thing of all regarding the Chiefs without Charles at this point.

25. Washington Redskins

We will keep the Washington Redskins rather low in these power rankings until we see what Kirk Cousins can do against someone not named the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

Cousins was impressive though and finished with 250 passing yards and two touchdowns Sunday. This feels like a critical stretch for the rest of his career—if he excels like he did in Week 2, Cousins could eventually be the permanent starter in Washington or at least catch the eyes of other teams.

24. Cleveland Browns

The Cleveland Browns have plenty of momentum on their side after nearly overcoming a 27-3 deficit against Pittsburgh in the opener and beating the New Orleans Saints on the final drive in Week 2. 

Terrance West also looked impressive yet again and became the first rookie running back to tally at least 90 yards from scrimmage in each of the first two weeks since 2008. The defense was also stout against Drew Brees, even if Jimmy Graham did haul in two touchdown catches.

23. Pittsburgh Steelers

ESPN Stats & Info noted just how poorly Pittsburgh has played recently:

It’s just hard to believe in this team right now. The Steelers were a complete mess on offense against Baltimore, and the defense struggled to stop the Browns in the second half of Week 1. Still, Ben Roethlisberger is a veteran quarterback who has the talent to bounce back. 

We just have to see it before moving Pittsburgh up in these rankings.

22. Miami Dolphins

The Miami Dolphins turned heads all over the league when they upset the Patriots in Week 1, but they looked very vulnerable in the follow-up loss to Buffalo. 

Losing Knowshon Moreno to injury certainly hurts, and Ryan Tannehill hasn’t really looked the part in the early going. What’s more, the special teams let the Dolphins down when they allowed C.J. Spiller to take home a critical kickoff for a touchdown.

21. New York Jets

Morry Gash/Associated Press

Yes, all the media attention was on the inexplicable timeout the New York Jets took that nullified the game-tying touchdown against the Green Bay Packers. 

However, it should have never come down to that. The Jets blew a 21-3 lead in a game they had complete control over and let Jordy Nelson and Aaron Rodgers exploit the secondary. Next up is a date with Brandon Marshall and Alshon Jeffery, so it may not get much easier for the pass defense.

20. Tennessee Titans

Will the real Tennessee Titans please stand up?

Tennessee looked like a legitimate playoff contender in Week 1, but the Dallas Cowboys had their way with the running game in Week 2. Murray completely destroyed the Tennessee front seven a game after the Titans shut down Charles and the Chiefs. 

The offense, outside of tight end Delanie Walker, also looks rather stagnant right now.

19. Dallas Cowboys 

ESPN.com noted that it may be time for the Cowboys to utilize that running attack more often: “Sunday was just the eighth time in Jason Garrett's head-coaching career (58 games) that Dallas has run more than passed. The Cowboys are 7-1 in those games.”

Murray is the best way for Dallas to keep its own defense off the field. Still, that defense has not looked that bad in the early going, despite all the hand wringing before the year began. The Cowboys have a golden opportunity to improve to 2-1 against the Rams in Week 3.

18. New Orleans Saints

What do we make of the New Orleans Saints?

They are 0-2 with two road losses, although one was a loss at Cleveland that a Super Bowl contender simply wouldn't have on its resume.

We still expect the Saints to be dominant at home and factor into the playoff discussions, but the defense has to figure out how to stop people again. It will definitely help to have the Superdome crowd on the defense’s side, but this team is a work in progress at best heading into Week 3.

17. Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts are the other 0-2 team that many had high hopes for coming into the season.

The silver lining for Andrew Luck and company is the fact that their two losses at least came at the hands of two of the best teams in the league in the Philadelphia Eagles and Denver Broncos. What’s more, they were close contests that really could have gone either way.

Look for the Colts to bounce back with a major statement against Jacksonville in Week 3.

16. Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions simply got beat by a better team in Week 2 against Carolina. There is really no need to panic and punish them much in these rankings, especially since the offensive weapons are still in place.

Matt Stafford, Calvin Johnson and the rest of the Lions will challenge the Green Bay defense that looked particularly vulnerable the first two games. A critical win inside the division would help Detroit climb these rankings rather quickly.

15. Buffalo Bills

Bill Wippert/Associated Press

The Buffalo Bills may just be for real, and they have an excellent opportunity to prove it in Week 3 against the San Diego Chargers.

E.J. Manuel has avoided the crippling mistakes that cost his team in the past, the defense has shut down the opposing rushing attack and C.J. Spiller looked dynamic in special teams against the Miami Dolphins. 

It may be time to jump on the Buffalo bandwagon.

14. Houston Texans

Remember all that angst about Arian Foster and his fantasy value before the season?

He has once again turned into a workhorse running back in the early going for the Houston Texans and led the way against Oakland with 138 rushing yards and a touchdown. Don’t overlook J.J. Watt and the defense either. As long as he and the rest of the defensive line is rushing the quarterback, the Texans will be in almost every game they play. 

As soon as we see a victory against a better team than the Washington Redskins or Oakland Raiders, we will move the Texans up in these rankings.

13. Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens controlled their Week 2 game against archrival Pittsburgh and hung with a Cincinnati team that may be one of the best in the entire NFL. The Ravens may have even beaten the Bengals if they prevented A.J. Green from hauling in a deep touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter.

Perhaps the most encouraging sign of the Ravens’ performance against the Steelers was how comfortable Joe Flacco looked in the pocket against the blitz. 

The reality is this team is going to struggle to get the running game going all year, so it needs Flacco to deliver with accurate strikes when pressured.

12. Chicago Bears

Marcio Jose Sanchez/Associated Press

Could the Chicago Bears actually have a formidable defense this year?

The pass rush led to critical sacks and interceptions down the stretch against San Francisco and helped the Bears put up an impressive comeback.

In fact, the season looked to be on the brink when they were staring at a 17-0 hole with hurting wide receivers, but Brandon Marshall stepped up with three touchdowns, Jay Cutler stood in the pocket and delivered despite the hits he was taking and the defense sealed the deal. 

It was maybe the most important win in all of Week 2 (unless you want to make the argument for San Diego) as a potential playoff team that was looking at an 0-2 start instead picked up a win over a possible Wild Card challenger.

11. Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons looked like one of the best teams in the league Thursday, regardless of the opponent.

Let’s not hold that Week 2 loss at Cincinnati against them too much either. The Bengals are legitimate Super Bowl contenders in a wide-open AFC behind the Denver Broncos and will beat plenty of talented squads.

As for Atlanta, the offense was clicking on all cylinders with Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, Devin Hester and even Steven Jackson getting in on the mix. What’s more, the Falcons did it all without Roddy White. 

Atlanta is going to put up major points on a number of defenses this year.

10. Green Bay Packers

Tom Lynn/Associated Press

The Green Bay Packers would be a lot lower on this list if Rodgers, Randall Cobb and Nelson didn’t rescue themselves from an 0-2 start in the second half against the Jets.

The defense was exposed against Seattle and didn’t look much better against a New York Jets team that isn’t going to light up the scoreboard this year. Green Bay just feels like a first-round playoff exit waiting to happen if the offense is going to need to score 35 a game to get the victory. 

Let’s keep the Packers in the top 10 for now, but that will change if they lose a shootout to the Lions in Week 3.

9. San Diego Chargers

We mentioned the importance of the Chicago win over San Francisco, but San Diego’s victory over the defending Super Bowl champion Seahawks is just as big.

The Chargers could have been 0-2, but instead they dominated the “Legion of Boom” as Philip Rivers connected with Antonio Gates for three touchdown passes. What’s more, the defense (along with the heat) contained Marshawn Lynch and Russell Wilson and looked ready to compete for a playoff spot. 

Let’s just see if San Diego can put together some consistency going forward in the 2014 season.

8. San Francisco 49ers 

Oh, what could have been?

Colin Kaepernick collapsed in the second half against the Bears and cost his team the game. Still, we are keeping this squad high in the rankings because of its overall talent and potential, especially on a defense that is missing some key guys early in the season.

The running game should also be impressive as the season progresses, especially as rookie Carlos Hyde settles into his role. 

Kaepernick will figure it out after nearly leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl last year, and the defense will once again be among the league’s best once it gets some of its marquee figures back in the fold.

7. Arizona Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals have what can only be described as a huge opportunity at home to move to 3-0 and knock San Francisco to 1-2 in the process in Week 3. That would really shake up the outlook of the NFC West.

The Cardinals defense is talented enough to keep them in games as Palmer recovers from his injury. Throw in a solid rushing attack and the speed and touchdown potential of Ted Ginn in the return game, and there is a lot to work with in Arizona. 

What’s more, that opening win against San Diego looks even more impressive after the Chargers beat the Seahawks.

6. New England Patriots

Ann Heisenfelt/Associated Press

The New England Patriots looked much more like the Patriots we expected before season started when they crushed Minnesota in Week 2. 

The defense decided to show up after struggling to stop the run in Miami, and the offensive line gave Tom Brady enough time to make his reads. Brady is still one of the league’s best, and if the defense consistently puts pressure on the quarterback like it did against the Vikings, the Patriots should win the AFC East.

5. Philadelphia Eagles

The Philadelphia Eagles just don’t want to make life easy on the nails of their fans.

They fell behind 17-0 to Jacksonville in Week 1 and came back to win, and then fell behind 17-6 by halftime against Indianapolis. However, the explosive offense came to life in both contests and directed impressive comebacks. 

Darren Sproles gives the attack an extra dynamic, LeSean McCoy is still one of the best running backs in the league and Jeremy Maclin is gradually developing into a reliable No. 1 option in the passing game (if he can stay healthy).

The Eagles will continue to outscore opponents all year.

4. Carolina Panthers

Bob Leverone/Associated Press

The Carolina Panthers defense has been absolutely dominant the first two weeks and forced six turnovers. It also only allowed 21 points in the process.

This defense will propel the Panthers all year, but the offense took control after falling behind 7-6 to Detroit. Cam Newton shook off some early rust and finished with 281 passing yards and a touchdown. 

With Newton running the offense and Luke Kuechly operating the stingy defense, the Panthers appear to be much better than many thought they would be before the season started.

3. Seattle Seahawks

The narrative surrounding the Seahawks heading into Week 3 is that they are unbeatable at home and vulnerable on the road. If that’s the case, they should make a statement against the Broncos in the Super Bowl rematch.

Richard Sherman discussed that matchup, via Clare Farnsworth of Seahawks.com:

“Winning is always the motivation in this league. I think they want to come and get a win. That’s the same motivation we have…As a competitor, you want to go against the best teams. And the Broncos are one of the best teams in this league.” 

Let’s not overreact to one loss when it comes to the defending Super Bowl champs. If the Seahawks beat the Broncos, they may reclaim that top spot.

2. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals lost superstar A.J. Green to injury in the first quarter against a dangerous Atlanta team in Week 2 and still racked up a blowout victory. Mohamed Sanu stepped up admirably and filled Green’s shoes. 

It was a testament to the depth that Robert Geathers discussed, via Kevin Goheen of Fox Sports Ohio:

The defense also held its own against Ryan and company, and Giovani Bernard and Jeremy Hill make up what appears to be a formidable one-two punch in the running game. This is simply a complete team that could challenge the Broncos for AFC supremacy all season.

1. Denver Broncos

For now, the Denver Broncos are the top team in the league.

Peyton Manning has made Julius Thomas look like an absolute superstar at tight end, Emmanuel Sanders has emerged as a legitimate threat in the passing game and Demaryius Thomas will likely be one of top receivers in the league once again.

However, a major test awaits the Denver offense in Week 3 as it heads to Seattle. The possibility of Super Bowl revenge will be the obvious storyline, but the Broncos are probably more interested in holding off a suddenly dangerous looking Chargers team early in the season. 

If the Broncos find a way to get it done in front of the 12th Man, they will be atop these power rankings for the foreseeable future.

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