NFL Power Rankings: Which Teams Are Rising?

We thought Week 1 provided enough surprises, but how about the excitement that came on Sunday of Week 2?

Some teams gave us reason to believe they might be for real, while others stunningly took a step back. 

Tony Romo badly injured his ribs in the first half against the 49ers, but demonstrated his toughness by returning to the game and leading the Cowboys to a big overtime victory on the road. 

Starting off 0-2 would have been the beginning of another nightmare in Dallas. 

The Bills scored 35 points in the second half, which was the most in team history since the "Greatest Comeback" against the Houston Oilers in the 1993 playoffs. 

Ryan Fitzpatrick led Buffalo on five touchdown drives in the second half and threw the game-winning touchdown to David Nelson on fourth down with 14 seconds left. 

The Bucs and Redskins rallied to pick up quality wins and Tom Brady was up to his usual tricks at home against the Chargers. 

What teams will rocket up the NFL Power Rankings this week?

Washington Redskins

They won rather handily in Week 1, but after many mistakes against the Cardinals, the Redskins trailed by eight in the fourth quarter. However, Rex Grossman led his team back and Graham Gano kicked the game-winning field goal with under two minutes left. It wasn't pretty, but Washington is proving doubters wrong with their 2-0 start. 

Buffalo Bills

As alluded to above, the Bills have shown they can score some points. Fitzpatrick may not have the most accurate or strong arm, but he is in total command of the offense. The offensive line has held up much better than anyone expected and if C.J. Spiller can provide a spark along with the consistency of Fred Jackson, Buffalo will be a hard team for anyone to beat, especially at home. 

Atlanta Falcons

Yes, the Falcons were out-gained in this one, but they created turnovers at the most critical times and Matt Ryan was very methodical and efficient in the fourth quarter. Mike Vick was knocked out of the game on an unusual collision with his offensive lineman which allowed Atlanta to seize the momentum. They showed resilience by avoiding a disastrous 0-2 start. 

Tennessee Titans

After losing on the road to the Jaguars in Week 1, the Titans came out and stunned the Ravens in Week 2. Matt Hasselbeck was outstanding against a top-flight Baltimore defense and Tennessee held both Joe Flacco and Ray Rice in check, something that isn't easy to do.

Week 3 Power Rankings 

1. New England Patriots (2-0)	17.  Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
2. Green Bay Packers (2-0)	18. New York Giants (0-1)*
3. Houston Texans (2-0)	19. Oakland Raiders (1-1)
4. New York Jets (2-0)	20. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
5. Detroit Lions (2-0)	21. St. Louis Rams (0-1)*
6. New Orleans Saints (1-1)	22. Cleveland Browns (1-1)
7. Washington Redskins (2-0)	23. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)
8. San Diego Chargers (1-1)	24. Denver Broncos (1-1)
9. Buffalo Bills (2-0)	25. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)	26. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
11. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)	27. Carolina Panthers (0-2)
12. Chicago Bears (1-1)	28. Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
13. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)	29. Miami Dolphins (0-2)
14. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)	30. Seattle Seahawks (0-2)
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)	31. Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
16. Tennessee Titans (1-1)	32. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)

*Rams and Giants play on MNF