NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Which Teams Are Roaring Up the Charts Quickly?

Although we are only two weeks into the NFL season, it is always exciting to power rank the NFL's elite all the way to the bottom feeders of the league.

This season has had a number of unexpected teams stand out positively while a number of teams have also brought indifference to their franchise.

Three teams seem to be vying for the Andrew Luck sweepstakes, while some desire to win now and are overachieving as a result.

The NFL is always full of surprises, and I'm sure that some will find one or two in this week's power rankings.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 0-2

Next Game: @ San Diego 

Being outscored 89-10 through the first two games has to equal the worst team in football, and that is exactly what the Kansas City Chiefs are.

The Chiefs are plagued by the injury bug, losing Jamaal Charles, Tony Moeaki and Eric Berry, who are three of their best players.

Todd Hailey is on his way out, and the only good that can come out of this awful season would be to own the No. 1 overall pick in next year's draft aka Andrew Luck.

31. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 0-2 

Next Game: vs. Arizona

It seems as if there will be a three-team competition to be the worst that the NFL has to offer, with the Seahawks being one of those teams.

Seattle has been just as worthless as the Chiefs. The Seahawks have been outscored by 50 points already this season and have not been able to muster up anything on offense.

30. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 0-2

Next Game: vs. Pittsburgh 

The entire nation will be tuning in to NBC this Sunday to witness just how incompetent the Colts are without "The Sheriff" Peyton Manning.

The defense has been abysmal, and the offense has nothing to brag about either, and it looks as if the Colts will be picking in the top three when it comes to draft time.

Owner Jim Irsay, president Bill Polian and general manager Chris Polian are the main culprits for Indianapolis' downfall because they have yet to find a viable option behind Manning and they have done a poor job drafting over the past few seasons.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-1

Next Game: @ Carolina

The Blaine Gabbert era will begin this weekend in Charlotte when the Jaguars take on the Panthers.

Gabbert looked calm in relief of Luke McCown on Sunday, but it is difficult to believe that this Jacksonville team will experience a lot of success this season.

No one expected this team to compete with the New York Jets last week, but with a win against Carolina, this team could be moving up a few slots.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. San Francisco

The Bengals have surprised many with how well they have played so far this season. The Andy Dalton-to-A.J. Green connection looks as if it will be a lively one for many years to come, and Jerome Simpson has also proved his worth.

The Bengals have a crucial home game against an improved San Francisco 49ers team this weekend, and I believe that we will learn a lot about this team after this week is in the books.

27. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 0-2

Next Game: vs. Detroit 

The Minnesota Vikings looked much better on the offensive side of the football in Week 2, but they did lose a 17-point lead during the second half of the game.

The Vikings play in arguably the NFL's toughest division, and they will play their first divisional game this weekend against the roaring Detroit Lions.

History tells us that good teams win close games, and the Minnesota Vikings have been in two close games this season, losing both in the fourth quarter.

26. St. Louis Rams

Record: 0-2 

Next Game: vs. Baltimore 

Sam Bradford set a career high for passing yards on Monday night against the Giants, but he also took a beating in the process. Bradford is still learning Josh McDaniels' offense, and the learning curve has not been easy because he has faced two of the NFL's most aggressive defenses.

There is still hope in St. Louis, but it will not get any easier for Bradford this weekend as his team takes on the electric Baltimore Ravens defense.

25. Miami Dolphins

Record: 0-2

Next Game: @ Cleveland 

The Dolphins have had the NFL's hardest two-game stretch to start the season in my opinion, but we have also witnessed the Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde that this franchise has been over the past few years.

Chad Henne and the offense played their best game since the former Michigan quarterback took over in Week 1 against the Patriots, but Henne looked like the quarterback of 2010 against Houston.

The Dolphins defense will have to regain their dominance of 2010 if they want to even whisper about the playoffs.

24. Cleveland Browns

Record: 1-1 

Next Game: vs. Miami

The Browns are ranked higher in some other power rankings throughout the NFL world, but I see no reason that they should be higher than where they are now.

This is the same team that lost to the Cincinnati Bengals, and at times struggled in the first half with the Peyton Manning-less Colts.

This win will certainly create some confidence in the Cleveland locker room, but I still need to learn more about this team to give them any praise.

This week's home game against Miami should answer some of those questions.

23. Denver Broncos

Record: 1-1 

Next Game: @ Tennessee 

The Denver Broncos are once again plagued by injuries this season, and they once again proved that their defense is the weak unit on this team.

Kyle Orton proved his worth Sunday against the Bengals, but his team was close to leaving Cincinnati without a win.

It is difficult to believe that the Broncos will contend this season, but a win against Tennessee on Sunday would do wonders for Orton in his quest to win back the Denver fanbase.

22. Carolina Panthers

Record: 0-2

Next Game: vs. Jacksonville 

The Carolina Panthers have brought life back to the city of Charlotte and could easily be 2-0 heading into Week 3.

Cam Newton has shined on the bright stage of the NFL and did so against one of the NFL's best defenses. Carolina's fault is their defense. The unit gave up a staggering 8.1 yards per play to the Packers after allowing 7.3 to the Cardinals.

21. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 1-1

Next Game: @ Cincinnati

The Niners defense has been fairly stable, and we have seen some improvement from Alex Smith. Smith is still too inconsistent, but it would help if he could get better protection.

The 49ers were my favorite in the NFC West heading into the season, and although I have them behind Arizona for now, I still look at them as having the most potential as the season continues.

20. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 1-1

Next Game: @ Seattle

Just like the Carolina Panthers who they played in Week 1, the Arizona Cardinals could be flying high with a 2-0 record heading into Week 3. However, that is not the case.

Arizona lost a thriller to the stingy Washington Redskins, but they have to like what they have seen out of newly acquired Kevin Kolb. The Cardinals have a gimme game coming up against Seattle, so we will see what this team is truly made of after Week 3. 

19. Oakland Raiders

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. New York Jets

The Oakland Raiders had several miscues on defense during their devastating loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.

The Raiders allowed a touchdown on every Buffalo possession in the second half, which was due in part to their eight penalties. Oakland has an excellent chance at taking the AFC West, but they will have to rectify their penalty illness before that happens.

18. Tennessee Titans

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. Denver

The Titans were anything but impressive in their Week 1 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, but they shocked the NFL world in Week 2 when they dismantled the Baltimore Ravens.

The Titans were able to throw the football against the Ravens, and it is now clear that this team believes it can make a run in the South. This week's game against the Denver Broncos should steer us to the true colors of this Titans team.

17. New York Giants

Record: 1-1

Next Game: @ Philadelphia 

The Giants' Week 1 loss is beginning to look better than it originally had, but there are still some glaring issues with the Giants team.

The secondary allowed Sam Bradford to have a career day, and there are still some problems along the offensive line. The Giants are another team that is plagued by the injury bug, but they may have a chance this week if Michael Vick cannot go.

16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. Atlanta 

The Buccaneers lost to an exceptionally talented Detroit Lions team in Week 1 and avoided their second defeat of the season with their phenomenal second-half comeback against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Bucs will continue to move in the right direction and should make some noise in the South. Mike Williams has to become more involved as well, especially this week against the Falcons.

15. Washington Redskins

Record: 2-0 

Next Game: @ Dallas (MNF)

Rex Grossman and Mike Shanahan both look like geniuses after two weeks of NFL play.

Shanahan showed the confidence to proceed with Rex Grossman or John Beck in the offseason, and Rex is making a legitimate case for the Skins to be the NFC East's best.

A test of this statement will appear on Monday night when the Redskins travel to Dallas to take on the Cowboys.

14. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 1-1

Next Game: @ Indianapolis 

Staying healthy was Pittsburgh's biggest concern coming into the season, considering nine regulars on defense are age 30 or over. The Steelers surrendered to a can of whoop-ass from the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1, but responded nicely against a Seahawks team that they should have beaten.

The Steelers are still loaded on both sides of the football, so expect them to advance in these rankings sooner than later.

13. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. Washington (MNF) 

Tony Romo proved that he is one of the toughest players playing in the NFL today when he led his Cowboys to an overtime win against the 49ers.

The Cowboys have played two close games, and they could easily be 2-0 if it were not for one or two plays. Romo's health will be the determining factor if the Cowboys want to make a run at the playoffs.

12. San Diego Chargers

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. Kansas City 

Charger fans have to feel happy about Philip Rivers and Vincent Jackson because both had spectacular games on Sunday. Even though the two played extremely well, it was not enough for San Diego to keep up with the high-powered Patriots due to how inept the San Diego defense is.

The Chargers are still a top team, and I expect them to go on a roll after their Week 4 game against the New York Jets.

11. Buffalo Bills

Record: 2-0 

Next Game: vs. New England

The Bills have shocked the NFL world through the first two weeks of the season, and they will play one of the most anticipated Week 3 games when the Patriots come to town.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has used his smarts to pick apart opposing defenses, and Fred Jackson is doing wonders for both his team and fantasy owners.

If Buffalo can somehow upset the mighty Pats, then expect them to be a top-seven team heading into Week 4.

10. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 1-1

Next Game: @ Tampa Bay

Atlanta is extraordinarily proficient at home, something it proved in a comeback win versus the Eagles, but would they have won if Michael Vick played a full game? Can it win consistently on the road?

This team is still extremely strong, but those two questions are what the Falcons and their fans should be asking themselves as they look forward to the rest of the season.

9. Chicago Bears

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. Green Bay

The Bears surprisingly dominated the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1, and then got smacked around by New Orleans in Week 2.

The loss of Major Wright will hurt this team, and the defense will have to play like it did in Week 1 if they want to lock up a spot in the playoffs.

This week's game at home against Green Bay will prove just how tough the Bears will be for the rest of the season.

8. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 1-1 

Next Game: @ St. Louis 

Baltimore lost an embarrassing trap game to the Tennessee Titans this week, and failed to emerge as the dominant team in the AFC. 

Joe Flacco went 15-of-32 for 197 yards, while the defense allowed Matt Hasselbeck to go 30-of-42 for 358 yards. Not to mention the Titans held the ball for over 35 minutes.

The Ravens play a young Rams team this week, and they should be an easy target for redemption. 

7. Detroit Lions

Record: 2-0

Next Game: @ Minnesota 

The Detroit Lions have made quite a roar in the first two weeks of the NFL season. It is difficult to question how talented this team is because they have beaten two teams that won 10 games the year before.

Matthew Stafford looks like the pick that Detroit had hoped for, and this defense looks like it can hang with even the best NFL offenses.

6. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. New York 

The Eagles left Atlanta without a win and possibly their starting quarterback.

Michael Vick suffered a mild concussion in the game and is listed as questionable for this week's game against the Giants.

The Eagles looked good in certain aspects of the game on Sunday night, but the offensive line is going to have to play better if they want to make a run at the Super Bowl.

5. New Orleans Saints

Record: 1-1

Next Game: vs. Houston 

The Saints have looked particularly impressive thus far this season.

The team was one yard away from beating the defending Super Bowl champions at Lambeau Field, and they beat up a particularly strong Chicago Bears team at home during Week 2.

The Saints can compete with anyone, and I expect them to take home the NFC South crown.

4. Houston Texans

Record: 2-0 

Next Game: @ New Orleans 

The Texans have looked poised and inspired through the first two weeks of the season, and they feel as if this is their year to make a run at the Lombardi Trophy.

The Texans have played well despite Arian Foster's injury and have had Ben Tate fill in very nicely.

This offense can put up points with anyone, and the defense has only allowed 13 points in two games and have looked much improved.

3. New York Jets

Record: 2-0 

Next Game: @ Oakland 

The Jets avoided what the Ravens could not: a letdown to a lesser opponent.

New York looked impressive in both of the victories this season, but they will endure their toughest stretch of this season leading up to their bye week. New York takes on Oakland, Baltimore, New England, Miami and San Diego.

2. New England Patriots

Record: 2-0 

Next Game: @ Buffalo 

The New England Patriots are extremely talented. Tom Brady has thrown for an amazing 940 yards through two games, and this New England team should be the favorite in the AFC if not the league.

This week's game against Buffalo could be a dangerous trap game, and I believe it to be closer than most people believe.

1. Green Bay Packers

Record: 2-0 

Next Game: @ Chicago 

The Packers still remain at No. 1 despite their pass defense giving up back-to-back 400-yard passing days.

Green Bay held on for dear life against the upbeat Carolina Panthers and were a mere yard from surrendering a loss to the New Orleans Saints.

The Packers are still an elite team and should remain atop the list until someone defeats them.