NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Which Teams Still Have Most to Prove?

Through two weeks of the NFL season, we can justly clarify some contenders from the pretenders.

That being said, as the season progresses, it's not uncommon for a team to switch from contender to pretender, or pretender to contender.

As of right now, however, there are some teams who have performed better than expected, but still have a lot to prove if they want to be lumped in with the contenders.

Here are three of those teams.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Bucs had a 10-6 record in 2010, which raised the standard for 2011.

Only problem is they got off to a rough start in losing to the Lions at home in Week 1.

But they stole a win at Minnesota in Week 2, and it was a big victory. They were down 17-0 by halftime, then 20-10 halfway through the final quarter.

For themselves, that game proved they can stay poised and mature when facing a tough situation.

The remaining factor now is whether they can build off that.

Anyone can do it once, but does Tampa Bay possess the ability to get better and continue to improve thereafter?

Week 3 is arguably going to be the biggest game for this young team's season.

Coming in are the 1-1 Atlanta Falcons, who just beat the "Super Bowl or bust" Philadelphia Eagles.

This is a statement game for Tampa Bay, and the fact that it's a division rival only further raises the stakes of an already immense matchup.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins were slated to be at the bottom of the NFC East's barrel in 2011, but through two weeks, they have defied the naysayers thus far.

And much like Tampa Bay, Washington has a big divisional game in Week 3, the only difference being that the Redskins are on the road.

Playing at Dallas is never easy, and it's also the Cowboys' home-opener, so you know the stadium is going to be insane.

Not to mention it's on Monday Night Football.

Dallas has a lot prove themselves, but moreso to themselves as opposed to Washington, who's battling more against external cynicism.

Washington would still have something to prove even if they come out 3-0, but not nearly as much.

But if they lose, the skeptics will rise, and whether or not they win in Week 4 could be the ultimate factor as to how their 2011 season plays out.

Arizona Cardinals

Despite being considered the NFC West favorites, that doesn't hold much weight compared to the other NFC divisions.

All four NFC West teams lost in Week 2, and although the Cardinals appear to be the best, they have much to prove if they want to be considered NFC title contenders.

The pass defense was greatly exploited by Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton in Week 1, and the defense didn't improve much in Week 2, as they allowed Washington to gain 455 total yards.

Week 3 is a crucial game for the Cardinals' confidence if anything, because they travel north to Seattle, and the Seahawks' 12th man always makes their stadium shake.

Plus, Seattle is desperate for a win after their 0-2 start, so don't think for a second that Arizona is just going to cake-walk on the road.

A win will mean that the Cards just went in, did their job and got out—like a divisional favorite would be expected to.

A loss, however, will just add more chaos the NFC West picture.

In turn, it doesn't help the entire division's reputation in having a NFC title contending team

Week 3 Power Rankings (LW = last week's rank)

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

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