NFL Power Rankings: Breaking Down Every Team Heading Into Week 3

Two weeks into the season and we've seen two different versions of several teams, some surprisingly fast starts in traditionally weak territories and some surprising failures. It's still very early, but it's a great time for a temperature check of each of the league's 32 competitors on the morning of Week 3 action.

Here's a look at each team as they enter this weekend's Week 3 contests.

32. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 0-2

Next Opponent: San Diego Chargers (1-1)

Analysis

The Chiefs have already been banged up enough for an entire season and they've only played two weeks' worth of football. That's never a good sign.

Jamaal Charles is gone for the season. Matt Cassel is banged up. I could go on.

Add to that the fact that they've been outscored 89-10 in two weeks. Last year, the defense seemed to take a step forward as they made the big switch to the 3-4. The offense was lighting it up and the rumor was that the new weapons would make Matt Cassel, a Pro Bowler in 2010, even better.

Two weeks in, the Chiefs look like a team that could be vying for Andrew Luck instead of a playoff berth. Scott Pioli and Todd Haley are feeling the heat.

31. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 0-2

Next Opponent: Arizona Cardinals (1-1)

Analysis

Anemic offense, Swiss cheese defense. This is going to get ugly fast. I struggled with who to put last because both the Seahawks and the Chiefs have cornered the sad-sack market in the first two weeks.

The Seahawks were a laughable playoff team last year and have actually managed to get worse. They've had subtraction through addition with Tarvaris Jackson, a never was who's getting plenty of money to be awful.

They also got absolutely tattooed by the Steelers last week. This week it's Larry Fitzgerald, now with complimentary quarterback, and the Arizona Cardinals. Pete Carroll just isn't an NFL coach. It's starting to show.

30. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 0-2

Next Opponent: Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)

Analysis

Wow. Who would have thought we'd ever see them here. This is like the Bob Irsay days when the fans would rebel and he would just ignore their cries for improvement.

Kerry Collins looks like Jeff George at quarterback (old and inaccurate). We're finding out two things right now.

First, Peyton Manning made this team what it is and his absence is destroying it.

Two, Tony Dungy was the author of this team's recent success, not Jim Caldwell. He's been on my suspect list for awhile and I'm now wondering whether he's NFL head coach material.

They've got Pittsburgh this week, still smarting from their drubbing in Baltimore. Is that a recipe for disaster? Maybe. I can't remember a time when the Colts were 0-3, but I think we're about to witness it tomorrow night.

29. Carolina Panthers

Record: 0-2

Next Opponent: Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)

Analysis

Cam Newton has put up some impressive yardage, but I'm not yet impressed by anything but the fact that he's learned Steve Smith can catch anything and that deep passes work great late in games but don't put wins on the board. He's got a steep learning curve ahead even if he throws for 8,000 yards.

The running game looks bad, which is odd. Their offense has been a complete reverse from what people expected. The defense is doing a Jekyll and Hyde impersonation that, while entertaining, isn't helping the cause much.

The good news? They get the Jaguars this week in a rookie-on-rookie quarterback duel. The smart money is on the guy with experience, even if it is two games.

28. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Carolina Panthers (0-2)

Analysis

Blaine Gabbert is going to find out two things really, really quick. First, he's going to find out that NFL defenses won't be as forgiving as NCAA models can be in terms of almost but not quite pass accuracy. Gabbert will be OK, but the early returns suggest he needs some help.

He'll also learn that he has no NFL-caliber wide receivers on his team. If asked, I couldn't name a single player on the Jaguars offense besides Gabbert and Maurice Jones-Drew.

This is a team that's lucky to be 1-1, really. They likely won't get to 2-1. If that beating by the New York Jets is any indication, win number two could be a long time coming.

27. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: San Francisco 49ers (1-1)

Analysis

They are in a de facto first-place tie with everyone else in the AFC North. That's the fantasy. The reality is that they've beaten Cleveland, who's still in rebuilding mode, and lost to Denver, who's not going anywhere fast.

The Bengals, as always, are a circus. They've got rookies everywhere. They've also got another issue with suspensions looming thanks to Cedric Benson and Jerome Simpson. The Bengals are that team that just can't stay out of trouble and can't get out of their own way.

All that needs to happen now is a loss to equally clueless San Francisco and for Carson Palmer to suddenly show up, say he's back and demand to be paid. That would put the Bengals into a sticky cap situation and just turn up the heat on everyone involved with that franchise.

26. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 0-2

Next Opponent: Detroit Lions (2-0)

Analysis

New over-the-hill quarterback, same result. The Vikings haven't played badly in either loss. They just don't seem to have the ability to close out a game and hold onto a lead. Perhaps they should ask for Mariano Rivera to come in for a week or two.

It's hard to even pinpoint a problem here. They don't lack for talent. They are sturdy on both sides of the ball. They just haven't found a way to win. Leslie Frazier needs to worry a little about that defense. Now that he's not in charge, they seem to be out to lunch.

Do I believe in Donovan McNabb? Maybe. He's had some good years, but it's hard to ignore the fact that he's been solid, mistake-free and utterly mediocre in his first two games in purple. This is a team that I feel is destined for an 8-8 or 7-9 season.

25. Cleveland Browns

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Miami Dolphins (0-2)

Analysis

They haven't been impressive yet. They beat the Colts. Last year, that would've shocked people. This year, it's expected of everyone (except maybe Kansas City and Seattle, who couldn't beat each other). They lost to Cincinnati. That ruined my fantasy week and also surprised everyone who thought this was a step forward season.

They still have no receivers outside of Joshua Cribbs. Peyton Hillis is their best weapon, but I get the feeling that good teams will look for that and shut him down and force Colt McCoy to pass.

They get the Dolphins this week. They are slightly (and I mean splitting hairs) more put together than Cleveland, but this would be a good week to come out and win the game. They've got the tools, just not all the talent they need yet.

24. Miami Dolphins

Record: 0-2

Next Opponent: Cleveland Browns (1-1)

Analysis

OK, let's get this out of the way. The Dolphins have no quarterback controversy. They also have no quarterbacks. It's a shame because they are a quarterback and a couple of other players away from being a tough out.

Right now, sadly for them, they are showing as the fourth horse in a four horse division. They also have nothing resembling a red zone offense or a consistent kicker. Those are two big areas to address now (perhaps by showing Dan Carpenter the goal posts).

Cleveland will be interesting this week, but I get the feeling the Dolphins are closer to a victory than the Browns. That's why they edge them out here. Tony Sparano is on the thinnest of ice.

23. Denver Broncos

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Tennessee Titans (1-1)

Analysis

That sound you aren't hearing is the Kyle Orton fan club. His stock is lower than ever and it's all because of some guy with the same first and last initials who happens to be the most popular backup quarterback in the history of football everywhere.

The Broncos fans are caught up in Tebow Mania, but they don't realize the real problem: there isn't talent on this team. The coach is, in my opinion, mediocre. The offensive skill positions are bereft of anything really astonishing. They used Tebow at wide receiver. That's how bad it's getting.

Kyle Orton is actually their most talented offensive player. That's saying something bad about the rest of the team. The defense is a project, but isn't going to get there this year. They're closer to 0-2 than 1-1.

22. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)

Analysis

They get the nod over Denver because of the coach and the defense. That's about it. There's no quarterback talent here that's ready to contribute at the NFL level. The receivers are inconsistent, but might be that way because they've never had a quarterback to call their own.

The defense is OK. If they were water, they'd be tepid or lukewarm. In other words, they aren't anything special right now.

They get a chance this week against the Cincinnati Bengals to make up some ground and get to a surprising 2-1 start. They need to lean more on Frank Gore, who's produced little so far.

21. New York Giants

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

Analysis

Too harsh? Maybe. The Giants just don't do it for me. They've got problems on offense with inconsistency and injury. Eli Manning is like a box of chocolates. You never know what kind of performance you'll get. They've got injuries on both sides of the ball too.

This week bodes badly. They get an angry and smarting Philadelphia team that blew a game in Atlanta last week. They were able to win last week, but it wasn't a pretty one and it didn't exactly "wow" people.

I don't know if Tom Coughlin is in trouble, but I wouldn't buy a house in New York if I were him. The fans and ownership are tiring of the mediocrity since they won the Super Bowl. Manning isn't doing himself any favors either with all the mind-numbing turnovers and bad plays.

20. St. Louis Rams

Record: 0-2

Next Opponent: Baltimore Ravens (1-1) 

Analysis

They're the best 0-2 team in football. I get the feeling that Steven Jackson's injury has more to do with their record than anything. Sam Bradford looks comfortable so far. They just need a defensive cohesiveness that hasn't appeared yet and a healthy Jackson.

Baltimore raises the stakes a bit. This is another angry team coming off a surprising loss. That's bad news for anyone in their way. These guys are not friendly on a good day. Catch them on a bad day and you might lose a limb.

St. Louis will probably be about 8-8 or 9-7 unless they surprise a few teams, but they are a better team than the record indicates and certainly not the worst team in their pitiful division.

19. Oakland Raiders

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: New York Jets

Analysis

They got pasted in the second half of last week's game by Buffalo. Yes, that team. The Raiders went from dominance to laughable in the time it takes most fans to eat a hot dog. It doesn't help that, as always, they just aren't quite in sync on offense.

Jason Campbell is passable as a quarterback. He looks generally good with the whole footwork and throwing motion thing. He isn't notably accurate. He isn't notably strong. He just hangs in there. His receivers aren't very good. That doesn't help much.

This is a team that would be wise to spend a lot of time handing Darren McFadden and Michael Bush the ball and playing defense. The problem is that the defense looks like it has more holes than kitchen sifter right now. That has to change right away.

18. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Seattle Seahawks (0-2)

Analysis

The good news? They play Seattle this week. The bad news? They can't play their division every week. Arizona is the most competitive team in a division that reeks of unwashed socks and bad decisions. They've solved the quarterback problem it seems, but not quite as effectively yet as they'd hoped.

Larry Fitzgerald is drawing a lot of coverage right now because no one else has solidly stepped up on the other side of the offense. They aren't as explosive on offense as people thought. They still have no rushing attack, which might be part of the problem.

The defense is a mixed bag. They've allowed way too many yards (the most since 1940 through two games) and haven't created many mismatches. This is a team that might win the division because of the competition. They are also a team that could do that with an 8-8 or 7-9 record.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

Analysis

Unimpressive and unspectacular so far, the Bucs have been mostly mediocre in their first two games. The best thing they did was beat the equally vanilla Vikings after trailing by 17 points. Comebacks are nice, but they can't always be relied on for big wins.

This week, it gets tougher. They get Atlanta in a big divisional showdown that will teach us a lot about both teams. The Bucs aren't the better team, but they've got upset potential thanks to Josh Freeman's ability to create plays.

I get the feeling the Bucs are one of the most talented teams in the league that just doesn't have enough to make the playoffs. They'll likely be a 9-7 team that just gets left behind.

16. Tennessee Titans

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Denver Broncos (1-1)

Analysis

So they aren't dead after all. There are still plenty of reasons for concern, but they are definitely the second best team in the division (albeit a very distant second and ahead of two really bad squads) after two weeks.

My biggest worry is Chris Johnson, who looks out of sorts because he missed most of the offseason and preseason while he hammered out an obscenely large contract extension. Mike Munchak looks comfortable as a head coach, but he's got work to do here.

Matt Hasselbeck isn't as bad as I predicted, but he's been mostly just serviceable. I get the feeling they'll be better than people thought, but still not good enough to do anything special.

15. Washington Redskins

Record: 2-0

Next Opponent: Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

Analysis

They are one of the early surprises, but we've also seen some of the things we expected. Mike Shanahan is the running back guru and he's already making Tim Hightower look like the next big thing. Rex Grossman is putting on a clinic in how to be really unpredictable (not in the good way).

The defense is actually playing quite well. I'm impressed with the play of rookie Ryan Kerrigan and of the much lighter and less expensive defensive front (you didn't think they'd miss Albert Haynesworth did you?). That's a good sign for this young team.

Does this pace last? I doubt it. Rex Grossman will have the requisite awful games and the surprisingly effective ones. This is a team that's growing and probably will be quite challenging in a year or two. They haven't beaten anyone of real consequence yet. If they beat Dallas I might start to believe more.

14. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Washington Redskins (2-0)

Analysis

Three quarterbacks absolutely wowed me last week with the ability to absorb a punishing hit and finish the game with a victory that had a lot to do with their play. Tony Romo might have been the most impressive of the three. If you're still on his case, lay off for now.

That said, this is a team that's hard to read. They do a lot right, but they also do a lot wrong. They kind of embody their receiver Dez Bryant. The defense is still a work in progress that could improve or could continue to be so-so.

I think they'll finish better than Washington, but the Redskins won't go quietly this week. It's going to be tough and I'll be interested to see how well Tony Romo can handle the pressure.

13. Buffalo Bills

Record: 2-0

Next Opponent: New England Patriots (2-0)

Analysis

Wow. I can't remember the last time a game between Buffalo and the Patriots meant anything. It's now a battle for first place. Granted, it's early. Buffalo doesn't project to be a big player in the playoff contender market, but who knows. This season seems topsy-turvy enough for it to happen.

If anyone doubts why the Bills went with Ryan Fitzpatrick and not a rookie draftee, he's going to keep showing you. He's a great guy and a heck of a quarterback who's definitely looking more and more like an NFL starter.

They've got issues too, however. The rushing attack has seen mixed results. The receivers are a mixed bag. The defense is great one minute and terrible the next. Still, I get the feeling we haven't heard the last of the Buffalo Bills.

12. San Diego Chargers

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)

Analysis

Well, at least they lost to the Patriots and get to rebound and heal against the Chiefs. That's a good recipe for a 2-1 start. To be honest, anyone who doesn't beat the Chiefs right now should petition for membership in the Big East. I hear they need some new, credible teams. Antonio Gates played basketball too, so maybe that would work!

The Chargers aren't bad, but they've got some holes. I still haven't been made a believer in the Mike Tolbert and Ryan Mathews era of running backs. The receivers are dropping too many passes. Philip Rivers is taking too many hits.

The defense really disappointed me against New England. For awhile, it looked like they had a chance to shut down the Patriots enough for Rivers and his offense to beat them, but they fell apart and fell prey to Tom Brady's high-powered passing game.

11. Chicago Bears

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Green Bay Packers (2-0)

Analysis

Finding pictures of Jay Cutler where he isn't either under pressure or being hit hard is a difficult, time-consuming task. That's not a good sign for Bears fans. They aren't exactly deep at the position. Cutler is a Pro Bowler who just doesn't have receivers or a good line. His best receiver is running back Matt Forte. I'll let you draw a conclusion there.

The defense has been good and bad (this is a theme with the 1-1 teams that will continue up this list). In Week 1, I thought we were watching replays of the Bears defense back in 2006 when they were world beaters. Last week, I thought it was a few years ago when they beat themselves.

The Bears may have won the NFC North last year, but the challenge this year is from all three teams (yes, even Minnesota isn't that bad). The Bears could quickly find themselves in last place if they don't shore up some of the big holes.

10. Detroit Lions

Record: 2-0 (No, that's not an error)

Next Opponent: Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

Analysis

Gentlemen, start your engines and party like it's 1958. The Detroit Lions have won six straight dating back to last season, have a healthy and prepared Matt Stafford at quarterback and have an improving defense that looks like it could be a big surprise.

OK, so they beat Tampa Bay (good, but not great) and Kansas City (awful in every way). Do I believe 100 percent in this team? No. Do I think they've got 8-8 or better in them? Yes I do. I'll agree with Terry Bradshaw (more rare than a bloody steak) and say that this is a playoff team.

The Lions just seem to have that calm, collected determination about them this year. The big question is whether or not Stafford can stay on the field and out of the trainer's room. If he does, watch out. They could push the NFC North bigwigs right out of the top spots.

9. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Indianapolis Colts (0-2)

Analysis

They've been the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde team through two weeks. In Week 1, they were the worst team I've ever seen don that uniform. They let their biggest rival play their game and own them in every way. In Week 2, they came home, got mad and absolutely dismantled the Seattle Seahawks.

The defense has been odd. They were slow in Week 1 and the first half of Week 2, but then in the second half last week they turned into the Steel Curtain, dominating the line of scrimmage and finding ways to cause nightmares for Tarvaris Jackson.

The offense has been good and bad. They will go as the offensive line goes. The line took a giant step forward in Week 2 despite injuries to two key players, but it remains to be seen what a real team (not Seattle or Indianapolis) will do to them on either side of the ball.

8. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: St. Louis Rams (0-2)

Analysis

They've beaten the Steelers, but then they celebrated like it was the Super Bowl and came out flat against Tennessee. That can't keep happening. The Ravens under emotional and somewhat ridiculous coach John Harbaugh are always an up-and-down team.

Don't read into this as me being a Steelers fan (hey, I didn't rank them above Baltimore did I?), but Joe Flacco hasn't sold me. I get the feeling that I'm not alone here. This is his year to really step forward and become a recognized member of the upper crust. He did it in Week 1, but then went back to Bad Joe in Week 2.

The defense is going to be a question mark all season. Sure, they can get up for rival Pittsburgh, but they looked every bit the old, slow and inexperienced unit against the Titans. They made Matt Hasselbeck look like the guy who lead Seattle to a Super Bowl. That's not been easy lately.

7. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: New York Giants (1-1)

Analysis

The Eagles are to quarterbacks what Dusty Baker is to pitchers: an injury creation machine. They tried to protect Michael Vick from himself by keeping him in the pocket. The problem is they forgot to protect him from his offensive line. It must be a Pennsylvania thing because both Pa. teams have bad lines in front of good quarterbacks.

The defense has not been as impressive as the "Dream Team" descriptions would have you believe. They're like the Titanic: advertised as perfect, tested as less than that. They haven't sank yet. I guess that's a step forward. In seriousness, it's just a matter of gelling for them.

I don't know. This team will be good, but I still get the feeling that they're going to finish with a playoff loss that somehow surprises people. That's their story for years now and they just haven't done enough to change that.

6. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1)

Analysis

A game and three quarters into the season, I'd have had them out of the Top 10. They just didn't impress me. Then Matt Ryan just came out of his funk and started schooling the supposed best defense in the history of pass defense. It was a surprising four touchdown day for him.

The defense is quixotic. The running game is good, but could be better in short yardage and red zone areas. Tony Gonzalez is still a beast. Roddy White and Julio Jones look like a great tandem in the making. This is going to be one half of the NFC South race. I'm just not sure if they've got enough to beat out New Orleans.

The game against Tampa Bay is big because the Bucs are known for comebacks now. Ryan and his team are also good at that. It may come down to which quarterback can really put his offense in the position to win the game. I'll take Ryan there.

5. New Orleans Saints

Record: 1-1

Next Opponent: Houston Texans (2-0)

Analysis

Which offense is more potent: New England or New Orleans? It's a close race. I'd take either one in a pinch. The emergence of the Saints running game is making them even more dangerous by the day. That's good news for Sean Payton.

The bad news is that the defense isn't consistent at all. They let Aaron Rodgers throw all over them. They got picked apart badly there. They were better last week and won the game, but they get a real test again in Matt Schaub and the boys from Houston.

We'll find out a lot about how good the Saints can be this year when the Texans play them this week. That's a great measuring stick for both teams. I'm not sure who wins, but the fireworks could be very pretty.

4. Houston Texans

Record: 2-0

Next Opponent: New Orleans Saints (1-1)

Analysis

Are they better than the Saints? On paper, no. On the field so far, yes. They've had two wins and show no signs of slowing down on offense no matter who is running the football. Brandon Tate has emerged from nowhere to be the next potential one-hit wonder.

Matt Schaub is his usual accurate and dangerous self. The Texans even look like they have something resembling a good defense this year thanks to the work of Wade Phillips and a front office that chose to invest in its repair to some degree.

We'll know a lot more on Monday after we've seen them play New Orleans tomorrow. That game will measure their defensive progress more than anything. Their offense is a known quantity.

3. Green Bay Packers

Record: 2-0

Next Opponent: Chicago Bears (1-1)

Analysis

Am I being unfair? Maybe a tad. It's mostly because this team is 2-0 but is suffering from some severe injury bugs. They've also been a tad leaky on defense in case you hadn't heard. Cam Newton torched them for over 430 yards last week. Drew Brees was every bit as destructive in Week 1.

They haven't lost yet, but I get the feeling that they aren't quite as good as last year. The defense will be their undoing if injuries don't beat it to the punch. Their offense continues to be sound, although I'd feel a lot better if they had a running back that really scared people.

The Packers will be in the mix, but I'm not sure they've got Super Bowl repeat all over them. I don't subscribe to that "until they lose they're number one" mentality, so they've got work to do in these rankings.

2. New York Jets

Record: 2-0

Next Opponent: Oakland Raiders (1-1)

Analysis

They were unimpressive except for claiming victory in Week 1. They were utterly dominant in Week 2. Mark Sanchez looks pretty comfortable, but you have to worry about him and the running backs with Nick Mangold, their big center, out of the picture.

The defense looks good again and they don't seem to be letting anyone beat them. They certainly debunked the myths held close by all of the Luke McCown fans out there last week. OK, so many there aren't any myths, but they totally demolished the guy.

The Raiders aren't a slouch team, but Mark Sanchez and his talented receiving corps might have a field day with the same defense that surrendered to Ryan Fitzpatrick and the Bills last week.

1. New England Patriots

Record: 2-0

Next Opponent: Buffalo Bills (2-0)

Analysis

I'm fairly secure as a non-Patriots fan in saying that I'm being impartial here. They are simply playing the best football right now even though you could really put any of the top four teams in first place and have an argument for that setup.

Tom Brady is on pace for a 1,000,000 yard season it seems, but he'll probably deign to stop around 5,000 or so just to maintain competitive balance. He's a tough out. He actually impressed me (not easy) when he got up from that big hit last week. That takes guts and some other equipment.

The defense worries me a little. They let the Dolphins hang in there during the Week 1 game. They also let the Chargers keep it close for most of the game last week. Buffalo has a better offense right now than either team, so it might be more trouble than most would think. Like I said earlier, this matchup finally matters. That makes it fun.