NFL Power Rankings: Week 3
16 – Minnesota Vikings (1-1) (PR: 15)
LW – Lost to Atlanta Falcons 6-22
Last week I praised JJ McCarthy for his comeback win. This week, he looked a lot like he was in the first 3 quarters of last week’s game – lost, scared and clueless. I’m back to thinking McCarthy just aint it and he won’t be it for the next couple of games because of a high ankle sprain. Bring on former Super Bowl champ and Tyler King favorite, Carson Wentz.
15 – Arizona Cardinals (2-0) (PR: UR)
LW – Win against Carolina Panthers 27-22
The Cardinals are 2-0! Have to give them some props there. Butttttttt they’re 2-0 against what many believe are the two worst teams the league has to offer. What is even more concerning is that they almost lost this game to the Panthers who literally gave them 14 free points due to turnovers in their first 2 drives.
14 – Atlanta Falcons (1-1) (PR: UR)
LW – Win against Minnesota Vikings 22-6
Let’s talk defense here. More specifically let’s talk defensive rookies. 4 of the Falcons’ rookies made a huge impact this week. 2 of them had picks and 2 of them had at least half a sack. Expect a lot more from this young defense moving forward.
13 – Washington Commanders (1-1) (PR: 5)
LW – Loss to Green Bay Packers 18-27
This game wasn’t as close as the scoreboard suggests. The Commanders got dominated. Jayden Daniels got banged up and his offensive line isn’t doing him any favors. He was pressured on 46% of his drop backs. Not a recipe for success.
12 – Denver Broncos (1-1) (PR: 8)
LW – Loss to Indianapolis Colts 28-29
Now this was a probably the best game of Week 2. We talked all good things about the Falcons’ defense a second ago, now let’s turn the page and talk about how much of a disappointment the Broncos’ defense was. This unit was supposed to be the best in the league, but they allowed 236 yards to Daniel Jones by halftime which was 103 more than the Titans had in their Week 1 matchup. Now for something good for you Bronco fans. Troy Franklin is coming in hot and deserves to be rostered in all fantasy leagues.
11 – Indianapolis Colts (2-0) (PR: 16)
LW – Win against Denver Broncos 29-29
I’m trying my best to keep my excitement for this team under wraps but damnnnn they’re fun to watch (Sorry Matty). Daniel (Indiana) Jones is looking very much like the fantasy GOAT that Eric predicted 5 years ago. All facets of this team are working well and doesn’t seem like they’re slowing down anytime soon.
10 – Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) (PR: 7)
LW – Loss to Philadelphia Eagles 17-20
The Chiefs offense has been trending downhill for the last couple years now, but they have always been buoyed by a great defense and clutch plays by Patrick Mahomes. The defense is still better than average but the playmakers for Mahomes have been falling short. When Mahomes is your leading rusher (66 yards) for the game, you can’t expect to win.
9 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) (PR: 6)
LW – Win over Houston Texans 20-19
Last week I said Baker will get back on track by this week. And he did just that.. kind of. 215 yards passing is a lot better than the 165 he had in week 1 but it’s still not the Baker we all know and love. I have a feeling injuries might have a little something to do with that but knowing how much of a competitor Baker is, he will be able to overcome it.
8 – Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) (PR: 12)
LW – Win over Las Vegas Raiders 20-9
As Tradon once famously said, “The Chargers are the team to beat in the AFC West” and so far, he isn’t wrong. I do have a little bone to pick with this team, however, and it is their ability (or lack thereof) to produce yards on the ground. They have been a running team for years and against the Raiders, Justin Herbert was their leading rusher with 31 yards. Yes, you can win games through the air but what are they going to do when that fails?
7 – San Francisco 49ers (2-0) (PR: 9)
LW – Win over New Orleans Saints 26-21
Welcome back Brock Purdy Haters. Yes, the Niners won without Purdy. Yes, Mac Jones played well. Yes, they can probably continue to win games with Purdy out. But! Purdy is a master of the Kyle Shannahan offense and when more competitive opponents come forth, Purdy is the one you want under center. Alright, I’ve said my peace. Back to the game! The final score of this game was not indicative of how much the Niners dominated. There were multiple times in the second half when the defense had the Saints dead to rights in 3rd and 4th and long but penalties by promising rookies allowed the drive to continue. Let’s call them growing pains. I don’t expect these mistakes to continue moving forward.
6 – Los Angeles Rams (2-0) (PR: 10)
LW – Win over Tennessee Titans 33-19
Uh-Oh the league effed around and let Davante Adams get involved in the Rams offense. This is scary for the rest of the league. 2 of the league’s top 10 WRs on the same page with a gunslinging HOF QB? No bueno. While the passing attack of the Rams has been incredible, the running game has been just as incredible in the opposite direction. They’ve been incredibly bad. I feel so sorry for all Kyren Williams fantasy owners.
5 – Baltimore Ravens (1-1) (PR: 3)
LW – Win over Browns 41-17
I feel bad dropping the Ravens after a win but its really an indication of how well the teams ahead of them are doing. The running game that dreams are made of in week 1 turned into the running game that nightmares are made of especially for Derrick Henry owners. 23 yards rushing for him. What??? And who is 2 touchdown man Devontez Walker? No idea.
4 – Detroit Lions (1-1) (PR: 11)
LW – Win over Chicago Bears 52-21
Geeze Detroit, you didn’t have to embarrass the Bears like that! This game was never close. It was Lions, Lions, Lions every step of the way. After a poor effort in week 1, the Lions had a statement game and stat lines that we are all accustomed to. Jared Goff with 334 yards and 5 TDs. Jahmyr Gibbs with 104 total yards and Amon-Ra St. Brown with 115 yards and 3 TDs. Oh! And can’t forget Lu’s favorite player, Aidan Hutchinson, coming up with a sack. The Lions are so back.
3 – Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) (PR: 2)
LW – Win over Kansas City Chiefs 20-17
Defense and Saquon Barkley. That’s all this team is. Might be the most boring undefeated team in the league if I’m being honest. I am so out on this offense led by Jalen Hurts. I mean the guy only threw for 101 yards this week. The Eagles have no passing TDs through 2 weeks! You know how “America Runs on Dunkin?” Well, the Eagles run on defense and Saquon.
2 – Buffalo Bills (2-0) (PR: 1)
LW – Win over New York Jets 30-10
“When you have Allen as your QB, you’re never out of the game.” – Me, last week. Well, it turns out the same goes for James Cook. This man is looking very much like the best running back this season. He looks untackleable and breaks off explosive runs like a kit kat bar. So much fun to watch. This Josh Allen, James Cook combo strikes fear into opposing defenses.
1 – Green Bay Packers (2-0) (PR: 4)
LW – Win over Washington Commanders 27-18
I had no idea that the addition of Micah Parsons would change a defense by this much. I knew they would be good, but I didn’t know they would be THIS good. The Packers consistently pressure the QB while have sound defense in the secondary. On the offensive side, Tucker Kraft went off. Very impressed with his performance. Could this TE be the leading pass catcher in Green Bay? Enjoy it while it lasts, Mike.