Welcome to this week's power rankings, which are full of moving parts after many expected contenders came up short Sunday. There's been plenty of surprises early in this season, perhaps the biggest one being that the AFC is currently dominating the NFC, when the NFC was thought to be the far superior conference. That's reflected in the rankings this week, as seven out of the top 12 teams are now in the AFC for the first time, meaning the battle for that last AFC wild card spot could get messy at the end of the year.
1. Seattle Seahawks: 3-0 (1)
The Seahawks depth proved better than the Jaguars starters Sunday. This is the one team that could sustain plenty of key injuries and wouldn't even break a sweat.
2. Denver Broncos: 3-0 (2)
The Broncos just keep on rolling through their season, even though they're still without All-Pro Von Miller and Champ Bailey. Peyton is playing absolutely out of his mind so far this season, and if he keeps this up the Broncos won't care if their best defenses players ever come back.
3. New Orleans Saints: 3-0 (6)
Drew Brees to Jimmy Graham has been an unstoppable combination so far this year, as Graham is beating whatever defensive coordinators throw at him. The Saints own defense has been outstanding this year so far, as new coordinator Rob Ryan has this defense buying into their own abilities.
4. Chicago Bears: 3-0 (7)
The Bears' new offense continues to impress, not because they're lighting up the scoreboard, but because they're putting points up in critical situations. This defense still excels at taking the ball away too, meaning that they are going to be able to carry this team while this offense grows in Marc Trestman's system.
5. New England Patriots: 3-0 (8)
The Patriots showed plenty of improvement Sunday, as Tom Brady and his young cast of receivers finally started to show a connection. If they can keep building on that, Brady might have this offense humming when Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski returns. This defense has also been scary through the first few weeks, and this dominant defense could carry this team far into the playoffs yet again.
The Patriots showed plenty of improvement Sunday, as Tom Brady and his young cast of receivers finally started to show a connection. If they can keep building on that, Brady might have this offense humming when Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski returns. This defense has also been scary through the first few weeks, and this dominant defense could carry this team far into the playoffs yet again.
6. Cincinnati Bengals: 2-1 (9)
The Bengals got a big statement win on Sunday, defeating the Packers even though they turned the ball over four times. The defense was able to harass Aaron Rodgers all day, and put critical points on the board late in the game with a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Rookie Giovanni Bernard looked exciting again on offense, and as the weeks go on it looks like he'll be used more and more.
The Bengals got a big statement win on Sunday, defeating the Packers even though they turned the ball over four times. The defense was able to harass Aaron Rodgers all day, and put critical points on the board late in the game with a fumble recovery for a touchdown. Rookie Giovanni Bernard looked exciting again on offense, and as the weeks go on it looks like he'll be used more and more.
7. Green Bay Packers: 1-2 (4)
The Packers have not started out the season how they wanted, but they're still poised to be NFC contenders at the end of the year. The Packers have dealt with plenty of injuries and a hard beginning of the schedule so far, and they have a week four bye to get healthy and attack the rest of their schedule. Aaron Rodgers can't keep getting hit though, and if other teams keep bringing the pain the Packers could keep slipping on this list.
The Packers have not started out the season how they wanted, but they're still poised to be NFC contenders at the end of the year. The Packers have dealt with plenty of injuries and a hard beginning of the schedule so far, and they have a week four bye to get healthy and attack the rest of their schedule. Aaron Rodgers can't keep getting hit though, and if other teams keep bringing the pain the Packers could keep slipping on this list.
8. Kansas City Chiefs: 3-0 (13)
The Chiefs shoot up the rankings after a great performance Thursday night against the Eagles that showed they should be considered a serious threat in the AFC. This defense has been playing lights-out, no amount of Chip Kelly could spark the Eagles offense last week and Michael Vick was under duress all night. Alex Smith still can't really test a team deep, but he's been able to keep this offense on track and has been able to string together drives to get his defense plenty of rest.
The Chiefs shoot up the rankings after a great performance Thursday night against the Eagles that showed they should be considered a serious threat in the AFC. This defense has been playing lights-out, no amount of Chip Kelly could spark the Eagles offense last week and Michael Vick was under duress all night. Alex Smith still can't really test a team deep, but he's been able to keep this offense on track and has been able to string together drives to get his defense plenty of rest.
9. Miami Dolphins: 3-0 (12)
The Dolphins pulled out a last second win at home against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, and the Patriots may be facing their first legitimate threat for the AFC East title for the first time in many years. Ryan Tannehill is playing as well as any quarterback in the NFL not named Peyton Manning, and he's doing it with huge questions circulating about the people blocking for him.
The Dolphins pulled out a last second win at home against the Atlanta Falcons Sunday, and the Patriots may be facing their first legitimate threat for the AFC East title for the first time in many years. Ryan Tannehill is playing as well as any quarterback in the NFL not named Peyton Manning, and he's doing it with huge questions circulating about the people blocking for him.
10. Baltimore Ravens: 2-1 (11)
The Ravens have looked a lot better these past two weeks after getting blown out opening day against the Broncos. Their defense is looking better and better every week and it's getting close to resembling some of those great Ravens defenses of the past decade. Joe Flacco and the offense also were able to put together a solid day without running back Ray Rice, which with this defense, is all they need to do.
The Ravens have looked a lot better these past two weeks after getting blown out opening day against the Broncos. Their defense is looking better and better every week and it's getting close to resembling some of those great Ravens defenses of the past decade. Joe Flacco and the offense also were able to put together a solid day without running back Ray Rice, which with this defense, is all they need to do.
11. Indianapolis Colts: 2-1 (15)
It's been an eventful week for the Colts, acquiring Trent Richardson from the Browns and then beating the 49ers on the road. Richardson didn't even have much of an impact on the field Sunday, though the fact that he was now there looked like it made Ahmad Bradshaw enough to run straight through defenders all day. This Colts' defense looked a lot better than expected Sunday, and it looks like this team will take a serious run at the AFC South title.
It's been an eventful week for the Colts, acquiring Trent Richardson from the Browns and then beating the 49ers on the road. Richardson didn't even have much of an impact on the field Sunday, though the fact that he was now there looked like it made Ahmad Bradshaw enough to run straight through defenders all day. This Colts' defense looked a lot better than expected Sunday, and it looks like this team will take a serious run at the AFC South title.
12. San Francisco 49ers: 1-2 (3)
Things are going very wrong, very fast for the San Francisco 49ers, and they have to quickly prove the doubters wrong when they face the St. Louis Rams tomorrow night. Their receivers are struggling to get open, which has left Colin Kaepernick flustered and indecisive in the pocket. The defense is also losing two of its best players for an unknown period of time in Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis, and this defense hasn't played that great even with them there. This team needs to show it can push through these issues fast or people are going to be hopping off the bandwagon quickly.
Things are going very wrong, very fast for the San Francisco 49ers, and they have to quickly prove the doubters wrong when they face the St. Louis Rams tomorrow night. Their receivers are struggling to get open, which has left Colin Kaepernick flustered and indecisive in the pocket. The defense is also losing two of its best players for an unknown period of time in Aldon Smith and Patrick Willis, and this defense hasn't played that great even with them there. This team needs to show it can push through these issues fast or people are going to be hopping off the bandwagon quickly.
13. Dallas Cowboys: 2-1 (18)
The Cowboys cruised to an easy win Sunday in a way they're not used to: a strong running game powered by their offensive line. Their running game allowed their offense to achieve a rare balance, which led to Tony Romo having an extremely efficient day through the air, as a lot was taken off his plate. The Cowboys' defense is playing much better than they were last year, and it looks like the Cowboys are easily the most complete team in the NFC East.
The Cowboys cruised to an easy win Sunday in a way they're not used to: a strong running game powered by their offensive line. Their running game allowed their offense to achieve a rare balance, which led to Tony Romo having an extremely efficient day through the air, as a lot was taken off his plate. The Cowboys' defense is playing much better than they were last year, and it looks like the Cowboys are easily the most complete team in the NFC East.
14. Atlanta Falcons: 1-2 (10)
The Falcons fell to the Dolphins after a last second touchdown by Ryan Tannehill, though Matt Ryan did attempt a desperation drive with just over 30 seconds left. The team's main problem is that it can't get its star skill position players on offense functioning together, as Roddy White and Steven Jackson are battling injuries, and Tony Gonzalez no longer isn't showing his age. A match-up this week against the Patriots could really decide the mettle of this team early in the season.
The Falcons fell to the Dolphins after a last second touchdown by Ryan Tannehill, though Matt Ryan did attempt a desperation drive with just over 30 seconds left. The team's main problem is that it can't get its star skill position players on offense functioning together, as Roddy White and Steven Jackson are battling injuries, and Tony Gonzalez no longer isn't showing his age. A match-up this week against the Patriots could really decide the mettle of this team early in the season.
15. Houston Texans: 2-1 (5)
After two narrow victories against teams they were favored to beat, the Texans were not competitive Sunday against the Ravens. Matt Schaub and this offense imploded, helping the Ravens' defense find the end zone more times than they were able to find it by themselves. Without Arian Foster and Andre Johnson playing at the top of their game Schaub struggles, and that has to be scary or all the Texans fans out there.
After two narrow victories against teams they were favored to beat, the Texans were not competitive Sunday against the Ravens. Matt Schaub and this offense imploded, helping the Ravens' defense find the end zone more times than they were able to find it by themselves. Without Arian Foster and Andre Johnson playing at the top of their game Schaub struggles, and that has to be scary or all the Texans fans out there.
16. Tennessee Titans: 2-1 (22)
The Titans continue to play tough every single week, this time pulling out a win against the Chargers via a game winning drive by Jake Locker. The Titans highlighted Locker's athleticism in their game plan Sunday, and the result was one of Locker's best performances in his short career. If the Titans are able to keep playing hard like this, they're going to make a serious run at the AFC South title.
The Titans continue to play tough every single week, this time pulling out a win against the Chargers via a game winning drive by Jake Locker. The Titans highlighted Locker's athleticism in their game plan Sunday, and the result was one of Locker's best performances in his short career. If the Titans are able to keep playing hard like this, they're going to make a serious run at the AFC South title.
17. Detroit Lions: 2-1 (21)
The Lions continue to show off plenty of talent on the field, though they're always lacking for style points (example: Jim Schwartz spiking his headset). The loss of Nate Burleson is going to be painful right after Burleson had a great game complementing Calvin Johnson, his emergence could have been huge for Matthew Stafford. The return of Reggie Bush will at least somewhat ease the loss.
The Lions continue to show off plenty of talent on the field, though they're always lacking for style points (example: Jim Schwartz spiking his headset). The loss of Nate Burleson is going to be painful right after Burleson had a great game complementing Calvin Johnson, his emergence could have been huge for Matthew Stafford. The return of Reggie Bush will at least somewhat ease the loss.
18. Carolina Panthers: 1-2 (27)
The Panthers got a huge win Sunday by pounding the Giants to a pulp and handing them one of their worst losses in franchise history. Cam Newton was Superman on the field again, showing of his big arm and big legs in the win, helping the Panthers cruise to an easy victory. Their front seven just blew out the Giants' offensive line, giving Eli Manning no time in the pocket, and this team still has time to get all their stuff together if they want to get back in the picture in the NFC South.
The Panthers got a huge win Sunday by pounding the Giants to a pulp and handing them one of their worst losses in franchise history. Cam Newton was Superman on the field again, showing of his big arm and big legs in the win, helping the Panthers cruise to an easy victory. Their front seven just blew out the Giants' offensive line, giving Eli Manning no time in the pocket, and this team still has time to get all their stuff together if they want to get back in the picture in the NFC South.
19. San Diego Chargers: 1-2 (16)
Philip Rivers continues to look good this year, but right now he just doesn't have the weapons around him to put up great numbers. The Chargers also took the ball out of his hands several times near the end of the game, which looking back at the game, clearly looks like a mistake because it opened the door for a Titan comeback. Mike McCoy needs to start trusting Rivers a little bit more, because he looks like he's on the right track.
Philip Rivers continues to look good this year, but right now he just doesn't have the weapons around him to put up great numbers. The Chargers also took the ball out of his hands several times near the end of the game, which looking back at the game, clearly looks like a mistake because it opened the door for a Titan comeback. Mike McCoy needs to start trusting Rivers a little bit more, because he looks like he's on the right track.
20. St. Louis Rams: 1-2 (14)
This Rams team has been disappointing this year thus far, not living up to the hype surrounding either side of the ball. Their strong defensive line was pummeled by the Cowboys' front five, and DeMarco Murray was able to run right through them. Sam Bradford has also still showed little improvement despite a new cast of characters around him, and his NFL ceiling is starting to come into question.
This Rams team has been disappointing this year thus far, not living up to the hype surrounding either side of the ball. Their strong defensive line was pummeled by the Cowboys' front five, and DeMarco Murray was able to run right through them. Sam Bradford has also still showed little improvement despite a new cast of characters around him, and his NFL ceiling is starting to come into question.
21. New York Jets: 2-1 (28)
The New York Jets have looked ugly winning their two games this year, but style points count for little in the NFL. Rex Ryan has got his defense buying into everything he's telling them, and his schemes were practically unsolvable for the Bills' offense Sunday. Rookie quarterback Geno Smith bounced back nicely after a bad showing last week, and if his accuracy starts to improve he could be a solid investment for the future of this franchise.
The New York Jets have looked ugly winning their two games this year, but style points count for little in the NFL. Rex Ryan has got his defense buying into everything he's telling them, and his schemes were practically unsolvable for the Bills' offense Sunday. Rookie quarterback Geno Smith bounced back nicely after a bad showing last week, and if his accuracy starts to improve he could be a solid investment for the future of this franchise.
22. Philadelphia Eagles: 1-2 (17)
The Eagles looked great working with Michael Vick the first two weeks, but this week Vick regressed into the turnover machine we saw last year. Chip Kelly is still figuring out how to best manage this team, as he slowed the pace down this week and his defense started off strong, but the result was that his offense looked hapless. It looks like Kelly is still figuring out how to run his system at the NFL level, and he needs to figure it out soon before Michael Vick or Lesean McCoy miss more than just a few snaps due to injuries.
The Eagles looked great working with Michael Vick the first two weeks, but this week Vick regressed into the turnover machine we saw last year. Chip Kelly is still figuring out how to best manage this team, as he slowed the pace down this week and his defense started off strong, but the result was that his offense looked hapless. It looks like Kelly is still figuring out how to run his system at the NFL level, and he needs to figure it out soon before Michael Vick or Lesean McCoy miss more than just a few snaps due to injuries.
23. Arizona Cardinals: 1-2 (19)
Protection continues to be an issue for the Cardinals, as left tackle Levi Brown cannot stop opposing defenders from getting to his quarterback. Until they get that issue fixed, it just doesn't look like this offense is going anywhere special. Rookie Tyrann Mathieu continues to make plays on the defensive side of the ball, but there's big holes in the middle of this defense, as no one was even able to slow Jimmy Graham down last week.
Protection continues to be an issue for the Cardinals, as left tackle Levi Brown cannot stop opposing defenders from getting to his quarterback. Until they get that issue fixed, it just doesn't look like this offense is going anywhere special. Rookie Tyrann Mathieu continues to make plays on the defensive side of the ball, but there's big holes in the middle of this defense, as no one was even able to slow Jimmy Graham down last week.
24. Buffalo Bills: 1-2 (24)
EJ Manuel did not have his best outing Sunday against the Jets, and while a lot of it is on an offensive line that allowed eight sacks, plenty of blame has to go to EJ as well. EJ has struggled to push the ball down the field so far this year, and Rex Ryan took full advantage of that by stacking the box against the running game. EJ has shown all the intangibles thus far that you would want in a franchise leader, but he needs to show he can make at least a few big plays or else he'll start getting comparisons to his predecessor at Florida State.
EJ Manuel did not have his best outing Sunday against the Jets, and while a lot of it is on an offensive line that allowed eight sacks, plenty of blame has to go to EJ as well. EJ has struggled to push the ball down the field so far this year, and Rex Ryan took full advantage of that by stacking the box against the running game. EJ has shown all the intangibles thus far that you would want in a franchise leader, but he needs to show he can make at least a few big plays or else he'll start getting comparisons to his predecessor at Florida State.
25. Cleveland Browns: 1-2 (31)
Well, the Browns aren't throwing the towel on 2013 after all. Brian Hoyer wasn't great by any means, but he did things from the pocket that Brandon Weeden still doesn't dream of doing. The return of receiver Josh Gordon from suspension was also a big break for Hoyer, as now he had a threat on the outside to take away attention from his threat on the inside, tight end Jordan Cameron. The Browns defense is also still nothing to sleep on, registering six sacks on Sunday and hanging tough when they were put in adverse situations.
Well, the Browns aren't throwing the towel on 2013 after all. Brian Hoyer wasn't great by any means, but he did things from the pocket that Brandon Weeden still doesn't dream of doing. The return of receiver Josh Gordon from suspension was also a big break for Hoyer, as now he had a threat on the outside to take away attention from his threat on the inside, tight end Jordan Cameron. The Browns defense is also still nothing to sleep on, registering six sacks on Sunday and hanging tough when they were put in adverse situations.
26. Minnesota Vikings: 0-3 (25)
It's been a rough week for Vikings fans, but at least here they're at least ranked as the best of the worst teams (though the London match-up with Pittsburgh could change that). While there's a laundry list of things going wrong for the Vikings, their defense is at least forcing turnovers and some of their young players are showing a lot of promise (Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson both have received high marks so far from the people at Pro Football Focus). Here's hoping there's a brighter tomorrow still in store.
It's been a rough week for Vikings fans, but at least here they're at least ranked as the best of the worst teams (though the London match-up with Pittsburgh could change that). While there's a laundry list of things going wrong for the Vikings, their defense is at least forcing turnovers and some of their young players are showing a lot of promise (Xavier Rhodes and Cordarrelle Patterson both have received high marks so far from the people at Pro Football Focus). Here's hoping there's a brighter tomorrow still in store.
27. Pittsburgh Steelers: 0-3 (26)
The Steelers could get a potential boost this week with rookie running back Leveon Bell ready to make his regular season debut after battling a Linsfranc injury since the preseason. Big Ben needs some balance on offense quickly, as even though he made some big plays against Chicago, when asked to do too much he often gets hit or turns the ball over (and there was plenty of both against the Bears). This defense is showing its age much more than expected, as 0 turnovers in three games just isn't up to par with Mike Tomlin's standards.
The Steelers could get a potential boost this week with rookie running back Leveon Bell ready to make his regular season debut after battling a Linsfranc injury since the preseason. Big Ben needs some balance on offense quickly, as even though he made some big plays against Chicago, when asked to do too much he often gets hit or turns the ball over (and there was plenty of both against the Bears). This defense is showing its age much more than expected, as 0 turnovers in three games just isn't up to par with Mike Tomlin's standards.
28. Washington Redskins: 0-3 (23)
Every week, RGIII seems to get a little bit better but this defense plays the same way: awful. At this point, the Redskins would be in line to lose plenty of games even if RGIII was fully healthy. Unfortunately, he's not, and it doesn't look like he will be for several weeks still. At that point, this season is probably going to be too late to save for the 'Skins, and the most they're going to hope for is getting their star player healthy through the rest of the season.
Every week, RGIII seems to get a little bit better but this defense plays the same way: awful. At this point, the Redskins would be in line to lose plenty of games even if RGIII was fully healthy. Unfortunately, he's not, and it doesn't look like he will be for several weeks still. At that point, this season is probably going to be too late to save for the 'Skins, and the most they're going to hope for is getting their star player healthy through the rest of the season.
29. New York Giants: 0-3 (20)
It's a weird time in the NFL when both the Steelers and Giants' organizations are crumbling before our very eyes. The offensive line gave up eight sacks and many more hits on Eli Manning against the Panthers, and they're very lucky their franchise quarterback walked out of there upright. Needless to say this defense hasn't been performing up to expectations either, but that should be considered less of an issue than the usually top-10 Giant offense getting blanked.
It's a weird time in the NFL when both the Steelers and Giants' organizations are crumbling before our very eyes. The offensive line gave up eight sacks and many more hits on Eli Manning against the Panthers, and they're very lucky their franchise quarterback walked out of there upright. Needless to say this defense hasn't been performing up to expectations either, but that should be considered less of an issue than the usually top-10 Giant offense getting blanked.
30. Oakland Raiders: 1-2 (30)
Hopefully Terrelle Pryor will be able to play again this Sunday after his concussion, because if not there's going to be little enjoyable about this Raider team. Pryor was able to make a few big plays happen against the fearsome Broncos, though his team was never really in that game. Matt Flynn may finally get his shot if Pryor can't go, but it's unlikely the unathletic Flynn is going to be able to survive behind that offensive line.
Hopefully Terrelle Pryor will be able to play again this Sunday after his concussion, because if not there's going to be little enjoyable about this Raider team. Pryor was able to make a few big plays happen against the fearsome Broncos, though his team was never really in that game. Matt Flynn may finally get his shot if Pryor can't go, but it's unlikely the unathletic Flynn is going to be able to survive behind that offensive line.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 0-3 (29)
Tampa has been the picture of dysfunction in the NFL this year, not the Jets as so many expected. After weeks of rumors in the media Greg Schiano made the move most saw coming and announced that rookie third round pick Mike Glennon would be starting at quarterback this week instead of the ineffective Josh Freeman. It's clear that Freeman was not the answer for this team going into the future, but if Glennon isn't ready yet, Schiano's as good as gone for the Bucs.
Tampa has been the picture of dysfunction in the NFL this year, not the Jets as so many expected. After weeks of rumors in the media Greg Schiano made the move most saw coming and announced that rookie third round pick Mike Glennon would be starting at quarterback this week instead of the ineffective Josh Freeman. It's clear that Freeman was not the answer for this team going into the future, but if Glennon isn't ready yet, Schiano's as good as gone for the Bucs.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars: 0-3 (32)
The Jaguars' starters were worse than Seattle's backups. Parity doesn't exactly exist when it comes to teams 1 and 32.
The Jaguars' starters were worse than Seattle's backups. Parity doesn't exactly exist when it comes to teams 1 and 32.
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