NFL Power Rankings Week 3

It’s Week 2 of the NFL season, so that means fans start to panic and overreact to their team’s record: Cowboys, 49ers and Vikes fans.

For some fans, they should throw in the towel on their season already; I'm looking at you Lions, Browns, Bills and Rams fans.

Others, don’t give your team too much credit; Chiefs, Bears, and Bucs fans.

1. New Orleans Saints – Record (2–0)

They haven’t won easy either week. They narrowly escaped the Vikings, and they won at the last second versus the 49ers. They have been without safety Darren Sharper, will be without running back Reggie Bush for some time now and the offense hasn’t been as explosive as normal. The defense continues to get tons of turnovers and now can stop teams’ offenses. Once the offense starts to be explosive again, this team could be unstoppable.

2. Green Bay Packers – Record (2–0)

As expected, the Packers blew out the Bills, 34-7. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers had three touchdowns (two pass, one rush), but didn’t have a great passing yardage day. The rushing attack was less than impressing. There is talk that the Packers might trade former no. 5 overall pick linebacker A.J. Hawk for RB Marshawn Lynch of the Bills. That might not happen. RB Brandon Jackson continues to bust, so maybe another waiver wire guy will step up like RB Ryan Grant did a few years ago. The defense looks dominant still, but just wait for when cornerback Al Harris returns. They could shut down any team.

3. Indianapolis Colts – Record (1–1)

I know, I know. The Texans beat the Colts. So why do I have the Texans behind the Colts? Well, because they are the Colts. It also helps that Indianapolis was far more impressive in their win over the New York Giants, than the Texans over the Redskins. It helps that Peyton Manning continues to look like the best QB in the game. If Manning keeps up this pace, he could possibly break several records.

4. Houston Texans – Record (2–0)

They destroyed the Colts, but nearly lost to the Redskins? They are an offensive juggernaut but still almost lost? It took them overtime to win. QB Matt Schaub didn’t have a huge game Week 1, but he threw for 497 yards and three TD’s against Washington. That is huge. As I said in last week’s power rankings, Arian Foster couldn’t keep it up; he had 19 carries for 69 yards and no TD’s. So was I right, or was I right? Come on, you can tell me.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers – Record (2–0)

I have no clue who is going to be their QB the next two weeks, but this I do know: their defense is back to being the most dominant in the NFL. Troy Polamalu, James Harrison, Lamar Woodley and crew held the great Titans rushing attack to 46 yards. And only 34 of those yards were from Chris Johnson. The million dollar hair (Polamalu) and the rest of their defense can carry them until Ben Roethlisberger returns from suspension.

6. Atlanta Falcons – Record (1–1)

They lost in OT to Pittsburgh in Week 1. They bounced back by completely destroying the Arizona Cardinals, 41-7. Their rushing offense bounced back with Jason Snelling in for the injured Michael Turner, but their rush defense could use some help too. QB Matt Ryan didn’t have big yards day in the air, but he did have three passing TD’s. I’ll take those any day, and three times on Sunday.

7. New York Jets – Record (1–1)

They made the “Great Tom Brady,” look like the scared “Mark Sanchize” of Week 1. In the second half, the second year QB outplayed the three time Super Bowl champ. Let me say that again, MARK SANCHEZ OUTPLAYED TOM BRADY. The defense shut down the Patriots lethal aerial attack without Darrelle Revis. I don’t know if they can keep that up without the best corner in the game, but I know head coach Rex Ryan will sure try.

8. Cincinnati Bengals – Record (1–1)

I have no clue how to rank this team. They were so bad against the Patriots last week, but they shut down the supposed Ravens offense. The defense looked good, but the offense had to kick five field goals to win. Sorry but you can’t win on a consistent basis if you can’t get into the end zone.

9. Baltimore Ravens – Record (1–1)

I wanted to rank them slightly higher, say in front of the Jets, but the Jets beat the Pats who beat the Bengals, who beat the Ravens. Get that? Like J.A. Adande said, that’s BCS (college) logic for you. I am pretty sure they will be ranked higher soon, but for now, they are stuck here at no. 9.

10. Miami Dolphins – Record (2–0)

They beat the Bills in mediocre fashion, but follow that up by beating the media-loved Minnesota Vikings. The Dolphins forced four turnovers from the Vikings. The defense is being compared to the 1972 “No Name Defense” of the Miami Dolphins when they went undefeated. They are mighty good, now the offense needs to get on par with the defense. The RB’s fumbled the ball twice inside the 10 yard line, right after the defense had forced a turnover. Note to QB Chad Henne: get better, throwing for only 114 yards and one TD won’t make your fans, coaches or management happy.

11. New England Patriots – Record (1–1)

They had a dominant performance against the Bengals last week then come up with a clunker against the Jets. Brady looked pathetic against a depleted Jets defense. Head coach Bill Belichick better come up with a solution and fast for his young defense.

12. Tennessee Titans – Record (1–1)

Did you hear that big thud? If you watch the tape of the Steelers versus the Titans you can hear it quite clearly. That was the sound of Chris Johnson’s impossible quest for 2,500 rushing yards hitting a “Steel Curtain.” He had a decent game last week with 142 yards, but followed it up with 34 this week. To get to 2,500 rushing yards, Johnson would have to rush for at least 166 yards a week. Fat chance. I have a better chance of making the Titans roster. Another thing to note, Vince Young was pulled after a poor performance. With such a noted fragile psyche as his, how will it affect him?

13. San Diego Chargers – Record (1–1)

After an upset versus Kansas City a week ago, the Chargers took out their frustration on the Jaguars. Does 38-13 sound look a good remedy to a bitter opener on Monday Night Football? The Bolt’s defense forced six turnovers. Six! Four interceptions and two fumbles. David Garrard got benched after throwing all of those picks. On a sour note, RB Ryan Mathews injured his ankle. Backup fullback Mike Tolbert was handed the keys to the run game, where he had 16 carries for 82 yards and two TD’s.

14. Kansas City Chiefs – Record (2–0)

As a fan, I want them to be for real. As an analyst/ journalist, I can’t see them going better than 8-8 or 9-7 at the best. The defense looks improved, but the offense could be in trouble. And when I say offense, I mean QB Matt Cassel. He wasn’t very accurate, a middling average and he threw two picks. The running game was impressive, but if Todd Haley and the Chiefs want to be in the playoff hunt, the passing game has got to improve.

15. Chicago Bears – Record (2–0)

Dating back to Week 15 of last season, Jay Cutler is 86-135 (63.7 percent) for 1,198 yards, 13 TD’s and 2 int’s in four Chicago wins. Those are very good numbers. I have been downing them all offseason, but you can’t argue with those numbers. I still think the line is weak and will give way, they don’t have great weapons and the defense is old. They could prove me wrong, but I doubt they will be ranked this high for very much longer.

16. New York Giants – Record (1–1)

They looked improved last week, but this week is a whole different story. The line couldn’t stop the Colts pass rush, they couldn’t run the ball effectively and the defense could stop the Colts pass offense or rushing offense. In other words, they were thoroughly beaten. The “Manning Bowl” wasn’t all it was hyped up to be. It was more like the “Peyton and Crew Show.”

17. Philadelphia Eagles – Record (1–1)

I'm already tired of this controversy of Michael Vick. You don’t trade Donovan McNabb to start a QB that is just now shaking off the rust from jail. I hope all the best for Vick, but this is Kevin Kolb’s team when he is fully recovered from a concussion. Andy Reid just needs to stop subbing Vick in so much, and need to let Kolb get in a rhythm. And that performance by Vick this week? It was against the Lions. Not much to base a decision off of. Sure Vick is better now, but the future is more important for the Eagles. Kolb is the future, so start him.

18. Minnesota Vikings – Record (0–2)

I am enjoying seeing the disaster also known as the Vikings. Brett Favre looks old, injured and is not confident with his receivers. Sidney Rice will be out for a few more weeks, Percy Harvin is always dealing with migraines and Bernard Berrian looks like a shell of his former self. The good news? The Vikings might be getting Vincent Jackson.

19. San Francisco 49ers – Record (0–2)

I could have moved them down for being 0-2 but I was encouraged by their game against the Saints. After a rough first quarter for Alex Smith, he actually outplayed Drew Brees in some respects. Their defense was excellent against the Saints. I am seeing big things for this Niners team still.

20. Dallas Cowboys – Record (0–2)

This is quite possibly the most confusing team. They possibly have the most talent of any team in the league, but they are 0-2. No one has played real well: the coaching has been atrocious, the QB play hasn’t been amazing, the running backs haven’t been utilized effectively, the receivers haven’t been great, the line has been injured and again the defense hasn’t played to their abilities.

21. Oakland Raiders – Record (1–1)

Offseason acquisition QB Jason Campbell has been a huge disappointment for everyone. In fact, Bruce Gradkowski was subbed in against the Rams. The won, but maybe they aren’t on their way up, as I had previously thought.

22. Washington Redskins – Record (1–1)

They lost a big lead and ended up losing the game in OT. They keep making me look good. They won ugly against the Cowboys and then they lost in pathetic fashion to the Texans. The offense wasn’t great, as I had predicted, and the defense gave up nearly 500 yards in the air. Hate to tell you I told you so, but I told you so.

23. Arizona Cardinals – Record (1–1)

Derek Anderson performed like Derek Anderson. He too was yanked from the game. Undrafted rookie QB Max Hall took over, but he didn’t perform great either. Unfortunately Anderson will likely start again this week, so maybe ead coach Ken Whisenhunt didn’t make the best decision in letting Matt Leinart go.

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Record (2–0)

They beat another lowly team, but I can’t discount a 2-0 start. I’m not giving them too much credit for the time being, but like I have said, the future looks bright. QB Josh Freeman has already developed a lethal connection with rookie WR Mike Williams, now the rest of the team needs to develop.

25. Denver Broncos – Record (1–1)

They looked impressive against he Seahawks, but then again, that was the Seahawks. The QB Kyle Orton to rookie WR Demaryius Thomas connection looks good after Thomas missed the opener with injury. Other than that? A boring team.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars – Record (1–1)

QB David Garrard threw four picks, Maurice Jones drew was pathetic and fumbled twice, and they were man handled by the Chargers. Then to add insult to injury, well injury to injury, backup QB Luke McCown tore his ACL and will be out the rest of the season. Like I said in previous power rankings and in my draft analysis; this is a sad and pathetic franchise with their only hope for relevance being moved to Los Angeles.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Record (1–1)

They lost to the Broncos in a semi-blowout, 31-14. Seattle only had the ball for approximately a third of the game. That’s just not going to get it done. The defense needs to step up and cause some turnovers. Unless you’re the Colts (see last year’s game against the Dolphins), you can’t win a game without the ball.

28. Carolina Panthers – Record (0–2)

And officially, the Jimmy Clausen Era begins. QB Matt Moore failed in dramatic fashion, giving head coach John Fox no choice but to go with the talented rookie. They are the youngest team in the NFL, but they have some growing up to do if they want to win.

29. Detroit Lions – Record (0–2)

QB Matthew Stafford will be out for an extended period of time. That doesn’t give the Lions much hope. Stafford claims he isn’t injury prone, but that label will start creeping up around him. Oh and by the way, rookie RB Jahvid Best is kind of fast. He led the team in rushing yards and receiving yards. He is what you call an offensive weapon.

30. Cleveland Browns – Record (0–2)

I’d like to thank Mike Holmgren for putting such a dreadful team out on the field. The Browns are ridiculously pathetic. They had Seneca Wallace starting at QB. You catch my drift? It doesn’t help that their running backs have fumblitist.

31. Buffalo Bills – Record (0–2)

They got destroyed by the Packers, leading head coach Chan Gailey to start Ryan Fitzpatrick at QB. That is a scary proposition. There is some good news for Buffalo though; CJ Spiller supposedly will be getting more touches. So when is the draft again?

32. St. Louis Rams – Record (0–2)

No one looks good on this team. Steven Jackson had only 19 carries for 75 yards; thanks pathetic line. Sam Bradford only threw 25 passes this week though. That is some good news. He should only throw that much every week. Too bad they took Bradford last year, now who are they going to take no. 1 in the draft this year?