NFL Week 3 Power Rankings
by Zak Drapeau
Sportz Nation - 9/22/2026
Tier 1
1. Buffalo Bills
2-0 --
Last Week: 41-31 Win vs DET
The best offense in the league and best player through 2 weeks are the Bills and Josh Allen. Their defense has allowed 31 points in both games so there's definitely room to improve there but as long as they have Josh Allen this team is going to be close to impossible to beat.
2. Los Angeles Rams
1-1 /\ 2
Last Week: 28-6 Win vs NYG
That was more like it for the Rams. After their poor outing in Australia last week I said it was likely due to the travel and they went out and proved it last night. Matthew Stafford is still in MVP-form and their ability to use Davante Adams when Puka Nacua isn't available means they're is little hope in stopping this team especially at home.
3. Kansas City Chiefs
2-0 --
Last Week: 33-30 Win vs IND
The Chiefs are most certainly back and even though a lot can be said about the Swiss Cheese-Defense of the Colts on Sunday night, both Mahomes and Kenneth Walker are starting the season off HOT. The Chiefs will be going on the road for the first time this season to Miami this week so they'll likely keep this spot next week too.
Tier 2
4. San Francisco 49ers
2-0 /\ 6
Last Week: 35-13 Win vs MIA
I wasn't sure of what to make of the 49ers heading into the season but they certainly look like a complete team even with their injuries. They've only beaten a jetlagged Rams and terrible Dolphins team so far on the year but everything from their pass rush to offensive line play and offensive depth look to be ready to face anyone.
5. Cincinnati Bengals
2-0 /\ 9
Last Week: 20-6 Win at HOU
The Bengals the biggest risers this week after going into Houston against one of the best defenses in the league and dominating them. Not only did Joe Burrow to Ja'Marr Chase look elite as ever but the Bengals defense proved for the 2nd week in a row that they're a MUCH better unit than in years past.
6. Seattle Seahawks
2-0 /\ 5
Last Week: 31-7 Win at ARI
Last week I dropped the Seahawks pretty far after a bad showing against the Patriots and Darnold's injury. Then they go ahead and blow the Cardinals out of the water and Drew Lock looks at least competent enough to keep them going so yea... they're back to being one of the best in the league.
7. Baltimore Ravens
1-1 \/ 5
Last Week: 17-24 Loss at NO
The Ravens went from an offensive powerhouse in Indianapolis to stalling against a Saints team I still can't make my mind up about. Their defense also let up too much through the air but everything tells me this roster is still elite and their Week 2 loss is more of just a fluke.
8. Philadelphia Eagles
2-0 \/ 2
Last Week: 24-20 Win at NYJ
Jalen Hurts didn't have the prettiest of games but I'm starting to get on the train that he really knows how to win games. Almost losing to the Titans is tough but the Eagles did so with a lot of injuries and still making a heck of a final drive comeback. They know how to win.
9. Detroit Lions
1-1 --
Last Week: 31-41 Loss at BUF
The Lions defense has given up 36 points per game to start the season which is... bad. But on the other hand, Goff, St. Brown and Gibbs are the best offensive trio in the league and I still firmly believe in Dan Campbell.
Tier 3
10. Denver Broncos
1-1 \/ 2
Last Week: 20-13 Win vs JAX
The Broncos defense looked MUCH better this week but their running game is still a problem. Bo Nix is a better than average Quarterback but without a running game and with both Waddle and Sutton not emerging as a true #1, the Broncos definitely have a glass ceiling on offense.
11. New England Patriots
1-1 /\ 2
Last Week: 20-3 Win vs PIT
Drake Maye's struggles and turnovers are a problem that I can still see improving through the season but for now the Patriots are going to need to keep teams under 20 points to win. Their pass rush has improved which is solid but until AJ Brown comes back this team is going to have to run through Tre Henderson and that just won't be enough against better teams like the Jaguars next week.
12. Jacksonville Jaguars
1-1 --
Last Week: 13-20 Loss at DEN
Heading into their game vs the Pats, the Jaguars just had a tough game in Denver but still look to be as dangerous as ever. Their running backs are a problem and they let up to many passing yards last week, but this team's base of spreading the ball to it's receivers and getting to the Quarterback is exactly what you want from top teams and if they can cause some Drake Maye turnovers they'll be all set.
13. Minnesota Vikings
2-0 /\ 7
Last Week: 9-3 Win at CHI
The Vikings are an early contender for best defense to start the season with 4 turnovers and 8 sacks though the first 2 games. They haven't found their groove yet on offense but with Kyler Murray expected to return this week in Tampa Bay, we could see them climb this list soon.
14. Dallas Cowboys
1-1 /\ 4
Last Week: 37-20 Win vs WAS
The Cowboys are who we thought they were. Offensively driven and completely Dak-dependent, but when he's on it's going to be hard to stop this team from scoring 28+. Their run defense has looked terrible and their matchup with the Ravens will definitely test that this week so they'll need every bit of their passing attack to win what should be a shoot out.
15. Chicago Bears
1-1 \/ 10
Last Week: 3-9 Loss vs MIN
The Bears certainly had a roller coaster of the first two weeks of the season huh? Good news is that Caleb should be back in around 2-3 weeks and this offense may still be good enough to split those games even with Tyson Bagent. Without Caleb they're still good enough roster to go .500.
16. Houston Texans
0-2 \/ 9
Last Week: 6-20 Loss vs CIN
C.J. Stroud has definitely looked better to start the 2026 season but first it was their defense letting him down and now their offensive line in Week 2. One of these days the whole team will play how they're capable of but for now I have to dock them for seemingly being very inconsistent to start the year.
Tier 4
17. New York Giants
1-1 \/ 2
Last Week: 6-28 Loss at LAR
It's too early to guess when Jaxson Dart will return to the lineup but Jameis Winston certainly didn't look good enough on Monday Night. Thankfully, this team's defense still looks very good and their running game with Skat and Singletary should keep them in games until their Quarterback comes back hopefully in 2-3 weeks.
18. New Orleans Saints
1-1 /\ 5
Last Week: 24-17 Win vs BAL
Okay it's time to talk about Tyler Shough. By the way is it "Shuck" or "Show"? Anyway, he is absolutely legit along with Chris Olave and even if their defense isn't quite good enough to make them a legit playoff threat just yet they're certainly getting there and better than the team I thought they were before the season.
19. Carolina Panthers
1-1 /\ 3
Last Week: 34-3 Win at Falcons
The Panthers may have faced two of the worst teams in the league to start the season but there's no way around the fact that Bryce Young is having an amazing start to the season and their pass rush is very good. They need to do better in run defense moving forward after 224 yards per game to start the season.
20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
0-2 \/ 3
Last Week: 19-23 Loss vs CLE
The Buccs' defense should be their calling card and has so far been one of the worst against the pass. Baker looks different without Mike Evans but he'll turn it around. Still, after losing at home to the Browns you can't put them any higher on this list.
21. Green Bay Packers
1-1 --
Last Week: 20-17 Win at NYJ
The Packers were a 4th Quarter comeback against the Jets from being a LOT lower on this list. Jordan Love doesn't look great to start the season and they're definitely still missing Josh Jacobs but they're still the Packers and should maintain a decent-to-good team moving forward.
22. Indianapolis Colts
0-2 /\ 3
Last Week: 30-33 Loss at KC
The Colts have started the season with a HISTORICALLY bad defense even though they have faced two of the best offenses to start the season. They also just lost Alec Pierce for an indeterminant amount of time but Jonathan Taylor has proven himself as one of the best players in the league and should keep this team competitive. A home game against AFC South rival Texans will be a HUGE matchup for them.
Tier 5
23. Las Vegas Raiders
2-0 /\ 5
Last Week: 26-14 Win at LAC
The Raiders starting the season 2-0 was not on my bingo card but it should be noted they've faced the Dolphins and a Chargers team that can't move the ball at all so far this season. Kirk Cousins is actually dealing so far but their biggest surprise has been the pass rush with multiple players consistently getting pressure.
24. Los Angeles Chargers
0-2 \/ 8
Last Week: 14-26 vs LV
Boy oh boy what has happened in LA. The Chargers offense was thought to be Top-5 before the season with Mike McDaniel but hasn't come close so far. They've played like a bottom-5 team against two teams that should also be bottom-5 but I still believe in their potential so I didn't drop them quite that far... yet.
25. New York Jets
1-1 /\ 2
Last Week: 17-20 Loss vs GB
Ok they're still only #25 because they're the Jets but I have to say... I'm starting to believe. The Jets have a Top-5 defense to start the season and Geno Smith hasn't looked elite but also hasn't turned the ball over. If the defense can maintain their play I wouldn't be surprised to see them climb this list sooner than later.
26. Washington Commanders
0-2 \/ 7
Last Week: 20-37 Loss at DAL
The Commanders already didn't look good with Daniels at the helm but after he just dislocated his elbow this week I can't imagine their offense being anything better than mediocre until he returns. Add to that their defense being only run of the mill and they don't have much hope especially with the Seahawks coming to town.
27. Cleveland Browns
1-1 /\ 3
Last Week: 23-19 Win at TB
I know they just had a huge win in Tampa Bay this week but I can't bring myself to move the Browns any higher even if Deshaun Watson looked decent. They still can't run the ball or even stop the run on defense though and I wouldn't count on Watson to repeat his last game anytime soon.
28. Pittsburgh Steelers
1-1 \/ 4
Last Week: 3-20 Loss at NE
Last week's game in New England was a real eye opener into Mike McCarthy's Steelers. Their defense is okay, it was always going to be. But McCarthy was brought in to improve the offense and so far all I'm seeing is a bad run game and a 42-year old Aaron Rodgers who is way too past his prime to drag this team anywhere.
29. Arizona Cardinals
1-1 \/ 3
Last Week: 7-31 Loss vs SEA
After Week 1 I thought the Cardinals would actually be something. After seeing them get dominated at home and realizing they only beat a Chargers team who can't get out of their way I realize that at best, they're a team that could be fun throughout the year but will still only win 5 games max.
30. Tennessee Titans
0-2 /\ 2
Last Week: 20-24 Loss vs PHI
This team will improve throughout the season with Cam Ward already looking a little better and Robert Saleh's defense looking good against the Eagles. However from where they started, even an improved team will still be bad. Still, this team is at the beginning of it's rebuild so some growing pains are expected.
Tier 6
31. Atlanta Falcons
0-2 \/ 2
Last Week: 3-34 Loss vs CAR
The only reason the Falcons aren't in the last spot is because Michael Penix is expected to make his season debut on Thursday night. After that performance last week with Cooper Rush against Carolina, this team should already consider tanking. If Penix comes back and can actually throw the ball, this team definitely has hope to move up a few spots but likely just a few.
32. Miami Dolphins
0-2 \/ 1
Last Week: 13-35 Loss at SF
Yea this should be expected. Everyone knew Miami would be one of the worst teams in the league this year and they certainly are showing it. Going to San Francisco was never going to be a winnable game for this rebuilding team but they haven't given me any reason to be optimistic.
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-Z.D.
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