NFL Power Rankings: Week 3 Highlights and Surprises

NFL Power Rankings: Week 3

As we dive into Week 3 of the NFL Power Rankings, Tennessee Titans coach Brian Callahan perfectly captures the collective sentiment with his baffled expression. What is going on in the National Football League?

In a whirlwind of Week 2 action, we witnessed some surprising upsets: the Minnesota Vikings overcame the formidable San Francisco 49ers, the Las Vegas Raiders triumphed over the Baltimore Ravens, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers edged past the Detroit Lions. Meanwhile, Malik Willis and the Green Bay Packers secured a victory against the Indianapolis Colts, while the unstoppable New Orleans Saints delivered a crushing defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.

This was just the early slate on Sunday, with six underdogs shocking the world with outright victories. The Ravens, Bengals, and Rams are currently facing a daunting 0-2 start, a troubling statistic as only two 0-2 teams have managed to claw their way into the playoffs in the past five years. On the flip side, four teams that missed the playoffs last season—namely the Chargers, Vikings, Saints, and Seahawks—are basking in the glow of a 2-0 record. It’s utter chaos!

As we sift through this madness, we attempted to establish a ranking order this week, though the task proved challenging with no volunteers stepping forward.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

• Last week: 1
• Sunday: Defeated Cincinnati Bengals 26-25
• In an unexpected twist, offensive tackle Wanya Morris has managed to secure more touchdown receptions than Travis Kelce this season. Morris caught a 1-yard pass as an eligible lineman on Sunday, bringing him just three catches behind Kelce for the season. The Chiefs remain undefeated, and if they win in either of the next two weeks, Patrick Mahomes will etch his name in history as the first quarterback to win 77 of his first 100 starts, currently tied with legends Tom Brady and Roger Staubach at 76.
• Up next: at Falcons, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

2. Buffalo Bills (2-0)

• Last week: 3
• Thursday: Beat Miami Dolphins 31-10
• Week 1 showcased the brilliance of Josh Allen, who amassed four touchdowns and 279 combined passing and rushing yards. In Week 2, however, his contribution dwindled to just 141 combined yards and one touchdown, yet the Bills still claimed a decisive victory. Their defense was formidable, limiting the Dolphins to 4.7 yards per play and forcing three turnovers, indicating that Buffalo could be a serious contender beyond just the Josh Allen Show.
• Up next: vs. Jaguars, Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET

3. New Orleans Saints (2-0)

• Last week: 11
• Sunday: Defeated Dallas Cowboys 44-19
• Who would have predicted that the Saints would be the fourth-highest scoring team in NFL history after just two games? With an impressive 91 points scored, they are setting an extraordinary pace not seen since 2015. Alvin Kamara dazzled with four touchdowns, joining an elite group of players in Super Bowl history to surpass 150 yards of offense and score four touchdowns in a single game.
• Up next: vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

4. Houston Texans (2-0)

• Last week: 4
• Sunday: Beat Chicago Bears 19-13
• While the Texans have faced the Colts and Bears—teams that may not be measuring sticks for defensive prowess—there is potential brewing under C.J. Stroud’s leadership. Houston leads the league in sack rate (13.8 percent) and ranks ninth in defensive success rate (63.3 percent), showcasing a promising defensive unit.
• Up next: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

• Last week: 10
• Sunday: Beat Detroit Lions 20-16
• Despite being outperformed in several key statistics—12 fewer first downs and 247 fewer total yards than the Lions—the Buccaneers still emerged victorious. Quarterback Baker Mayfield led the team in rushing with a mere 34 yards. The defense, however, shone brightly, allowing just one touchdown in seven red zone visits, achieving a remarkable 14.3 percent defensive red zone efficiency, the second-best in such circumstances since 2000.
• Up next: vs. Denver Broncos, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. Detroit Lions (1-1)

• Last week: 5
• Sunday: Lost to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 20-16
• The Lions dominated in yardage, racking up 463 offensive yards while holding the Buccaneers to a mere 216. Aidan Hutchinson’s performance, highlighted by 4.5 sacks, marked one of the most impressive defensive outings since 2021. However, Jared Goff’s 55 passing attempts and two interceptions ultimately led to defeat.
• Up next: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

7. Minnesota Vikings (2-0)

• Last week: 14
• Sunday: Beat San Francisco 49ers 23-17
• Justin Jefferson joined an elite group alongside Randy Moss, achieving his 30th 100-yard receiving game within his first five seasons. He delivered a spectacular 97-yard touchdown catch, although he left the game with a minor thigh bruise. Quarterback Sam Darnold is reviving his career, ranking fifth in passer rating (111.8) and ninth in passing yards (476) thus far.
• Up next: vs. Houston Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

8. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)

• Last week: 2
• Sunday: Lost to Minnesota Vikings 23-17
• Despite impressive individual performances from Brock Purdy, Deebo Samuel, and Jordan Mason, the 49ers fell to the Vikings for the seventh consecutive time in Minnesota. The last 49ers team to win there was led by Steve Young back in 1992.
• Up next: at Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

9. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)

• Last week: 9
• Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 26-3
• The Chargers are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2012, with J.K. Dobbins leading the league in rushing. His impressive 131 rushing yards against the Panthers helped solidify a solid run game that has a 59.7 percent run rate, surpassed only by the Saints and Steelers.
• Up next: at Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

10. Seattle Seahawks (2-0)

• Last week: 12
• Sunday: Beat New England Patriots 23-20
• With DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba both surpassing 100 receiving yards, they became the first duo in Seahawks history to achieve this feat in a single game. Geno Smith’s 327 passing yards complemented Kenneth Walker III’s 100 rushing yards, making for a balanced offensive attack.
• Up next: vs. Miami Dolphins, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

11. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

• Last week: 6
• Monday: Lost to Atlanta Falcons 22-21
• In a heartbreaking loss, the Eagles fell just short, and Jalen Hurts’ swing pass drop by Saquon Barkley with 1:46 left proved costly. The Eagles’ nine penalties contributed to their struggles against a persistent Falcons offense. However, Hurts showcased his rushing prowess, gaining 85 yards and scoring a touchdown along with 183 passing yards.
• Up next: at Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

12. Green Bay Packers (1-1)

• Last week: 21
• Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 16-10
• With their victory, the Packers became the first NFL team to achieve 800 wins. Their game plan was reminiscent of the league’s early days, heavily relying on the run—53 rushing attempts for 261 yards. Josh Jacobs had a standout first quarter with 81 yards, finishing with 151 overall.
• Up next: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

13. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

• Last week: 7
• Sunday: Lost to New Orleans Saints 44-19
• The Cowboys’ roller-coaster season continued as they struggled offensively against the Saints. Despite Dak Prescott’s contract being finalized and a previous victory, the team managed just 68 rushing yards. CeeDee Lamb’s 90-yard performance was one of the few highlights in an otherwise bleak outing.
• Up next: vs. Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

14. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)

• Last week: 23
• Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 41-10
• Kyler Murray’s impressive performance included becoming the second player in NFL history to achieve 250 passing yards, 50 rushing yards, and a perfect passer rating in a single game. With rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. coming alive with 130 receiving yards, the Cardinals showed promise as they look to build momentum.
• Up next: vs. Detroit Lions, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

15. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)

• Last week: 13
• Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 13-6
• The Steelers’ offense has yet to find its rhythm, with just one touchdown and eight field goals this season. Despite Justin Fields’ struggles, the defense has been stellar, allowing no opponent to exceed 90 rushing yards thus far, positioning Pittsburgh at the top of the AFC North.
• Up next: vs. Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. New York Jets (1-1)

• Last week: 20
• Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 24-17
• Aaron Rodgers, while not at his peak, has been serviceable, ranking 24th in passing yards (343) through two weeks. The Jets celebrated rookie running back Braelon Allen, who made history as the youngest player to score a touchdown in the Super Bowl era with two scores on Sunday.
• Up next: vs. New England Patriots, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

17. Baltimore Ravens (0-2)

• Last week: 17
• Sunday: Lost to Las Vegas Raiders 26-23
• After holding a 10-point lead entering the fourth quarter, the Ravens succumbed to penalties and a lack of second-half adjustments. Lamar Jackson’s performance has been lackluster, trailing behind Deshaun Watson in passer rating within their division.
• Up next: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

18. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)

• Last week: 25
• Sunday: Lost to Kansas City Chiefs 26-25
• The Bengals face a dire situation with their receiving corps. Tee Higgins remains sidelined, and Ja’Marr Chase has struggled to make an impact, ranking 41st in receiving yards. At least Andrei Iosivas delivered a memorable moment with two catches for two touchdowns in a tough loss.
• Up next: vs. Washington Commanders, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

19. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)

• Last week: 28
• Monday: Beat Philadelphia Eagles 22-21
• In a thrilling finish, Kirk Cousins led the Falcons to victory with an impressive drive capped by a touchdown to Drake London. With Bijan Robinson spearheading the running attack, the Falcons aim to build on this momentum against the Chiefs next week.
• Up next: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

20. Miami Dolphins (1-1)

• Last week: 8
• Thursday: Lost to Buffalo Bills 31-10
• With Tua Tagovailoa’s health in question after another concussion scare, the Dolphins face a critical juncture in their season. They signed backup Tyler “Snoop” Huntley to provide insurance. Meanwhile, De’Von Achane’s breakout game showcased his potential as a key player moving forward.
• Up next: at Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

21. New England Patriots (1-1)

• Last week: 15
• Sunday: Lost to Seattle Seahawks 23-20
• Antonio Gibson’s resurgence offered a glimmer of hope, but the Patriots’ receiving corps struggled significantly, combining for a mere three catches. With a lack of offensive firepower, the team must regroup quickly ahead of a crucial divisional matchup.
• Up next: at New York Jets, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

22. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)

• Last week: 24
• Sunday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 26-23
• Davante Adams took charge in the fourth quarter with 86 receiving yards, while rookie tight end Brock Bowers made history with a remarkable start to his career. The Raiders’ defensive standout Maxx Crosby continues to dominate, leading the charge against opposing offenses.
• Up next: vs. Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

23. Chicago Bears (1-1)

• Last week: 16
• Sunday: Lost to Houston Texans 19-13
• Caleb Williams’ debut left fans concerned as he faced relentless pressure from the Texans’ defense, resulting in seven sacks. The Bears’ offensive struggles continue, as they rank among the lowest in total yards this season.
• Up next: at Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

24. Indianapolis Colts (0-2)

• Last week: 18
• Sunday: Lost to Green Bay Packers 20-16
• Anthony Richardson’s performance raised eyebrows as he struggled with a passer rating of 41.8, throwing three interceptions. Despite Jonathan Taylor’s solid ground game, the Colts’ inability to convert on third downs proved costly.
• Up next: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

25. Cleveland Browns (1-1)

• Last week: 32
• Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 18-13
• The Browns managed a win despite a staggering 13 penalties, leading the league in infractions. Deshaun Watson’s struggles continue, with a mere one touchdown to two interceptions, raising concerns about the team’s offensive efficiency.
• Up next: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

26. Los Angeles Rams (0-2)

• Last week: 19
• Sunday: Lost to Arizona Cardinals 41-10
• The Rams faced a harsh reality check against the Cardinals. Without the services of Cooper Kupp for an extended period, the offensive struggles are palpable, and they must find answers quickly as they face tough opponents ahead.
• Up next: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)

• Last week: 22
• Sunday: Lost to Cleveland Browns 18-13
• The Jaguars have now lost seven of their last eight games, with Trevor Lawrence candidly stating, “We suck right now.” Consistency on offense remains elusive, with the team’s performance falling short of expectations.
• Up next: at Buffalo Bills, Monday, 7:30 p.m. ET

28. Tennessee Titans (0-2)

• Last week: 26
• Sunday: Lost to New York Jets 24-17
• First-year head coach Brian Callahan’s frustration was evident as he was caught questioning quarterback Will Levis’s decisions. Levis’s costly mistakes could have a significant impact on the team’s chances moving forward.
• Up next: vs. Green Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. Washington Commanders (1-1)

• Last week: 29
• Sunday: Beat New York Giants 21-18
• Austin Seibert, recently signed, made a franchise record with seven field goals in a single game. The Commanders’ offense struggled to find the end zone, but Seibert’s performance was a bright spot in a lackluster outing.
• Up next: at Cincinnati Bengals, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

30. Denver Broncos (0-2)

• Last week: 27
• Sunday: Lost to Pittsburgh Steelers 13-6
• Sean Payton’s rookie quarterback, Bo Nix, is facing immense pressure, and comparisons to Mahomes are weighing heavily. The Broncos’ offense has sputtered, scoring just 13 points total this season—one of the lowest in the league.
• Up next: at Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. New York Giants (0-2)

• Last week: 30
• Sunday: Lost to Washington Commanders 21-18
• Despite Malik Nabers’ record-setting performance, the Giants suffered a heartbreaking loss, becoming one of only two teams in NFL history to score three touchdowns and still lose in regulation. The team faces mounting pressure as they struggle to find footing.
• Up next: at Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Carolina Panthers (0-2)

• Last week: 31
• Sunday: Lost to Chargers 26-3
• The Panthers are in a precarious position, with a staggering minus-60 point differential after just two games. Bryce Young’s struggles have prompted a switch to veteran Andy Dalton, as the team seeks to regain competitiveness.
• Up next: at Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

(Top photo: Sam Hodde / Getty Images)