NFL Power Rankings for Week 3
In the ever-shifting landscape of the NFL, Week 2 delivered some seismic shake-ups in the top echelons of our power rankings. Four of our distinguished Strike 7 Elite top 10 teams found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard, offering a stark reminder of the league’s unpredictability. On the other side of the coin, teams such as San Francisco and Dallas are carving out a reputation for dominance, certainly staking their claim as the NFC’s premier contenders. As we roll into Week 3, the narrative is straightforward: expect the unexpected.
Strike 7 Elite: Power Rankings 1-10
1. 49ers: 2-0
Facing divisional foes always poses unique challenges, yet the San Francisco 49ers seem to have cracked the code regarding the Los Angeles Rams. Advancing their record to an unblemished 2-0, the Niners secured a 30-23 victory, marking an astounding ninth consecutive win over the Rams during Sean McVay’s tenure. In a back-to-back stellar performance, Christian McCaffrey churned out 116 yards and found the end zone, doing so on a mere 20 touches. The 49ers’ momentum, bolstered by such standout performances, is palpable as they look forward.
2. Cowboys: 2-0
At present, it’s hard to dispute that the defensive prowess of the Dallas Cowboys and the San Francisco 49ers stands head and shoulders above the rest of the league. In their home opener against the New York Jets, the Cowboys’ defense put on a masterclass, overwhelming a Jets offense that’s feeling the absence of Aaron Rodgers. They brought young QB Zach Wilson to the ground thrice and coerced him into several costly interceptions. Offensively, Dak Prescott continued to shine, launching the ball for 255 yards and connecting for two touchdowns, further solidifying Dallas’s dominant victory at 38-10.
3. Eagles: 2-0
Even with the challenge of a truncated week, the Philadelphia Eagles showcased their NFC title aspirations, toppling the Minnesota Vikings 34-28 in a gripping Thursday Night Football encounter. The spotlight was unmistakably on wide receiver DeVonta Smith. The ex-Alabama standout dazzled with four receptions, amassing 131 yards and etching his name on the scoreboard. As Dallas emerges as a juggernaut within the division, the stakes for Philadelphia are clear: not just to win, but to win convincingly.
4. Dolphins: 2-0 (Previous Ranking 6th)
While it didn’t match the offensive fireworks they showcased against the Chargers in their season opener, the Miami Dolphins did enough to cement their status with a 2-0 record. Continuing their early-season journey on the road, they dropped by Foxborough to square off against the New England Patriots. In a nail-biting contest, Miami edged out a 24-17 win over the Pats, positioning themselves at the summit of the AFC East — at least for now.
5. Ravens: 2-0 (Previous Ranking 8th)
Facing their Week 2 clash against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens were without critical contributors, including Ronnie Staley, Marlon Humphrey, Tyler Linderbaum, and Marcus Williams. True to the nature of divisional face-offs, it was a nail-biter. Yet, the Ravens staved off a spirited Bengals resurgence in the latter half to clinch a 27-24 victory. Following a subdued Week 1 showing, quarterback Lamar Jackson rekindled his unique spark under center. He went 24-for-33, notching up 237 yards and two touchdowns. Not just content in the pocket, Jackson showcased his dual-threat prowess again, adding 54 yards on the ground with 12 carries.
6. Saints: 2-0 (Previous Ranking 7th)
The dawn of the Derek Carr era in New Orleans shows promising early signs. With a Monday Night Football victory over the Carolina Panthers, the Saints find themselves at 2-0, a start they haven’t experienced since 2013. Their defense put on a dominant display, bringing down rookie QB Bryce Young on four occasions and restricting him to a modest 153 passing yards. Should the Saints refine their red zone efficiency and bolster their pass protection, they’re poised to become a formidable adversary as the season progresses.
7. Chiefs: 1-1 (Previous Ranking 10th)
The reigning Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs have finally marked their territory in the win column, dispatching the Jacksonville Jaguars on the road in a tight 17-9 contest. This game served as a throwback to last season’s pivotal playoff encounter. Intriguingly, with this victory, the Chiefs might again be poised to assert their dominance in the AFC West. As Week 2 unfolded, their divisional rivals — the Raiders, Broncos, and Chargers — faltered, potentially setting the stage for Kansas City to take the reins.
8. Falcons: 2-0 (Previous Ranking 12th)
As forecasted during the offseason, the Atlanta Falcons looked poised to potentially challenge for the NFC South title or, at the very least, secure a wild-card playoff spot. Their stunning come-from-behind triumph over the Green Bay Packers has been notable enough to earn them a coveted spot in our Strike 7 Elite power rankings.
9. Packers: 1-1 (Previous Ranking 5th)
Typically, the Atlanta Falcons are known for relinquishing leads heading into the final quarter, but Sunday saw a role reversal. Holding a comfortable 24-12 advantage over the Falcons as they entered the fourth, the Green Bay Packers shockingly succumbed 25-24. This setback nudges them to the 10th spot in our top-tier rankings. However, as highlighted earlier, Jordan Love appears to be the apt successor in the post-Aaron Rodgers phase. Despite the loss to the Falcons, Love showcased promise by launching three touchdown passes.
10. Jaguars: 1-1 (Previous Ranking 9th)
In what was built up as a revenge match against the Kansas City Chiefs, the Jacksonville Jaguars couldn’t entirely seal the deal, falling 17-9. This defeat relegates them to the 10th position in our Strike 7 Elite power rankings. The team will look to regroup and climb back up the ranks as the season progresses
Second Tier: NFL Power Rankings 11-20
11. Buccaneers: 2-0
12. Commanders: 2-0
13. Titans: 1-1
14. Bills: 1-1
15. Rams: 1-1
16. Seahawks: 1-1
17. Steelers: 1-1
18. Giants: 1-1
19. Browns: 1-1
20. Lions: 1-1
Bottom Tier: NFL Power Rankings 21-32
21. Jets: 1-1
22. Cardinals: 1-1
23. Broncos: 0-2
24. Chargers: 0-2
25. Vikings: 0-2
26. Bengals: 0-2
27. Colts: 0-2
28. Raiders: 1-1
29. Patriots: 0-2
30. Panthers: 0-2
31. Bears: 0-2
32. Texans: 0-2
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