JetNation NFL Power Rankings Week 3

As the NFL season rolls into Week Three, the NFL Power Rankings continue to shift with surprising upsets and standout performances. The Kansas City Chiefs reclaim the top spot, while teams like the New Orleans Saints and Houston Texans surge into contention. Meanwhile, the NY Jets climb closer to the top ten after a gritty win over the Titans, showing promise but still facing challenges. Here’s how the top 10 teams stack up in JetNation’s latest Power Rankings.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

Last Week: 2

The Chiefs return to a familiar spot in the power rankings. If any team has had a recipe to beat KC, it was the Bengals. Cincinnati had a shot on Sunday, but it didn’t work, and that is bad news for the winless Bengals and the rest of the AFC.

Reason to be concerned: Isiah Pacheco is headed to the IR with a leg injury. Pacheco runs with an edge the other Chief backs can’t match. An extended absence will lessen KC’s ability to find balance offensively.

Reason to be optimistic: The Chiefs are still finding ways to win every week, and there are not many teams in the league that can stay with them if they can continue to average 26.5 points per game.

2. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)

Last Week: 1

The Niners were surprised in Minnesota. San Francisco moved the ball but were just 2-10 on third down. While the Niners couldn’t convert, their defense allowed the Vikings to convert 7-12 on third down.
Reason to be concerned: The Vikings ran it for 146 on Sunday. The Jets could only gain 68 on the ground in week one. San Francisco is rarely outrun. Minnesota beat the Niners at their own game. Shanahan needs to ensure that it’s not a trend.

Reason to be optimistic: The Niners scheme has allowed them to blunt the impact of Christian McCaffrey’s injury. Jordan Mason has 247 yards rushing through two games. The system works, and if they can continue to run it like they have, the Niners will compete every week.

3. New Orleans Saints (2-0)

Last Week: Unranked

The Saints have exploded into the rankings after a complete dismantling of the Cowboys in Dallas. New Orleans has put 91 points on the board in their two games. The Saints get a chance to show if they have staying power this week with a home matchup against Philadelphia.

Reason to be concerned: It’s tough to find one after two blowout wins.  DB Alontae Taylor is the Saints’ leading tackler through two games. It’s never good to have a member of the secondary as your leading tackler. It’s likely a result of their two opponents needing to abandon the run, but if that trend continues, the Saints will need to take action.
Reason to be optimistic: There are many. The Saints lead the league in points scored and are fourth in points allowed. It’s all gravy right now in New Orleans.

4. Houston Texans (2-0)

Last Week: 6

The Texans allowed the Bears just 205 total yards on offense Sunday night. The defense also amassed seven sacks against the elusive Caleb Williams. There is a lot of offense in Houston. The Texans are going to be a factor if the defense plays like it did on Sunday night.

Reason to be concerned: If Joe Mixon misses extended time, the Texans will feel the hurt. Mixon adds an element to the run game that no one else on the roster can.
Reason to be optimistic: CJ Stroud continues to value the ball unlike any young quarterback in recent memory. Stroud has 23 touchdown passes against just 5 interceptions over his short career. While other young quarterbacks regularly make blooper-reel decisions with the ball, Stroud never puts his defense at a disadvantage.

 5. Detroit Lions (1-1)

Last Week: 3

The Lions finished Sunday with statistical advantages in most major categories but still lost at home to Tampa.  Detroit had to settle for field goal attempts instead of touchdowns when they got in the red zone.

Reason to be concerned: Jared Goff has just one touchdown pass in the first two games. Goff was fourth in the league lasts season with 30 TDs. Goff and the receivers need to pick it up in the red zone.
Reason to be optimistic: The Lions are fourth in rushing defense.  If the defense can continue that level of play, the Lions offense will have short fields and plenty of opportunities to regain last season’s form.

6. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)

Last Week: 4

The Birds allowed the Falcons to move down the field for the winning touchdown much too easily. Monday night might stick in the Eagles minds for a while. AJ Brown is sorely missed in the passing game.

Reason to be concerned: The Eagles are not getting pressure on opposing quarterbacks consistently.  Kirk Cousins had time for each throw on the final drive.

Reason to be optimistic: Linebacker Zack Baun has been a find for Philadelphia. He has already matched his sack total from 2023, and with 24 tackles in the first two games, he will easily surpass his career high (30).

7. Green Bay Packers (1-1)

Last Week: 8

The Packers passed their first test without Jordan Love. Malik Willis will get his first road start next week in Tennessee. Willis was efficient and didn’t make any mistakes Sunday. The Pack rode 261 rushing yards to victory.
Reason to be concerned: Willis wasn’t asked for much Sunday. He will need to make plays in the weeks to come for Green Bay to weather Jordan Love’s absence.

Reason to be optimistic: The Packers are second overall in turnover differential and first in rushing yards. Taking care of the ball, controlling the clock, and being opportunistic on defense will make things easier for the backup quarterback.

8. Buffalo Bills (2-0)

Last Week: 10

The Bills hammered the Dolphins in Miami. This week’s game is pivotal for Buffalo. After the Jaguars come to town, Buffalo goes on the road for three straight against the Ravens, Texans, and Jets.
Reason to be concerned: There’s no indication that anyone will be able to replace Stephon Diggs in the passing game. None of the Bills wideouts have totaled 100 yards receiving for the year.

Reason to be optimistic: Josh Allen has not thrown an interception.  Allen had a career-high 18 picks last season. He has less firepower than he did in 2023, so better decisions will be critical to the Bills’ success.

9. Minnesota Vikings (2-0)

Last Week: Unranked

The Vikings are one of the young season’s biggest surprises. Handling the mighty Niners was impressive after the way San Francisco looked in week one. Sam Darnold has four TDs already.

Reason to be concerned: Justin Jefferson suffered a quad injury in week two. There is simply no replacing him if he were to miss any significant time.

Reason to be optimistic: The Vikings defense is only allowing 11.5 points per game. Minnesota leads the league with 11 sacks thus far. The Vikings are 11^th in total offense. Continuing to play defense at their current level will allow the Vikings limited offense to slide back to the middle of the pack where they are expected to finish.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

Last Week: Unranked

The Bucs impressed with a win in Detroit on Sunday.  Holding the potent Lions to just 16 points at home is an achievement.

Reason to be concerned: The ground game is not getting it done. Tampa’s leading rusher has a total of just 84 yards in two games.

Reason to be optimistic: Baker Mayfield has the league’s second-highest passer rating, and Chris Godwin and Mike Evans continue to produce. The starting wide receiver combo has four TDs already.

———————————————————————————————————

14. New York Jets (1-1)

Last Week: Unranked

The Jets took care of the ball and turned the Titans over twice in a close game in Tennessee. Braelon Allen scored two TDs – one on the ground and one receiving. Allen’s 20-yard TD run broke a 17-17 tie and gave New York the lead for good with just 4:31 left in the fourth quarter.

Reason to be concerned: Rodgers is having trouble finding anyone in the passing game. The receivers are not creating enough separation. Rarely is the first option available when Rodgers makes his drop. The Jets are averaging just over 170 yards passing per game.

Reason to be optimistic: The offensive line is still learning to play with one another. Due to injury concerns, the starting did not get much time together in the Jets’ preseason games. Coordination between offensive linemen takes time. This group will get better as the season progresses, and it should pay dividends in both the ground and air attack.

The post JetNation NFL Power Rankings Week 3 appeared first on JetNation.com – New York Jets Blog & Forum. You can discuss this with other NY Jets fans on the Jet Nation message board. Or visit of on Facebook.

Source: https://www.jetnation.com/2024/09/17/jetnation-nfl-power-rankings-week-3/