Week 3 NFL Power Rankings: Vikings on the rise!

Week 2 of the NFL season featured big injuries, great games, and some surprises. Where do the Vikings and your team land in this week’s Power Rankings?

What a week in the NFL! Not only were there some big upsets among the week 2 games, but many games went down to the wire and provided thrilling finishes that left fans on the edge of their seats.

Sadly, these games didn’t all end in a great way. Some teams suffered major injuries that could have big implications on their 2016 season. Others experienced heartbreak in crushing defeats. No matter what, these teams will play next week, so it is time for them to put their best team on the field and go to battle.

Here are the NFL power rankings headed into week 3 of the NFL season:

1. New England Patriots (last week: 1) – New England lost Jimmy Garoppolo for the week, but Tom Brady will return soon. When he gets back, watch out.
2. Denver Broncos (last week: 2) – The defense came up big once again. CJ Anderson has found his stride and Siemian has been able to hold down the fort.
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (last week: 3) – The Steelers won due to a controversial call this week. However, without Markus Wheaton and LeVeon Bell Pittsburgh took down a very good Cincinnati team. Impressive win.
4. Carolina Panthers (last week: 4) – After being held to three points in the second half against Denver, the Panthers put up 46 points against San Francisco. Carolina looked much better when they weren’t up against that Denver D.
5. Arizona Cardinals (last week: 6) – Everyone was worried about the Cards after they lost to the Patriots on SNF. They silenced the doubters by beating the Buccaneers 40-7. Statement win.
6. Minnesota Vikings (last week: 9) – Sam Bradford shocked the league this week. He looked like a number one overall pick much of the night, and Stefon Diggs is an emerging star. The loss of Adrian Peterson will definitely hurt though.
7. Houston Texans (last week: 12) – Houston beat Kansas City in a low scoring affair. Will Fuller definitely looks worthy of his draft pick. The Houston offense is only going to get better.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (last week: 8) – The Bengals hung in there in a tough place to play. They are still a very good team and should’ve had a chance to tie the game.
9. New York Jets (last week: 11) – This team will have a great record if they are able to get out of the initial onslaught. Fitzpatrick is better than people give him credit.
10. Green Bay Packers (last week: 5) – Everyone’s worried about Aaron Rodgers. That’s absolutely ridiculous. Rodgers will be alright and the Packers will make the playoffs. They’re a little rusty (and the Vikings defense is top 3).
11. Kansas City Chiefs (last week: 10) – The Chiefs struggled to put points on the board against a stout Texans D. This week will show a lot against the Jets.
12. New York Giants (last week: 15) – The Giants beat the Saints in a low scoring game? The score was surprising, but a win’s a win.
13. Philadelphia Eagles (last week: 24) – Carson Wentz has looked very good. When the schedule gets tougher we will see what the Eagles are made of.
14. Seattle Seahawks (last week: 7) – Seattle has looked awful to start the year. They cannot score at all. The defense has actually looked good, but the offense is a reason to panic.
15. Dallas Cowboys (last week: 25) – Dak Prescott may take over for Romo. He can play. This might not be the year, but Dallas should be happy where they stand.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (last week: 13) – After looking excellent in Atlanta, the Bucs got trounced. Awful performance, but they will bounce back.
17. Baltimore Ravens (last week: 17) – Going down 20 to Cleveland will not move you up. Winning the game has kept them in their spot. The Ravens have to play tougher teams before they can be properly assessed.
18. Atlanta Falcons (last week: 27) – The Falcons were primed to continue last years’ trend before they came into Oakland and won a game that many people thought they would lose. Falcons might be a wild card if they get things straight.
19. Oakland Raiders: (last week: 14) – The Raiders were in a position to start separating themselves as an emerging contender. They have to win that game.
20. San Diego Chargers: (last week: 29) – The Chargers rebounded from a devastating loss to beat the hell out of the Jaguars. Phillip Rivers is unbelievable.
21. Indianapolis Colts (last week: 21) – The Colts keep their spot because they went into Denver and gave the Broncos a game. They should contend for the South.
22. New Orleans Saints (last week: 22) – The Saints offense was stymied by the Giants D. A blocked field goal may have been the difference.
23. Miami Dolphins (last week: 19) – The Dolphins almost pulled off an epic comeback. It was a blowout turned exciting finish after Garoppolo left the game.
24. Tennessee Titans (last week: 30) – Marcus Mariota led the Titans on a game-winning drive and they sealed it with an interception.
25. Jacksonville Jaguars (last week: 16) – The Jaguars were on the right path. They competed against the Packers and seemed to be better. Then they lose by 24.
26. Detroit Lions (last week: 18) – The Lions have to beat Tennessee at home. Stafford has a lot on his shoulders.
27. San Francisco 49ers (last week: 26) – The 49ers competed for much of the game against the Panthers. They definitely could move up the list.
28. Washington Redskins (last week: 20) – The Redskins have looked bad. There is turmoil in the locker room and things are going downhill. This game is a must-win.
29. Buffalo Bills (last week: 23) – The Bills were supposed to be a potential wild-card team this year. They just don’t look the same.
30. Los Angeles Rams (last week: 31) – Beating Seattle should get you higher. The problem is they scored 9 points. No touchdowns on the season for the offense yet.
31. Chicago Bears (last week: 28) – The Bears lost Cutler and now look headed for a lost season.
32. Cleveland Browns (last week: 32) – Poor Cleveland. They looked good with McCown but then he got hurt. I wonder if they should’ve drafted Carson Wentz?

What do you think of these NFL power rankings? Would you rat some of these teams higher? Which teams deserve a lower ranking? And who will experience the biggest change after week 3? Leave your thoughts in the comments below.