A change at the top, again, but the Chiefs could be there awhile. (Week 3 Power Rankings HERE)
1. Chiefs (3-0)
Previous rank: 2
Last: Win 34-20 at Ravens (2-1)
Next: vs Patriots (2-1)
They left zero doubt who the best team in the AFC (or the NFL) is after their solid dismantling of the Ravens on Monday night. Their defense held Lamar Jackson under wraps the entire game and Patrick Mahomes was unstoppable. The Ravens defense is excellent and talented and it did not matter. Mahomes had the Chiefs in the endzone four times in the first half, he had five touchdowns in the game. Their matchup with Cam Newton, Bill Belichick and the Patriots next week should be fun.
2. Ravens (2-1)
Previous Rank: 1
Last: Lost 34-20 vs Chiefs (3-0)
Next: at The Football Team (1-2)
The Ravens freight train came to a screeching halt, Lamar Jackson had no answers and his receivers did not help him much. On a night when their defense was being shredded, which is rare, this was not a competitive game despite the fact it was a one score game in the fourth quarter.
3. Steelers (3-0)
Previous rank: 3
Last: Win 28-21 vs Texans (0-3)
Next: at Titans (3-0)
Very similar afternoon for the Steelers, they don't do anything special, they win a close game. They picked off Deshaun Watson once, which gave them their 4th INT of the season, 2nd most in the league. They put pressure on the Texans defense all afternoon and their offense kept them fresh converted eight third downs and a pair of fourth down conversions, too.
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4. Bills (3-0)
Previous rank: 6
Last: Win 35-32 vs Rams (2-1)
Next: at Raiders (2-1)
They rolled out to a 28-3 lead, only to allow the Rams to come storming back to take a 32-28 lead late in the game. But Josh Allen continued to show his numbers are indicative of how well he is playing. He led four consecutive long touchdown drives to get the lead, then their next three drives netted just 19 yards, no points and two of them ended in turnovers from Allen. So with one chance left to save the day, he engineered an 11 play, 80 yard drive that took the clock down to just 15 seconds remaining and ended with his fourth touchdown toss of the day.
5. Patriots (2-1)
Previous rank: 5
Last: Win 36-20 vs Raiders (2-1)
Next: at Chiefs (3-0)
A slow start then a fast finish for Cam Newton's Patriots. Three shaky possessions, including a turnover, to open the game. Then points on every possession that followed on their way to a dominant victory over the Raiders. They forced and recovered three fumbles and pounded the Raiders with their running game - 250 rushing yards on the day. Nothing special from Newton, other that the most important stat - a win. Big one next week at the Chiefs.
6. Titans (3-0)
Previous rank: 7
Last: Win 31-30 vs Vikings
Next: vs Steelers (3-0)
The Titans had the ball 13 times against the Vikings, just two ended with touchdowns - yet, a victory for Tennessee. They were in Minneosta territory on nine occasions and their 5th field goal got them the win in the final minute. Derrick Henry had his best game, but essentially they're formula for success remains unchanged. Run the ball, run the clock, keep their defense off the field, win. So far they're 3-for-3.
7. Raiders (2-1)
Previous rank: 4
Last:Loss 36-20 at Patriots (2-1)
Next: vs Bills (3-0)
Raiders found out the obvious - nearly impossible to win with a -3 in the turnover battle. If tight end Darren Waller and running back Josh Jacobs don't have huge days, the Raiders are in trouble. The duo combined for 80 total yards and that's not gonna get it done for Las Vegas.
8. Colts (2-1)
Previous rank: 10
Last: Win 36-7 vs Jets
Next: at Bears (3-0)
The Colts have recovered from their embarrassing loss to open the season against the Jaguars. They've made both of their last two opponents look inept, as they clobbered the Vikings and Jets. Less Philip Rivers, more ground game with Jonathan Taylor and more defense and the Colts could be tough to beat.
9. Browns (2-1)
Previous rank: 13
Last: Win 34-20 vs The Football Team (1-2)
Next: at Cowboys (1-2)
The Browns defense made it very easy for the Browns offense in their win over The FootbalL team. Five turnovers forced, three of which led to short three play touchdowns drives for Baker Mayfield. Much bigger test against the Cowboys this Sunday.
10. Chargers (1-2)
Previous rank: 9
Last: Loss 21-16 vs Panthers
Next: at Buccaneers (2-1)
The Chargers are showing a lot of fight, but with not quite enough firepower. Played the Chiefs exceptionally well, but lost in overtime and battled with the Panthers until the final possession that might've worked had their hook-and-ladder catch and toss from Keenan Allen to Austin Ekeler. Justin Herbert will get his third start next week at Tampa Bay.
11. Texans (0-3)
Previous rank: 11
Last: Loss 28-21 at Steelers (3-0)
Next: vs Vikings (0-3)
The Texans first good half of football was following by their first scoreless half of football. That's why it was all a part of their third loss of the season. Watson led three touchdown drives in the first half, but six of their other seven drives were three-and-outs. Also their defense still can't stop the run and has yet to force a turnover this season.
12. Dolphins (1-2)
Previous rank: 14
Last: Win 31-13 vs Jaguars
Next: vs Seahawks (3-0)
Everyone is in live with Ryan Fitzpatrick, it happens at some point in every season. It will wear off. Credit to head coach Brian Flores, they look like they are headed in the right direction with how they want to play. As the talent level goes up, they could be a factor in the AFC East, just not there yet this season.
13. Jaguars (1-2)
Previous rank: 8
Last: Loss 31-13 at Dolphins (1-2)
Next: at Bengals (0-3)
The Jaguars are now starting to look like the team that can make their way to the top of the draft board. Not completely inept yet, but three failed fourth downs and a pair of turnovers gave them little chance to beat the not-so-spectacular Dolphins.
14. Broncos (0-3)
Previous rank: 12
Last: Loss 28-10 vs Buccaneers (2-1)
Next: at Jets (0-3)
They fell behind early to Tom Brady and that was pretty much it for backup quarterback Jeff Driskill and the Broncos. Injuries have completely derailed their season.
15. Bengals (0-2-1)
Previous rank: 15
Last: Tied 23-23 at Eagles (0-2-1)
Next: vs Jaguars (0-3)
First non-loss for Joe Burrow as an NFL quarterback. Good chance the Bengals and Burrow can get their first non-loss, non-tie this weekend in Cincinnati when they host the Jaguars.
16. Jets (0-3)
Previous rank: 16
Last: Loss 36-7 at Colts (2-1)
Next: vs Broncos (0-3)
It's a virtual certainty that the Jets will be here at number 16 all season. They played the 49ers backups and got run off the field. Three more Sam Darnold interceptions - two of them were returned for touchdowns. The analysis here is simple, the Jets are the worst football team in the AFC - if not the NFL. Of course they get the winless Broncos and their backup quarterback on Thursday.