NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: AFC is completely unpredictable
By Grant Tuttle
11. Atlanta Falcons (2-0)
Last Week: 17 (+6)
Once again, I am here to say that I don't really understand the Falcons. They have talent all over the field that they don't really use in the way that I would expect. Bijan Robinson is clearly one of the best running backs in the NFL already and he is splitting carries. Further, they have a legitimater star in Kyle Pitts and they seem less-than-interested in giving him the opportunities he deserves. ALL OF THAT BEING SAID, they are undefeated and they just beat the Packers in a close game. Maybe I should be more of a believer.
12. New Orleans Saints (2-0)
Last Week: 16 (+4)
The Saints look like they are the team to beat in the NFC South. While they will eventually need to find some consistency on offense, they look like they have a stellar defensive unit. Sitting at 2-0 to start the season, they have given themselves quite a bit of cushion within the division.
13. Green Bay Packers (1-1)
Last Week: 10 (-3)
Atlanta knocked off the Green Bay Packers on the back of an excellent rushing attack. Now the Packers find themselves in a real test against the New Orleans Saints this week. If Green Bay has any hope of being triumphant in the NFC, they will need to prove themselves against a balanced and talented Saints unit.
14. Los Angeles Rams (1-1)
Last Week: 21 (+7)
The Rams are better than I could have expected at this point in the season. They have found some magic on defense with a bunch of unrecognizable names and Aaron Donald as well as some high-level production from their young receivers. While they came up short against the 49ers, they are playing good football.
15. Cleveland Browns (1-1)
Last Week: 13 (-2)
A few things to clear up here. Deshaun Watson has not looked good throwing the ball. At his best, he is capable of game managing, which is a far cry from what he was considered when he played with the Texans. Additionally, Nick Chubb is likely out for the season. These are obviously not great things for the Browns; However, what is great is their defensive front seven. They look like they are a tremendous challenge for opposing offenses. If they can be functional on offense, they may have continued success. They simply cannot turn the ball over as much as they did on Monday night.
16. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
Last week: 14(-2)
Cincinnati was in this situation last year. They find themselves in a 0-2 hole with a lot of question marks. The biggest question is surrounding Joe Burrow's health as the quarterback has struggled entering his 5th season. Now the Bengals enter Week 3 looking to kickstart something against the Rams, who have been surprisingly good to start the season. If they drop to 0-3, they will have a lot of fixing to do to become a legitimate contender in the AFC.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
Last Week: 26 (+9)
Wow! The Bucs aren't dead. Tampa Bay showed out against the lowly Bears in a big win in which Baker Mayfield went for over 300 yards. I can't expect this to be continued success, but for now the Buccaneers are among the NFL's undefeated teams.
18. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-2)
Last Week: 19 (+1)
The Steelers won against the Browns on Monday Night Football, but they didn't do so because Kenny Pickett was dealing. Rather, they won the "Steelers way." This essentially means that they played great defense and came up with two defensive touchdowns. It is difficult to buy in on what they have going on because it all just seems unsustainable.
19. Washington Commanders (2-0)
Last Week: 24 (+5)
The Commanders are a surprise at 2-0 to start the year. The Cardinals and Broncos not what I would call stellar but a win is a win. Sam Howell doesn't look as bad as I would have anticipated and that defense has some real talent. For now, they find themselves moving upward.