NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Predictions for Post-Monday Night Football Standings
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Steelers RB DeAngelo Williams
It's been a wild first two weeks of the NFL season, with many of the top preseason contenders already suffering at least one loss.
Early power rankings are always difficult, but this year feels more confusing than usual. It's tough to balance early results with preseason expectations, but it gets even more complicated when the results are so unexpected.
Due to upsets and injuries, the top of these power rankings have already changed dramatically from preseason versions. And while it may be frustrating for some fanbases expecting more of their teams, it certainly bodes well for an exciting NFL season.
| 1 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 2-0 |
| 2 | New England Patriots | 2-0 |
| 3 | Arizona Cardinals | 1-1 |
| 4 | Denver Broncos | 2-0 |
| 5 | Carolina Panthers | 1-1 |
| 6 | Minnesota Vikings | 2-0 |
| 7 | Green Bay Packers | 1-1 |
| 8 | Houston Texans | 2-0 |
| 9 | New York Giants | 2-0 |
| 10 | Cincinnati Bengals | 1-1 |
| 11 | Baltimore Ravens | 2-0 |
| 12 | Oakland Raiders | 1-1 |
| 13 | Seattle Seahawks | 1-1 |
| 14 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1-1 |
| 15 | Dallas Cowboys | 1-1 |
| 16 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 1-1 |
| 17 | New York Jets | 1-1 |
| 18 | Detroit Lions | 1-1 |
| 19 | Indianapolis Colts | 0-2 |
| 20 | Atlanta Falcons | 1-1 |
| 21 | San Diego Chargers | 1-1 |
| 22 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 1-1 |
| 23 | Philadelphia Eagles | 1-0 |
| 24 | San Francisco 49ers | 1-1 |
| 25 | Tennessee Titans | 1-1 |
| 26 | Buffalo Bills | 0-2 |
| 27 | Los Angeles Rams | 1-1 |
| 28 | Chicago Bears | 0-1 |
| 29 | Miami Dolphins | 0-2 |
| 30 | Washington Redskins | 0-2 |
| 31 | New Orleans Saints | 0-2 |
| 32 | Cleveland Browns | 0-2 |
1. Pittsburgh Steelers
Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY SportsSteelers RB DeAngelo Williams
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't been as dominant as a typical No. 1 team, but no team in the NFL has two better wins than Pittsburgh through Week 2.
The Steelers followed up a dominant performance against the Washington Redskins in Week 1 with an important win over the division-rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. It may be early, but a win over the defending division champs gives the Steelers a significant leg up in what should be one of the most hotly contested division battles this season.
The fact that the Steelers are cruising even without star running back Le'Veon Bell has to be factored into the equation as well.
DeAngelo Williams has done a stellar job filling in for Bell—he leads the league with 237 rushing yards—but it's safe to assume the offense will elevate to another level once a fresh Bell returns to the backfield.
2. New England Patriots
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY SportsPatriots QB Jimmy Garoppolo
Backup quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has lived up to expectations, but a shoulder injury suffered against the Miami Dolphins has his immediate future in doubt, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald:
If Garoppolo only misses Thursday's game against the Houston Texans, the New England Patriots should be fine. As heavy favorites in the AFC East, the Patriots can afford to drop one game. But if Garoppolo misses both remaining games before Tom Brady returns from his suspension in Week 5, the result could end up having significant implications in the AFC playoff race.
With Garoppolo on the shelf, it appears as though Jacoby Brissett, a third-round pick out of North Carolina State, will become the first Patriots rookie to start a game since Drew Bledsoe in 1993.
12. Seattle Seahawks
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsSeahawks QB Russell Wilson
It's only two games, but the Seattle Seahawks' offensive performance has been so atrocious it might not be too early to panic. Despite playing the lowly Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Rams, Seattle has only managed a combined 15 points through two games.
The most glaring issue appears to be the offensive line, which is clearly reeling from the loss of free agent Russell Okung over the offseason.
The line's performance was so concerning against Miami that actor Rainn Wilson offered up his services:
There would be less reason for concern if there were obvious flaws in the game plan or another fixable area of the game. But the Seahawks' personnel on the offensive line is unlikely to change during the season.
Quarterback Russell Wilson has taken a fair number of hits behind the line, but the more concerning issue may be its performance in the run game. According to ESPN Stats & Info, Seattle's ball-carriers were hit at the line of scrimmage or in the backfield on 62 percent of their runs against the Rams—the second-worst rate in the Russell Wilson era.
Seattle's defense is clearly strong enough to keep them in games, but the offensive line woes are definitely an area that could prevent the Seahawks from being serious contenders in 2016.
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