NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama
The NFL season is in full swing, and Week 3 power rankings offer a deeper glimpse into which teams are thriving and which are struggling to meet expectations. With two weeks of action in the books, the league’s landscape is beginning to take shape, but surprises remain around every corner.
What makes these rankings so fascinating is the rapid movement—teams that started strong are solidifying their positions, while others are scrambling to recover from early missteps. Injuries, breakout performances, and coaching adjustments are already playing pivotal roles in shaping the standings.
Each week, we’ll analyze team performances, diving into key factors like offensive efficiency, defensive toughness, and how well teams are adapting to challenges. It’s not just about wins and losses—it’s about how teams are positioning themselves for long-term success.
The beauty of NFL power rankings lies in their volatility. A team that stumbled early can climb the ranks with a statement win, while preseason favorites might find themselves slipping if they fail to adjust. It’s a constant battle to stay ahead in a league where every week matters.
Take a look below at my NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
1. Philadelphia Eagles
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 1
Week 3 Rank: 1
Why they’re here: The Eagles narrowly defeated the Chiefs, showcasing a balanced team effort. Jalen Hurts connected with DeVonta Smith for key plays, while the defense, led by rookie Andrew Mukuba, made game-changing stops.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
2. Buffalo Bills
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 4
Week 3 Rank: 2
Why they’re here: Buffalo dominated the Jets with a strong defensive performance, allowing just one trip past midfield in 53 minutes. Josh Allen led a ground-heavy attack despite a brief injury scare.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
3. Baltimore Ravens
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 3
Week 3 Rank: 3
Why they’re here: The Ravens rebounded from a Week 1 loss with a solid win over the Browns. While Derrick Henry fumbled again, Baltimore dominated the fourth quarter to seal the victory.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
4. Green Bay Packers
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 5
Week 3 Rank: 4
Why they’re here: Green Bay’s defense, led by Micah Parsons, has been stellar, holding opponents to low scores. Jordan Love’s offense showed flashes despite injuries on the offensive line.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
5. los Angeles Chargers
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 8
Week 3 Rank: 5
Why they’re here: The Chargers’ defense dominated the Raiders, forcing three interceptions. Justin Herbert played well, but the run game remains inconsistent.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
6. Kansas City Chiefs
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 2
Week 3 Rank: 6
Why they’re here: The Chiefs’ offense is struggling without playmakers, putting too much pressure on Patrick Mahomes. The defense has improved, but tough games lie ahead.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
7. Los Angeles Rams
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Week 1 Rank: 11
Week 3 Rank: 7
Why they’re here: Matthew Stafford led a second-half surge to beat the Titans. The Rams’ defense has allowed just one touchdown in two games, making them a tough opponent.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 12
Week 3 Rank: 8
Why they’re here: Baker Mayfield led a gritty comeback against Houston, but injuries to key players like Luke Goedeke and Calijah Kancey could impact their momentum.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
9. Detroit Lions
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 6
Week 3 Rank: 9
Why they’re here: The Lions bounced back with a 52-point explosion against the Bears. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams shined, silencing critics after a poor Week 1.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
10. Washington Commanders
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 14
Week 3 Rank: 10
Why they’re here: Jayden Daniels’ knee injury raises concerns for Washington, whose offensive line has struggled. The defense faces a tough test against Maxx Crosby and the Raiders next.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
11. Indianapolis Colts
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 24
Week 3 Rank: 11
Why they’re here: The Colts are off to a hot start, with Daniel Jones and rookie Tyler Warren leading the offense. A win over Tennessee could push them to 3-0.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
12. Denver Broncos
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Week 1 Rank: 10
Week 3 Rank: 12
Why they’re here: Denver’s defense faltered in a loss to the Colts, allowing 473 yards. Missed opportunities in the red zone and penalties cost them the game.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
13. San Francisco 49ers
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 15
Week 3 Rank: 13
Why they’re here: Despite Brock Purdy’s injury, the 49ers won with backup Mac Jones. The defense remains a strong point, keeping opponents in check.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
14. Cincinnati Bengals
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 9
Week 3 Rank: 14
Why they’re here: The Bengals won despite Joe Burrow’s toe injury. Backup Jake Browning threw three interceptions but managed to lead a comeback victory.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
15. Atlanta Falcons
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 19
Week 3 Rank: 15
Why they’re here: Atlanta’s defense dominated Minnesota, forcing six sacks and four turnovers. Rookies like Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. are making an impact.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
16. Seattle Seahawks
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 25
Week 3 Rank: 16
Why they’re here: Kenneth Walker III powered the Seahawks to a win over Pittsburgh. The defense, led by Byron Murphy II, stepped up in a big way.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
17. Pittsburgh Steelers
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 7
Week 3 Rank: 17
Why they’re here: The Steelers’ defense has been porous, allowing 30+ points in two games. Aaron Rodgers and the offense failed to capitalize on opportunities.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
18. Dallas Cowboys
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 30
Week 3 Rank: 18
Why they’re here: Dallas edged out the Giants in overtime, thanks to Brandon Aubrey’s clutch field goals. The defense struggled to contain big plays.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
19. Minnesota Vikings
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 18
Week 3 Rank: 19
Why they’re here: J.J. McCarthy’s struggles continued, and now he’s sidelined with an ankle injury. The Vikings’ run defense also faltered against Atlanta.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
20. Arizona Cardinals
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 16
Week 3 Rank: 20
Why they’re here: The Cardinals narrowly avoided a collapse against Carolina. Bryce Young exposed defensive weaknesses, but Arizona held on for the win.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
21. Houston Texans
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 20
Week 3 Rank: 21
Why they’re here: Houston’s offense showed flashes but lacked consistency. Special teams provided a spark, but the defense couldn’t hold off Tampa Bay late.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
22. Las Vegas Raiders
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 17
Week 3 Rank: 22
Why they’re here: Geno Smith’s three interceptions doomed the Raiders against the Chargers. The offense struggled to find rhythm, despite a strong defensive effort.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
23. Jacksonville Jaguars
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 26
Week 3 Rank: 23
Why they’re here: Trevor Lawrence battled through two interceptions but couldn’t secure a win. The offense needs to improve its connection with key players.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
24. New York Jets
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 22
Week 3 Rank: 24
Why they’re here: The Jets’ offense sputtered against Buffalo, with Justin Fields leaving due to a concussion. The defense struggled to stop the run.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
25. Chicago Bears
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 13
Week 3 Rank: 25
Why they’re here: The Bears were dismantled by Detroit, allowing 15 plays of 10+ yards. Caleb Williams and the offense couldn’t overcome defensive lapses.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
26. New York Giants
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 23
Week 3 Rank: 26
Why they’re here: Russell Wilson’s 450-yard game wasn’t enough to beat Dallas. Missed opportunities in overtime leave the Giants in a tough spot.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
27. New England Patriots
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 28
Week 3 Rank: 27
Why they’re here: Drake Maye rebounded with a strong performance, but penalties and special teams issues nearly cost the Patriots their win over Miami.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
28. Cleveland Browns v Philadelphia Eagles – NFL Preseason 2025
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Week 1 Rank: 21
Week 3 Rank: 28
Why they’re here: The Browns’ offense faltered, and the defense couldn’t contain Baltimore. Joe Flacco’s limitations are becoming apparent.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
29. Tennessee Titans
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 31
Week 3 Rank: 29
Why they’re here: Cam Ward has played well, but penalties and poor protection have hurt the Titans. A tough schedule looms ahead.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
30. Carolina Panthers
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 29
Week 3 Rank: 30
Why they’re here: Bryce Young showed promise with 328 passing yards, but inconsistency remains an issue. The defense played well but couldn’t secure a win.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
31. Denver Broncos v New Orleans Saints
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Week 1 Rank: 32
Week 3 Rank: 31
Why they’re here: Spencer Rattler fought hard but couldn’t overcome penalties and turnovers. The Saints face a tough road schedule ahead.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
32. Miami Dolphins
Source:Getty
Week 1 Rank: 27
Week 3 Rank: 32
Why they’re here: Miami’s offense improved but still fell short against New England. Tua Tagovailoa missed key throws, and the team faces a tough matchup in Buffalo.
NFL Week 3 Power Rankings: Teams Rise and Fall Amid Early-Season Drama was originally published on 1075thefan.com
