From NBC Sports · · 1m 50s
Week 3 NFL power rankings: Seahawks stay on top
Mike Florio's latest rankings reveal surprising contenders and struggling favorites after three weeks of football.
In brief
Mike Florio's latest rankings reveal surprising contenders and struggling favorites after three weeks of football. The Seahawks remain the league's best team despite losing Sam Darnold, while several 2-0 teams like the Bills, Bengals, and Chiefs are climbing fast. Originally reported by NBC Sports.
Seahawks hold top spot without Darnold
Seattle stays at number one despite losing quarterback Sam Darnold, proving the team's depth and system can carry them through adversity.
“No Darnold? No problem.”
Bills and Bengals surge to top five
Buffalo and Cincinnati both sit at 2-0 and climb the rankings, with the Bills emphasizing that September wins matter less than January ones.
“September wins are celebratory. January wins are mandatory.”
Joe Burrow taking too many hits
The Bengals are undefeated but Burrow continues absorbing heavy punishment, raising concerns about his long-term durability.
“Joe Burrow can't keep taking these kinds of beatings.”
Chiefs' free agent signing pays off
Kenneth Walker III's acquisition by Kansas City is already looking like one of the best free-agent moves in recent memory as the Chiefs go 2-0.
“Kenneth Walker III could become one of the best free-agent signings ever.”
Brock Purdy enters elite quarterback conversation
The 49ers' quarterback is making a strong case for top-ten status, possibly even top-five, as San Francisco remains undefeated.
“Brock Purdy is making a push for the list of top-10 quarterbacks. Maybe the top five.”
Texans' defense wasted by weak offense
Houston's defense is performing well but the offense is failing to support them, leaving the team at 0-2 despite strong defensive efforts.
“The offense is letting down the defense.”
Saints flying under the radar at 1-1
New Orleans is getting little national attention despite a solid record, positioning themselves as a potential dark horse in the playoff race.
“The Saints are the best team no one is paying attention to.”
Raiders' backup QB may sit for a while
Las Vegas is 2-0 but quarterback Fernando Mendoza could be benched soon, suggesting the team may have bigger plans at the position.
“Fernando Mendoza may be sitting for a while.”
Dolphins and Falcons both winless at 0-2
Miami and Atlanta are struggling early, with the Falcons facing three straight prime-time games that could define their season.
“The country's not ready for three straight prime-time Falcons games.”
The essence
The Seahawks remain the league's best team despite losing Sam Darnold, while several 2-0 teams like the Bills, Bengals, and Chiefs are climbing fast.
