# 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.
- Title: Week 3 NFL power rankings: Seahawks stay on top · NBC Sports
- Summary: Mike Florio's latest rankings reveal surprising contenders and struggling favorites after three weeks of football. The Seahawks remain the league's best team…
- Keywords: nfl, power rankings, week 3, 2026 season, seahawks, bills, bengals, chiefs, 49ers, sam darnold, joe burrow, brock purdy
- Source: NBC Sports — https://nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-3-2026-nfl-power-rankings
- Published: 2026-09-22T13:45:58.402+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: nfl, power rankings, week 3, 2026 season, seahawks, bills, bengals, chiefs, 49ers, sam darnold, joe burrow, brock purdy
## 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.
## Key takeaway

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.