Three weeks into the NFL season and no one knows who is good. From teams rising due to defense, to teams falling because of injuries, here are the rankings.
32. Tennessee Titans
Last week's ranking: 29
Week three result: 30-14 loss vs Packers
Week four opponent: At Dolphins
The clock is ticking for Will Levis, quarterback number one for the Tennessee Titans. This is a bad football team; turnovers have killed the Titans this season. The defense has been a solid unit, but the inability to provide any sense of offense has hurt Tennessee. Tennessee was a team that made a flurry of moves in free agency, but they have not been able to string together a win here to begin 2024. The clock is ticking for Tennessee.
31. New England Patriots
Last week's ranking: 28
Week three result: 24-3 loss to Jets
Week four opponent: At 49ers
Has luck run out in New England? There was no sense of life in the offense on Thursday against the Jets. It is hard to judge Jacoby Brissett, given how bad the offensive line has played. Putting in first-round pick Drake Maye seems like a bad idea behind that offensive line. The clock is ticking on if the Patriots have to move to Drake Maye soon, but would you want to put him behind that offensive line and limited weapons? I wouldn't.
30. Jacksonville Jaguars
Last week's ranking: 25
Week three result: 47-10 loss to Bills
Week four opponent: At Texans
The clock is ticking for Doug Pederson and Trevor Lawrence. This was an embarrassment on Monday night. The Jaguars got beat in all three phases of the game, and it was not even close. All options are on the table for Jacksonville as they have to protect and preserve their franchise quarterback Trevor Lawrence, and that could cost Doug Pederson his job. While they can't get rid of Lawrence, he has not looked good at all to begin the season. It is time to worry for Jaguars fans. With the talent on this roster, they should not be 0-3. If they lose in Houston this weekend, it wouldn't surprise me if Doug Pederson is shown the door.
29. Carolina Panthers
Last week's ranking: 32
Week three result: 36-22 win vs Raiders
Week four opponent: Home vs Bengals
Well, that was fun. The Andy Dalton era in Carolina has gotten off to an incredible start. The red rifle was near perfect on Sunday against the Raiders, and a slim hope is given to the Panthers. The Panthers should feel good about themselves for where they are when a competent quarterback is playing. The question is whether Carolina can sustain this throughout the season or if this was just a one-game spark from a veteran quarterback. Time will tell.
28. New York Giants
Last week's ranking: 30
Week three result: 21-15 win vs Browns
Week four opponent: Home vs Cowboys
This was a massive win for Brian Dabboll and the New York Giants. Falling behind early, New York turned to their rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers to take over the game. And he did just that. He is already a star receiver, and the offense will run around him. The Giants' next five opponents are ones that finished with a winning record last year and two that are unbeaten. A sign in life for the New York Giants in a big road win.
27. Denver Broncos
Last week's ranking: 31
Week three result: 26-7 win vs Tampa Bay
Week four opponent: At Jets
This was by far the best game Bo Nix has played so far this season. He looked more comfortable back there and looked calm in the pocket. He was given time, and Denvers' playmakers were able to make some plays. The defense was as advertised for the Broncos. Holding Baker Mayfield and the Bucs to only seven points is impressive. This was a big win for Denver, as it keeps them in the hunt early on in the season.
26. Las Vegas Raiders
Last week's ranking: 24
Week three result: 36-22 loss vs Panthers
Week four opponent: Home vs Browns
That was a pathetic performance from the Raiders. All aspects of the game. The quarterback question is going to come up for Las Vegas. Antonio Pierce turned to Aidan O'Connor late in the game but was reassured that Gardner Minshew would remain the starting quarterback for week four. On defense, they are a mess outside of Maxx Crosby. The Raiders have one big issue, their inability to run the football. They average just 2.8 yards a rush, the only team in the league under three yards. That kind of stuff is not an overnight fix, either.
25. Miami Dolphins
Last week's ranking: 17
Week three result: 24-3 loss vs Seahawks
Week four opponent: Home vs Titans
The season is going to slip away from the Dolphins if they don't address the quarterback situation. With Tua Tagovailoa out with a concussion, Skylar Thompson stepped in and struggled against Seattle. With an injury to Thompson late in the game, it is expected that Tyler Huntley will be the starting quarterback until Tagovailoa is able to return. With Tagovailoa being out until at least week eight, the season could slip away quickly for the Dolphins.
24. Cleveland Browns
Last week's ranking: 18
Week three result: 21-15 loss vs Giants
Week four opponent: At Raiders
The Browns are a poor football team. Offensively, they are limited with Deshsaun Watson as the quarterback. The offensive line is bad, and there is no run game. This offense does not have an identity at the moment. And the defense has regressed severely for a unit that ranked at the top of the league last year. With a 1-2 record, things could go south quickly for the Browns, as the injuries to this team are piling up. Trouble in Cleveland.
23. Chicago Bears
Last week's ranking: 23
Week three result: 21-16 loss vs Colts
Week four opponent: Home vs Rams
The Bears have failed Caleb Williams so far this year. A rookie quarterback should not have to come in and drop back 52 times. Chicago's inability to run the football is hurting the offense, as they are asking Caleb Williams to be Superman behind a foul offensive line. The play calling from offensive coordinator Shane Waldron must also be worrisome. They are not playing to the strengths of the offense. The defense is still solid and will keep them in a lot of games, but the offensive struggles and offensive line will ultimately hold this team back.
22. Arizona Cardinals
Last week's ranking: 20
Week three result: 20-13 loss vs Lions
Week four opponent: Home vs Commanders
It was an off day for the Cardinals offense, and they were still in the game at the end. That is a good sign. The Cardinals have struggled with the run game to begin the season, with a shuffling around the offensive line. Kyler Murray wasn't as sharp as we have seen him be this season, but the Cardinals were able to play good team defense and keep it a one possession game for most of the game. If you go 1-9 on third down, you aren't gonna win a lot of football games. They had the opportunity to win the game, but they couldn't capitalize.
21. Cincinnati Bengals
Last week's ranking: 15
Week three result: 38-33 loss vs Commanders
Week four opponent: At Panthers
I fear I may have jinxed the Bengals. Cincinnati has gotten off to a 0-3 start, and there is a flurry of messes all over the field. For one, the defense couldn't stop anything against the Commanders. Washington just had only two non-scoring possessions, both times because of kneels. That is not a recipe to win football games, no matter how good your offense is. While the offense looks to be returning to form, it won't matter if the defense can't stop anything. Cincinnati has built themselves a big hole starting 0-3, as the game against the Panthers on Sunday could result in some people losing some jobs.
20. Indianapolis Colts
Last week's ranking: 26
Week three result: 21-16 win vs Bears
Week four opponent: Home vs Steelers
A win is a win, but you can't ignore the struggles of Anthony Richardson. Among all QBs last season with 150 attempts, Bryce Young had the worst completion percentage at 59.8%. Young was the only one under 60%. Through three games, Anthony Richardson is at 49.3% and hasn't been above 50% in any game. Inaccuracy is going to be an issue at the pro level for Richardson, but the unknown raw talent he possesses is undeniable. Turnovers have been an issue so far this season for the Colts, as the offense as a whole has been struggling to begin things. It all starts and ends with Anthony Richardson.
19. Washington Commanders
Last week's ranking: 27
Week three result: 38-33 win vs Bengals
Week four opponent: At Cardinals
This was as impressive of a win and as remarkable a performance from a rookie quarterback as I have seen in a while. Jayden Daniels is the real deal. Daniels was near-perfect in his performance, completing 21 of 23 passes. This reminds me a lot of Robert Griffin III's rookie season. Let's hope that Daniels can stay healthy throughout his career, but there is no denying the talent that he possesses. Washington, you finally got your guy.
18. Atlanta Falcons
Last week's ranking: 19
Week three result: 22-17 loss vs Chiefs
Week four opponent: Home vs Saints
Injuries to the offensive line riddled the Falcons against Kansas City. The starting center and a tackle went down, and the impact was made quickly by Kansas City's defensive line. The Falcons must protect Kirk Cousins, as he is immobile and coming from an Achilles injury. A big game in the NFC South looms against the Saints on Sunday, and Atlanta will need to be healthy on the line to succeed.
17. Los Angeles Rams
Last week's ranking: 21
Week three result: 27-24 win vs 49ers
Week four opponent: Away vs Bears
Never doubt Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford. With injuries on the offensive line and LA being down their top two receivers, it was the Kyren Williams show on Sunday. Undoubtedly, the Rams still have their fair share of issues, but a win like this against a division opponent may have just saved their season. We have seen this before from the Rams. They started 3-6 last year and were able to make the playoffs. They will begin to get healthy in the middle of the year, so they just have to weather the storm until then. This game again proves why Sean McVay and Matthew Stafford are two of the best in the business.
16. Dallas Cowboys
Last week's ranking: 10
Week three result: 28-25 loss vs Ravens
Week four opponent: At Giants
Don't let the score fool you; this was not a good performance by the Dallas Cowboys. The defense for the Cowboys has been a big issue this season. They are unable to stop the run. On the offensive side of the ball, they are unable to produce anything until the second half of games. Is it a Mike McCarthy issue, or is it a roster issue? No matter what it might be, something needs to change for Dallas, as they have been underperforming since the beginning of 2024. Time to start the Bill Belichick to Dallas debates.
15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Last week's ranking: 7
Week three result: 26-7 loss vs Broncos
Week four opponent: Home vs Eagles
A bit of a stinker all around from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There's not a lot going on for either side of the ball. The offense struggled heavily, and the Bucs just looked flat. The defense has some concerns, and they are working through some injuries in the secondary. I think Tampa Bay will be fine, but they did not play good football on Sunday, and it got ugly against Denver.
14. Los Angeles Chargers
Last week's ranking: 9
Week three result: 20-10 loss vs Steelers
Week four opponent: Home vs Chiefs
The Chargers were in this game until Justin Herbert went down with an ankle injury that has been bothering him. Joey Bosa and rookie standout Joe Alt were injured in this game, and both are expected to miss time. On top of that, Derwin James was suspended for a hit to the head in the game against Pittsburgh and will be out for the game against the Chiefs. The Chargers could be short-handed in a big division game against Kansas City on Sunday.
13. Seattle Seahawks
Last week's ranking: 22
Week three result: 24-3 win vs Dolphins
Week four opponent: Away vs Lions
Despite some turnovers, the offense is a work in progress for Geno Smith and new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb. Seattle has talent on offense, and it will all come down to Smith's quarterback play. The defense has been as advertised for Seattle. New head coach Mike Macdonald brought a Baltimore defensive scheme to Seattle, which has translated well. If Seattle can get the running game down and complete some big shots down the field, they can be dangerous.
12. New York Jets
Last week's ranking: 14
Week three result: 24-3 win vs Patriots
Week four opponent: Home vs Broncos
The Jets played one of the more complete games of football I have seen this year. The offense doesn't need to be great with the caliber of defense that the Jets have, but Aaron Rodgers made the plays, and the run game was on point. The competition will rise, but so far, so good for Aaron Rodgers and the Jets after a stinker of a week one vs the 49ers.
11. San Francisco 49ers
Last week's ranking: 4
Week three result: 27-24 loss to Rams
Week four opponent: Home vs Patriots
Turns out last week's game was not a fluke. San Francisco is dealing with a lot of injuries on the offensive side of the ball, and defensively they have not been as sharp as we have seen them be. A big thing for San Francisco is the health of the offense. Once they get their guys back, they should be fine, but Brock Purdy is going to have to step up without them on the field.
10. Baltimore Ravens
Last week's ranking: 13
Week three result: 28-25 win vs Cowboys
Week four opponent: Home vs Bills
This was a must win for Baltimore, and they played perfect football through three quarters. Dallas made a late comeback attempt, but they ran out of time. It was a get-right game for Derrick Henry and the Raven's run game, and Baltimore looked the same as we have seen them before. I think they will be fine, but they have another big test at home against Buffalo this week.
9. New Orleans Saints
Last week's ranking: 6
Week three result: 15-12 loss vs Eagles
Week four opponent: Away vs Falcons
The New Orleans Saints got off to such a hot start offensively because of their offensive line. Now, they are dealing with some injuries, and the offense is starting to struggle. Debates will happen about whether Derek Carr is good enough to go and win a game by himself, but he was unable to do so against the Eagles, which cost the Saints. The groin injury to center Erik McCoy could be big for New Orleans, as he has been an anchor for them for years and a leader for the offense.
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
Last week's ranking: 12
Week three result: 20-10 win vs Chargers
Week four opponent: At Colts
This is the closest we might see to the steel curtain defense from the Pittsburgh Steelers. This defense is legit. They shut down the Chargers in the second half and made plays all over the field. Justin Fields played in what was most likely his best game as a pro and commanded the offense very well. He is getting better each and every week, and he doesn't need to be perfect for Pittsburgh to win. The offense got off to a slow start running the football in the first half but ultimately wore down Los Angeles and commanded the line of scrimmage by the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh needed to get off to a hot start this season with a gauntlet of a schedule to end the season, and they have done that so far.
7. Green Bay Packers
Last week's ranking: 11
Week three result: 30-14 win vs Titans
Week four opponent: Home vs Vikings
When Jordan Love went down late in the week one game against the Eagles, many didn't know what Green Bay's season would look like. Matt Lafleur took a situation where he lost his franchise quarterback to now being 2-0 with a guy shipped out of town for pennies on the dollar. Malik Willis looked impressive in this game. The Packers broke the Titans down physically and could do whatever they wanted to. An impressive stretch for a team that lost their franchise quarterback, but they are expected to get him back sooner than later.
6. Philadelphia Eagles
Last week's ranking: 8
Week three result: 15-12 win vs Saints
Week four opponent: Away vs Bucs
It wasn't pretty, but Philly got the job done. And that's what good teams do. Saquon Barkley has been a terror to begin the season running behind that offensive line, and the Eagles had to rely on him heavily with their top two receivers out for this game. The defense was stout, as usual for Philadelphia, even with Jalen Hurts turning the ball over. Just wait until the Eagles get their guys back offensively. This could be a dangerous team.
5. Houston Texans
Last week's ranking: 3
Week three result: 34-7 loss vs Vikings
Week four opponent: Home vs Jaguars
Like the 49ers, Houston could not get anything going against Minnesota's defense. The running attack could be a problem for the Texans. While they did miss Joe Mixon, they were not able to get anything going on the ground. A team that is supposed to be this good cannot be one-dimensional. It is a copy-cat league, and teams will look at what Minnesota did well defensively.
4. Minnesota Vikings
Last week's ranking: 16
Week three result: 34-7 win vs Texans
Week four opponent: Away vs Packers
The Vikings are built like the perfect team. They rely heavily on their defense and don't ask Sam Darnold to do a lot offensively and to run the football. That type of play style can beat anyone in the league. Brian Flores might be hired as a head coach midseason because of the way he has his team performing. They blitzed against CJ Stroud a ton on Sunday and didn't let him get comfortable. Balance that out with a good run game and a few plays here and there to Justin Jefferson, that is a recipe for winning football.
3. Detroit Lions
Last week's ranking: 5
Week three result: 20-13 win vs Cardinals
Week four opponent: Home vs Seahawks
Opposite of last year, the defense has stepped up big time for the Detroit Lions. The offense has been struggling, with Jared Goff throwing four interceptions through three games. This is what good teams do, they win the ugly ones and find a way. Detroit is dealing with some injuries on the offensive side of the ball, with Frank Ragnow expected to be sidelined for some time from a pectoral injury. Detroit has one of the best rosters in all of football, it just comes down to how well Jared Goff can play.
2. Buffalo Bills
Last week's ranking: 2
Week three result: 47-10 win vs Jaguars
Week four opponent: At Ravens
Buffalo played one of the best games I have ever seen a team play. Josh Allen is playing at an insanely high level right now, and the offense has been performing. There seems to be a different vibe with this team. They are running the ball more effectively with James Cook and not asking Josh Allen to be a hero. With the defense dealing with some injuries, the guys have stepped up in a big way, and they look like a top unit in the league. Never doubt a team that has a great quarterback on it.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Last week's ranking: 1
Week three result: 22-17
Week four opponent: At Chargers
Call it luck, call it whatever you want, the Kansas City Chiefs just win. Period. I wouldn't even say the Chiefs played well on Sunday vs the Falcons, but they always make the necessary plays that are needed to win the football game. Mahomes makes plays towards the end, and the defense bends but doesn't break. That's what great football teams do. Until they lose, I refuse to put anyone else in this position.
