Matt’s Week Three NFL Power Rankings

Week three of the NFL season is in the books and the teams are still positioning themselves. The Bills, Lions and Packers all stayed unbeaten and the Dolphins, Colts and Chiefs still can’t buy a break. Let’s see how the teams stack up from 32 to 1.

32. Kansas City Chiefs (0-3) – There is still nothing really to say about the Chiefs. They gave a valiant effort against an uninspired Chargers team. Next up is Minnesota, will anyone watch?

31. Minnesota Vikings (0-3) – If only NFL games were 30 minutes long, then the Vikings would be 3-0, but you have to play the entire 60 minutes and that is why the Vikings are 0-3. The offense doesn’t give the ball to their playmakers (Adrian Peterson and Percy Harvin) enough in the second half and there defense becomes non-existent.

30. St. Louis (0-3) – No heart. That is what I saw against the Ravens. That was embarrassing.

29. Miami Dolphins (0-3) – Had the lead until the final minute and let it slip away, just like their season. Tony Sporano better update his resume because his time in Miami is almost up.

28. Indianapolis Colts (0-3) – I was impressed with the Colts defense against the Steelers but their offense looks horrendous. They can’t play that way and beat good teams.

27. Seattle Seahawks (1-2) – Their defense played strong against the Cardinals but their offense is very poor. Will they be able to score enough points to win? We shall see.

26. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-2) – They had a chance to win a rain soaked game against the Panthers and couldn’t get it done. Expect more growing pains with rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert.

25. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) – The offense has to play better if they are going to win games. They are young and will have to figure it out in a hurry.

24. Carolina Panthers (1-2) – The Panthers have impressed me early on this year. Their defense is hard hitting and their offense can move the ball and they have a leader at the quarterback position.

23. Arizona Cardinals (1-2) – Bad loss in Seattle to a division opponent. Kevin Kolb has to play better and not turn the ball over at the end of the game.

22. Cleveland Browns (2-1) – I like the way the Browns are playing. Colt McCoy leads the way and with him playing well this could be a good year for the Dog Pound.

21. Denver Broncos (1-2) – They played the Titans tough in Tennessee but came away empty handed. The road doesn’t get any easier with a trip to Lambeau and the defending champs. Could we get a #Tebow sighting?

20. San Francisco 49ers (2-1) – Their offense was shaky against the Bengals but they found a way to win and in the NFC West that is all you have to do to win that division.

19. Washington Redskins (2-1) – Rex Grossman has got to protect the football and the offense has got to learn to move the ball down the field better. Red Zone offense is a weakness for this team also. The defense will have to keep playing like they are to keep the Redskins in the NFC East race.

18. Atlanta Falcons (1-2) – The Falcons are a Jeckel and Hyde team. Can’t play on the road and looked good at home. They need to figure out how to get Julio Jones the ball more.

17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1) – They got a huge divisional win against the Falcons at home. Can they build on it and start rolling? We shall see.

16. Oakland Raiders (2-1) – That was a really good win against the Jets but let’s see the Raiders put it together. Beat the Pats on Sunday and I think you may have something brewing in Oakland.

15. Dallas Cowboys (2-1) – Sorry Dallas but I am not buying what you are selling. Too many mistakes by the offensive line and the receivers. They couldn’t get the ball in the end zone and had to rely on a rookie kicker for all of their points. If they continue to do that they will be disappointed.

14. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) – Philly, you looked bad in the fourth quarter last week. Can Michael Vick stay healthy all year? That is the big question. So far through three games, he hasn’t been able to finish two of them.

13. Buffalo Bills (3-0) – Buffalo got a huge win against the Patriots but I am still not sold on them. In their last two games they have had to comeback from 18 or more points to win. They have to shore up their defense and then they will be a top ten team.

12. Chicago Bears (1-2) – The Bears had the toughest start to the season and came out of it 1-2. They need more balance on offense and the defense has to take the ball away more. Jay Cutler just doesn’t look comfortable back in the pocket; he may be seeing ghosts out there.

11. Tennessee Titans (2-1) – Good comeback win against the Broncos. Their defense played really well and Matthew Hasselbeck made just enough plays to win. Losing wide receiver Kenny Brit for the year with a torn ACL is a big loss though.

10. San Diego Chargers (2-1) – I was really not impressed by the way San Diego played against the Chiefs. They looked like they were just going through the motions out there. In the NFL, you cannot take any opponent lightly.

9. New York Giants (2-1) – Great win in Philly. Defense came to play and pressured Michael Vick and Mike Kafka all day. Eli Manning needs to play turnover free like he did and the Giants will be tough to beat.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-1) – Big Ben is turning the ball over too much, which will come back to haunt them when they start playing the really good teams in the AFC. The defense is starting to come together and getting pressure on the other team’s quarterbacks.

7. New York Jets (2-1) – The Jets jumped out to a early lead but gave it back in the second half. Where was the hard-nosed Jets defense? The Raiders ran all over them. Expect Rex Ryan to address that this week in practice and for them to clean it up.

6. Houston Texans (2-1) – Even with the loss on the road to the Saints, the Texans did a lot of things well. They had the lead in the fourth quarter and had their opportunities to win the game. Gotta learn to finish those games out and get wins.

5. Detroit Lions (3-0) – Great comeback win in a building the Lions haven’t won in since 1997. Calvin Johnson looks like no one could cover him and the offensive line has played well, minus the first half against the Vikings.

4. Baltimore Ravens (2-1) – They did what they had to do in St. Louis. Go and dominate. Big test against the Jets this Sunday.

3. New England Patriots (2-1) – Tom Brady gave the game away with his four interceptions, my bet is Brady doesn’t throw four more all year.

2. New Orleans Saints (2-1) – Great comeback win against the Texans. Drew Bress is playing lights out and the defense is starting to take the ball away. The Saints are firmly on track.

1. Green Bay Packers (3-0) – Good win in Chicago against a tough division opponent in the Bears. Gotta clean up the penalties and giving up big plays on defense. Jermichael Finley is unstoppable.
 
Matt
 
Editors note: See how teams are trending, through Matt's eyes, by comparing to his Week Two Power Rankings.

Matt’s Week Two NFL Power Rankings

Week two of the NFL season is in the books and the teams are still positioning themselves.  There have been some pleasant surprises (Lions, Bills, and Redskins all 2-0) and some disappointing surprises (Chiefs, Colts, and Rams all 0-2).  Let’s see how the teams stack up from 32 to 1.
32. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) - There is not much to say about the Chiefs right now.  They stink.  Being outscored 89 to 10 in two games is pitiful.  It doesn’t get any easier for the Chiefs, having to travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers this Sunday.  Todd Haley better watch himself because more losses like the first two will result in a visit to the Unemployment Office.
31. Indianapolis Colts (0-2) – Who knew Peyton Manning played offense, defense and special teams.  Can’t stop the run, can’t stop the pass and can’t get anything going offensively.  Kerry Collins looks every bit of 38 years old and the so called playmakers (Reggie Wayne, Pierre Garcon, Dallas Clark, Dwight Freeny, and Robert Mathis) are not making any plays.  Manning better return fast or there won’t be a season left to save with a huge game coming up this weekend with the Steelers.
30. Minnesota Vikings (0-2) – Blowing a 17 point lead against the Buccaneers in the second half is not the only problem the Vikings have.  They have a major problem at the quarterback position for a second straight year.  Donovan McNabb was brought in to push the ball downfield and relay on Adrian Peterson to set up the pass.  Well one of those things is true with Adrian Peterson started the season fast and strong but the other is far from true.  In two games McNabb has 267 yards passing and 1 touchdown.  The offense as a whole is ranked 27 in the league in total yards and second to last in passing yards per game.  They better watch themselves because they have a hungry Lions team going to Minneapolis this weekend to try and keep the Vikes down.
29. Seattle Seahawks (0-2) – The Seahawks just look like a lost team that doesn’t have an identity on offense or defense.  Just when you think they will be a running team with Marshawn Lynch they start chucking the ball around with Tavaris Jackson.  Are they a pressure or coverage defense?  They have a lack of playmakers and that is magnified by their quarterback Jackson.  They have three very losable games ahead with Arizona, Atlanta and at the New York Giants.  The Seahawks are a far cry from the division champs of a year ago.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1) – The Jags have only scored 19 points so far this season.  That is not going win many games in the National Football League.  Now add to the mix a rookie quarterback making his first start this weekend and you could see an all-time low offense in Jacksonville.  Blaine Gabbert may be the future in Jacksonville but he should not be the present yet either.
27. Cleveland Browns (1-1) – In order to win more games like they did in Indianapolis last week they have to keep giving the ball to Peyton Hillis.  Colt McCoy has shown sparks but is still too inconsistent at this point.
26. Denver Broncos (1-1) – With all the cries for Tim Tebow, it was lost that the Broncos won last week against the Bengals.  Kyle Orton remains the starter going to Tennessee but this game is big.  Orton needs to silence some of his critics this weekend.

25. Carolina Panthers (0-2) – They had a chance to knock off the defending champs in their home opener but couldn’t get it done.  They are a young team, but a young team that is getting better.  Cam Newton looks like the real deal but he just doesn’t have enough playmakers on the outside.
24. Miami Dolphins (0-2) – Miami has played tough in their first two games against the Patriots and the Texans respectively but that got them the same results, losing.  When they get in the red zone they have to come out with any points and yes I am talking to you Dan Carpenter, make your kicks!

23. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) - I was really impressed with the way they went to Denver and battled.  They almost got the win and that will spur this young team forward with three of the next four games at home in Cincinnati.
22. San Francisco 49ners (1-1) – People are double guessing Coach Jim Harbaugh and his decision to leave points on the board and not take a first down penalty that could have closed out the game against the Cowboys last week.  Harbaugh will learn in time that when given the choice of three points or putting your offense back on the field in the fourth quarter, you always go with your offense.  Lesson learned Coach?
21. St. Louis Rams (0-2) – The Rams are hanging by a thread and need to figure out their Red Zone offense.  You have to score touchdowns to win in this league and they are having a hard time with that concept.  They don’t have time to feel sorry for themselves because they have Baltimore and Washington coming in.
20. New York Giants (1-1) – I am still not impressed by the Giants.  They were outplayed on Monday night by the Rams but made the plays when it counted and got turnovers.  They still have no identity on offense and Eli Manning should scare every Giant fan when you goes back to throw.  Injuries are really starting to pile up with the loss of Dominique Hixon to a torn ACL.
19. Oakland Raiders (1-1) – If they could have pulled out that victory in Buffalo, Oakland would be much higher on our list but they couldn’t seal the deal.  This team is on the up but they have to learn to beat a team outside of the AFC West.
18. Arizona Cardinals (1-1) – They like the Raiders were very close to being up in the top 15 if they could have held on in Washington.  Kevin Kolb has been really good in his first couple games in Arizona and they offense is on track.  The defense still needs a little work and I would like to see them get more pressure on the quarterback.
17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) – The Bucs are very lucky to be 1-1 and should very well be 0-2 if the Vikings could hold a lead.  I still see youth as the main thing that will hold this team back.  Big game with Atlanta this week will be a good test to see how the Bucs will fare this year.
16. Buffalo Bills (2-0) – In the first two games the Bills have played the JV Chiefs and the cross country traveling Raiders.  This weekend’s game against the Patriots will be a true test to see where the Bills are.  Ryan Fitzpaterick looks like the real deal at quarterback though.
15. Washington Redskins (2-0) – Call me crazy but I love the way Rex Grossmen is playing.  He has confidence and that in turn has his teammates confident.  Their defense has 3-4 personal in place and are running around and making plays.  Dare I say Washington is for real?
14. Tennessee Titans (1-1) – The Titans had a stinker in week one but had a marvelous performance against the Ravens in week two.  What is the true team?  I still like Chris Johnson to find himself and I love the way Matthew Hasslebeck is playing right now.
13. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) – There are some concerns in Big D and it has to do with their defense.  They are giving up a lot of yards and points.  Tony Romo showed you great toughness in getting that win last week in San Francisco.  Can they keep it up with injuries piling up on Romo, Felix Jones and Miles Austin?
12. Detroit Lions (2-0) – Fans in Detroit have every right to be excited about the Lions.  Their offense is firing on all cylinders and their defense are world betters.  Take into account they have played the Bucs and Chiefs.  
11. Atlanta Falcons (1-1) – Atlanta has got to shore up their offensive line because Matt Ryan is under way too much pressure.  They got the huge win against Philly and let’s see if it starts something.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) – Temper your excitement Steelers fans.  Yes you pitched a shutout last week; remember it was against the Seahawks.  It will take a couple more games like that to get the taste of the Ravens game out of your mouth.
9. San Diego Chargers (1-1) – For most of their game against the Pats, the Chargers looks like an elite team.  They kept the game within one score but turnovers killed them.  You can’t turn the ball over against the Patriots and the Chargers found that out the hard way.
8. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) – Not going to lie but that was not a good loss to Tennessee.  After completely dominating the Steeler, to follow that up with a stinker against the Titans is unacceptable.  Expect Coach John Harbaugh to communicate that to his team and the Ravens to get back on track.
7. Chicago Bears (1-1) – The Bears went down to New Orleans and kept with the Saints for the first three quarters.  Jay Cutler still gets hit too much and if their defense doesn’t take the ball away they are easy to play.  The game against the Packers this weekend will tell a lot about the Bears and the kind of team they are going to be this season.
6. Houston Texans (2-0) – Houston is playing great football right now.  Their defense under Wade Phillips looks nothing like the defense that got shredded last season.  The ultimate thing is that they are winning without Arian Foster, when he gets healthy this team will just get better.

5. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) – The Eagles may have suffered a huge blow if Michael Vick can’t play this week against the Giants because of a concussion.  The Eagles looked shaky at times in Atlanta and brilliant at other times.  What team are you going to get, with or without Vick?
4. New York Jets (2-0) – The Jets had an easy win over the Jags but it will get a lot tougher with AFC East games coming up.  It doesn’t help that center Nick Mangold will be out for a while with a high ankle sprain.
3. New Orleans Saints (1-1) – The Saints played well against both the Packers and the Bears.  Dree Bress looks dialed in and the defense got back to form against the Bears.  They need to run the ball more to be balanced but that will come with time.
2. New England Patriots (2-0) – The Pats are the gold standard in the AFC.  They just keep trotting people out there on offense and scoring points.  Tom Brady looks unstoppable and could very well break the single season passing yards record.
1. Green Bay Packers (2-0) – They got a scare in Carolina but won and that is the name of the game.  Aaron Rodgers has to get comfortable and the offensive line needs to pass protect better.  The defense needs to tackle better and work on no giving up the big play.  They are still the champs though and it is hard to argue against the champs.