NFL week three – top 10 power rankings

broncos1. Denver Broncos

 CH: -, Rec: 2-0

The best team in football put on a clinic in New York.  It was a dominant day in all aspects of the game, again. The running game looked strong against a tough D-line, QB Peyton Manning played tremendously (and was never sacked), the defense forced a bunch of turnovers, and KR Trindon Holliday pulled a punt back 81 yards for a score. In two weeks, the Broncos have put up 90 points. 45 points per game average. That’s scary. –Cole

seahawks

2. Seattle Seahawks

CH: +5, Rec 2-0

After a not so stellar win in week one, the Seahawks put on an impressive performance against the 49ers in week two. The defense continues to be their strong suit and QB Russell Wilson is developing well. –Liam

49ers

 3. San Francisco 49ers

CH: -1, Rec 1-1

QB Colin Kaepernick didn’t look best and neither did the San Fran defense. WR Anquan Boldin (who had a monster week one performance) was a non-factor. Consistency will be key for Boldin and Kaep if they are to rebound. –Liam

bears

4. Chicago Bears

CH: +2, Rec 2-0

Da Bears! Chicago is looking like a whole new team. HC Marc Trestman looks like a genius. TE Martellus Bennett, although dormant in the preseason, has done a great job as a red zone threat. The play of QB Jay Cutler is astonishing. Look what a good offensive line can do! Hope I didn’t jinx it. –Liam

packers

5. Green Bay Packers

CH: +1, Rec 1-1

QB Aaron Rodgers and the Pack pieced together a win against the Redskins in week two. They rank first in the NFL in yards per game (482.5) and second in points (33). With starting RB Eddie Lacy concussed, RB James Starks will fill in for an undetermined amount of time. As of right now though, there is a new king in the NFC North. –Liam

texans

6. Houston Texans

CH: -3, Rec 2-0

Two really, really, really close games in a row. However, good teams win games when everything breaks down. That’s what Houston did this week; they beat a far inferior Tennessee Titans team, but took overtime to do it.  Rookie WR DeAndre Hopkins showed his stuff, flaunting 117 yards on 7 receptions, including the acrobatic game winning TD.There are concerns, however. Two near losses to two non-playoff teams. That’s worrisome. –Cole

patriots

7. New England Patriots

CH: -3, Rec 2-0

Another close game against a divisional rival. It was a tough ride, but 2-0 with both wins over divisional opponents? That’s pretty much the best way to start a season.

However, looking forward, the integrity of the receiving corps has got to be questioned. With WR Danny Amendola out for a few weeks, who does QB Tom Brady have to throw to? Watching the tape from Thursday, it looks like no one. That spells bad news Pats. –Cole

falcons

8. Atlanta Falcons

CH:-, Rec: 1-1

The Falcons possess one of the most potent offenses in the league. QB Matt Ryan is a top five passer and WRs Roddy White and Julio Jones make one of the best, if not the best, receiver tandems in the league. They were able to knock off the Rams, but in order to challenge in the NFC, they will have to beat big those big name teams (Saints, week one). –Liam

saints

9. New Orleans Saints

CH:-, Rec 2-0

QB Drew Brees is gunslinging as usual. It was closer than comfort against the Bucs, but a win’s a win. Defense, defense, defense. That’ll be the key if they want to make a Super Bowl run. –Liam

bengals

10. Cincinnati Bengals

CH:-, Rec 1-1

The Bengals put one in the win column Monday night against a floundering Pittsburgh team. Cincinnati, as a team, was not particularly impressive, but they got the job done in the end against a bitter division rival. And while they only officially sacked Steelers’ QB Ben Roethlisberger twice, they were giving him hell all night. They take on the Green Bay Packers next week; it’s time to prove they can run with the bulls. –Cole