"NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Time To Believe & See"

Two weeks into the 2026 NFL regular season and we're starting to see if
it's time to believe in who can keep rising to the rankings. Injury riddled
teams whose seasons have took a detour; while others are figuring out
who really is buying stock. Let's cut the small talk and get down to
business.

1. Seattle Seahawks: 2-0 (Wk 1 ranking: 1st)
A slow start coming off their opening night win versus New England two
weeks ago, Seattle flexed their muscles and scorched Arizona this past
week. With quarterback Drew Lock leading the charge, the offense
didn't miss a step. Wide receiver and 2025 Offensive Player of the Year
Year JSN, defenses have no answers. A stout defense who can play
you in different levels made Arizona look below average. The heat turns
up heading into a showdown with AFC West and potential playoff team
Denver Broncos.

2. San Francisco 49ers: 2-0 (Wk 2 ranking: 2nd)
Opening the season with a statement win down under, San Francisco
returned home to dominate the lowly Miami Dolphins. A team with Super
Bowl aspirations, San Francisco is already in midseason form. Rather
it's their high powered offense or zone built defense, don't be surprised
if they can managed to stay undefeated for a few weeks. Barring injuries
which has kept them somewhat in the mix with depth across the roster,
doesn't matter who it is or opponents. This team is built different for a
reason. A semi-tough test against division rival Arizona can be a trap
game depending on who shows up to play.

3. Buffalo Bills: 2-0 (Wk 2 ranking: 4th)

A welcome to our new home win last Thursday night; as Buffalo
defeated the Detroit Lions. Quarterback Josh Allen was making it look
easy against an average Lions defense. Solid play calling from first year
head coach Joe Brady and skilled players integrating the scheme as
drawn up. My biggest concern for Buffalo is simple: can the defense
compete against stifling competition and put lowly teams away early in
the game? The notion of Allen playing superhero every week and
having a hot start is well-known. It's the middle of their schedule which
sounds fire alarms. Credit, they dominate September but have a
tendency to get cool around October into November. To be honest,
Buffalo needs to play their brand of football weekly and not let up the
gas pedal. With the 0-2 LA Chargers flying to the east coast, a very
winnable game but don't be surprised if LA can get their act together
and upset Buffalo.

4. Kansas City Chiefs: 2-0 (Wk 2 ranking: 6th)
Another close game with quarterback Patrick Mahomes' heroics,
Kansas City is souped up on all cylinders. This offense looks really good
with running back Kenneth Walker III leading a much improved
backfield. Travis Kelce looks much better and back to his normal self
with Mahomes throwing him passes. A receiving core which needs
some more juice which can add another dynamic. If the trade deadline
presents an opportunity, could it be a possibility they swing a home run?
For this defense, there needs to be more stoppage in the run game.
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor did any and everything to a vaunted
defense. What's the strength of their team has leakage; while a shaky
offensive line still needs improvement. Overall, they're back to being
relevant and winning football games.

5. Minnesota Vikings: 2-0 (Wk 2 ranking: N/A)
Back to back division wins over Green Bay and Chicago, Minnesota
makes their debut in my power rankings. A team with potential but the

biggest question at quarterback. Kyler Murray suffered a concussion in
week one; enter former first round pick and Super Bowl champion
Carson Wentz. In the rain and light wind playing a role, Minnesota did
enough and held Chicago to three points. Now... You may be wondering
why this happened? Defensive coordinator Brian Flores' unit has been
the biggest reason Minnesota is playing well. A very high blitz rate
usage of seventy-five percent, it causes opposing quarterbacks to run
around avoiding sacks. Offensively, it can be give or take because if you
know Wentz, he can throw a game away in seconds. Running back
Aaron Jones Sr can still play and give positive yardage. Minnesota is off
to a good start and their biggest tests are on deck.
6. Chicago Bears: 1-1 (Wk 2 ranking: 3rd)
Scoring fifty-nine points in week one to probably their worst game last
week, Chicago couldn't protect possessions. In the rain and wind, it
became messy football for both sides. Quarterback Caleb Williams'
injury left the stadium feeling fearful of a catastrophic injury as he exited
on a cart. Even the backup quarterback ended up with a concussion.
Defensively, it was all you could ask for and hold Minnesota to six
points. Missed opportunities to cash in the red zone to running out of
gas and time. Chicago won't have scoring outputs like week one but
now that Williams' injury condenses their offensive play calling. A tall
task Monday night as Philadelphia comes to town sitting 2-0. Can the
Bears survive October and stay in pace with Minnesota?

7. Philadelphia Eagles: 2-0 (Wk 2 ranking: N/A)
Two ugly wins, chatter and quieting the noise; as Philadelphia makes
their debut in my power rankings. Questions surrounding quarterback
Jalen Hurts' "how it's supposed to look while playing the most important
position in sports." The slander and malicious dialogue about a young
man who doesn't bother anyone; yet is the topic of discussion as to why
Philadelphia doesn't score very many points. Between media narratives
and facing adversity, Hurts isn't phased by any of it. Two ugly wins in

having to orchestrate game winning drives, the noise will only grow
louder. For their offense, still ironing wrinkles and recreating an identity.
Defense is still good, but there will be moments where a much better
scoring opponent will make them nervous. A trip to Chicago Monday
night will be a true road game this early in the season. Can they make it
out with a victory? We shall see.

8. Cincinnati Bengals: 2-0 (Wk 2 ranking: N/A)
Strong start to the 2026 season, Cincinnati sent a message to Houston
in week two. Traveling to H-Town and delivering a highlight catch from
All-Pro wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase. We know what the Bengals
offense can produce when it's go time. A discombobulated defense who
couldn't stop anyone last year is vastly improved. Adding defensive
tackle Dexter Lawrence has been a difference so far. Bolstering the
interior front and giving a middle of the pack secondary time to stay in
front of opposing receivers. A mid-tier defense allowed six points and
Cincinnati will take that versus giving up thirty plus points. In a winnable
AFC North, sky's the limit as they travel to Pittsburgh and battle what
morale is within an aging quarterback in Aaron Rodgers.

9. Los Angeles Rams: 1-1 (Wk 2 ranking: 9th)
A bounce back home opener Monday night against the New York
Giants in blowout fashion. The debut and return of Rams legend Aaron
Donald still had footsteps lurking around New York's offensive line. MVP
Matthew Stafford looked pretty good; as did the running back duo of
Kyren Williams and Blake Corum; a passing attack which Devante
Adams is still one of the best receivers at this advanced stage. My
biggest concern is what this team will look like once Myles Garrett
returns in a few weeks. With Donald playing and looking like himself, I
believe this defense will be among the best in football. Credit, it's a
small sample portion but head coach Sean McVay is a very smart play

caller. A road test Sunday night in Denver will show if they're capable of
picking apart the Broncos offense and defense.

10. Jacksonville Jaguars: 1-1 (Wk 2 ranking: N/A)
A bad loss in Denver as the Jags make their debut for a number of
reasons. First place schedule and having to play in Denver last week.
Quarterback Trevor Lawrence didn't look his best; neither did the
defense. A quest to replicate 2025 with higher expectations and taking
the next step. An offense who can score points, but couldn't move
anything once Denver made adjustments. The defense is okay but not
great by any means. Jacksonville can go far as Lawrence takes them
and hopefully regroup. The biggest flag: dual threat Travis Hunter's lack
of usage has fans asking if he's being under utilized with playing time.
You don't trade up and draft a player who is a game changer; while
abusing his skillset. If the Jags fail, blame the coaching staff and
organization for failing Hunter. For now, New England is on deck looking
to build off their win over Pittsburgh. Jacksonville has zero time to pout
and whine about moral losses.