Week 2 of the NFL season was a whirlwind, offering plenty of thrilling moments, surprising upsets and several injuries to high-profile players.
Entering Week 3, several teams will attempt to build on their stellar starts to the season, while others will try desperately to avoid falling into a dreaded 0-3 hole.
With that in mind, here’s how each team stands in our power rankings entering Week 3. (Week 3 matchups are Sunday unless otherwise noted.)
1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) | Week 2: W 26-25 (vs. Cincinnati) | Last week: 1
The two-time defending Super Bowl champion keeps finding ways to win, as the Chiefs escaped Week 2 with a win in arguably the worst start of QB Patrick Mahomes’ career (151 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions). Safety Chamarri Conner and backup offensive lineman Wanya Morris became the latest players to make unexpected impacts for Kansas City, with each scoring a touchdown. Week 3: at Atlanta (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)
2. Houston Texans (2-0) | Week 2: W 19-13 (vs. Chicago) | Last week: 6
The Texans’ offense had difficulty against a formidable Bears defense, but the team’s defensive efforts helped secure a victory. If Houston’s defense continues to perform like it did on Sunday (seven sacks and two interceptions), there might not be a roster in the NFL with fewer holes. Week 3: at Minnesota (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
3. Buffalo Bills (2-0) | Week 2: W 31-10 (at Miami) | Last week: 7
The Bills have adopted a new identity under OC Joe Brady and have won eight of their last nine regular-season contests as a result. RB James Cook appears to be fully breaking out, with the Georgia product matching his rushing touchdown total from each of his first two seasons (two) during last Thursday’s blowout win. Week 3: vs. Jacksonville (Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN)
4. San Francisco 49ers (1-1) | Week 2: L 23-17 (at Minnesota) | Last week: 2
Although new starting RB Jordan Mason rushed for 100 yards and one touchdown, the 49ers offense felt the absence of reigning Offensive Player of the Year Christian McCaffrey. Now that San Francisco will be without do-it-all wideout Deebo Samuel (calf) for a few weeks, it desperately needs WR Brandon Aiyuk to prove he’s worth his four-year, $120 million deal. Week 3: at Rams (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) makes a pass against Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, September 15, 2024.
Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
5. Detroit Lions (1-1) | Week 2: L 20-16 (vs. Tampa Bay) | Last week: 3
The Lions outgained the Buccaneers by 247 yards (463-216) but dropped the rematch of last season’s divisional-round clash after scoring just one touchdown on seven trips to the red zone. Detroit will need QB Jared Goff, who has completed 62.7% of his passes for 524 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions this season, to make better decisions with the ball going forward. Week 3: at Arizona (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) | Week 2: W 20-16 (at Detroit) | Last week: 12
The Buccaneers earned a convincing road win over the Lions, showing that they belong in the upper echelon of NFL teams. Even though former OC Dave Canales earned credit for last season’s production, QB Baker Mayfield has proved he’s a franchise quarterback, throwing for 474 yards and a league-leading five touchdowns this season. Week 3: vs. Denver (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
7. New Orleans Saints (2-0) | Week 2: W 44-19 (at Dallas) | Last week: 21
New Orleans has undoubtedly been the biggest surprise of the young season, with the team earning another convincing blowout win this past week behind RB Alvin Kamara’s four total touchdowns. New OC Klint Kubiak appears to have fully unlocked the Saints offense’s potential, given that the starting unit scored on 15 consecutive drives to begin 2024. Week 3: vs. Philadelphia (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
8. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) | Week 2: L 22-21 (vs. Atlanta) | Last week: 5
A crucial fourth-quarter drop by RB Saquon Barkley opened the door for the Falcons to pull off a shocking victory in Philadelphia. Through two games, it’s clear the Eagles pass rush desperately misses edge-rusher Haason Reddick, considering the unit has been virtually nonexistent. Week 3: at New Orleans (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
9. Baltimore Ravens (0-2) | Week 2: L 26-23 (vs. Las Vegas) | Last week: 4
Self-inflicted wounds led to the Ravens blowing a 10-point fourth-quarter lead against Las Vegas on Sunday, resulting in the team’s first 0-2 start since 2015. With a grueling stretch against Dallas, Buffalo and Cincinnati on the horizon, Lamar Jackson and Co. must get on track quickly if they wish to return to the playoffs. Week 3: at Dallas (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs (8) against Indianapolis Colts safety Rodney Thomas II (25) at Lambeau Field.
Wm. Glasheen/USA TODAY Network via Imagn Images
10. Green Bay Packers (1-1) | Week 2: W 16-10 (vs. Indianapolis) | Last week: 10
With starting QB Jordan Love sidelined due to a knee injury, Matt LaFleur put on a coaching clinic during Sunday’s win over Indianapolis, as the Malik Willis-led offense racked up 261 rushing yards. RB Josh Jacobs (235 rushing yards this season) and safety Xavier McKinney (eight total tackles and two interceptions in 2024) have quickly established themselves as two of the best free-agent signings from this past offseason. Week 3: at Tennessee (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
11. New York Jets (1-1) | Week 2: W 24-17 (at Tennessee) | Last week: 13
While he hasn’t been vintage Aaron Rodgers from a production standpoint, the 10-time Pro Bowler’s poise and confidence helped the Jets rally from a first-half deficit against Tennessee to earn their first win of the season. RB Braelon Allen, the NFL’s youngest player, stood out with a two-touchdown outing, and the rookie’s emergence potentially gives New York one of the best one-two punch out of the backfield in the league. Week 3: vs. New England (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Amazon Prime Video)
12. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) | Week 2: L 44-19 (vs. New Orleans) | Last week: 8
The Cowboys’ 2024 home opener ended in a similar fashion to last season’s divisional-round loss at AT&T Stadium, with the team suffering a deflating blowout loss. While the defense’s ineffectiveness was the key reason for the loss to New Orleans, Dallas needs its offense to show signs of improvement against a stingy Ravens defense. Week 3: vs. Baltimore (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
13. Seattle Seahawks (2-0) | Week 2: W 23-20 (at New England) | Last week: 16
The competition hasn’t been great, but the Seahawks, led by new HC Mike Macdonald, turned in another outstanding defensive performance during Week 2’s road matchup against New England, posting three sacks and eight QB hits. Meanwhile, the Seattle wide receiver corps delivered a productive outing with the help of new OC Ryan Grubb’s system, as both DK Metcalf and Jaxon Smith-Njigba amassed over 110 yards. Week 3: vs. Miami (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
14. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) | Week 2: L 26-25 (at Kansas City) | Last week: 11
Cincinnati narrowly lost another thrilling matchup against the reigning champion Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium and sits 0-2 to begin the season for the fifth time in six years. Nonetheless, the Bengals have proven that they’re able to overcome early-season struggles, but the team desperately needs wideout Tee Higgins (hamstring) back in the lineup if they’re going to turn things around. Week 3: vs. Washington (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC)
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) reacts back to the crowd in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) | Week 2: W 13-6 at Denver) | Last week: 17
The Steelers are just the third team in the Super Bowl era to begin their season 2-0 despite scoring just one touchdown, as pointed out by The Score’s Daniel Valente. The Justin Fields-led offense hasn’t been perfect, but the team’s run-first approach is effective and complements the team’s dominant defense perfectly. Week 3: vs. Chargers (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
16. Miami Dolphins (1-1) | Week 2: L 31-10 (vs. Buffalo) | Last week: 9
QB Tua Tagovailoa struggled mightily before suffering the third concussion of his NFL career last Thursday, tossing three interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. It remains to be seen how long Tagovailoa will be sidelined, but backup QB Skylar Thompson’s uninspiring performance against Buffalo raises doubt that the team can survive without its starter. Week 3: at Seattle (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
17. Cleveland Browns (1-1) | Week 2: W 18-13 (at Jacksonville) | Last week: 18
The Browns defense bounced back from a disappointing Week 1 showing to help propel the team to a road win over the Jaguars, notching four sacks and recording a safety. The offense, on the other hand, stalled in the second half, though it did make strides compared to how the unit performed in the season opener. Week 3: vs. Giants (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
18. Atlanta Falcons (1-1) | Week 2: W 22-21 at Philadelphia) | Last week: 20
The Falcons stole a much-needed road win from the Eagles in thrilling fashion, thanks largely to QB Kirk Cousins’ stellar second half (13-of-16 passing for 166 yards and two touchdowns). Any concerns that the 36-year-old is still feeling the effects of last season’s Achilles tear can be put to rest at least until next week. Week 3: vs. Kansas City (8:20 p.m. ET | NBC)
19. Minnesota Vikings (2-0) | Week 2: W 23-17 (vs. San Francisco) | Last week: 25
Minnesota solidified itself as a team that must be taken seriously following a statement win over the defending NFC champion 49ers. It’s still early, but Vikings QB Sam Darnold (476 passing yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions this season) is playing his way toward earning a multi-year deal with another team during the offseason. Week 3: vs. Houston (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
Los Angeles Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins (27) flips into the end zone ahead of Carolina Panthers safety Jordan Fuller (20) and safety Xavier Woods (25) for a touchdown against the Carolina Panthers during the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium.
Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images
20. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) | Week 2: W 26-3 (at Carolina) | Last week: 22
Los Angeles handled its business against the lowly Panthers, coasting to a 26-3 road win with a balanced offensive attack and an impressive defensive effort. RB J.K. Dobbins, who tore his Achilles in Week 1 of last season, has emerged as an early contender for the Comeback Player of the Year Award, having rushed for 266 yards and two touchdowns in two games. Week 3: at Pittsburgh (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
21. Chicago Bears (1-1) | Week 2: L 19-13 (at Houston) | Last week: 15
Chicago’s defense has been impressive to begin the season and is primarily the reason the team has been competitive. No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams hasn’t lived up to his lofty expectations so far, although the Bears offensive line hasn’t done the rookie quarterback any favors either. Week 3: at Indianapolis (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
22. Arizona Cardinals (1-1) | Week 2: W 41-10 (vs. Rams) | Last week: 26
The Cardinals defense stood out in the team’s drubbing of the Rams after blowing a 14-point lead a week prior to Buffalo, collecting five sacks and 12 tackles for loss. Rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. responded to the overreactions regarding his lackluster NFL debut by catching four passes for 130 yards and two touchdowns. Week 3: vs. Detroit (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
23. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) | Week 2: W 26-23 (at Baltimore) | Last week: 28
After suffering a deflating Week 1 loss against the Chargers, HC Antonio Pierce’s Raiders rebounded strongly on Sunday, completing a fourth-quarter comeback to stun the Ravens in Baltimore. Rookie Brock Bowers is off to a historic start to his career, becoming the first tight end to have at least five receptions and 50 receiving yards in each of his first two games. Week 3: vs. Carolina (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
24. Los Angeles Rams (0-2) | Week 2: L 41-10 (at Arizona) | Last week: 14
Los Angeles’ injury woes worsened during Sunday’s road blowout loss against the Cardinals, with star wideout Cooper Kupp, offensive lineman Jonah Jackson and safety John Johnson III all going down with long-term injuries. The Rams are fortunate to have an early Week 6 bye, but it’s becoming increasingly realistic that they could head into the break winless. Week 3: vs. San Francisco (4:25 p.m. ET | Fox)
Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor (28) stiff arms Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) on a first down run during their football game Sunday, September 15, 2024, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Dan Powers/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
25. Indianapolis Colts (0-2) | Week 2: L 16-10 (at Green Bay) | Last week: 19
Second-year QB Anthony Richardson took a step back in his sixth career start, completing just 50% of his passes for 204 yards, one touchdown, and three interceptions, in addition to fumbling twice. However, Indianapolis’ biggest concern heading into Week 3 is not the quarterback’s performance but rather its shaky run defense, as the team has allowed an NFL-high 474 yards on the ground through two games. Week 3: vs. Chicago (1 p.m. ET | CBS)
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) | Week 2: L 18-13 (vs. Cleveland) | Last week: 23
Dating back to the 2023 season, the Jaguars have lost the last seven games quarterback Trevor Lawrence has started, and pressure is mounting for the team to quickly find an offensive identity. Lawrence has underwhelmed this season, throwing for
382 yards and just one touchdown, but it’s up to HC Doug Pederson’s staff to put the former No. 1 overall pick in a better position to succeed. Week 3: at Buffalo (Monday at 7:30 p.m. ET | ESPN)
27. Tennessee Titans (0-2) | Week 2: L 24-17 (vs. Jets) | Last week: 24
For the second week in a row, the Titans fell 24-17 at home behind another egregious turnover from QB Will Levis. Although he flashed potential as a rookie, if Levis continues to make boneheaded decisions with the football, Tennessee may have no choice but to bench him. Week 3: vs. Green Bay (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
28. Washington Commanders (1-1) | Week 2: W 21-18 (vs. Giants) | Last week: 29
The Commanders didn’t score a touchdown on Sunday, but kicker Austin Seibert’s franchise record seven field goals were enough to knock off the Giants. Washington’s passing attack is limited, but if OC Kliff Kingsbury continues to open up the playbook for dynamic rookie QB Jayden Daniels, the team could see improved results through the air against Cincinnati. Week 3: at Cincinnati (Monday at 8:15 p.m. ET | ABC)
29. New England Patriots (1-1) | Week 2: L 23-20 (vs. Seattle) | Last week: 30
The Patriots dropped a hard-fought home opener against Seattle, with QB Jacoby Brissett losing steam as the game went on, throwing for just 32 yards during the second half and overtime. Even so, New England has performed better than expected to begin the season, providing optimism that the team could rattle off a few wins once rookie QB Drake Maye is inserted into the starting lineup. Week 3: at Jets (Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET | Amazon Prime Video)
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) huddles with teammates in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High.
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
30. Denver Broncos (0-2) | Week 2: L 13-6 (vs. Pittsburgh) | Last week: 27
Perhaps HC Sean Payton’s scheme and not the play of former starting QB Russell Wilson was the cause of Denver’s offensive struggles last season. Despite shipping Wilson out of Denver this past offseason, the unit has regressed under rookie Bo Nix, ranking 30th in scoring through two games after finishing 19th in that department in 2024. Week 3: at Tampa Bay (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
31. New York Giants (0-2) | Week 2: L 21-18 (at Washington) | Last week: 31
The Giants are inventing new ways to lose, and HC Brian Daboll’s seat is getting warmer with each passing week. During Sunday’s road loss to Washington, New York became the first team in NFL history to lose a game in regulation despite scoring three touchdowns while keeping its opponent out of the end zone. Week 3: at Cleveland (1 p.m. ET | Fox)
32. Carolina Panthers (0-2) | Week 2: L 26-3 (vs. Chargers) | Last week: 32
At this point, the Panthers should be grateful the NFL doesn’t have a relegation system. Carolina will have to hope that its surprising decision to bench 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young in favor of journeyman QB Andy Dalton helps the offense find a much-needed spark. Week 3: at Las Vegas (4:05 p.m. ET | CBS)
