The NFL has long been a league filled with surprises. But even by the NFL's own chaotic standards, the first three weeks of the 2024 season have been wild.

Of the four teams that made the conference championship games last year, just two are above .500 three weeks in—and one just got their first win of the season Sunday. A number of teams labeled as potential Super Bowl contenders are struggling in the early going. The league's most dominant team three weeks in entered the season with zero real expectations—and Sam Darnold as its starting quarterback.

The first quarterback of the 2024 season to pass for 300 yards and three touchdowns in a game this year? Andy Dalton of the Carolina Panthers, because of course he was.

It hasn't all been madness, The two-time defending Super Bowl champions are undefeated, even if they aren't exactly blowing teams out. Rookie quarterbacks have struggled as expected, although one AFC South team would likely swap their second-year signal-caller out in a heartbeat.

In a season filled with upsets, disappointments and surprises galore, trying to rank the NFL's teams isn't easy. But Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski are willing to take up the challenge anyway, slotting all 32 teams from worst to first.

The king of the mountain has yet to change this year, but a new squad has claimed the title of the NFL's worst team.

And that's where we'll begin—in Nashville.

32. Tennessee Titans (0-3)

Last Week: 29

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Green Bay 30-14

The 0-3 Tennessee Titans have a quarterback problem.

The problem is that their quarterback has been a turnover machine—Will Levis threw for 260 yards and two scores in Sunday's lopsided loss to the Green Bay Packers. But he also threw two more interceptions and lost a fumble—including another pick-six.

After the game, Levis said he remains confident he can turn things around.

"I'm still confident," Levis told reporters. "Something needs to click with this team and we're just waiting for it. We really thought that this was going to be our turning point, and it sucks that it wasn't, but we're going to keep working every day to try to make it happen."

Head coach Brian Callahan also offered a vote of confidence for the second-year pro.

"We've also got to play better around him," Callahan said. "I'm not going to overreact to an interception. Those things happen. Guys throw picks. We just can't give it to their team. It's a killer. But we've not played a complete game in any phase at any point yet."

"Frankly, there's not much that the Titans can do about their quarterback situation," Davenport wrote. "It's not like inserting Mason Rudolph under center is suddenly going to make Tennessee a good team. But Levis just cannot seem to stop making terrible decisions with the ball, although at least there wasn't a comically horrific turnover in this game. The Titans might as well start seriously scouting next year's quarterback class—because at this rate, the team will be picking in the top three next year."

31. New England Patriots (1-2)

Last Week: 28

Week 3 Result: Lost at New York Jets 24-3

Well, we knew it was going to happen sooner or later. That the New England Patriots were likely going to struggle offensively this year. And that at some point, the calls for rookie Drake Maye to start at quarterback would come.

Maye saw his first game action of 2024 in Thursday's loss to the New York Jets, completing four of eight passes for 22 yards. While addressing the media after the loss, Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said he saw some things he liked from Maye—but Jacoby Brissett remains the starter in New England.

"Coming off the bench at that time is always tough no matter what position, but especially at the quarterback position," Mayo said. "I thought he did handle himself well and tried to put a drive together and something to build off of. I thought it was a good opportunity for him to go out there and get some live reps."

"Jacoby is our quarterback until I say he's not the quarterback," Mayo continured. "I thought last night, he showed a lot of toughness, a lot of grit on protection breakdowns."

Davenport believes that's wise.

"Yes, the New England offense was awful against the Jets—139 total yards and 11 first downs," he wrote. "But it's not Brissett's fault that New England's offensive line was terrible in the game. Or that the New England pass-catchers may be the weakest in the entire NFL. A change at quarterback isn't going to make a bad Patriots offense better, It is, however, going to set Drake Maye up to fail."

30. Carolina Panthers (1-2)

Last Week: 32

Week 3 Result: Won at Las Vegas 36-22

The Carolina Panthers looked abjectly awful the first two weeks of the 2024 season—so bad that the team benched 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young two games into his second season.

As it turns out, that wasn't such a bad idea.

Sunday in Las Vegas, Andy Dalton became the first quarterback in the NFL this season to throw for over 300 yards and three scores. A Panthers offense that couldn't move the ball at all the first two weeks of the season amassed 437 yards of offense. It wasn't just through the air, either—running back Chuba Hubbard had 169 yards from scrimmage and a score.

For head coach Dave Canales, the explosion was the realization of the potential he saw in his team all along.

"I felt like the whole group in general showed up ready," Canales told reporters. "This is a really serious and really focused group and something I've had to get used to because I'm so high energy. I want things to be a party all the time. This group is like, 'Coaches, tell us what you need, and we'll do it.'"

It's entirely possible that this was a one-week-deal—the Panthers remain a flawed team that has won three of its last 20 contests. But for one week at least, the Panthers looked the part of an actual NFL team.

And trading up to draft Young ahead of C.J. Stroud last year looks like one of the worst draft decisions of the common draft era.

Maybe the worst.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-3)

Last Week: 27

Week 3 Result: Lost at Buffalo 47-10

With the Jacksonville Jaguars following up last season's collapse down the stretch with an 0-2 start to this season, there has been no shortage of criticism lobbied at Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Ahead of Monday's trip to Buffalo, Lawrence told ESPN's Michael DiRocco that he isn't interested in the outside noise.

"I don't really care what people think about me," Lawrence said. "I play for the people around me. ... But I also think things are earned in this league, and I would love to get to the point in my career where there's no doubt about the player I am."

It's a good thing that Lawrence doesn't care about outside noise—because it's about to get a lot louder.

In fairness, Lawrence is hardly solely to blame for Jacksonville's annihilation at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Frankly, there wasn't a facet of the game where the Jaguars weren't completely dominated. Jacksonville's offense had 239 yards of offense and converted just two of 13 first downs. The Jaguars defense apparently stayed in Florida—the Bills scored touchdowns on their first five possessions.

But Lawrence is the face of the franchise. The $55 million a year quarterback who threw for just 178 yards, threw a pick and posted a passer rating of less than 70. The Jaguars still have yet to score even 20 points in a game this season. Lawrence has now lost eight consecutive starts dating back to last year.

The Jaguars are in free-fall. And with a trip to the AFC South-leading Texans up next, it's probably going to get worse before it gets better.

28. New York Giants (1-2)

Last Week: 31

Week 3 Result: Won at Cleveland 21-15

The New York Giants got off to a miserable start to the 2024 season—a blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings followed by a close loss to the rival Commanders. But despite another slow start, New York quarterback Daniel Jones told reporters ahead of Sunday's trip to Cleveland that the Giants remained confident they could turn things around.

"We have a high standard for ourselves and what we can be, what this team can be," Jones said. "We're confident in getting things going and we're working hard to do that. Nobody's happy with where we are, from a record standpoint, but we understand what we need to do to turn it around and catch some momentum. No one's freaking out."

That confidence showed in Week 3.

Jones had his best game of the season in Sunday's win over the Browns—24 completions in 34 attempts for 236 yards and two scores without an interception. Both of those touchdowns went to rookie Malik Nabers, who has very much looked the part of a No. 1 wide receiver over the past two weeks. The New York defense held the Browns to 217 yards of offense, forced two turnovers and made some key fourth-down stops.

Frankly, Sunday's win may say more about how bad the Browns are than how good the Giants can be. But the Giants desperately needed some positive momentum—a victory to build on ahead of Thursday's prime-time tilt with the Dallas Cowboys.

We'll see how much that momentum matters in a couple of days.

27. Denver Broncos (1-2)

Last Week: 30

Week 3 Result: Won at Tampa Bay 26-7

The first two professional starts for rookie quarterback Bo Nix of the Broncos were rough. But Sunday in Tampa, the former Oregon and Auburn standout gave Denver fans some signs of what the future might hold under center in the Mile High City.

Nix still has yet to throw a touchdown pass. But his Week 3 effort was easily his best to date—25 completions in 36 attempts for 216 yards, with another 47 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

Denver's first victory of 2024 left Nix excited while addressing reporters postgame.

"It felt great. We played really well," Nix said. "We went out there and executed at a high level, and that's what it's supposed to feel like when you get back in the locker room. The guys were really excited. You put so much into the week. You put so much effort, time and energy, and that is what those moments are about."

The Broncos avoided a second straight 0-3 start under Sean Payton, and Knox thinks Denver found a recipe for success in its upset of the previously undefeated Buccaneers.

"I still don't believe that Denver is a legitimate contender, but Sunday's decisive win over the Buccaneers certainly offers some hope," he said. "If the defense can continue playing like a top-10 unit, and the Broncos can get the occasional big chunk play offensively, the playoffs aren't a pipe dream. For now, the Broncos are showing that if rookie QB Bo Nix can manage the game and avoid turnovers, they can play winning football."

26. Las Vegas Raiders (1-2)

Last Week: 21

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Carolina 36-22

The Las Vegas Raiders have had their fair share of low moments in recent years. After Antonio Pierce rallied the team down the stretch last year, the hope was that things were headed in the right direction.

That's hard to say with a straight face after the Raiders were waxed in Vegas by a Panthers team that was easily the NFL's worst through the season's first two weeks.

This game was nowhere near as close as the final score. The Raiders were outplayed in every facet of the game. The offense struggled to move the ball until the game was out of hand. The defense was gouged through the air and gashed on the ground by the likes of Andy Dalton and Chuba Hubbard.

Pierce made no excuses about the embarrassing loss while speaking to the media.

"The scheme wasn't good enough, the design of the plays wasn't good enough today, what we thought was going to work didn't work and on the grass we didn't execute," Pierce said. "Nor did we put forth the effort, to me, that we put up in games past."

"Last week, the Raiders played like a team that deserved more respect in the power rankings by the way they came back to beat the Ravens," Moton said. "One week later, the Raiders deserve criticism and a walk to the power rankings basement. The Raiders embarrassed themselves in a home-opening loss to the Panthers.

"After the loss, head coach Antonio Pierce told reporters that certain individuals made 'business decisions' as the game went on. So, in three weeks, Pierce has said the team got a 'wake-up call' in the loss to the Chargers. Now, presumably, players are starting to make business decisions before October. Somehow, the Raiders' season is already at a crossroads."

25. Chicago Bears (1-2)

Last Week: 24

Week 3 Result: Lost at Indianapolis 21-16

The Chicago Bears undoubtedly don't want to hear about moral victories after falling at Indianapolis on Sunday. But there was at least some encouraging news for the Bears—a Caleb Williams sighting.

Yes, the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft threw a pair of interceptions. But Williams also tossed the first two touchdown passes of his professional career and threw for 363 yards.

After the loss Williams told reporters he's more than willing to do whatever it takes to help the Bears win.

"I do whatever the team needs," Williams said. "So, if it's [throwing] 50 times, it's 50 times. I can't have the two turnovers with those 50 attempts. And then if it ends up being 10 times and I complete nine of those 10, and we have 300 yards rushing and four touchdowns, I'm fully aware, fully ready to do whatever the team needs. And so, if it comes down to being 50 attempts and us slinging the ball around, if it comes down to being 10 attempts—it's whatever the team needs, whatever the team needs to get the win. We'll keep slinging it, we'll keep working on the run game. We'll keep getting better, definitely, as an offense. We're going to get this thing going here soon."

"The Bears have a problem and it's not just their offensive line, as some would lead you to believe," Sobleski said. "Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams is also playing a part in why he's facing so much pressure and taking so many hits. This year's No. 1 overall pick is struggling with recognizing defenses, processing post-snap and staring down targets. The natural ability is clearly present in Williams' skill set. The game simply hasn't slowed down yet. When those issues are coupled with subpar offensive line play, a rookie then endures a barrage of pressure."

24. Miami Dolphins (1-2)

Last Week: 22

Week 3 Result: Lost at Seattle 24-3

It's panic time in Miami.

The Dolphins have skill-position talent that rivals any in the NFL. But after surrendering six more sacks in Sunday's loss in Seattle, the Dolphins are on their third-string quarterback after Skylar Thompson was forced from the game with a chest injury.

With Tim Boyle playing much of the game, the Dolphins barely cracked 200 total yards and were held out of the end zone. Wide receivers Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle combined for seven catches for 66 yards. While talking to reporters after the game, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel acknowledged that the Dolphins have to figure out how to move the ball—and do so quickly.

"You have to look at everything and you have to find a way to give your team the best chance to win," McDaniel said. "I think in 2022, this was something that happened to us as well, and ultimately the rest of the league does not care, nor should they. So, we have to find a way to get better collectively. I've never won a game scoring three points, so I think collectively starting with me it has to be better. We have to get it figured out fast."

Knox has his doubts as to whether that will happen.

"The argument that Tua Tagovailoa wouldn't be the same quarterback outside of a Mike McDaniel offense that doesn't feature Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle may still hold weight," he said. "However, it's clear that Miami's offense won't work with just any quarterback. And without an offense that can put up points in bunches, the Dolphins just aren't very threatening."

23. Cincinnati Bengals (0-3)

Last Week: 15

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Washington 38-33

Earlier this week, Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports predicted that if the Cincinnati Bengals can't turn around their season and make the playoffs, head coach Zac Taylor will lose his job.

"The Bengals have lost seven straight games in Weeks 1 and 2, yet have somehow overcome the slow starts and finished with winning records in each of the last two seasons," Kerr opined. "Taylor and the Bengals have been playing with fire, and eventually they are going to get burned. After going to the AFC Championship game in 2021 and 2022, missing the playoffs in consecutive years would be a massive setback for the franchise. Burrow had a relatively healthy camp and is healthy enough to have an impact on games. The mistakes the Bengals make are too costly to survive in a loaded AFC North and a tough AFC."

We may be about to find out how secure Taylor's job really is—because after being beaten at home by the Washington Commanders, the Bengals now have to try to become the fifth team (out of over 160) since 1990 to overcome an 0-3 start to make the postseason.

Given how Cincy played in Week 3, Davenport thinks Taylor should start perusing the want ads.

"Seeing an offense this good wasted on a team this bad is just depressing," Davenport said. "This is a game where the Bengals topped 30 points, didn't punt—and lost. Where the Cincinnati defense just could not get off the field against a rookie quarterback making his third career start. Cincy outgained Washington by 80 yards, converted 60 percent of their third downs—and still don't have a win this year. The Bengals' slow starts in previous years could at least be attributed to Joe Burrow being hurt. But there's no explanation in 2024. For whatever reason, Taylor doesn't have his team ready when the season starts. Now the Bengals are in a hole likely too deep to dig out of. And if/when they miss the postseason again, Taylor should be shown the door."

22. Cleveland Browns (1-2)

Last Week: 20

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. New York Giants 21-15

The Cleveland Browns have a $230 million problem.

To be fair, Cleveland's offensive struggles Sunday against the woeful Giants weren't entirely Deshaun Watson's fault. The Browns quarterback was under constant siege behind an injury-ravaged offensive line, taking eight sacks and running for his life most of the afternoon.

But Watson's numbers were once again mediocre for the Browns—21 completions in 37 attempts for 197 yards. He has yet to throw for even 200 yards in a game, and Cleveland was out-gained by over 120 yards—by a Giants team that entered Week 3 25th in the league in total offense.

The Browns have now lost both of their home games this season, and head coach Kevin Stefanski told reporters after the defeat that the team has work to do ahead of next week's trip to Las Vegas.

"I got to get it fixed. It's disappointing on a bunch of different levels. I know we can be better, and we will be," Stefanski said. "That's the truth of the NFL. We have a game next week against an AFC opponent and will be our focus very quickly here. But very, very disappointed. Not good enough from a players standpoint, from a coaching standpoint. Just not good enough, and we're not going to win games when we play like that."

Davenport has a suggestion.

"Maybe it's the offensive line," he wrote. "Maybe it's the off-field issues that continue to swirl around Watson. Maybe Watson just isn't that good anymore. Whatever the reason, Cleveland has to do something to try to get the offense going. And Stefanski needs to think long and hard about going to Jameis Winston at quarterback next week in Vegas. The Watson trade and contract combination was the worst personnel move in NFL history. It's time the Browns stop pretending it wasn't."

21. Indianapolis Colts (1-2)

Last Week: 25

Week 3 Result: Won vs. Chicago 21-16

After starting the season 0-2 and allowing over 200 rushing yards in back-to-back games, the Indianapolis Colts desperately needed two things—a win and some run defense.

The team got both Sunday against the Chicago Bears, shutting down Chicago on the ground. But the team didn't exactly rack up the style points doing so—quarterback Anthony Richardson had another shaky outing passing the ball and the Colts were out-gained by a sizable margin.

The engine for the victory was running back Jonathan Taylor, who piled up 135 total yards and two scores on 24 touches. Taylor told reporters after the game that getting a win was all that mattered in Week 3.

"It's a lot (of momentum), especially being here (at home). All we needed is one," Taylor said. "It was a great opportunity to get going and now we've got to continue to build on this."

"The Anthony Richardson experience continues to be one helluva ride," Sobleski said. "The 22-year-old's peaks reach a level where most quarterbacks can't go. But his valleys have been far more prevalent and border on making him unplayable. Still, the flashes of his immense potential are exactly why the Colts must continue to start last year's fourth overall pick and simply endure those lows along the way. Indianapolis is far more capable of doing so when its defense actually plays well. The Colts were the league's worst run defense, by far, entering Week 3 action. The unit held the Chicago Bears to 63 rushing yards at 2.3 three yards per attempt. Indianapolis will be a difficult out as long as it is playing complementary football."

20. Arizona Cardinals (1-2)

Last Week: 18

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Detroit 20-13

In Week 2, the Arizona Cardinals were an offensive buzzsaw—Kyler Murray tallied a perfect passer rating of 158.3 as the Cards dropped 41 on the Los Angeles Rams.

Sunday against Detroit, that buzzsaw came to a screeching halt—the Redbirds managed just 277 yards of offense and a single touchdown in a loss to the Detroit Lions.

While allowing that Arizona didn't play its best game, Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon told reporters that he's still confident the team is headed in the right direction.

"We didn't make enough plays in all three phases; that's what it came down to," Gannon said. "I did think we battled; we fought. Coming out of halftime, we were resilient. If we keep playing like that, clean up some mistakes, we'll be back on track."

Moton isn't so sure.

"The Cardinals have potential," he said, "but they're not contenders yet. Kyler Murray's connection with Marvin Harrison Jr. is still growing, though they have the potential to be one of the league's best quarterback-receiver tandems. We've seen glimpses of that in the first three weeks. The Cardinals need more defensive talent to beat playoff-caliber teams. Last week, they gave up nearly 200 rushing yards to Detroit. Perhaps rookie first-rounder Darius Robinson can shore up Arizona's defensive front once he returns from injured reserve. If he does, the Cardinals may be able to win slugfest-type battles."

Arizona has a week to figure things out, with the Commanders coming to the desert in Week 4. But then the road gets bumpy—trips to San Francisco and Green Bay. Lose to Washington next week, and the season could quickly spiral out of control.

19. Atlanta Falcons (1-2)

Last Week: 17

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Kansas City 22-17

If you're into silver linings, just one week after stunning the Eagles in Philadelphia, the Falcons gave the two-time defending Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs all they could handle Sunday night.

After the game, a frustrated Kirk Cousins told reporters that he felt like the Falcons let a potential statement win get away from them.

"Disappointing night," Cousins said. "You feel like you snatched defeat from the jaws of victory is kind of how it felt a little bit, if I'm saying that right."

Yes, Kirk. You got it right.

However, while the Falcons came up short for the second time in three games, Moton still sees the potential there for a real contender this season.

"The Falcons pulled out a late victory against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 2, but they couldn't work the same magic against the reigning champions last week," he said. "Despite a 1-2 record, Atlanta's offense has shown improvement every week. Kirk Cousins has developed a rapport with Drake London and Darnell Mooney. He even hooked up with Kyle Pitts for a big play against the Chiefs, which made the fantasy football community rejoice in unison. The Falcons have a new coaching staff, so give them time to iron out the wrinkles. Sooner or later, they'll be a top-10 team in these power rankings."

Atlanta is in a schedule patch that doesn't leave the team much margin for error. But if Moton is right, home dates the next two weeks against NFC South rivals in the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers give the Falcons a chance to make a statement in the division.

18. Washington Commanders (2-1)

Last Week: 26

Week 3 Result: Won at Cincinnati 38-33

In the leadup to Washington's Monday night trip to Cincinnati, Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels told reporters that he was looking forward to playing under the lights for the first time in the NFL.

"I mean, it's special, obviously," Daniels said. "Be able to play one that's early just coming off my first actual game, the first home opener, now first Monday night game. So, it's gonna be special, but at the end of the day, it's another game you're just playing later on in the week."

Daniels certainly appeared comfortable in the moment—and while one start does not a career make, we may have witnessed the coming-out party for one of the league's next great young quarterbacks in the Queen City.

The Bengals had no answer whatsoever for Daniels and the Washington offense. Of Daniels' 23 pass attempts, just two fell incomplete—a rookie record. Daniels threw for 254 yards and his first two NFL touchdowns and led the Commanders in rushing as well.

"Do the Commanders still have issues? Yes. Will Washington make the playoffs in 2024? Probably not—a defense that has been a sieve dating back to last season surrendered 436 yards of offense against the Bengals. But Daniels was poised. Accurate. Athletic. He looked every bit the part of the franchise quarterback the Commanders have lacked since Kirk Cousins left town. It's probably not going to hold, but Washington is tied for first place in the NFC East three games in. Not many folks expected that to be the case."

17. Dallas Cowboys (1-2)

Last Week: 12

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Baltimore 28-25

Remember when the Dallas Cowboys were unbeatable at home? When their defense was among the NFL's best?

Pepperidge Farm remembers—but the Cowboys appear to have forgotten.

After the Cowboys' furious fourth-quarter comeback came up short Sunday against the Ravens, Dallas has lost three straight at AT&T Stadium if you count last year's playoff embarrassment against the Green Bay Packers. Dallas has averaged 40 points allowed in those losses. Over the last two weeks, Dallas has been gouged for 464 yards on the ground.

After the defeat, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott told reporters that the offense is just going to have to step up to help compensate for the struggling defense.

"We've got to help our defense," he said. "I know what's their standard and they don't want to allow 28 points. But 28 points against an MVP player, an offense like that, that's a game we have to score 30 in. We know it. We didn't do it. Us as players, we've got to be more professional. Understand our jobs, understand where we're supposed to be and do that time and time again and keep our focus. We've got to be cleaner and locked in. Take accountability."

There's a problem there as well, though—the Cowboys have no run game to speak of. Yes, Dallas has fallen behind big the past two weeks, but Dallas is averaging 73.7 yards on the ground (29th in the NFL) and 3.6 yards per carry. The Cowboys can't run the ball and have two reliable passing-game weapons—wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and tight end Jake Ferguson.

These Cowboys aren't going to reverse the franchise's postseason futility in recent years—because as things stand now, they probably won't make the playoffs at all.

16. Los Angeles Rams (1-2)

Last Week: 23

Week 3 Result: Won vs. San Francisco 27-24

The Los Angeles Rams were teetering on the brink Sunday—an 0-2 team ravaged by injuries down double digits in the fourth quarter to a division rival and the defending NFC champions. But with their season slipping away, Matthew Stafford and Co. rallied, peeling off 13 unanswered points to stun the San Francisco 49ers at SoFi Stadium.

After the victory, Stafford told reporters that it was simply a matter of refusing to give up until there was no time left on the clock.

"I'm not into improbable, probable," Stafford said. "NFL is an improbable business, I'll tell you that much. You never know what's gonna happen week in and week out. You've got to go out there and earn it and prove it, and we did that."

The improbable win left Moton impressed, although he has concerns about running back Kyren Williams after a 26-touch afternoon.

"The Rams pulled a rabbit out of their hat last week with a win over the 49ers, avoiding an 0-3 start," he said. "One has to wonder how far Kyren Williams, who scored three touchdowns against San Francisco, can carry the offense with a heavy workload. If the Rams want to employ a run-heavy approach until Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua return, they should get rookie third-rounder Blake Corum involved to keep Williams fresh."

Next week's contest against a struggling Bears team offers the Rams a legit shot to get back to .500, although a Week 5 date with the Green Bay Packers will be a stiff test before a badly needed Week 6 bye.

15. Baltimore Ravens (1-2)

Last Week: 14

Week 3 Result: Won at Dallas 28-25

After falling in the season opener to the Kansas City Chiefs and then being stunned at home by the Raiders, there wasn't a team in the NFL who needed a win more in Week 3 than the Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens got that win—and they did so by getting back to what they do best.

To say the Ravens went run-heavy against the Cowboys is an understatement—Baltimore ran the ball a whopping 45 times Sunday, including 25 carries for 151 yards and two scores from Derrick Henry in his best game as a Raven.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson, who had 14 carries for 87 yards and a score in his own right, told the media after the win that it was just one step in a much longer journey for the team.

"Every game is a big game for us because we're trying to get somewhere," Jackson said. "We've got to win these games to get to the playoffs, and we need to get to the Super Bowl. But it starts with the game that's in front of us."

"If the Ravens get Derrick Henry rolling on a weekly basis, look out," Sobleski said. "Henry did some damage against the hapless Dallas Cowboys run defense. The 6'2", 247-pound workhorse carried the ball 25 times for 151 yards and two scores. As Baltimore continues to create an offensive identity, King Henry can rule the lands. Currently, Lamar Jackson and Co. are struggling to find a vertical threat. If the Ravens can control the line of scrimmage with Henry leading the way, defenses will adjust to slow the run, which should open up space in the intermediate and deep zones."

14. Los Angeles Chargers (2-1)

Last Week: 13

Week 3 Result: Lost at Pittsburgh 20-10

The Los Angeles Chargers were one of the more surprising 2-0 teams in the NFL this year. But they didn't just suffer their first loss of the season Sunday in Pittsburgh.

They may have suffered a far larger loss.

Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert was already nursing an ankle injury headed into Week 3, and he acknowledged to reporters before the game that he wasn't close to 100 percent.

"It's not great," Herbert said. "It is what it is, and it's all about getting treatment and getting in there and making sure that it's at its best and doing everything I can to limit the swelling, limit the pain and just keep things moving forward. It's been tight, but doing everything you can to limit the swelling and making sure you feel stable, especially having the whole ankle stable whenever you're putting to a cleat or shoe and going out there. Especially playing quarterback, being able to move your feet, move around, step up, do all the things that a quarterback needs to do."

Herbert aggravated the injury on an Elandon Roberts sack in the third quarter, and once Herbert left, the Chargers offense left with him. Chargers running back J.K. Dobbins managed just 2.9 yards per carry after averaging almost 10 yards a pop over the first two games of the season. The Chargers had just 168 yards of total offense.

"Jim Harbaugh has certainly put his stamp on this year's Chargers team," Knox said. "While L.A. fell to 2-1 on Sunday, it continues to show that it's going to play a tough, physical brand on both sides of the ball. It's a formula that can make the Chargers competitive, regardless of the opponent or venue. However, injuries—which seem like a perennial issue in L.A.—are already a potential problem. Justin Herbert, Rashawn Slater, Joe Alt and Joey Bosa all left with injuries against Pittsburgh, and if any of them miss significant time, the Chargers will be in trouble."

13. New York Jets (2-1)

Last Week: 16

Week 3 Result: Won vs. New England 24-3

There aren't many NFL franchises that have wandered the quarterback wastelands longer than the New York Jets. The list of moribund signal-callers who have led New York's offense over the past two decades is equal parts long and depressing.

The Jets brought in Aaron Rodgers last year in an effort to end that drought, only to see Rodgers tear his Achilles tendon four plays into the season. Two relatively rusty starts into the 2024 campaign, Jets fans were left wondering when they might see the "real" Aaron Rodgers—the future Hall of Famer who has been named the NFL's MVP four times.

Well, Thursday night that Rodgers made an appearance, dissecting the New England Patriots for 281 yards and two scores in a game the Jets dominated from start to finish.

After the victory, Rodgers told reporters it felt good to post a Rodgers-esque performance.

"It felt great," Rodgers said. "I was feeling real good out there. I felt good in pregame. I told you guys after Week 1 that it's going to be a process and I'll continue to extend plays once I feel more comfortable. This was kind of a first step in playing like I know I'm capable of playing. I felt like I was, you know, myself."

The Jets ran the ball well, racking up 133 yards on the ground. The defense was stout, allowing just 139 yards of offense. With Gang Green playing balanced football and Rodgers playing at a high level, New York could be a real factor in the AFC East.

12. San Francisco 49ers (1-2)

Last Week: 6

Week 3 Result: Lost at Los Angeles Rams 27-24

Last week, Knox said it was too early to panic for the 49ers following a loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Now, with injuries mounting and after blowing a double-digit fourth-quarter lead to a division rival, it may be another story.

For his part, edge-rusher Nick Bosa told the media he knows the Niners are better than this—they just need to find a way to close out games.

"Plenty of opportunities," Bosa said. "I can only speak for myself, and it wasn't good enough. We've got to close them out when we have a chance. … It's definitely a rough start, but we've been through some tough stretches before, but we just have to stay together."

Moton, on the other hand, is more concerned.

"Fantasy football managers look back at the 49ers' loss to the Rams and remember Jauan Jennings, hauling in 11 passes for 175 yards and three touchdowns, but San Francisco's fourth-quarter collapse is the bigger overall story," he said. "Leading by 10 early in the fourth quarter, the 49ers lost to the Rams, who didn't have their top two receivers, Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua.

"Yes, the 49ers didn't have Deebo Samuel or George Kittle in uniform. Still, Jennings' spectacular performance should've been enough to carry San Francisco to victory over an injury-riddled team that lost 41-10 last week. The 49ers' solution isn't rushing Christian McCaffrey back to action. They need to refocus and tighten up on defense to make another deep playoff run."

11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1)

Last Week: 7

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Denver 26-7

Through two weeks, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the NFL's hotter teams. Quarterback Baker Mayfield was playing as well as anyone at his position in the league.

Sunday at home against the winless Broncos, the Buccaneers looked like the up-and-down squad that went 9-8 a season ago.

The Buccaneers struggled to maintain offensive momentum, converting just 3-of-11 third downs. Tampa lost the turnover battle and was outgained by over 120 yards.

Mayfield chalked up the loss as a potential learning experience while talking to the media after the game.

"There are a few things that we need to look at the tape and get fixed," Mayfield said. "This is a good lesson for our team overall. You have to prepare like you're playing in a playoff game every week, or this can happen," Mayfield added. "It's a good lesson for the young guys a who haven't seen it before of what you need to be prepared for, how detailed we need to be."

Knox, however, thinks the poor performance could be more foreboding.

"A week ago, the Buccaneers appeared to be on the cusp of being an elite team," he said. "On Sunday, they played like a middle-of-the-pack team that could struggle to sniff the postseason. To be fair, Tampa's defense was missing three key players in Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey and Antoine Winfield Jr., and Sunday's loss could ultimately become a footnote. However, a tough upcoming stretch—Eagles, Falcons, Ravens, Saints—doesn't leave much room for error."

10. New Orleans Saints (2-1)

Last Week: 4

Week 3 Result: Lost vs. Philadelphia 15-12

No team in the NFL was more surprising over the first two weeks of the 2024 season than the New Orleans Saints. The Saints had been an offensive buzzsaw, piling up 91 points in two games. New Orleans quarterback Derek Carr was averaging over 11 yards per pass attempt.

That buzzsaw came to a screeching halt Sunday in a home loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.

After averaging over 400 yards of offense the first two weeks of the season, the Saints managed just 218 yards in Week 3. A Saints defense that had allowed less than 275 yards per game was gouged for 460 yards by an Eagles offense ravaged by injuries.

For John Sigler of Saints Wire, Derek Carr is mostly to blame for the team's offensive woes Sunday.

"The honeymoon phase is over," Sigler said. "The New Orleans Saints didn't look anything like the team that became the talk of the NFL through the first two weeks in Sunday's loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Klint Kubiak can't hide Derek Carr forever, and even if they had some key injuries, the offense just looked completely out of sorts. No wonder they lost 15-12. Kubiak did a great job limiting Carr's responsibilities through the first two weeks by leaning on play action and sliding his release point around in the pocket. But the Eagles defensive line played with a lot of discipline and didn't give Carr any time to move and read the field. Not every defense can do that. Those that can have proven Carr can't carry this team to a win."

Maybe ranking the Saints inside the top five last week was a tad rash.

9. Green Bay Packers (2-1)

Last Week: 19

Week 3 Result: Won at Tennessee 30-14

No Jordan Love? No problem.

For the second straight week Sunday, the Green Bay Packers were without their young starting quarterback against the Tennessee Titans. And for the second straight week, that didn't matter—thanks largely to the play of backup Malik Willis.

Not only did Willis top 200 yards through the air and avoid turning the ball over, but the youngster also led Green Bay with 73 yards and a touchdown on the ground.

While talking to reporters after the game, Green Bay head coach Matt LaFleur said that he's never seen something like what Willis has accomplished the last two weeks.

"I just cannot articulate the job that he's done in this short period of time," LaFleur said. "People can't fathom it. I promise you, you guys don't get it. I know you think you got it, but you don't get it. What he's been able to do, I've never seen something like this."

Green Bay's defense did its part as well, holding the Titans to just 237 yards of offense, forcing three turnovers and sacking Will Levis eight times. But it's the play of Willis that has been the big story in Titletown the past two games.

When Love went down at the end of Green Bay's Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, the Packers appeared to be in trouble. Now the team heads home to Lambeau Field next week with a chance to move into a tie for first place with a win over the Vikings—and there's a good chance that Love will be able to take the field for that game.

"Everyone is finding out quickly just how good of a coach the Matt LaFleur really is," Sobleski wrote. "Green Bay is now 58-28 since he assumed his current position. But winning the last two games with Malik Willis behind center after Jordan Love suffered an injury in Week 1 is another level. Willis came into the league as a developmental quarterback further back on the curve than many of his peers. Willis didn't show much of anything after being drafted by the Tennessee Titans, hence why the organization chose to move forward with Will Levis. Now, Willis is playing well for the Packers. LaFleur, who doubles as Green Bay's offensive play-caller, isn't overwhelming his quarterback and playing to his strengths. The 25-year-old has responded with a 73.5 completion percentage and no turnovers."

8. Houston Texans (2-1)

Last Week: 2

Week 3 Result: Lost at Minnesota 34-7

Over the first two weeks of the season, the Houston Texans looked the part of one of the NFL's best teams.

Sunday in Minnesota, Houston was reminded that even good teams can get drilled.

This was a game the Vikings dominated in every facet. Minnesota's defense harassed Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud all afternoon, sacking him four times and forcing a pair of interceptions. With Houston's top two running backs injured, the team managed just 38 yards on the ground. Houston was held under 300 yards of offense and hurt itself with 11 penalties.

Stroud was admittedly frustrated after the blowout loss, but he told reporters the Texans aren't about to panic after one bad game.

"I've dealt with games like this before, where it's like, 'Man, we look terrible!' But that's not the truth," Stroud said. "They kicked our butts today. They are a great team, and they'll continue to do great things, but we know what we are and that's not what we put on the field today. Once we fix the negatives, we're going to be rolling. I'm excited because the only way we can go now is up. It's something to learn from. I'm glad it happened early. Now it's time to go to work."

It's a good attitude to have. Sunday was a sloppily played affair and one the Texans would just as soon forget. But given the early struggles of the rest of the AFC South, Houston remains the clear class of a weak division.

7. Seattle Seahawks (3-0)

Last Week: 10

Week 3 Result: Won vs. Miami 24-3

That there's an undefeated NFC West team three weeks into the season isn't especially surprising.

That that team is the Seattle Seahawks is another story altogether.

Granted, the Seahawks haven't exactly faced a Murderer's Row of opponents, and beating up a Miami Dolphins team with Tim Boyle under center isn't especially difficult. But the Seahawks are winning—and in this weird start to the 2024 campaign, that's more than a lot of teams can say.

Per Stacy Rost of Seattle Sports, it was the defense that really stood out against Miami, limiting a third straight opponent under 150 net passing yards.

"Are the Seahawks a top-five team against the pass? That's probably a byproduct of the quarterbacks they've faced (Denver's Bo Nix, New England's Jacoby Brissett, and Miami's combination of Skylar Thompson and Tim Boyle) moreso than a shutdown unit," Rost wrote. "But wins aren't easy in the NFL, and there's only so much you can write off about Seattle's opponents before you need to give a tip of the cap to some impressive performances. The Seahawks held Miami to 1 of 12 on third down and got to the quarterback six times. But here's where it really stands out: Seattle's offense turned the ball over twice, and both times Miami's offense got to or inside the 4-yard line. On both trips, the Dolphins were kept out of the end zone."

Knox agrees that the Seahawks have impressed defensively.

"It's probably too early to suggest that Mike MacDonald is a front-runner for Coach of the Year," he said. "However, the former Ravens defensive coordinator has Seattle looking like a team that should concern other NFC contenders. Seattle's defense has been far and away better than it was during last year's nine-win campaign, and it has made all the difference."

We'll find out soon enough if these Seahawks are for real—next week Seattle heads to Detroit to take on the Lions.

6. Pittsburgh Steelers (3-0)

Last Week: 11

Week 3 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Chargers 20-10

Who's up for a Steel City quarterback controversy?

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin named Russell Wilson the starter to open the season over Justin Fields. But with Wilson sidelined by injury, Fields has started Pittsburgh's first three games. It had been the defense and run game that propelled Pittsburgh to wins in its first two outings. But Fields had easily his best game throwing the ball in Sunday's win over the Chargers, and in the opinion of Nick Farabaugh of Penn Live, that performance sealed the deal.

"Going 25 for 32 for 245 yards," Farabaugh wrote, "the way that Fields attained those yards is even more encouraging. No longer did he just dump the ball off or hit the schemed-up throws that he saw with his eyes. Fields started dotting throws up to the middle of the field with anticipation. His 55-yard connection to Calvin Austin III was a thing of beauty. Seeing it was Cover-6, Fields waited for the safety to sit on the underneath route to Pat Freiermuth and ripped it into the next window for Austin. Two other throws right before the half, a seam shot to Freiermuth and a Cover-2 hole shot to George Pickens, each stood out. Those were tight window throws, and Fields with his arm strength, started to feel open zones and hit open men."

Not many expected the Steelers to be all alone atop the AFC North three weeks into the season. Even fewer expected Pittsburgh to already be two games in front. Given that success, it won't be easy for Tomlin to justify inserting Wilson over Fields.

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

"For a couple of years now, it's felt like the Steelers just might be a title contender if they could find average quarterback play," Knox said. "Justin Fields was better than average on Sunday, and Pittsburgh moved to 3-0. I don't know if Pittsburgh can hold off both the Bengals and the Ravens in the talented AFC North, but I do know that Fields is making it difficult to justify giving Russell Wilson a chance to start."

5. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1)

Last Week: 9

Week 3 Result: Won at New Orleans 15-12

After losing a heartbreaker on Monday night to the Atlanta Falcons, the Philadelphia Eagles headed to New Orleans to face the red-hot Saints, a reeling team short its No. 1 receiver in A.J. Brown. Things got that much worse for the Philly passing game when the Eagles lost No. 2 receiver DeVonta Smith to a concussion on a helmet-to-helmet shot from Saints defensive lineman Khristian Boyd.

With the Eagles pass-catchers decimated by injuries, Philly badly needed running back Saquon Barkley to step up.

He did—carrying the Eagles to victory in the process.

It wasn't just Barkley—despite all the injuries the Eagles piled up a whopping 460 yards of offense. Tight end Dallas Goedert had one of the best games of his career, catching 10 passes for 170 yards. Jalen Hurts threw for 311 yards despite all the injuries to his receivers.

But Barkley was the star for the Eagles in Week 3. He piled up 147 yards on 17 carries and scored both of Philly's touchdowns—including a 65-yarder that was Philly's first points of the day.

"We may look back on this win as a season-definer for the Eagles, especially after Philly gave the game away against Atlanta a week ago," Davenport said. "The Eagles held a Saints offense that was averaging north of 45 points per game this season to 219 yards and one touchdown. With their wideouts essentially all hurt, Dallas Goedert and Saquon Barkley both stepped up in a big way. The Eagles should be 3-0, and with the Cowboys reeling, Philadelphia is clearly the class of the NFC East."

4. Detroit Lions (2-1)

Last Week: 5

Week 3 Result: Won at Arizona 20-13

On some level, the Detroit Lions posted an impressive victory over the Arizona Cardinals Sunday. The Lions piled up 373 yards of offense, held the Arizona Cardinals to 277 yards of offense and piled up over 180 yards on the ground.

However, after moving the ball at will in the first half, the Lions didn't score after intermission. Head coach Dan Campbell tried to paint it as a positive while addressing the media—saying that is shows the Lions can win in different ways.

"That's what makes you feel pretty good—I feel like we can play different types of games," Campbell said. "We can do whatever we need to with special teams, defense and offense. We've just got to find a way to win every week. They can be different every time."

Moton sees room for a measure of concern with the Detroit offense.

"On the road, Detroit beat Arizona, but something isn't quite right with its offense," he said. "Sure, the Lions are 2-1, but they haven't scored more than 20 points in regulation this season. Detroit needed overtime to reach 26 points against Los Angeles in Week 1. Remember, the Lions fielded the fifth-ranked scoring offense, averaging 27.1 points per game last year. They retained play-caller Ben Johnson, so the offense should be a well-oiled machine in the third year under his tutelage.

"Fortunately, the Lions can still run the ball effectively. In Week 3, they rushed for 187 yards against the Cardinals' subpar defensive front. That said, tight end Sam LaPorta exited late in the victory with a sprained ankle. If he misses time, Detroit would have to fill a void in its aerial attack while trying to break out of an offensive funk."

3. Minnesota Vikings (3-0)

Last Week: 8

Week 3 Result: Won vs. Houston 34-7

The Sam Darnold-led Minnesota Vikings are the hottest team in the NFL.

That is an actual, truthful statement.

The Vikings have taken it to two Super Bowl contenders in back-to-back weeks, downing the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans. The play of Darnold has been a major surprise in the Twin Cities, but per Yahoo Sports' Frank Schwab, the even bigger surprise has been the dominant play of Minnesota's defense.

"(Brian) Flores' defense is a huge factor in the Vikings' start," he said. "The 49ers had seven points through three quarters at Minnesota last week. The Texans were shut out in the first half. Houston finally got on the board with 3:56 left in the third quarter, after Minnesota had run out to a 21-0 lead. The Vikings probably don't have top-five talent on defense but are playing like a top-five unit. That's coaching. The Texans had trouble generating any running game or explosive plays in the passing game. The latter is usually not a problem for C.J. Stroud, who had one of his worst games as a pro. Minnesota plays fast and physical, with consistent pressure and disciplined coverage. The Vikings confused Stroud and made him look tentative, which has been tough to do."

Minnesota's schedule doesn't get any easier moving forward—the team travels to Lambeau Field next week and then "hosts" Aaron Rodgers and the Jets in London in Week 5. But the way Minnesota has played this season, it shouldn't fear taking on any team in the league.

"We're now three weeks into the regular season," Sobleski said. "Maybe everyone should start believing in Sam Darnold and the Minnesota Vikings. According to ESPN's Kevin Seifert, the Vikings are the first in nine seasons to start 3-0 without being favored by more than one point in those games. Minnesota currently leads the league with a plus-55 point differential. How? Well, Darnold has fit seamlessly into Kevin O'Connell's offense. He currently leads the NFL with eight touchdown passes. With back-to-back wins against the San Francisco 49ers and Houston Texans, the Vikings are very real."

2. Buffalo Bills (3-0)

Last Week: 3

Week 3 Result: Won vs. Jacksonville 47-10

Earlier this week, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had a message for Bills Mafia ahead of this week's primetime meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

"Bills Mafia, they live for games like this," Allen told reporters. "Hopefully we have them in the building and they're as loud as can be, making as much noise when the opposing team is on offense and hopefully they're quiet when we're on offense. Best fans in the league."

Well, Bills Mafia was most assuredly in the building—and they had to like what they saw from Buffalo.

To say that the Bills demolished the Jaguars doesn't really do the game justice. Allen had 247 passing yards and four touchdowns—in the first half. The Bills scored touchdowns on all five first-half possessions. The Bills outgained the Jaguars by 150 yards, and the margin would have been much larger had Buffalo's starters not sat out the fourth quarter.

It was one of the most dominant performances in the NFL we have seen this year—and it left Davenport wondering if Bleacher Report has the right team in the top slot in these Power Rankings.

"The only reason I have the Bills ranked behind Kansas City is that Buffalo's opponents this year are a combined 2-7," he said. "But after a close one against the Cardinals in the opener, the Bills have laid waste to both Florida teams. The offseason concerns about the Buffalo offense appear almost laughable now. The Bills defense looks as good as ever. You want the biggest challenger to Kansas City in the AFC? It's Buffalo—again."

1. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0)

Last Week: 1

Week 3 Result: Won at Atlanta 22-17

The Kansas City Chiefs just keeping finding ways to win.

In Week 2, Patrick Mahomes had the lowest passing output (in a full game) in his professional career. Sunday night in Atlanta, Mahomes was able to throw for 217 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But the Chiefs defense was the real star Sunday night, limiting the Falcons to two third-down conversions in nine attempts.

After the win, Mahomes was quick to credit Kansas City's defense while addressing the media.

"It helps when you have a defense that's been in those moments before and is able to make those big plays," Mahomes said. "It's a team game and we're winning games, and I feel like we're gonna start getting better and better each and every week."

For Sobleski, it was just another example of why the Chiefs live at the top of these power rankings.

"The Chiefs continue to show how special they are," he said. "Their rookie left tackle struggled through the first two weeks of play. No problem. Kansas City inserted Wanya Morris on the blind side and he proved to be an upgrade. Isiah Pacheco is out of the lineup for a significant amount of time. No problem. Undrafted rookie Carson Steele and veteran pickup Samaje Perine combined for 97 yards on 23 carries during Sunday's victory over the Atlanta Falcons. The Chiefs are back-to-back Super Bowl champs for a reason. They know how to identify and develop talent. They have key pieces in place that allow them to make changes elsewhere and keep chugging along."