MY NEW NFL POWER RANKINGS, WEEK 3

SAINTS MAKE MOVE, VIKINGS SLIDE

Week 3 of the NFL season got off to a thrilling start on Thursday night and continued with a shocker on Sunday. What do the new Power Rankings look like?

On Thursday night at Cleveland, the Browns got their first victory since Week 16 of ’16 when rookie quarterback Baker Mayfield sparked a comeback against the New York Jets. And the excitement generated by that long-awaited triumph seem to carry over throughout the league as Sunday got off to an explosive start.

It was also a week where half of the 16 games were of the interconference variety. That concludes on Monday night when the winless Pittsburgh Steelers clash with the unbeaten Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Elsewhere, it was a rough day for a bunch of clubs that had yet to taste defeat this season.

ONE HISTORICAL NOTE: For what it’s worth, the 1981 New York Jets, ‘82 Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ‘92 San Diego Chargers (0-4), ‘95 Detroit Lions and the Buffalo Bills from 20 years ago (1998) are the only teams in NFL history reaching the playoff following a 0-3 start.

Meanwhile, there’s a new No. 32 on the list.

32: ARIZONA CARDINALS 0-3

LAST WEEK: L, 16-14 vs CHI

LAST RANK: 31st

RECAP: With one touchdown and a total of 350 yards in their first two outings, the Cardinals welcomed the improving Chicago Bears to the desert. And right on cue, Steve Wilks’ team took an early 7-0 lead following a five-play, 75-yard touchdown march on the opening possession of the game and owned a 14-point advantage after less than a quarter of play. But the offense eventually succumb to the Bears’ aggressive defense and quarterback Sam Bradford and later, rookie Josh Rosen, were under siege for the vast majority of the afternoon by the Chicago pass rush. Arizona coughed up the football four times in the second half.

NEXT WEEK: The Cardinals face their second divisional foe in three weeks as they host the Seattle Seahawks. Dating back to 2011, these NFC West rivals have split their two-game set five times in seven years. And two years ago, the clubs played to an ugly 6-6 overtime tie on a Sunday night at Arizona.

PLAYOFF HOPES: It’s a season of learning in the desert for Wilks and a Cardinals’ team devoid of a lot of talent at the skill positions. But Arizona’s new-look defense looked much better against the Bears and that side of the football is the head coach’s calling card. So will we see Rosen next week in the starting lineup vs. the Seahawks?

31: HOUSTON TEXANS 0-3

LAST WEEK: L, 27-22 vs NYG

LAST RANK: 29th

RECAP: Off to a 0-2 start for the second times in four seasons, the Texans hosted the equally-winless New York Giants and were hoping to get their pass rush on track against Eli Manning and company. And that was certainly the case as defensive end J.J. Watt totaled three of the team’s four sacks. But the club failed to turn over Manning and company, while the mistake-prone Houston offense once again shot itself in the foot on a few occasions. Quarterback Deshaun Watson looked comfortable for the first time this season, throwing for 385 yards and two scores (1 interception) and running five times for 36 yards. But there simply weren’t enough bright spots.

NEXT WEEK: For the third time in four weeks, the Texans hit the road. And for the second time in three Sundays, they’ll face a divisional opponent in the Indianapolis Colts. A year ago, O’Brien’s club was swept in this rivalry for the first time since 2014. And the Texans own a dismal 2-14 lifetime road record in this series dating back to ‘02.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Texans’ losing streak now stands at nine games after the home loss to the Giants. At 0-3, keep in mind that only five teams in NFL history have been able to dig themselves out of such a deficit and make the playoffs. Then again, it was a very rough Sunday for the majority of the AFC South so it’s not time to panic…yet.

30: OAKLAND RAIDERS 0-3

LAST WEEK: L, 28-20 at MIA

LAST RANK: 26thRecap: Jon Gruden’s winless team hit the road for a second straight week and heads cross country to South Florida to face a surprising Miami Dolphins’ club that had gotten off to a 2-0 start. Quarterback Derek Carr and wide receiver Jordy Nelson abused the Miami secondary in the early going. It took Oakland four plays, 75 yards and 1:26 to take a 7-0 lead. And the Raiders eventually owned a 17-7 lead in the third quarter. But in what has become an early theme for their season, the club hasn’t found the formula to put opponents away. Oakland wound up giving up three touchdown passes, two in the fourth quarter, and it added up to another loss.

NEXT WEEK: The Raiders welcome the Cleveland Browns to Oakland for the first time since 2012 as these teams meet for the fifth time since 2011. When last the Silver and Black hosted this series, it resulted in a 20-17 in 2012. As for the clubs’ most recent meetings, the Raiders came away with a 27-20 win at Cleveland in ‘15.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Raiders have now lost seven consecutive games dating back to last season. And the last two saw the club with a double-digit lead in the second half. Gruden’s squad has gotten into quite the early habit of finding ways to snatch defeat from the jaws of victory. And the team has already dug itself quite a hole.

29: BUFFALO BILLS 1-2

LAST WEEK: W, 27-6 at MIN

LAST RANK: 32nd

RECAP: Mind-blowing. Outscored a combined 78-23 in their first two games, Sean McDermott’s club made its way to the Twin Cities to face the defending NFC North champions. And with 12:14 remaining before intermission, Buffalo had already gained 153 total yards and owned a 24-0 lead at Minnesota. Amazingly, the teams each finished with 292 yards of offense on Sunday. But quarterback Josh Allen did not lose any of his three fumbles. Meanwhile, the Bills’ defense sacked Vikings’ quarterback Kirk Cousins four times and forced him into three turnovers. And McDermott’s club limited the Purple Gang to a paltry 14 yards on the ground.

NEXT WEEK: The Bills come off their outing in the Twin Cities and now head to storied Lambeau Field for the first time since 2010 to face Aaron Rodgers and the Packers. Buffalo has dropped three straight at Green Bay dating back to 1997. And the home team has won the last seven meetings between these clubs dating back to ‘94.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Bills look anything like a playoff team in the season’s first two weeks. But does the stunning upset of the Vikings change things for McDermott’s team? Yes, the club still has some big issues in the trenches but you would have not known that at Minnesota. Could this be a turning point moment for the team?

28: DETROIT LIONS 1-2

LAST WEEK: W, 26-10 vs NE

LAST RANK: 28th

RECAP: On Sunday evening in the Motor City, the student got the best of the teacher as the Lions took a 13-3 lead into the locker room at halftime against the New England Patriots. The Detroit running game had a big first half, with rookie Kerryon Johnson (54) and LeGarrette Blount (27) combining for 81 yards on the ground. And that was 11 more yards than the Pats’ offense managed in the first 30 minutes of the game. By game’s end, Johnson ran for 101 yards and the Lions’ attack almost doubled up Bill Belichick’s club (414-209) in total yards. All told, it was a shocking reversal of fortunes for Matt Patricia’s club, which has allowed a combined 78 points during its 0-2 start.

NEXT WEEK: The Lions head south after their primetime clash with the Patriots and take on the Dallas Cowboys. Including a postseason meeting in ‘14, its Detroit’s third appearance at AT&T Stadium in five years, their last appearance resulting in a 42-21 Monday night loss to Jason Garrett’s club.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Just when it looked like this team may be the doormat of the NFC North, the Lions shocked the Pats and made it look somewhat easy. Detroit played physical football and that can take a team a long way these days. Now the club needs to follow it up with another consistent performance.

27: CLEVELAND BROWNS 1-1-1

LAST WEEK: W, 21-17 vs NYJ

LAST RANK: 30th

RECAP: It was more than a year in the making and somehow, it was somewhat appropriate that it came with the team trailing at home by 14 points late in the second quarter to the New York Jets. Enter 2018 first overall pick Baker Mayfield, who replaced an injured Tyrod Taylor (concussion) and proceeded to lead the team to four scoring drives. He hit on 17 of his 23 throws for 201 yards, with running back Carlos Hyde capping off a pair of touchdown marches. Baker also scored on a two-point conversion via a pass from wide receiver Jarvis Landry, who finished with 103 yards on eight receptions. And the Browns snapped their 19-game winless streak.

NEXT WEEK: Talk about storylines? The Browns make their first appearance in the Black Hole since 2012 and look to end a 22-game road losing streak against a team that Jackson led to an 8-8 record when he was the head coach of the Silver and Black in 2011. And speaking of Cleveland’s quarterback situation?

PLAYOFF HOPES: One win certainly doesn’t make a season and there’s been no suggestion that the victory over the Jets will be a springboard to the postseason. But the team certainly found an offensive spark in Mayfield and he (via May Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com) will be the starter at Oakland. Cleveland’s defense is an emerging force.

26: INDIANAPOLIS COLTS 1-2

LAST WEEK: L, 20-16 at PHI

LAST RANK: 27th

RECAP: Head coach Frank Reich took his team to the City of Brotherly Love where he would visit the team that he helped lead to a Super Bowl title a year ago. The former Eagles’ offensive coordinator had his Colts off to a 1-1 start before taking on the Birds in Philadelphia. Indianapolis’ defense gave up its share of yards in the first half but Mike Vrabel’s team trailed just 10-7 at halftime. Still, quarterback Andrew Luck threw for only 164 yards and one score and the Colts’ offense was limited to only 209 yards on the afternoon. Despite allowing 379 total yards, Reich’s team came up with a few timely takeaways and it kept the club within range of a possible upset.

NEXT WEEK: The club renews acquaintances with the rival Houston Texans, a team that provided Indianapolis with two of their four victories a season ago. All told, the Colts own an impressive 25-7 lifetime lead in this AFC South series dating back to ‘02, including an impressive 14-2 home mark over that span.

PLAYOFF HOPES: There are strides being made by this team. But after three weeks, there is still a lot of work to be done on both sides of the football. Slowly but surely, Luck is rounding back into the form that made him a three-time Pro Bowler. But patience must be exercised here and it’s obvious that his arm strength remains an issue.

25: NEW YORK JETS 1-2

LAST WEEK: L, 21-17 at CLE

LAST RANK: 25th

RECAP: That 48-17 Monday night win at Detroit in the season’s first Monday night game seems like a distance memory for not only head coach Todd Bowles but rookie quarterback Sam Darnold. The third overall pick in April’s draft threw a pair of interceptions for the second straight week in the 21-17 Thursday night loss at Cleveland. And keep in mind that the team owned a 14-0 lead midway through the second quarter before falling to a rally led by Browns’ rookie signal-caller Baker Mayfield. Along with the 2017 Heisman Trophy winner’s heroics through the air, New York’s defense gave up 133 yards in the bitter four-point loss.

NEXT WEEK: Bowles’ team is on the road for the third time in four weeks and head south to the Sunshine State to clash with the defending AFC South champion Jacksonville Jaguars. A year ago at MetLife Stadium (Week 4), the Jets came away with 23-20 overtime win over Doug Marrone’s team.

PLAYOFF HOPES: There’s a long way to go and the Jets will get some much after playing three games in an 11-day span. After visiting the Jaguars in Week 5, Bowles’ club has a three-game home stand which may tell us a lot more about this club. Now it’s just a matter of the team putting the last two weeks behind them.

24: DENVER BRONCOS 2-1

LAST WEEK: L, 27-14 at BAL

LAST RANK: 23rd

RECAP: Off to a 2-0 start for the sixth consecutive year, the Broncos headed east to face a frustrated group of Baltimore Ravens. Quarterback Case Keenum and the offense wasn’t as sharp as it was the first two weeks. The team used a little razzle and dazzle and got some help from their special teams in forging a 14-7 first-quarter lead. But Vance Joseph’s club was shutout the remainder of the contest and the defense couldn’t make enough plays to bail out the club. And Denver was flagged 13 times for 120 yards on the afternoon. Rookie running back Royce Freeman remains a bright sport. But Keenum was picked off at least once for the third straight week.

NEXT WEEK: At home for the third time in four games, the Broncos renew their AFC West rivalry with the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football. However, it’s been all Andy Reid’s team in this series as of late, winners of five straight meetings dating back to the clubs’ second clash in 2015 – including three straight at Denver.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Another strong start by the Broncos was followed by a dud at Baltimore. These past two season has seen the club fall apart badly and miss the playoffs after some early promise. A lot will be learned next Sunday at home against the defending AFC West champion Chiefs, who will offer a big challenge to the Denver defense.

23: SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS 1-2

LAST WEEK: L, 38-27 at KC

LAST RANK: 22nd

RECAP: Kyle Shanahan’s club had its work cut out for it as the Niners made their way to Arrowhead Stadium looking to cool off the explosive Kansas City Chiefs. And before you could get in your seat with your burnt ends, San Francisco was down 35-7 late in the second quarter before the team tacked on a field goal just before intermission. The team made gathered itself and narrowed the gap to 35-24 in the third quarter. And by game’s end, the 49ers actually rolled up 406 total yards. But late in the game, quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo went down on a sideline run. And Shanahan wasn’t optimistic after the game and “feared” the worst in terms of a knee injury.

NEXT WEEK: The Niners are on the road for the third time in four games and face a second straight opponent from the AFC West. But at least Shanahan’s team doesn’t have to travel too far as they head to Los Angeles to the clash with the Chargers. The Bolts have won the last four meetings dating way back to 2002.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Niners’ strong finish of a year ago has turned into a 1-2 start and the possibility that Garoppolo could be out for quite some time. The San Francisco offense appeared to be rounding into form the last few weeks but the defense must step up if this is really a team serious about going to the playoffs.

22: DALLAS COWBOYS 1-2 \

LAST WEEK: L, 24-13 at SEA

LAST RANK: 20th

RECAP: Dallas’ offense struggled to score points in its first two games and head coach Jason Garrett was hoping things would get better at Seattle. But despite a productive afternoon by third-year running back Ezekiel Elliott, the Cowboys’ offense didn’t reach the end zone until midway through the fourth quarter. That’s because quarterback Dak Prescott was under pressure throughout the afternoon, sacked five times by the Seahawks’ pass rush and eventually serving up a pair of interceptions. Rod Marinelli’s defensive unit did limit the home team to 295 total yards, but Dallas’ lack of offensive firepower was very evident once again.

NEXT WEEK: The Cowboys are back home and will welcome the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The teams have met five times dating back to 2010 (4 of those contests at Arlington), including a playoff encounter at Dallas in 2014. Garrett’s club rolled to a 42-21 Monday night win in ‘16 in the last clash between these clubs.

PLAYOFF HOPES: It’s been a very sluggish start for a Cowboys’ team that is still trying very hard to find itself when it comes to moving the football. Garrett’s defense probably deserved a little better fate on Sunday. But it’s very interesting to see the role reversal for a team that has often depended on its offensive line t

21: NEW YORK GIANTS 1-2

LAST WEEK: W, 27-22 at HOU

LAST RANK: 21st

RECAP: Off to another dismal start, the Giants looked to get their first win of the season at Houston against a club that had also open their season 0-2. Veteran quarterback Eli Manning shook off four more sacks and was sharp, hitting on 25 of his 29 throws for 297 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Rookie running back Saquon Barkley ran for 82 yards and a score on 17 carries and also caught five passes for 35 yards. Meanwhile, New York’s defense continued to play well, limiting the Texans to only 59 yards rushing, sacking Deshaun Watson (who threw for 385 yards and 2 scores) three times and forcing a pair of Houston turnovers in the five-point victory.

NEXT WEEK: Following a two-week stint in the Lone Star State, Shurmur’s club returns home and squares off with Drew Brees and the always-dangerous New Orleans Saints. The clubs clash for the third time in four seasons and in ‘16 at MetLife Stadium, the Giants came away with a 16-13 win in ‘16.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Giants finally got into the win column and got a balanced performance for the first time this season. It’s far too early for any panic when it comes to any club. And Manning remains the ringleader of this team and has shown in the past that he can get hot when it’s need most. But can the line keep him in one piece last few years.

20: SEATTLE SEAHAWKS 1-2

LAST WEEK: W, 24-13 vs DAL

LAST RANK: 19th

RECAP: Off to a 0-2 start for the second time in four years, the Seahawks were playing their first home game of the season and hosted the Dallas Cowboys. And there was a reversal of fortunes when it came to Pete Carroll’s club as quarterback Russell Wilson – sacked six times in each of the club’s first two games – threw for 192 yards and two scores while being dropped just twice. On the other hand, Seattle’s defensive front survived 127 yards rushing by Cowboys’ running back Ezekiel Elliott and sacked Dak Prescott five times. And disgruntled safety Earl Thomas came up big once again, picking off Dallas’ third-year signal-caller twice on the afternoon.

NEXT WEEK: It’s a series dominated by the road team lately and it’s safe to say that Pete Carroll’s team has enjoyed its recent visits to the desert to face the struggling Cardinals. Dating back to ‘13, the ‘Hawks are 4-0-1 at Arizona and came up with a 22-16 Thursday night win a year ago in Week 10 when last these teams met.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Three years ago, the Seahawks dropped their first two outings and rebounded to reach the playoffs as a wild card. The team is already two games behind the Rams in the NFC West but there’s a lot of football left to play. If the team can protect Wilson consistently, don’t be surprised if the ‘Hawks start making some noise.

19: WASHINGTON REDSKINS 2-1

LAST WEEK: W, 31-17 vs GB

LAST RANK: 24th

RECAP: Washington welcomed the Green Bay Packers on Sunday afternoon and were hoping to rebound from a Week 2 loss to the Colts in which the team failed to score a touchdown. That certainly wasn’t a problem for Alex Smith and company on Sunday as the club rolled up 28 points and 323 total yards by halftime. Veteran running back Adrian Peterson proved he could still frustrate the Pack, running for 120 yards and a pair of touchdowns on only 19 carries. Alex Smith wasn’t super sharp, but still threw for 220 yards and two scores (1 interception). More importantly, Washington finished with 166 yards on the ground and did not allow a sack in the 14-point win.

NEXT WEEK: The ‘Skins take their midseason vacation and then return to action in Week 5 when the club clashes with the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome. A year ago, Washington owned 31-16 lead with 5:58 to play over the eventual NFC South champions (Week 11) before succumbing in overtime, 34-31.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Gruden’s team takes a 2-1 record into the break and has to feel pretty good about itself for the most part, especially when it comes to Peterson and the running game and the performance of the defense to date. But when they return to action in Week 5, that defensive unit will be severely tested in the Big Easy.

18: CHICAGO BEARS 2-1

LAST WEEK: W, 16-14 at ARI

LAST RANK: 18th

RECAP: Khalil Mack and the Chicago defense was hoping to have the same kind of success against a Cardinals’ team that scored a combined six points in losses to the Redskins and Rams. But lo and behold, Matt Nagy’s club trailed 14-3 at halftime in the desert. Still, outside linebacker Khalil Mack and the rest of his counterparts began taking matters into their own hands. By game’s end, Chicago allowed a mere 221 total yards, racked up four sacks (2 by Mack) and forced four turnovers – including three interceptions of quarterbacks Sam Bradford (2) and rookie Josh Rosen (1). On the other hand, it was not a strong showing by quarterback Mitch Trubisky.

NEXT WEEK: The Bears return from Arizona and host the improved Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will be coming off a Monday night tilt with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Chicago host their one-time divisional rivals for the first time since 2014 (a 21-13 Bears’ victory). And these very-interesting teams meet for the fifth consecutive season.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Since that heartbreaking one-point prime time loss at Green Bay in Week 1, the Chicago defense has upped its game in a big way and is a huge reason the club has rebounded with a pair of wins in a seven-day stretch. There’s been no playoffs for the Bears since 2010 but Nagy and company are off to a solid start.

17: LOS ANGELES CHARGERS 1-2

LAST WEEK: L, 35-23 at LAR

LAST RANK: 13th

RECAP: It’s the little things that continue to plague Anthony Lynn’s team, who found themselves down 21-6 in the second quarter and part of that was due to the fact that the team missed a PAT and had a punt blocked for a touchdown. Once again, quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon enjoyed productive outings and this Los Angeles’ offense rolled up a respectable 356 total yards on the Rams’ defense. But the defending NFC West champions toyed with the Chargers, amassing 521 yards on 72 offensive plays. The Bolts have already surrendered 93 points in three outings this season.

NEXT WEEK: Off their win/loss to the Rams, the Bolts face another NFC West foe as they host the San Francisco 49ers in the regular season for the first time since 2010 when the franchise still called San Diego home. The Chargers have prevailed in the last four meetings dating back to ‘02, two of those victories in overtime.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Bolts continue to give up far too many points and their play on special teams continues to be an issue. And with the Chiefs off to another 1-2 start, Lynn’s club is once again facing an early deficit. It’s not going to be easy to grab a playoff berth for the first time since 2013 if the club continues to self-destruct.

16: CINCINNATI BENGALS 2-1

LAST WEEK: L, 31-21 at CAR

LAST RANK: 15th

RECAP: Perhaps Marvin Lewis and his team had a little too much time on their hands as the team played their hosts to a 14-all draw midway through the second quarter before things came apart a bit. When it was all said and done, Cincinnati’s defense simply had no answers for the Carolina Panthers’ ground attack on Sunday. Coordinator Teryl Austin’s unit was trampled for 230 yards on 41 attempts, 184 of that by second-year running back Christian McCaffrey. And while quarterback Andy Dalton rolled up 352 yards through the air and connected for a pair of touchdowns, he was picked off four times by afternoon’s end.

NEXT WEEK: The Bengals hit the road for the third time in four weeks and face a second consecutive NFC South opponent when they take on the Atlanta Falcons. It’s just the fifth meeting between the franchises since 2002 and when last they met, Lewis’ club came away with a 24-10 victory in ‘14 at Paul Brown Stadium.

PLAYOFF HOPES: At the very least, the Bengals’ first three games have been entertaining in terms of both points scored and allowed by Lewis’ talented team. That’s all well and good for some. But the Cincinnati defense has some issues to rectify when it comes to stopping the run and that needs to happen sooner than later.

15: TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS 2-1

LAST WEEK: L, 30-27, VS. PGH

LAST RANK: 17th

RECAP: Shades of his 2015 performance with the New York Jets? Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is off to a rousing start in his fill-in role for suspended Jameis Winston. In the surprising sweep of the New Orleans Saints and Philadelphia Eagles, the 14-year pro hit on 78.7 percent of his passes for an astounding 819 yards and eight scores opposed to only one interception. Over that span, the Buccaneers have run 120 plays (57 runs, 63 passes) and that balance is another reason the team is off to a terrific start. And while Mike Smith’s defense has given up a lot of passing yards, things could get better once the club gets a little healthier at quarterback.

NEXT WEEK: Following a brief two-game home stand, the surprising Bucs head north to the Windy City to face Matt Nagy’s improving Chicago Bears. But will Koetter’s team have quarterback James Winston back in the starting lineup? And could it hinge on how the team plays on Monday night against the Steelers?

PLAYOFF HOPES: The team is off to its best start since 2010 when Raheem Morris was the team’s head coach. Unfortunately, a 10-6 record that season wasn’t good enough to secure a playoff berth. These Buccaneers have a number of offensive weapons and the defense has its share of talent. Can this clubs keep up the momentum?

15: PITTSBURGH STEELERS 1-1-1

LAST WEEK: W, 30-27 AT TB

LAST RANK: 9th

RECAP: Will Mike Tomlin’s team right the ship on Monday night at Tampa? It’s been another week of not-so-good news for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The head coach was forced to discipline spectacular wideout Antonio Brown for not appearing up at practice on Monday. Unfortunately the real no-show this season has been the Pittsburgh defense, which has already allowed nine offensive touchdowns in two games – six through the air last week in a 42-37 home loss to second-year quarterback Patrick Mahomes and the explosive Kansas City Chiefs. Now Keith Butler’s beleaguered unit prepared to deal with Buccaneers’ signal-caller Ryan Fitzpatrick.

NEXT WEEK: The perplexing Steelers will look to extend their recent winning ways in this always-interesting rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens. Dating back to the club’s second encounter in 2016, Pittsburgh has prevailed in three straight meetings and a year ago, swept John Harbaugh’s team for the first time since 2008.

PLAYOFF HOPES: At 0-1-1, the Steelers are off to their worst start since losing their first four games in 2013. That was also the last time the Black and Gold missed the playoffs. There’s obviously plenty of time to right the ship but Pittsburgh’s defense needs to get its act together and rectify the issues that began late last season.

14: BALTIMORE RAVENS 2-1

LAST WEEK: W, 27-14 vs DEN

LAST RANK: 11th

RECAP: John Harbaugh’s club had a little extra time to prepare for a visit from the Denver Broncos but the club trailed 14-7 after 15 minutes of play. Quarterback Joe Flacco and the offense managed 342 total yards and most of it came from the veteran signal-caller. The good news for Baltimore was zero turnovers and an offensive line that allowed only two sacks. The very bad news was the fact that Sam Koch had a punt blocked and Justin Tucker had a 43-yard field goal rejected as well. Ageless defender Terrell Suggs has exactly half of the team’s three sacks and Harbaugh’s club more than made amends for that disappointing effort at Cincinnati.

NEXT WEEK: Along with Cowboys/Giants, the Ravens/Steelers’ rivalry has become a mainstay of NBC’s Sunday Night Football coverage in recent years. The teams collide in Pittsburgh this week and Baltimore will be looking to snap a three-game losing streak in this always-competitive series.

Playoff hopes: At 2-1, the Ravens have done what they were supposed to do so far this season. They own a pair of home wins but came up short on the road against the Bengals. As has been much-discussed, Harbaugh’s club has played well early in the season in recent years only to fade down the stretch. Will it be déjà vu in 2018?

12: CAROLINA PANTHERS 2-1

LAST WEEK: W, 31-21 vs CIN

LAST RANK: 14th

RECAP: It took Ron Rivera’s team roughly a quarter and a half to get used to what the Cincinnati Bengals wanted to do on both sides of the football. And while Andy Dalton and company made things interesting late in the fourth quarter, this afternoon belonged to the Cam Newton, Christian McCaffrey and the Carolina running game. The latter totaled 28 carries for 184 yards on the ground. Meanwhile, the Panthers’ quarterback not only threw for a pair of scores but ran for two touchdowns. Dalton would wind up throwing for 352 yards and a pair of touchdown. But he was also pressured into four interceptions, three of those in the second half.

NEXT WEEK: The 2-1 Panthers have one week off and then prepare to host the struggling New York Giants. The teams have not met since 2015, when Carolina survived a 38-35 shootout at MetLife Stadium. Including playoffs, the Panthers own a 6-4 lifetime advantage over Big Blue in a series that dates back to 1996.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Rivera’s club rebounded nicely after last week’s tough loss at Atlanta. Now the Panthers hope to make some adjustments during the off week, get a little healthier and come out strong as they did in the second half against the Bengals. Remember, this is still a team in search of consecutive winning seasons.

11: TENNESSEE TITANS 2-1

LAST WEEK: W, 9-6 at JAC

LAST RANK: 12^th

RECAP: Quarterback Blaine Gabbert got the start for the Titans for the second consecutive week. But he went down midway through the first quarter and enter Marcus Mariota. He held his own, hitting 12-of-18 passes for 100 yards and also frustrated Jacksonville’s defense with 51 yards on seven carries. Tennessee’s offensive line was a big healthier than it was a week ago and it showed in terms of the running game as 35 attempts resulted in 150 yards for Mike Vrabel’s offense. And defensive coordinator Dean Pees kept Blake Bortles off balance, sacking him three times and limiting him to only 155 yards through the air.

NEXT WEEK: After two straight meetings with divisional opponents, Vrabel’s club clashes with an NFC East foe as the Titans play host to the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles. The Birds own a 3-2 lifetime road record in this infrequent series (3-0 at Houston, 0-2 at Nashville) as these clubs meet for only the 12th time.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Titans have bounced back well following that seven-plus hour ordeal in South Florida. The club already owns a pair of divisional wins and continues to have Jacksonville’s numbers. It’s obviously early, but it’s a terrific start for a team that hasn’t won at least 10 game nor a division title since 2008.

10: GREEN BAY PACKERS 1-1-1

LAST WEEK: L, 31-17 at WAS

LAST RANK: 8th

RECAP: One Sunday after surviving at home against the defending NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings to the tune of a 29-29 overtime tie, the Packers hit the road for the first time in 2018. And the team’s shaky defense was stung for four touchdowns and 323 total yards in the first half at Washington as Mike McCarthy’s team was down 28-10 at halftime. The Packers did managed to run for 100 yards on 17 carries but the team was playing from behind the entire afternoon and forced to pass, Aaron Rodgers was sacked four times. And while he threw for 265 yards and two scores, it wasn’t nearly enough against a Redskins’ offense that rolled up 386 total yards.

NEXT WEEK: Playing their third home game in four weeks, McCarthy’s team faces its first interconference opponent of the season in the struggling Buffalo Bills. The teams have alternated wins and losses in their last seven meetings dating back to 1994. In the clubs’ last clash, the Pack came up short at Orchard Park (21-13) in 2014.

PLAYOFF HOPES: At 1-1-1, the Packers, as well as the rest of the teams in their division, suddenly find themselves trailing the improving Chicago Bears in the NFC North. The Green Bay defense doesn’t look much better than it did a year ago and there’s only so much a hobbled Rodgers can do these days.

9: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS 1-2

LAST WEEK: L, 26-10 at DET

LAST RANK: 5th

RECAP: It was indeed the teacher versus the student at Ford Field on Sunday night as Bill Belichick brought his New England Patriots to Detroit to face his one-time defensive coordinator in Matt Patricia and his Lions. And the reigning conference champions managed a mere 70 yards of total offense in the first two quarters. The Pats’ defense also struggled to stop Detroit’s ground attack all evening, surrendering 159 yards rushing and allowing the Lions to control the football for 39:15 on the evening. Tom Brady and the New England offense totaled a mere 209 yards on 47 plays. Simply put, it was a dismal performance by the league’s current dynasty.

NEXT WEEK: Following a brief two-game road trip, the Patriots return to Foxborough to clash with their AFC East rivals from South Florida. New England has gotten the best of this series for quite some time and owns 16-6 record over the Miami Dolphins since 2007. And that includes nine straight home wins in this series dating back to ‘09.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Losing two games in a row and missing the playoffs are not two phrases often associated with the Patriots. But the former is a reality after back-to-back setbacks to the Jaguars and Lions. Belichick’s club looked flat and undermanned in Detroit. But it’s far too early to push any panic buttons in Foxborough.

8: MIAMI DOLPHINS 3-0

LAST WEEK: W, 28-20 vs OAK

LAST RANK: 16th

RECAP: It looked like it was going to be a long afternoon for Adam Gase’s club as Derek Carr and the Raiders’ offense rolled down the field effortlessly early in the game. And with less than three minutes remaining in the third quarter, the Dolphins trailed at home, 17-7. But the Miami passing attack would strikes for three straight scores, two via Ryan Tannehill and one by Albert Wilson. Explosive Jakeem Grant was on the receiving end of those two scores via a shovel pass by the quarterback and a toss from the wide receiver. Tannehill finished the day with 289 yards and three scores through the air and led the Dolphins with 26 yards on the ground.

NEXT WEEK: Gillette Stadium has been a house of horrors for the Miami Dolphins, who face the defending AFC East champions this Sunday afternoon on the Patriots’ home turf. All told, the ‘Fins have dropped nine consecutive games at Foxborough dating back to 2009, with seven of those setbacks by at least 10 points.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Dolphins are off to a 3-0 start for the first time since 2013. Unfortunately, that year did not finish with a playoff appearance. But this is a different season and a different team that has somehow found a way to scratch out wins despite looking less than spectacular at times. Style points be damned.

7: MINNESOTA VIKINGS 1-1-1

LAST WEEK: L, 27-6 vs BUF

LAST RANK: 3rd

Recap: The offensively-challenged Buffalo Bills arrived in Minnesota to face a Vikings’ team still kicking themselves a bit after a 29-all tie at Green Bay. But the team went out and added precise specialist Dan Bailey during the week. Too bad the one-time Cowboys’ kicker couldn’t pass block or play defense as Mike Zimmer’s team dug itself a stunning 27-0 halftime hole. Kirk Cousins was under duress by the Buffalo pass rush and his team gained a mere 46 total yards in the game’s first 30 minutes. When it was over in the Twin Cities, Minnesota’s signal-caller was sacked four times and committed three turnover while the team’s ground attack managed a mere 14 yards.

NEXT WEEK: Zimmer’s Vikings have a short week and face the Rams in Los Angeles on Thursday night. The Purple Gang has prevailed in the last five meetings dating back to 2009, the latest a 24-7 win last season at Minnesota in Week 11. All told, the franchises have met in the postseason seven times. So could this be a playoff preview?

PLAYOFF HOPES: Sunday was a humbling experience for a team that was thought to be solid on both sides of the football. But the Vikings obviously have some work to do on their offensive front. Not having Dalvin Cook in the backfield didn’t help vs. the Bills. But it was a very disappointing showing for this talented of a team

6: ATLANTA FALCONS 1-2

LAST WEEK: L, 43-37 vs NO (OT)

LAST RANK: 6th

RECAP: So much for Atlanta’s much-discussed offensive problems. For the second straight Sunday, the team put at least 31 points on the board. But this time around, Dan Quinn’s shorthanded defensive unit could not stop the New Orleans Saints’ potent attack. It was a huge afternoon for Falcons’ rookie wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who caught three of Matt Ryan’s five touchdown passes. The 11-year signal-caller threw for 374 yards but was also sacked three times. Quinn’s defensive unit surrendered a whopping 534 total yards and could not generate a pass rush on Drew Brees, who was sacked only once. Meanwhile, the Saints’ running game racked up 143 yards and kept the Falcons off-balance the entire afternoon.

NEXT WEEK: The Falcons play their third consecutive home game when they host the improved Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The teams last met in 2014 in the Queen City, with Atlanta on the short end of a 24-10 score. A year ago, Quinn’s team struggled vs. interconference foes, going 1-3 vs. AFC competition.

PLAYOFF HOPES: After Week 3, the Falcons are the only team in the division with two losses. But this is also a very seasoned team and coaching staff that remains the lone club in the conference to reach the playoffs in both 2016 and ’17. Quinn’s club has shown its resiliency the last few years and will need it now.

5: NEW ORLEANS SAINTS 2-1

LAST WEEK: W, 43-37 at ATL (OT)

LAST RANK: 10th

RECAP: It was a wild afternoon at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and when the dust finally settled, the Saints first rallied in the final minutes of regulation and then never let the Atlanta Falcons see the football in overtime. Quarterback Drew Brees threw for 396 yards and three scores and became the NFL’s all-time leader in pass completions. But it was his pair of touchdown plunges near the end of the game and again in the extra session that propelled the club to victory. New Orleans’ defense was scorched by Falcons’ quarterback Matt Ryan for 374 yards and five scores. But Sean Payton’s club wound up surviving a road divisional game.

NEXT WEEK: The defending NFC South champions hit the road for the second straight Sunday and make their way north to MetLife Stadium square off with the New York Giants. It’s the teams’ third meeting in four years and the Saints’ first road game in this series since ‘16, when they fell to Big Blue, 16-13.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The victory at Atlanta somewhat offsets the Saints’ opening-weekend home loss to the division-rival Buccaneers. At 2-1, the team is off to its best start since 2013. A year ago, the quarterback-loaded NFC South sent three teams to the playoffs and it’s safe to say that’s not an unrealistic expectation for this season.

4: JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS 2-1

LAST WEEK: L, 9-6 vs TEN

LAST RANK: 2nd

RECAP: A year ago, the Jaguars won their first division title since 1999. But two of their six regular-season losses were at the hands of the Tennessee Titans. And Doug Marrone’s team once again had its hands full with its longtime divisional rival, this despite the fact that the Jacksonville defense knocked quarterback Blaine Gabbert out of the game. And one week after quarterback Blake Bortles and his offensive counterparts toyed with the Patriots, they were a virtual no-show against the Tennessee defense. Of course, neither team did much when it came to moving the football. But the Jaguars’ defense was gashed for 150 yards on the ground.

NEXT WEEK: It’s a third consecutive home game for the reigning AFC South champions as they take on the well-rested New York Jets, who are coming off a 21-17 Thursday night loss at Cleveland. A year ago at MetLife Stadium. Marrone’s team fell to the Green and White in overtime, 23-20.

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Titans continue to be a thorn in the side of the reigning AFC South champions. And Marrone and his staff also need to find some answers for an offense that has been up and down through three weeks of play. Still, the team is off to a 2-1 start as it was a year ago.

3: PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 2-1

LAST WEEK: W, 20-16 vs IND

LAST RANK: 4th

RECAP: It was the return of quarterback Carson Wentz to the field as the defending Super Bowl champions welcomed former offensive coordinator Frank Reich and his Indianapolis Colts to town. The Birds outgained their guests by a combined 230-67 in the first half by only owned a 10-7 advantage at intermission. And given the fact that Philadelphia wound up owning the football for 40:20, you would think the margin of victory may be greater. But Wentz certainly looked rusty, sacked five times while committing a pair of turnovers. But inevitably, the Eagles’ ability to run the football (152 yards on 35 carries) proved to be the difference.

NEXT WEEK: It’s another Sunday and another AFC South opponent for the reigning champs as the Birds fly south to Nashville to take on the Titans. It’s shaping up as a battle between a pair of recent second overall selections in their respective drafts in quarterbacks Tennessee’s Marcus Mariota (2015) and Wentz (2016).

PLAYOFF HOPES: The Eagles have not played their best football to date and still own a 2-1 record. The return of Wentz is a good sign and you would think that it’s just a matter of time before the club starts to gel. The Birds remain an excellent football team in the trenches and that always goes a long way.

2: KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 3-0

LAST WEEK: W, 38-27 vs SF

LAST RANK: 7th

RECAP: The scoring fest continued for Andy Reid’s club as quarterback Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdown passes in the first half alone. That gave him 13 aerial scores in 10 quarters this season, as many as the Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts managed as a team during all of 2017. Kansas City abused the 49ers’ defense for 23 first downs and 295 total yards in the first half alone. Mahomes has now thrown for 13 scores in 12 quarters of football this season and has not been picked off. And the Kansas City pass rush did drop 49ers’ quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo four times. But Reid’s club gave up a whopping 178 yards on the ground.

NEXT WEEK: For the second time this season, the Chiefs visit a divisional opponent as they make a Monday night appearance in the Mile High City. It’s been all Kansas City as of late in their rivalry with the Broncos. Andy Reid’s club has prevailed in five straight meetings dating back to the club’s second encounter in 2015.

PLAYOFF HOPES: A season ago, Kansas City won its first five games but cooled off considerably despite winning the AFC West for a second straight year. This team looks somewhat similar but the hot-handed Mahomes has made this team lethal on offense. But will the defense start to make some strides soon?

1: LOS ANGELES RAMS 3-0

LAST WEEK: W, 35-23 vs LAC

LAST RANK: 1st

RECAP: The crosstown rival Chargers offered quite a challenge for Sean McVay’s team but you may not have known it by the final score and total yardage figures. The Rams posted their third straight double-digit victory and rolled up an imposing 521 total yards and 33 first downs in a comfortable 35-23 win. Running back Todd Gurley gashed the Chargers for 156 total yards from scrimmage and one touchdown. Quarterback Jared Goff remained hot, throwing for 354 yards and three scores (1 interception). The defense gave up its share of yards, but McVay’s club still won comfortably despite turnovers by Goff and Gurley.

NEXT WEEK: It’s a superior match-up between defending division champions as the Rams – playing their third straight home game – host the Purple Gang on Thursday night. A year ago at Minnesota, Mike Zimmer’s team thrashed Los Angeles, 24-7, in Week 11. The Rams host this series for the first time since ‘14 while in St. Louis.

PLAYOFF HOPES: Off to a 3-0 start for the first time since the franchise’s last Super Bowl season in 2001, the Rams are not only the lone team in the NFC West with a winning record but they have one more victory than the 49ers, Seahawks and Cardinals combined. There may be some defensive injuries but this is a confident club.