2024 NFL Power Rankings – Week 3

1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0): The Chiefs have a very good defense and quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Those two things make them tough to beat. But they have already lost running back Isiah Pacheco for 6-8 weeks with a broken fibula and have lost wide receiver Marquise Brown for the season with a dislocated shoulder. A three-peat may be too much to ask this season. Next: -3.5 at Atlanta Falcons - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 2-0)

2. Buffalo Bills (2-0): The Bills came away with an impressive 31-10 win over the Dolphins in Miami on Thursday Night Football. Running back James Cook rushed for 78 yards on 11 carries, scoring twice via the ground. Cook also had a 17-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Josh Allen. Next: -5.5 vs Jacksonville Jaguars - Mon, Sep. 23 – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

3. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0): The Chargers are 2-0 for the first time since 2012 after their easy 26-3 win over the hapless Panthers in Charlotte. Running back J.K. Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing yardage after two weeks with 266 yards on the ground and is averaging 9.9 yards per carry. Next: +1.5 at Pittsburgh Steelers - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 35.5 (ATS: 2-0 – O/U: 0-2)

4. Houston Texans (2-0): The Texans had seven sacks and a pair of interceptions in a 19-13 win over the Bears. The Texans are 2-0 in the AFC South, while the rest of the division is 0-2. It has only taken two weeks for the Texans to take control of the crummy AFC South. Next: -1.5 at Minnesota Vikings – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U 46 (ATS: 0-1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

5. New Orleans Saints (2-0): The Saints have scored an amazing 91 points through two games, led by quarterback Derek Carr. On Sunday, the Saints pounded the defenseless Cowboys, 44-19. Carr has led the Saints to scores on each of his 15 offensive possessions this season. The Raiders thought this guy was not good enough? Next: -3 vs Philadelphia Eagles - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 2-0 – O/U: 2-0)

6. Minnesota Vikings (2-0): Once again, the Vikings defeated the 49ers in Minnesota, 23-17. The 49ers have not won in Minnesota since 1992. Former USC quarterback Sam Darnold completed 17 of 26 passes, including a 97-yard touchdown bomb to wide receiver Justin Jefferson. Next: -1.5 vs Houston Texans – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 46 (ATS: 2-0 – O/U: 0-2)

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0): Quarterback Baker Mayfield ran 11 yards for a touchdown with just 34 seconds remaining to give the Buccaneers a stunning 20-16 win over the Lions in Detroit. Mayfield has suddenly become one of the better quarterbacks in the NFL. Next: -6.5 vs Denver Broncos - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 2-0 – O/U: 1-1)

8. Seattle Seahawks (2-0): Wide receiver DK Metcalf caught 10 passes for 129 yards, which included a 56-yard touchdown reception, in leading the Seahawks to their second win of the young season. Next: -4.5 vs Miami Dolphins - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 41.5 (ATS: 0-1-1 - O/U: 2-0)

9. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0): The Steelers are 2-0 after knocking off the Broncos in Denver, 13-6. The Steelers have scored just one offensive touchdown in two games, but their defense and a solid running attack have given them just enough to win the first two games. Next: -1.5 vs Los Angeles Chargers – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 35.5 (ATS: 2-0 – O/U: 0-2)

10. San Francisco 49ers (1-1): The 49ers lost to the Vikings on Sunday but should be fine moving forward. Star running back Christian McCaffrey is on the IR with an injury and the preseason contractual holdouts have not helped but the 49ers should get better this week. Next: -7 at Los Angeles Rams – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 44.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

11. Detroit Lions (1-1): The Lions won a division title last season, their first since 1993. But after two games, both at home, it may be difficult to repeat. The Lions beat the Rams in overtime in Week 1 and in Week 2 lost to the Buccaneers at home. In Week 3, the Lions will be on the road to take on the Cardinals, a team that just beat the Rams by 31 points. Next: -3 at Arizona Cardinals – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 51.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 0-2)

12. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1): The Raiders are back! Well, at least for one game. The Raiders came from behind to defeat the Ravens in Baltimore, 26-23. The Raiders had just 27 yards rushing in the game, but they have a group of talented receivers and quarterback Gardner Minshew completed 30 of 38 passes for 276 yards and one touchdown. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers had 9 receptions for 98 yards. Next: -5 vs Carolina Panthers - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 40 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

13. Arizona Cardinals (1-1): Quarterback Kyler Murray completed 17 of 21 passes for 366 yards and three touchdowns, adding 59 yards on the ground in an impressive 41-10 blowout win over the Rams on Sunday. Murray was obviously celebrating the retirement of Aaron Donald. Next: +3 vs Detroit Lions - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 51.5 (ATS: 2-0 – O/U: 2-0)

14. Atlanta Falcons (1-1): The Falcons beat the Eagles on the road, 22-21 on Monday Night, a big win for a team that looked horrible on offense in Week 1 at home against the Steelers. Quarterback Kirk "You Like That" Cousins drove the offense 70 yards in 6 plays in just over a minute to win the game, connecting with former USC star Drake London for a 7-yard TD pass to win the game. Next: +3.5 vs Kansas City Chiefs – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 0-2)

15. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1): The Eagles stunning loss to the Falcons on Monday Night at home was not a good sign for a team hoping to get back to the Super Bowl. The Eagles have not looked good on defense through the first two weeks, allowing 399 yards per game. Next: +3 at New Orleans Saints – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 49.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

16. Dallas Cowboys (1-1): New season, same old Cowboys. The Saints rushed for 190 yards on Sunday, running on 39 of 56 offensive plays in the 44-19 rout of the Cowboys. The Cowboys did nothing to solve their issues on defense in the offseason, particularly against the run. Next: +1 vs Baltimore Ravens - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 48 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 2-0)

17. Cleveland Browns – The Browns held on to beat the Jaguars on the road in Week 2 but there are challenges ahead. The Browns will be on the road starting in Week 4 to face the Raiders, in Week 5 to face the Commanders, and in Week 6 to face the Eagles. This will test the Browns and quarterback DeShaun Watson, who is still dealing with off the field issues. Next: -6.5 vs New York Giants – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

18. Green Bay Packers (1-1): The Packers beat the Colts without starting quarterback Jordan Love on Sunday by running the ball. The Packers threw only 14 passes in 67 offensive plays, relying on running back Josh Jacobs, who rushed 32 times for 151 yards. Next: +1.5 at Tennessee Titans - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 37.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

19. Miami Dolphins – The Dolphins got blown out by the Bills at home and in the process lost their starting quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, to a concussion. It was the third diagnosed concussion in two years. Tagovailoa has been placed on injured reserve and will miss at least the next four games. Backup quarterback Skylar Thompson is the presumed starter moving forward. Next: +4.5 at Seattle Seahawks - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 41.5 (ATS: 0-2 – O/U: 0-2)

20. New England Patriots (1-1): The Patriots lost in overtime to the Seahawks but have been competitive through the first two games of the season. The Pats have rushed for 355 yards through two games this season and have not committed a turnover this season. Next: +6 at New York Jets – Thu, Sep. 19 – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 1-0-1 – O/U: 1-1)

21. New York Jets (1-1): The Jets got their first win with quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Rookie running back Braelon Allen caught a 12-yard TD pass from Rodgers and ran for 20 yards for another TD. Running back Breece Hall had 114 yards in total offense and one touchdown. The Jets have a talented backfield. Next: -6 vs New England Patriots - Thu, Sep. 19 – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-0-1)

22. Chicago Bears (1-1): The Bears were held to 205 yards in total offense, and sacked rookie quarterback Caleb Williams 7 times in a 19-13 loss to the Texans in Houston. Wide receiver Keenan Allen missed the game against the Texans with an injury, an issue that caused the 32-year-old receiver to miss 11 games with the Chargers the past two seasons. Next: +1 at Indianapolis Colts - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 1-0-1 – O/U: 0-2)

23. Baltimore Ravens (0-2): The Ravens blew a ten-point fourth quarter lead at home in a loss to the Raiders. For the second consecutive game, the Ravens secondary was torched. The Ravens are ranked last after two games in passing yardage allowed and they have gotten away from the running game with Derrick Henry. Next: -1 at Dallas Cowboys – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U 48 (ATS: 0-2 – O/U: 2-0)

24. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2): The Bengals were a fourth down stop away from beating the Chiefs in Kansas City, but a pass interference call gave the Chiefs life and eventually a win. Since the NFL playoffs expanded to 14 teams in 2020, 32 franchises have started the season 0-2. Only two of those 32 teams, Cincinnati in 2022 and Houston in 2023, made the postseason. Next: -7.5 vs Washington Commanders – Mon, Sep. 23 – O/U 47 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

25. Washington Commanders (1-1): The Commanders used seven field goals by kicker Austin Seibert to beat the Giants, 21-18. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels completed 23 of 29 passes for 226 yards and rushed for 44 yards in the victory. Next: +7.5 at Cincinnati Bengals – Mon, Sep. 23 – O/U: 47 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

26. Los Angeles Rams (0-2): This has the look of a long season for the Rams. Replacing Aaron Donald on the defensive line is almost impossible. A knee injury to pro bowl wide receiver Puka Nacua means he will be out for a while, possibly to Week 9. All-Pro wide receiver Cooper Kupp has an injured ankle and may join Nacua on the IR. Next: +7 vs San Francisco 49ers – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 44.5 (ATS: 0-2 – O/U: 1-1)

27. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2): The Jaguars are off to an 0-2 start after a three-point loss to the Dolphins and a five-point loss to the Browns. Quarterback Trevor Lawarence has completed just 51% of his passes and the Jags just don't look good on offense. Next: +5.5 vs Buffalo Bills - Mon, Sep. 23 – O/U: 46.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 0-2)

28. Indianapolis Colts (0-2): The Colts are off to a rough start after a disappointing 16-10 loss to the Packers dropped them to 0-2. Quarterback Anthony Richardson is struggling, having thrown four interceptions in two games and completing just 49% of his pass attempts. Next: -1 vs Chicago Bears – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 43.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

29. Denver Broncos (0-2): The good news for the Broncos is that Russell Wilson is no longer on the roster. The bad news is that his salary is still on the roster. The Broncos roster needs to get better and rookie quarterback Bo Nix needs time to develop. Wilson's $85 million dead cap salary hit over the next two seasons is an albatross around the organization's neck. Next: +6.5 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 39.5 (ATS: 1-1 – O/U: 1-1)

30. Tennessee Titans (0-2): Quarterback Will Levis continues to find a new way to cost his team a game. Levis, who has five turnovers in the last six quarters of football, attempted to throw a pointless backward shovel pass in the red zone while falling down, which became a fumble, costing the Titans at least three points. He followed that up on the next series with an interception, which led to a Jets touchdown. Next: -1.5 vs Green Bay Packers – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 37.5 (ATS: 0-2 – O/U: 0-1-1)

31. New York Giants (0-2): The Giants became only the second team in NFL history to score three touchdowns and lose to an opponent that failed to score a touchdown. The Giants fell 21-18, missing all three extra point attempts. Giants kicker Graham Gano was injured and unable to kick and apparently, the Giants were unprepared for what might happen if their kicker was injured. Next: +6.5 at Cleveland Browns – Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 38.5 (ATS: 0-2 – O/U: 0-2)

32. Carolina Panthers (0-2): The Panthers are 0-2 after their 26-3 loss to the Chargers. Head coach Dave Canales made the decision after the latest loss to bench quarterback Bryce Young and start veteran Andy Dalton. The Panthers have been outscored in two games by a 73-13 margin and while Young's poor play is not the only issue on this, it is too glaring to not address. The Panthers look like the NFL version of the Chicago White Sox. Historically bad. Next: +5.5 at Las Vegas Raiders - Sun, Sep. 22 – O/U: 40 (ATS: 0-2 – O/U: 1-1)