NFL Power Rankings: Week 3 Shake-Ups and Surprises

Another week of NFL action is in the books, and boy, did it deliver. We saw some teams solidify their status as contenders, while others… well, let’s just say their fanbases are already looking at 2026 mock drafts. If you thought the league was predictable, Week 2 probably had you throwing your remote. So, grab a cold one, settle in, and let’s break down where all 32 teams stand in our Week 3 NFL Power Rankings.

The Top Dogs In the Power Rankings: Who’s Looking Unstoppable?

1. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0): The Eagles are doing that thing great teams do: finding ways to win even when they’re not at their best. Jalen Hurts hasn’t exactly lit up the stat sheet, but it doesn’t matter when your team is this complete. They’re the champs, and until someone knocks them off their perch, they’re staying right here at the top of the Power Rankings.
2. Buffalo Bills (2-0): After getting absolutely scorched by the Ravens in Week 1, Buffalo’s defense came to play against the Jets. Was it a real turnaround or just a case of playing a less-than-stellar opponent? Who knows. What we do know is that Josh Allen is still a monster, broken nose and all. If that defense keeps improving, the Bills Mafia might finally have their parade.
3. Green Bay Packers (2-0): Is anyone stopping this Packers defense? They’ve faced two potent offenses in the Lions and Commanders and have allowed a ridiculously low 3.7 yards per play. And here’s the scary part: Micah Parsons isn’t even playing a full-time role yet. This team might not lose for a long, long time.
4. Baltimore Ravens (1-1): The Ravens took out their Week 1 frustrations on the poor Cleveland Browns. It was the kind of blowout win that makes you remember just how much talent is on this roster. They avoided the emotional hangover from their loss in Buffalo. That is the sign of a well-coached, dangerous team.
5. Detroit Lions (1-1): And… exhale, Lions fans. After a disappointing start, Detroit reminded everyone why they were a preseason darling by curb-stomping the Bears. This team has the firepower to overcome losing two top coordinators. They just needed to get their swagger back.

The Contenders: Knocking On the Door In the Power Rankings

1. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0): Justin Herbert is playing like a man possessed, and the defense looks downright elite. Shutting down that explosive Raiders offense on Monday night was a statement. Jim Harbaugh has this team believing, and frankly, we’re starting to believe, too. The Chargers are for real.
2. Los Angeles Rams (2-0): Don’t look now, but the Rams are quietly one of the most complete teams in the league. With Davante Adams and Puka Nacua, their offense is electric. But the real story is their young defense, which leads the league in EPA/play. This team is a legitimate problem.
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0): We have to stop sleeping on the Bucs. Baker Mayfield is playing with a chip on his shoulder the size of Florida, and this team just keeps finding ways to win. That last-second victory over the Texans was pure grit. Imagine how good they’ll be when their offensive line is healthy.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2): Panic in Kansas City? Not yet, but a 0-2 start for the first time since 2014 is… not great. The offense looks out of sync without a full-strength receiving corps, and the defense is feeling the effects of losing key players over the years. They’ll figure it out—they have Patrick Mahomes, after all—but it could be a bumpy ride.

The Middle Of the Pack In the Power Rankings: So You’re Saying There’s a Chance?

1. Indianapolis Colts (2-0): Daniel Jones in Indy is working. Who would’ve thought? The Colts are 2-0 for the first time in over a decade and haven’t punted yet this season. It’s weird, it’s unexpected, and it’s kind of fun to see this team jump in the Power Rankings this fast.
2. Atlanta Falcons (1-1): It looks like the Falcons finally decided to invest in a pass rush. If Michael Penix Jr. can find some consistency to go with that terrifying Bijan Robinson-led run game, Atlanta is a legitimate playoff contender.
3. San Francisco 49ers (2-0): Mac Jones is keeping the ship afloat while Brock Purdy is out, but the schedule is about to get real. Their fast start could be all for nothing if Purdy’s injury keeps him sidelined for a while.
4. Washington Commanders (1-1): Let’s not overreact to a tough loss at Lambeau Field and the reason for the drop in the power rankings. The Packers are a buzzsaw right now. The bigger concern is the number of hits Jayden Daniels is taking. He can’t survive the season if that continues.

Final Thoughts

The power rankings are shaking up at he beginning of the season. Stay tuned to Total Apex for weekly power rankings and get all your NFL news here.