Written by Ben Slavin
Anyone with a survivor pool or even just doing game picks probably had a rough week. For some reason, it seems all the good teams decided collectively to just take week three off. The number 32, 30, and 28 teams in last week’s rankings all secured wins, with two of them earning shocking upsets. On the other end of the rankings, the opposite happened, as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th teams all lost. So, yeah, finalizing standings was nearly impossible.
Once again, now that we’re into the season, teams will move up or down a lot based on trades, injuries, or big wins or losses. Who the opponent was, how close of a game it was, and just in general how good the team looked will be considered more than just getting the victory.
32. Arizona Cardinals (0-3, Down 1)
The Cardinals had by far their most competitive game of the season Sunday against the Bears. They jumped out to a 14 point lead with a turnover on defense and big plays on offense. After that, the Bears’ talent took over and the Cardinals allowed 16 straight to lose. They fall to last because everyone around them did more than just compete.
31. Oakland Raiders (0-3, Down 2)
If football was a one-half sport, the Raiders would be undefeated. Alas, it’s not and Jon Gruden’s team sits winless. While they’ve fought and led in every game, at some point you have to show an ability to win.
If football was a one-half sport, the Raiders would be undefeated. Alas, it’s not and Jon Gruden’s team sits winless. While they’ve fought and led in every game, at some point you have to show an ability to win.
30. Houston Texans (0-3, Down 5)
Has anybody figured out what’s wrong with the Texans? I want to go with everything. This year’s Deshaun Watson can’t carry the team and despite the big names, any defense that allows Eli Manning to throw for nearly 300 yards in non-garbage time is not that good. Hopefully Bill O’Brien is used to the seat warmers in his car because he’s about to feel a truly hot seat.
Has anybody figured out what’s wrong with the Texans? I want to go with everything. This year’s Deshaun Watson can’t carry the team and despite the big names, any defense that allows Eli Manning to throw for nearly 300 yards in non-garbage time is not that good. Hopefully Bill O’Brien is used to the seat warmers in his car because he’s about to feel a truly hot seat.
29. Buffalo Bills (1-2, Up 3)
Well that came out of nowhere. three spots might not seem like enough for the Bills after that game, but it’s tough to put them over too many teams that didn’t get destroyed the first two weeks.
Well that came out of nowhere. three spots might not seem like enough for the Bills after that game, but it’s tough to put them over too many teams that didn’t get destroyed the first two weeks.
28. New York Jets (1-2, Down 5)
The Jets are one of those teams that are really tough to rank. They’ve arguably been the better team in all three games. They’ve also lost two of those three games. Sam Darnold’s growing pains might hold back an otherwise talented team and cost Todd Bowles his job if things really go south.
The Jets are one of those teams that are really tough to rank. They’ve arguably been the better team in all three games. They’ve also lost two of those three games. Sam Darnold’s growing pains might hold back an otherwise talented team and cost Todd Bowles his job if things really go south.
27. San Francisco 49ers (1-2, Down 11)
This ranking has little to do with the 49ers performance and a lot more with who’s left on the roster. With Jimmy Garoppolo tearing his ACL and Richard Sherman out a few weeks, this Niners team might not be much better than the team that was 1-10 before Garoppolo stepped on the field.
This ranking has little to do with the 49ers performance and a lot more with who’s left on the roster. With Jimmy Garoppolo tearing his ACL and Richard Sherman out a few weeks, this Niners team might not be much better than the team that was 1-10 before Garoppolo stepped on the field.
26. Indianapolis Colts (1-2, Up 1)
The Colts game this week was a prime example of looking at more than just wins or losses. Indianapolis was in this game from start to finish against a great Eagles team. Their defense has been so much better than anyone expected coming into the season.
The Colts game this week was a prime example of looking at more than just wins or losses. Indianapolis was in this game from start to finish against a great Eagles team. Their defense has been so much better than anyone expected coming into the season.
25. Denver Broncos (2-1, Up 1)
As I predicted, when they finally played a good team, the Broncos were unable to win with late-game heroics. Case Keenum is pushing the ball down the field more than recent Denver QBs and it’s helping the offense. What comes with Keenum taking so many chances, though, is more turnovers and this Broncos defense can’t hold teams to zero or three points on short fields like past iterations.
As I predicted, when they finally played a good team, the Broncos were unable to win with late-game heroics. Case Keenum is pushing the ball down the field more than recent Denver QBs and it’s helping the offense. What comes with Keenum taking so many chances, though, is more turnovers and this Broncos defense can’t hold teams to zero or three points on short fields like past iterations.
24. Seattle Seahawks (1-2, Up 4)
The Seahawks got their first win of the season and were lucky to get it. The only reason Ezekiel Elliott didn’t push for 200 yards was an early Seattle lead that forced the Cowboys to largely abandon the run. Too reliant on Russell Wilson once again, the offense wasn’t very impressive either.
The Seahawks got their first win of the season and were lucky to get it. The only reason Ezekiel Elliott didn’t push for 200 yards was an early Seattle lead that forced the Cowboys to largely abandon the run. Too reliant on Russell Wilson once again, the offense wasn’t very impressive either.
23. Detroit Lions (1-2, Up 7)
When a coach faces his or her former team, you expect the players to rally around him or her and play their hardest. There were no certainties for Detroit of that with the reports we’ve heard of Matt Patricia losing the team. They looked like they bought in Sunday night, and beating the Patriots should only help reinforce that. Matt Stafford looked much better Sunday night and with a little help from the running game and defense, he could turn this team around.
When a coach faces his or her former team, you expect the players to rally around him or her and play their hardest. There were no certainties for Detroit of that with the reports we’ve heard of Matt Patricia losing the team. They looked like they bought in Sunday night, and beating the Patriots should only help reinforce that. Matt Stafford looked much better Sunday night and with a little help from the running game and defense, he could turn this team around.
22. New York Giants (1-2, Down 4)
The Giants probably should have fell a lot more after that performance against the Cowboys, so down they go. The win against the Texans did very little to erase concerns as it’s becoming more and more clear the Texans suck.
The Giants probably should have fell a lot more after that performance against the Cowboys, so down they go. The win against the Texans did very little to erase concerns as it’s becoming more and more clear the Texans suck.
21. Dallas Cowboys (1-2, Down 8)
Without Travis Frederick, the Cowboys offense is going to be painful to watch. Sunday proved that the defense will not always be able to carry the offense to victory. I recommend Scott Linehan thinks back to his college days and implements a scheme that uses Dak Prescott as a runner far more. Option plays with Dak and Zeke could fix what ails the offense.
Without Travis Frederick, the Cowboys offense is going to be painful to watch. Sunday proved that the defense will not always be able to carry the offense to victory. I recommend Scott Linehan thinks back to his college days and implements a scheme that uses Dak Prescott as a runner far more. Option plays with Dak and Zeke could fix what ails the offense.
20. Washington Redskins (2-1, Up 4)
It appears the Redskins need an early lead to win and when they get that lead, they’re going to win a lot of the time. When Alex Smith isn’t forced into comeback-mode and Adrian Peterson can tire out the defense, the offense clicks. And an already good defense becomes even better when that D-line can ignore the run and focus on quarterbacks.
It appears the Redskins need an early lead to win and when they get that lead, they’re going to win a lot of the time. When Alex Smith isn’t forced into comeback-mode and Adrian Peterson can tire out the defense, the offense clicks. And an already good defense becomes even better when that D-line can ignore the run and focus on quarterbacks.
19. Tennessee Titans (2-1, Same)
It was another ugly game for the Titans, but with their team, that’s exactly what they should hope for. Ugly wins are still wins and we could see Tennessee atop the division because they won tough games against Houston and Jacksonville.
It was another ugly game for the Titans, but with their team, that’s exactly what they should hope for. Ugly wins are still wins and we could see Tennessee atop the division because they won tough games against Houston and Jacksonville.
18. Cleveland Browns (1-1-1, Up 2)
While the entire city of Cleveland drunkenly celebrates the Browns first win in nearly two years, NFL teams need to start watching out for the Browns. Baker Mayfield should make the offense competent and the defense could be great.
While the entire city of Cleveland drunkenly celebrates the Browns first win in nearly two years, NFL teams need to start watching out for the Browns. Baker Mayfield should make the offense competent and the defense could be great.
17. Miami Dolphins (3-0, Up 5)
The Dolphins deserve respect for winning all three of their games. None of the wins have been particularly convincing or over good teams, though. If the Dolphins can march into Foxborough and come out 4-0, you bet they’ll be in the top-ten.
The Dolphins deserve respect for winning all three of their games. None of the wins have been particularly convincing or over good teams, though. If the Dolphins can march into Foxborough and come out 4-0, you bet they’ll be in the top-ten.
16. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1, Up 5)
A lot of the luster fell off of Fitzmagic in Monday night’s game. Even though we might have to start calling him Ryan Fitzpatrick again, he still managed a decent game after the interceptions. Despite the 4 turnovers, the Bucs still nearly pulled out a win. A positive note for the defense, in a night with seemingly few of them, was the pass rush getting to Big Ben semi-consistently.
A lot of the luster fell off of Fitzmagic in Monday night’s game. Even though we might have to start calling him Ryan Fitzpatrick again, he still managed a decent game after the interceptions. Despite the 4 turnovers, the Bucs still nearly pulled out a win. A positive note for the defense, in a night with seemingly few of them, was the pass rush getting to Big Ben semi-consistently.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (2-1, Up 2)
Not every loss is the same and were it not for a -4 turnover differential in the game, the Bengals might still be undefeated. Plus, A.J. Green got hurt and there’s no shame in losing a game in Carolina.
Not every loss is the same and were it not for a -4 turnover differential in the game, the Bengals might still be undefeated. Plus, A.J. Green got hurt and there’s no shame in losing a game in Carolina.
14. Baltimore Ravens (2-1, Up 1)
While Flacco was not at his best, the backfield duo of Alex Collins and Buck Allen played well. A strong run game paired with this defense spells trouble for opponents.
While Flacco was not at his best, the backfield duo of Alex Collins and Buck Allen played well. A strong run game paired with this defense spells trouble for opponents.
13. Green Bay Packers (1-1-1, Down 4)
Aaron Rodgers playing gives the Packers a chance, but hearing his injury could get worse over the course of the season makes it sound like a mini-vacation might be the right idea. Losing Muhammad Wilkerson for the season is a big blow for a defense that can’t afford too many.
Aaron Rodgers playing gives the Packers a chance, but hearing his injury could get worse over the course of the season makes it sound like a mini-vacation might be the right idea. Losing Muhammad Wilkerson for the season is a big blow for a defense that can’t afford too many.
12. Minnesota Vikings (1-1-1, Down 11)
Any team that gets blown out drops. Any team that loses to the Bills drops. Any team that somehow manages to get blown out by the Bills drops a lot. That had to be one of the worst performances of all-time. Minnesota were 17 point home favorites and clearly let that go to their heads in losing by 21.
Any team that gets blown out drops. Any team that loses to the Bills drops. Any team that somehow manages to get blown out by the Bills drops a lot. That had to be one of the worst performances of all-time. Minnesota were 17 point home favorites and clearly let that go to their heads in losing by 21.
11. Chicago Bears (2-1, Same)
The Bears defense might be right up there with the Jaguars’ and Rams’. They’ve needed to be with the way the offense has underwhelmed. I still expect the offense to get going later in the year and look out when that happens.
The Bears defense might be right up there with the Jaguars’ and Rams’. They’ve needed to be with the way the offense has underwhelmed. I still expect the offense to get going later in the year and look out when that happens.
10. Carolina Panthers (2-1, Up 4)
While the Panthers allowed a lot of yards, they are at their best (see 2015) when the defense is creating turnovers to give the offense favorable field position. Cam Newton has been amazing this year and Christian McCaffrey’s breakout game finally came, so the offense might not even need the short fields.
While the Panthers allowed a lot of yards, they are at their best (see 2015) when the defense is creating turnovers to give the offense favorable field position. Cam Newton has been amazing this year and Christian McCaffrey’s breakout game finally came, so the offense might not even need the short fields.
9. New England Patriots (1-2, Down 5)
The Patriots are not a good football team and might not make the playoffs. Where have we seen this before? Last September. How’d the Patriots end last year? Nearly winning the Super Bowl. Don’t panic yet.
The Patriots are not a good football team and might not make the playoffs. Where have we seen this before? Last September. How’d the Patriots end last year? Nearly winning the Super Bowl. Don’t panic yet.
8. Atlanta Falcons (1-2, Down 2)
You have to admire the Falcons fight after losing two of their best defensive players. They nearly knocked off the Saints a week after beating the Panthers behind an offensive explosion and Calvin Ridley’s big game.
You have to admire the Falcons fight after losing two of their best defensive players. They nearly knocked off the Saints a week after beating the Panthers behind an offensive explosion and Calvin Ridley’s big game.
7. New Orleans Saints (2-1, Up 5)
There were no questions about the Saints offense, so Sunday’s shootout wasn’t as reassuring as if the defense stepped up. That offense can keep up with anybody, though, and the defense should get slightly better.
There were no questions about the Saints offense, so Sunday’s shootout wasn’t as reassuring as if the defense stepped up. That offense can keep up with anybody, though, and the defense should get slightly better.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1-1, Up 3)
The Steelers team we saw Monday night that controlled Tampa Bay should be a lot closer to the real team than the ones we saw the first two weeks. The offense was it’s typical dominant self. It was the defense that really stepped it up. They harassed Fitzpatrick all night with creative blitzes that led to his turnovers.
The Steelers team we saw Monday night that controlled Tampa Bay should be a lot closer to the real team than the ones we saw the first two weeks. The offense was it’s typical dominant self. It was the defense that really stepped it up. They harassed Fitzpatrick all night with creative blitzes that led to his turnovers.
5. Los Angeles Chargers (1-2, Up 2)
There’s no shame in losing to the Rams, and while it would have been nice for the game to have been closer, two early fumbles likely had a lot to do with that. Still without Joey Bosa, the Chargers have done well.
There’s no shame in losing to the Rams, and while it would have been nice for the game to have been closer, two early fumbles likely had a lot to do with that. Still without Joey Bosa, the Chargers have done well.
4. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-1, Down 1)
Welcome back to earth, Blake Bortles. After a magical week, everyone’s favorite punchline was the reason the Jaguars lost. A loss to Tennessee isn’t that worrying as the Jags seem to do it every year and apparently every contender wanted to see what losing was like.
Welcome back to earth, Blake Bortles. After a magical week, everyone’s favorite punchline was the reason the Jaguars lost. A loss to Tennessee isn’t that worrying as the Jags seem to do it every year and apparently every contender wanted to see what losing was like.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (2-1, Up 2)
Carson Wentz is back, and while it wasn’t always pretty, even this Wentz is better than Nick Foles. His return also seemed to energize the defense as they were able to lock down the Colts after getting embarrassed a week ago.
Carson Wentz is back, and while it wasn’t always pretty, even this Wentz is better than Nick Foles. His return also seemed to energize the defense as they were able to lock down the Colts after getting embarrassed a week ago.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (3-0, Up 6)
The Chiefs seem to be one of only a couple consistent teams in the league with an unstoppable juggernaut for an offense and a talent-devoid, but opportunistic defense. Every game seems to go the same way, with the Chiefs jumping out to a big lead on the back of Patrick Mahomes and then nearly blowing the lead as the offense gets conservative and the defense evaporates.
The Chiefs seem to be one of only a couple consistent teams in the league with an unstoppable juggernaut for an offense and a talent-devoid, but opportunistic defense. Every game seems to go the same way, with the Chiefs jumping out to a big lead on the back of Patrick Mahomes and then nearly blowing the lead as the offense gets conservative and the defense evaporates.
1. Los Angeles Rams (3-0, Same)
The Rams are not going through the growing pains everyone expected out of this dream team. The Rams domination in the Los Angeles Bowl should have erased worries that the Rams were just looking good by beating up on bad teams.
The Rams are not going through the growing pains everyone expected out of this dream team. The Rams domination in the Los Angeles Bowl should have erased worries that the Rams were just looking good by beating up on bad teams.
Think your team is ranked too low? Or just in general think I know nothing about football? Go crazy in the comments.
Works Cited
McDonald, Charles R. “How Did the Bills and Josh Allen Beat the Hell out of the Vikings?” SBNation.com, SBNation.com, 23 Sept. 2018, www.sbnation.com/2018/9/23/17893120/bills-vs-vikings-josh-allen-upset-week-3-underdogs.
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