Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 22
Vikings, Bengals and Browns Jump in NFL Week 3 Top 10 as Ravens, Bears Slide
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · Sep 22

Vikings, Bengals and Browns Jump in NFL Week 3 Top 10 as Ravens, Bears Slide

2 articles · Updated · The New York Times · Sep 22

Summary

  • Minnesota climbed from No. 15 to No. 10, Cincinnati from No. 14 to No. 7 and Cleveland from No. 31 to No. 23 in the Week 3 NFL power rankings after strong Week 2 results.
  • Chicago and Baltimore took the sharpest notable drops, with the Bears falling from No. 4 to No. 12 after a 9-3 loss and Caleb Williams' hamstring injury, while the Ravens slid from No. 5 to No. 13.
  • San Francisco stayed No. 1 at 2-0 after beating Miami 35-13, followed by Buffalo, Seattle and Kansas City, as the rankings still reflect major uncertainty only two weeks into the season.
  • The weekly rundown also spotlighted one rookie per team, underscoring early contributors such as Denver's Jonah Coleman, Cleveland's Denzel Boston and Green Bay kicker Trey Smack.

Insights

Rookies are taking over the NFL early, but will their explosive debuts fade when veteran defenses finally adapt to their schemes?
Caleb Williams is down; can Tyson Bagent salvage the Bears' season before their early slump becomes an irreversible disaster?
With a staggering 35% pressure rate dominating the 2026 season, which elite quarterback will be the next to crumble under the blitz?