2011 NFL Power Rankings: Week Three
11. New York Jets (2-1; Last week – 3): This is a team that isn’t scaring anybody, especially after giving up an outrageous 171 yards rushing to Darren McFadden last Sunday.
12. Oakland Raiders (2-1; Last week – 16): The Raiders pulled off a big win against the Jets, leading people to wonder whether they could contend for the division with the Chargers.
13. Buffalo Bills (3-0; Last week – 23): It’s hard to not want to rank the Bills even higher after their epic come-from-behind win against the Patriots, erasing a 21-0 deficit and ending the Patriots’ 15-game winning streak against Buffalo.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-1; Last week – 14): The Buccaneers were able to defeat the struggling Falcons, even though it wasn’t pretty. But a win’s a win, right?
15. New York Giants (2-1; Last week – 18): Despite the Eagles’ struggle, the Giants’ victory in Philadelphia was a big statement in the NFC East. There is every indication that this is going to be an up-and-down season for the Giants.
16. Washington Redskins (2-1; Last week – 15): The Redskins are in the middle of the pack in a lot of statistical categories, which sounds about right for them.
17. Dallas Cowboys (2-1; Last week – 17): You have to admire Tony Romo for playing through the pain, but the Cowboys were barely able to pull out a win against the Redskins at home. If the Cowboys are going to make the playoffs, it seems like it will be due to the defense.
18. Chicago Bears (1-2; Last week – 12): Despite making the NFC Championship Game last season, the Bears seem to be in a perpetual state of relative mediocrity, and might need to make some big changes to eventually take the next step.
19. Tennessee Titans (2-1; Last week – 19): Fantasy owners shouldn’t fret over Chris Johnson’s slow start to the season. Or am I just saying that because I may or may not own him in a fantasy league? Either way, the Titans look to be a contender for the division.
20. San Francisco 49ers (2-1; Last week – 20): It’s a running theme with the NFC West, but it’s worth saying again that no matter how bad the 49ers might look, they will always be in the playoff hunt. Beating the Eagles on Sunday would go a long way to proving their legitimacy.
