ESPN NFL Power Rankings – Week 3

Sep 14, 2014; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) looks to pass in the second quarter against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

18. Indianapolis Colts

This ranking might seem harsh, given the fact that Indy has fallen to two top teamsin the BroncosandEagles. Yet, unlike the similarly 0-2Saints— whose two losses came on the road —the Colts were defeated Monday nightat home. Also, their best defensive player —Robert Mathis—is out for the year.And as long asTrent Richardson, who gave up a crucial third-quarter fumble that set up theEaglesfor a game-tying touchdown, continues to get carries …

17. New York Jets

Somehow you justknewthat whenEric Decker was jumping up and downon your TV and theJetswere going up 21-3in Green Bay, things were going to go south.Geno Smithhad some moments for Gang Green, but the production (176 yards and a passer rating of 64.1) wasn’t enough to offsethis second-quarter interceptiondeep inPackersterritory. That hurt, as it ultimately caused New York to miss out on what would have likely been a makeableNick Folkfield-goal attempt.

16. New Orleans Saints

At some point, theSaints‘ defense is going to have to make plays when it matters, or this team will have little chance to compete for anotherSuper Bowl. Was the unit terriblein Cleveland on Sunday?No. But couldBrownsreceiverAndrew Hawkinshave gotten anymoreopen onthe crucial last-minute receptionthat set up the clinching field goal?

15. Atlanta Falcons

There was much banter about who would be running the football for theFalcons—Steven Jackson,Jacquizz Rodgers,Devonta Freemanor evenWeek 1 hero Antone Smith— and it didn’t matter. Not withMatt Ryanthrowing three picks while averaging just 5 yards per attemptagainst the Bengals.Meanwhile,Andy Daltonmade mincemeat of the Atlanta defense, even while he was overthrowing some wide-open receivers.

14. Baltimore Ravens

Got much grief for keeping Baltimore one spot above Pittsburgh inthe Power Rankings last week, despite the fact thatthe Ravens lost to the Bengalsandthe Steelers won their game.Then, of course,Baltimore topped Pittsburgh.

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