ESPN NFL Power Rankings – Week 3

Sep 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) runs a kickoff back for a touchdown during the third quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Buffalo beats Miami 29 to 10. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

13. Miami Dolphins

Much to dislike from the Dolphins’ trip to Buffalo, starting with a lopsided loss and continuing with injury concerns, specifically regarding Knowshon Moreno’s elbow — which is why they’re below thePatriots, even after beating them. The real Debbie Downer was the kick coverage, which took some bad angles on that 102-yard return by C.J. Spiller — a play that negated some Miami momentum while allowing Buffalo to go up 16-3 in front of a frenzied home crowd.

12. San Francisco 49ers 

Multiple turnovers, 16 penalties and a huge drop at the end, to boot. How the Niners blew that Sunday night matchup with the Bears after jumping out to a 17-0 lead is beyond me, but that first sentence is probably a good place to start.

11. Chicago Bears

How about that Kyle Fuller? The rookie had two interceptions, two passes defensed and six tackles in San Francisco. What a gutsy win for the Bears, who have quickly put that bad home loss to the Bills behind them.

10. New England Patriots 

I guess that answers that question. Gloom and doom averted, New England starts even again with the Raiders coming to town Sunday. Thankfully for the Patriots, the defense fared a little betterin Minnesota than it did in the Week 1 loss in Miami, routinely pressuring Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel, who was sacked six times and forced into making some off-the-mark throws. 

9. Buffalo Bills 

Say what you want about C.J. Spiller and how the Bills tend to use him; the man can flat-out fly. His kickoff return was more than highlight stuff — it answered a Dolphins field goal, returning control ofa key AFC East matchup to Buffalo’s hands.