13. San Diego (1-2) (Previous rank: 6): The Chargers already have as many losses in just three games this season as they for the entire 2006 season. LaDainian Tomlinson can't get going, and their pass defense can't stop anything. Yes, somewhere Marty Schottenheimer is smiling. On the bright side, Phillip Rivers did have a heck of a game, even if it was in vain.
14. Chicago Bears (1-2) (Previous rank: 7): After this game, everyone will surely be quick to tar and feather Rex Grossman. But, the whole team was awful. Devin Hester couldn't get anything done on special teams, receivers dropped balls, and Chicago's pass defense looked pathetic. This was a big game between potential NFC contenders, and Dallas easily took Chicago for a ride: they looked more like "Duh Bears" instead of "Da Bears."
15. Philadelphia Eagles (1-2) (Previous rank: 20): Well, well, well, look who's back. It appears as though the yellow and blue uniforms did wonders for the Eagles, it was either that, or their offense. Completely destroying the previously undefeated Detroit Lions, Philadelphia told NFL fans one thing: don't write them off just yet; it's a long season.
16. Cincinnati Bengals (1-2) (Previous rank: 11): A losing record this early in the season isn't something people expected from the Bengals. While their offense didn't help by turning the ball over, it really comes down to one thing: their defense is lousy. When they play the Patriots next week, gamblers in Vegas better take the over instead of the under. Cincinnati won't hold New England to just 38 points.
17. San Francisco (2-1) (Previous rank: 15): On Saturday night, the 49ers were undefeated; on Sunday, they got a reality check. Though they didn't play the worst game ever, San Francisco has to either start putting more points on the board, or start holding their opponents at bay. Until they do, the 49ers will hover right around mediocrity.
18. Tampa Bay (2-1) (Previous rank: 24): Since losing on opening day, Tampa Bay has decimated their opponents, scoring a combined 55 points and holding their opponents to just 17. They have some tough road game ahead; how they perform in those will tell us what this team is made of.
19. New York Giants (1-2) (Previous rank: 25): This game belongs to New York's defense, who had a Giant of a second half. Despite some turnovers, the offense was solid. A few more wins, and New York will be right back in the swing of things.
Article comments
1 - RJ
The Lions are the lowest-ranked winning team on your list. BOO! :-/
2 - Matthew T. Sussman
San Diego and Chicago still get the benefit of the doubt ... for now.
3 - Thor
The Steelers should be higher. They are the most complete, balanced team to step on the field this year (not including the Patriots). They're play reminds me of a college team playing the local highschool squad. Scary is an understatement. They are numero uno in the country in rushing, their defense is a meat grinder. They are have more talent, motivated and ready, then everyone but the Pats at this point. Putting the Cowboys ahead of the Steelers after these three weeks smells of amatuer hour.
4 - 03 Vegas
Totally agree with Thor on the Cowboys - Steelers ranking. I'll take it a step further...Steelers should be ranked #2 right now (the only reason I can't say #1 is because they haven't faced a stronger opponent yet...but then again, the Pats haven't faced a team like the Steelers either) I pick Pittsburgh to go all the way this year and man oh man...what a great day that would be to see the Steelers put Dallas away real, real hard.
The next most puzzling ranking to me has to be putting Carolina as the #2 team at 2-1...I can't figure this one out whatsoever.
5 - JJ
Carolina at number 2? What are you talking about? They aren't even number 2 out of NFC Teams.