Updated NFL Power Rankings: Which two new teams made the top five? Are the Panthers still No. 32?

Week 3 ranking: 11

Biggest issue on offense: Right guard play

There haven’t been many issues for a team that ranks fourth in the NFL in both scoring (26 points per game) and overall offensive efficiency (72.03). But if we’re nitpicking, the Vikings continue to cover for subpar play from right guard Ed Ingram. Through three weeks, Ingram ranks 54th in pass block win rate (82%) and 44th in run block win rate (68.1%) among guards. The Vikings could mix in veteran Dalton Risner when he is activated from injured reserve, but if the worst thing you can say about an offense is that one interior offensive lineman is underperforming, you’re probably in pretty good shape. — Kevin Seifert

Week 3 ranking: 10

Biggest issue on offense: Pass protection

The Seahawks rank 30th in pass block win rate (46.1%) and 23rd in allowing pressure (33.0%). They’re 16th in sacks allowed per dropback (7.1%), but that comes with the caveat that QB Geno Smith is getting the ball out at the sixth-fastest rate of any quarterback (2.66 seconds on average). Life won’t get any easier for Seattle’s offensive line now that it’ll be down to its third option at right tackle for the foreseeable future. Stone Forsythe is replacing George Fant, who had been filling in for Abraham Lucas before landing on injured reserve. Lucas isn’t expected to come off the physically unable to perform list until midseason at the earliest. — Brady Henderson

Week 3 ranking: 5

Biggest issue on offense: Red zone scoring

Even after a Week 3 win, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown acknowledged that the Lions’ offense could step up more. The main statistic that jumps out is that the Lions are 5-of-13 (38.5 %) scoring touchdowns on red zone opportunities. For context, through three games in 2023, the Lions were 5-of-9 (55.6%) in red zone scoring. When they were was upset by Tampa Bay in Week 2, the Lions had six red zone drives without a touchdown, their most in a game since 1981, per ESPN Research. — Eric Woodyard

play

Why McAfee is happy Lions are ‘back to winning’

Pat McAfee celebrates the Lions’ return to form with a win against the Cardinals.

Week 3 ranking: 6

Biggest issue on offense: QB Jalen Hurts’ ball security

Hurts has thrown four interceptions and been charged with three fumbles through three games. He has 12 turnovers in his past nine regular-season games, the most in the league, and has thrown an interception in seven straight, the most by an Eagles quarterback since Ty Detmer in 1996. With injuries piling up on offense, it’s more important than ever that Hurts limits his miscues. — Tim McManus

Week 3 ranking: 12

Biggest issue on offense: Red zone scoring

Though the Steelers found the end zone twice — and were stopped just short a third time — in their Week 3 win, they are still tied for last in red zone scoring, scoring touchdowns on just 25% of their red zone trips. That’s down from 48.89% in 2023. There are many factors contributing to the low mark — a new offensive coordinator, a backup quarterback tapped to start days before the season opener, a slew of offensive line injuries and ill-timed penalties. Sunday could’ve marked the start of a turnaround with a 20-point outing, but the Steelers still had to turn to kicker Chris Boswell when drives stalled out 10 and 12 yards away from the end zone. — Brooke Pryor

Best of NFL Nation

Week 3 ranking: 4

Biggest issue on offense: Offensive line

The Texans’ offensive line isn’t playing well enough. The Texans have the 14th-highest run stuff rate (17.1%) and aren’t consistently creating running lanes, as they’re tied for 15th in yards before contact (1.3). Quarterback C.J. Stroud has been sacked 11 times through three weeks and is on pace to be sacked more than 55 times. — DJ Bien-Aime

Week 3 ranking: 3

Biggest issue on offense: A lack of YAC

It’s almost hard to believe that the team known for yards after the catch (YAC) in 2023 has been so inefficient in that category through the first three games. The Niners are averaging just 3.1 YAC per reception, which ranks last in the NFL. Injuries to their three best players at YAC (receiver Deebo Samuel Sr., running back Christian McCaffrey and tight end George Kittle) haven’t helped, but this offense is largely predicated on making big plays after the catch. The absence of that additional yardage has forced San Francisco to be more meticulous with its drives and has resulted in a red zone touchdown rate of 50%, which is tied for 15th in the league. — Nick Wagoner

Week 3 ranking: 9

Biggest issue on offense: Injuries to C Erik McCoy and TE Taysom Hill

McCoy left three snaps into the Saints’ game against the Eagles on Sunday because of a groin injury, which presents a major challenge for New Orleans if he is out for any length of time. McCoy is a captain and the best player on the offensive line. That loss, combined with the absence of Hill (chest) against the Eagles, was likely part of the reason the Saints’ offensive output plummeted from 45 points per game in Weeks 1-2 to only 12 in Week 3. They’ll need both players healthy to fully bounce back. — Katherine Terrell

Week 3 ranking: 15

Biggest issue on offense: Penalties

The Packers have the most total offensive penalties (21) in the league through three games and have the second-most offensive penalty yards (135). They have a league-high eight offensive holding infractions, including four by left tackle Rasheed Walker (who has a team-high six penalties overall). Penalties in general have been a problem for the Packers, who had 11 on Sunday against the Titans and 33 overall in all three phases. “There’s a lot to clean up, obviously, with the penalties,” coach Matt LaFleur said after Sunday’s win at Tennessee. — Rob Demovsky

play

McAfee praises Malik Willis for keeping Packers afloat

Pat McAfee and his crew break down the stellar play from Packers quarterback Malik Willis in relief of injured Jordan Love.

Week 3 ranking: 13

Biggest issue on offense: TE Mark Andrews’ slow start

The three-time Pro Bowler has gone from being QB Lamar Jackson’s favorite target to a surprising nonfactor in the passing game. Andrews has been limited to six catches for 65 yards, both of which are his fewest three weeks into the season. It seems like the emergence of tight end Isaiah Likely has taken away some of Andrews’ targets, and the addition of running back Derrick Henry has removed some of Andrews’ red zone opportunities. On Sunday, the Ravens went with a run-heavy game plan, which resulted in Andrews not making a catch for the first time in 76 games. — Jamison Hensley

Week 3 ranking: 7

Biggest issue on offense: Lack of a run game

It’s early and the Bucs are 2-1, but improving from the league’s worst statistical rushing attack last year will take some time, and losing starting right tackle Luke Goedeke for two-plus games isn’t ideal, either. The Bucs have to do something to get this ground game going to help out QB Baker Mayfield, who has been sacked 12 times in two weeks. The two 30-plus-yard runs from Bucky Irving in Weeks 1 and 3 are skewing their 4.0 yards per rush stat a lot. Tampa Bay ranks 27th in rushing yards per game (91). — Jenna Laine

Week 3 ranking: 16

Biggest issue on offense: WR Garrett Wilson’s lukewarm start

Fifteen receptions in three games is fine — that’s an 85-catch pace — but more is expected of Wilson, who raised the bar with two strong seasons. Wilson and quarterback Aaron Rodgers aren’t clicking yet, as Wilson hasn’t exceeded 68 receiving yards in a game. Their past two opponents, the Patriots and Titans, had their top cornerback travel with Wilson on almost every play — Christian Gonzalez and L’Jarius Sneed, respectively. That, plus a heavy dose of split-safety looks, has prevented Wilson from having a breakout game. — Rich Cimini

Week 3 ranking: 28

Biggest issue on offense: Quarterback inaccuracy

QB Anthony Richardson has had some of the most explosive plays this season, leading the NFL with 12.6 air yards per attempt. But his play-to-play consistency has been problematic, costing the Colts some easy first downs. Richardson is completing 49.1% of his attempts, down from 59.5% in the four games he played as a rookie last season. His injury layoff could have negatively impacted his mechanics. — Stephen Holder

Week 3 ranking: 18

Biggest issue on offense: Offensive imbalance

The Bengals threw the ball as much as anyone through the first two weeks of the season. They were second in the league in designed pass plays (70.4%), according to ESPN Research. However, they ranked 26th in the league in expected points added per dropback and 24th in yards per dropback. Either the Bengals need to be more efficient in their passing game or perhaps find a better way to incorporate the run game. Cincinnati’s 58 rush attempts by its running backs are the second fewest in the league after Week 3. — Ben Baby

Week 3 ranking: 26

Biggest issue on offense: No identity

The Bears have failed to establish their offensive identity through three weeks. Chicago spent big to acquire running back D’Andre Swift, who is averaging a team-low 1.8 yards per carry as the Bears’ lead back. Without a run game to lean on, the Bears have been forced to pass the ball at the second-highest rate in with rookie quarterback Caleb Williams (118 attempts). There’s no balance to what offensive coordinator Shane Waldron is drawing up right now, and the issues in pass protection have compounded problems everywhere (Williams is 4-of-21 for 36 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions when pressured in three games). — Courtney Cronin

Week 3 ranking: 30

Biggest issue on offense: Division of labor at running back

Coach Sean Payton admitted it has been difficult finding a running back rotation that works, especially if Tyler Badie’s flashes are a sign of something bigger. Badie leads the team’s backs with 86 yards on only 10 carries, while Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin are each averaging just 2.2 yards per carry. Much like we saw from Badie in training camp, he patiently waits for openings before popping a big run — such as the 43-yarder in Sunday’s win over the Buccaneers. But Payton has said he typically leans on two-back rotations, whether it’s “right, wrong or indifferent.” Trying to kick-start an inconsistent run game with three backs has proved challenging. — Jeff Legwold

Week 3 ranking: 24

Biggest issue on offense: Third downs

The offense has been such a mess through the first three weeks that narrowing it down to one issue is tough, but the team’s inability to continue drives has prevented it from getting any momentum. The Jaguars have converted just 21.9% of their third downs through three weeks, the third-worst mark in the league. It’s hard for the Jaguars’ offense to do much damage when it can’t stay on the field. — Michael DiRocco

Week 3 ranking: 25

Biggest issue on offense: Pass protection

Veteran QB Jacoby Brissett was hit 15 times in a Week 3 loss and has now been hit 30 times this season. He has been sacked nine times as poor communication along the offensive line has led to too many free rushers, and running backs have not always been sturdy in blitz pickup. The Patriots don’t have an elite separator on the outside, so even when Brissett has time to throw, the pressure has gotten to him while he’s waiting for someone to get open. — Mike Reiss

Week 3 ranking: 31

Biggest issue on offense: Turnovers

The Giants have five turnovers in three games, and running back Devin Singletary had costly fumbles in each of the past two games. New York was also fortunate a roughing the passer penalty negated a would-be interception by QB Daniel Jones early against Cleveland in Week 3. For this group to get to the next level, New York needs to do a better job at protecting the football. Singletary, in particular, has to get the fumbling under control. Only one running back (Dalvin Cook) has more fumbles than the 13 Singletary has since entering the league in 2019. — Jordan Raanan

Week 3 ranking: 32

Biggest issue on offense: Quarterback play

Quarterback Andy Dalton proved coach Dave Canales was right in benching Bryce Young, and that the Panthers were close if they had a steady presence under center. With Dalton on Sunday, the Panthers looked like an offensive juggernaut instead of the lifeless unit they were with Young. Dalton had three touchdown passes in the first half against the Raiders. Young has only two TD passes in his past nine starts. The Panthers had a 300-yard passing game, 100-yard rushing game and 100-yard receiving game for the first time since Week 8 of 2022. — David Newton

play

McAfee loves the Andy Dalton-led Panthers

Pat McAfee gushes over Andy Dalton’s performance in the Panthers’ Week 3 win.

Week 3 ranking: 29

Biggest issue on offense: Pass protection

The Titans’ offensive line has struggled to protect quarterback Will Levis, who has been sacked 15 times. Only the Browns have allowed more sacks. While not all of them can be attributed directly to the offensive line, the number of times players got beaten up front is alarming. Through three games, Tennessee’s 51.8% pass block win rate is the sixth worst in the NFL. The struggles in pass protection have made it difficult for coach Brian Callahan to call longer plays, especially in third-and-long situations. Levis has little time to scan the field and is under constant pressure. — Turron Davenport