NFL Power Rankings: Broncos raise AFC West to power of three for Week 3

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After two weeks of NFL action in 2017, there's one clear takeaway that won't go away: The AFC West is the best. Three of its teams are among the eight that have started 2-0.

The Chiefs and Raiders are picking up where they left off with impressive offensive-minded victories. But how about those Broncos, who have suddenly got their passing, rushing and scoring groove back, as well?

Denver has the best defense of the trio, while Oakland has the best offense. Kansas City has the best all-around team so far.

WEEK 3: Picks straight up | Against spread

Here's how they stack up in relation to each other. For now, the teams form a powerful triumvirate vs. the rest of the league's Super Bowl contenders.

NFL Power Rankings: Week 3

1. Kansas City Chiefs 2-0 (last week: 2)

Kareem Hunt has them ahead in the AFC title chase, as the rookie has flown out of the gate to spark the offense in the second half twice in big games. He's not about to slow down anytime soon.

This week: at Chargers, their first AFC West test, Sunday

2. Oakland Raiders 2-0 (last week: 3)

Derek Carr and Michael Crabtree took care of most of the business against the Jets, but Marshawn Lynch had plenty of fun running and dancing, too. They are balanced, dangerous and explosive in every way.

This week: at Redskins, a national prime-time showcase, Sunday

3. Denver Broncos 2-0 (last week: 8)

Trevor Siemian and C.J. Anderson are delivering the necessary complementary football for their defense, which has a whole new brand of energy under Vance Joseph and Joe Woods. This is a more complete contender, one season removed from the Super Bowl hangover.

This week: at Bills, their first road trip, Sunday

IYER: Siemian deserves more credit

4. Atlanta Falcons 2-0 (last week: 6)

Matt Ryan and Julio Jones haven't even exploded yet, and their offense has hummed along thanks to more great running from Devonta Freeman. The fast young defense is happy to have its old glue guy back at cornerback, Desmond Trufant.

This week: at Lions, where two friendly Matts meet, Sunday

5. Pittsburgh Steelers 2-0 (last week: 5)

Ben Roethlisberger hasn't exactly lit it up quite yet, and Le'Veon Bell has been running more in neutral. But they're making plenty enough big plays on both sides of the ball with a much-improved defense overall.

This week: at Bears, a march from Heinz to Solider, Sunday

6. New England Patriots 1-1 (last week: 7)

You knew you were going to get that Tom Brady in New Orleans, making things look Big Easy again no matter what injuries befell them. Now it's time for the defense to regroup and make a notable statement.

This week: vs. Texans, to welcome back Bill O'Brien, Sunday

7. Baltimore Ravens 2-0 (last week: 11)

The Ravens don't really change up their winning M.O. — do it with a lot of defense, a little running and a little Joe Flacco. The schedule lines up well for them to return to thick of a top wild card.

This week: vs. Jaguars, a jaunt to London, Sunday

8. Detroit Lions 2-0 (last week: 10)

The horoscope for the Leos has been better than expected, as Matthew Stafford is earning his money by knocking off two playoff-caliber teams with tough defenses back-to-back. Now comes an excellent chance to take it one step further against the reigning NFC champions.

This week: vs. Falcons, when Ford meets Mercedes-Benz, Sunday

9. Green Bay Packers 1-1 (last week: 1)

Here we go again with Aaron Rodgers. Two tackles hurt, Jordy Nelson hurt, the defense still capable of getting lost in a hurry. There's a ton of him to help this team win, but good thing he can share that burden better with Ty Montgomery. 

This week: vs. Bengals, a Lambeau get-well game, Sunday

10. Dallas Cowboys 1-1 (last week: 4)

That blowout loss to Denver was unusual and unfamiliar territory in the young bright careers of Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliott. They also faced a team with the personnel to expose what were major defensive concerns up front and in the secondary going into the season. Even with Elliott, Prescott will be pressed to put them on his back more.

This week: at Cardinals, a date in the desert, Monday

11. Seattle Seahawks 1-1 (last week: 9)

A win is a win for Pete Carroll's team. The offense was ugly again, as Russell Wilson ran around trying to save himself and make plays behind that line, but the effective power rushing of Chris Carson can be a game-changer to open everything else up as they would like.

This week: at Titans, where Puget Sound meets Nashville Sound, Sunday

12. Carolina Panthers 2-0 (last week: 12)

According to this week's rankings, they are the league's worst undefeated team. Cam Newton was still way off against Buffalo and now has to deal with no Greg Olsen. Their defense looks very good, but there needs to be more proof against a legitimate offense, which they will see in their second home game.

This week: vs. Saints, their first division foe, Sunday

13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1-0 (last week: 18)

Jameis Winston didn't need to do much after finding Mike Evans for six, as the running game and defense took over nicely for the Bucs. That's a terrific delayed start, making us believe Tampa Bay will live up to the Hard Knocks hype.

This week: at Vikings, a ship-shape battle, Sunday

14. Miami Dolphins 1-0 (last week: 19)

It's only one game, but man, Jay Cutler seems like he is a perfect fit for the Fins. With Jay Ajayi powering through and a defense that looked better, a return playoff trip can happen for Adam Gase's team in a top-loaded AFC.

This week: at Jets, two more good days for the Jays, Sunday

15. Philadelphia Eagles 1-1 (last week: 13)

Carson Wentz is balling and dealing, but eventually the lack of a legitimate running game will mean he's going to take a lot of licks in the pocket dropping back so often. He can't be expected to be the team's best runner every week as well as passing on fire downfield.

This week: vs. Giants, visitors from Jersey, Sunday

16. Minnesota Vikings 1-1 (last week: 15)

Now there's sudden knee injury-related mystery about two quarterbacks, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Bradford. With Case Keenum, it's case closed on having an effective and sometimes explosive offense.

This week: vs. Buccaneers, when pillagers meet pirates, Sunday

17. Houston Texans 1-1 (last week: 20)

Deshaun Watson has provided a nice spark, even with the inefficient play that comes with his inexperience. He was the only choice to help Houston overcome its big offensive line problems, but he'll need more of a boost from the skill players.

This week: at Patriots, minus the letterman jackets, Sunday

18. Tennessee Titans 1-1 (last week: 17)

They're trying to resettle their offensive identity. The first big part was making their rushing attack more about Derrick Henry. The second will be Marcus Mariota getting into a zone with all of his wideouts.

This week: vs. Seahawks, when Southeast meets Pacific Northwest, Sunday

19. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-1 (last week: 16)

The Jags saw their defense dragged down by a good offensive line and strong running game, as they couldn't generate the same strengths against the pass. Regardless, it will be hard to win much with Blake Bortles playing that way without Allen Robinson. 

This week: vs. Ravens, a run-heavy black-and-blue affair, Sunday

20. Arizona Cardinals 1-1 (last week: 25)

Carson Palmer has seen his offensive line, backfield and receiving corps ravaged by injuries, and the crumbing is in full effect. It's on the defense to keep making big plays to save the day.

This week: vs. Cowboys, when old meets young, Monday

21. Washington Redskins 1-1 (last week: 28)

The Redskins went into L.A. with the right plan of going power run-heavy to take pressure off Kirk Cousins in a new offense. It also better protects and rests their defense. Cousins will need to figure it out soon, however, with shootouts ahead.

This week: vs. Raiders, from one Bay to another, Sunday

22. Los Angeles Rams 1-1 (last week: 21)

Todd Gurley is running and receiving with more purpose, but they need a lot more pop from their passing attack and rush defense.

This week: at 49ers, young and new times two, Thursday

23. New York Giants 0-2 (last week: 14)

If there's any team built to recover from 0-2, it would be them, given how strong their defense is at full strength. The problem is the defenses of the Eagles, Chargers, Broncos and Seahawks can go after their struggling offense in four of the next five games. Big Blue might already have blown everything.

This week: at Eagles, in a unfriendly neighborhood rivalry, Sunday

24. Buffalo Bills 1-1 (last week: 22)

The Bills have tightened the screws defensively with their personnel responding to Sean McDermott, but their offensive limitations didn't take long to manifest.

This week: vs. Broncos, a pair of bucking beasts, Sunday

25. New Orleans Saints 0-2 (last week: 24)

The Saints' optimism that their defense has improved was quickly squashed by Sam Bradford and Tom Brady. There's once again too much on Drew Brees to carry everything.

This week: at Panthers, a must-win division situation, Sunday

26. Los Angeles Chargers 0-2 (last week: 23)

Anthony Lynn is making it a point for his team to close out games better. That hasn't materialized, as they've fallen just short on offense and special teams. They're already done as they face three perfect teams ahead of them in the AFC West.

This week: vs. Chiefs, a must-win division situation, Sunday

27. Cleveland Browns 0-2 (last week: 27)

DeShone Kizer had a rough go in Baltimore, but so do a lot of young QBs. Let's hope his head is right all-around to keep growing on the fly. His first win is coming soon.

This week: at Colts, where somebody has to win, Sunday

28. Chicago Bears 0-2 (last week: 26)

John Fox isn't making a change from Mike Glennon despite the erratic play that's been more costly than competent. That tune will change toward Mitchell Trubisky as the Bears sink further in the standings.

This week: vs. Steelers, a remembrance of defenses past, Sunday

29. San Francisco 49ers 0-2 (last week: 30)

The young defense is playing better than expected vs. the pass, and Carlos Hyde is a stud. Brian Hoyer, however, has been a shaky stopgap so far.

This week: vs. Rams, the best early chance for a Shanahan win, Thursday

30. Cincinnati Bengals 0-2 (last week: 29)

Andy Dalton is still the starting QB, and Marvin Lewis is still the coach. At this rate, those might not be facts after some more bad home losses.

This week: at Packers, when WhoDey plays in Green Bay, Sunday

31. Indianapolis Colts 0-2 (last week: 31)

Jacoby Brissett gave them a few good moments at QB, and the defense played more inspired at home. But the lacking talent to finish games is glaring.

This week: vs. Browns, when Kizer goes back to the state, Sunday

32. New York Jets 0-2 (last week: 32)

Josh McCown and Jermaine Kearse might be providing most of the highlights for the team this season, because the defense will have very few.

This week: vs. Dolphins, when they can be totally sunk, Sunday

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Vinnie Iyer is an NFL writer at The Sporting News
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