NFL Power Rankings Week Three: San Francisco Looks Like League’s Best

September 16, 2012; San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers tight end Vernon Davis (85) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Detroit Lions in the fourth quarter at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Lions 27-19. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-US PRESSWIRE

This year’s NFL is no longer sloppy as a result of the lockout and the players looking rusty, it’s sloppy due to the replacement officials not knowing the rules of the game. Oh well, I’m just glad we have NFL football. Still, pay the refs.

1. San Francisco 49ers–This may be the most complete team in the NFL. What a great start for the Niners who have beaten two of the top returning teams in the NFC.
2. Atlanta Falcons–Atlanta blew out Kansas City and survived a Monday night scare at Denver. Still, they look very, very good and are the class of the NFC South this year.
3. Houston Texans–Houston has breezed through their first two games. How about a road test against Peyton Manning in week three?
4. Green Bay Packers–Green Bay got on the board with a big home victory over the Chicago Bears.
5. New England Patriots–The Patriots were a missed field goal away from an amazing comeback against the Cardinals. This team will be okay.
6. Philadelphia Eagles–If Philly can cut out the turnovers, they could be one of the best teams in the NFL.
7. New York Giants–The Giants got a big win against Tampa Bay, but why is their pass rush not there? This team needs to pick it up and get rid of the slow starts.
8. Denver Broncos–Denver had the worst start I’ve ever seen against Atlanta, but they nearly came back and had a shot to win it. This team will get better as the season progresses.
9. Baltimore Ravens–Baltimore is still strong, but they should have been able to close that game out against Philly despite the bad calls.
10. Pittsburgh Steelers–Pittsburgh got a good win against the Jets, but they are not a flashy team. They are consistent with what they do, and they need the running game to step up.
11. San Diego Chargers–San Diego is off to a good start. I’m still cautious to overrate them at this point.
12. Chicago Bears–Chicago looked horrid against the Packers, but it’s a long season and they can still pick it up. They need to have better attitudes.
13. Detroit Lions–Detroit lost to arguably the best team in the NFL, and they were competitive. I think they will be okay.
14. Dallas Cowboys–Dallas cannot be that inconsistent. Dropped passes and no pass rush against Russell Wilson killed them all day long.
15. Arizona Cardinals–Arizona is 2-0? Go figure. I gave them no shot to beat New England last week, and I’m picking against them again this week. I sense a bit of last year’s Washington team in this year’s Arizona team.
16. Seattle Seahawks–Russell Wilson has played well his first two outings, putting the Seahawks in position to win. I like this team.
17. Cincinnati Bengals–Cincinnati has some inconsistencies, but they are very talented. I think they need to pick it up defensively or it will be too late.
18. Carolina Panthers–Let’s see more of what we saw last weekend from Cam Newton and company. They could be dangerous.
19. New York Jets–The Jets got crushed by Pittsburgh. Will the real J-E-T-S stand up?
20. Washington Redskins–RGIII is going to be a star in the league. Unfortunately, the Rams were hungrier last weekend.
21. Buffalo Bills–Buffalo is better than their record indicates. I think they could be dangerous down the road. Nice win after a blowout week one loss.
22. St. Louis Rams–St. Louis nearly beat Detroit and then they took down the Redskins. Who is this team?
23. New Orleans Saints–If it’s any consolation, they’re the best 0-2 team in the league.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers–Tampa really blew a great chance to beat the defending champs on the road, but they put up a solid fight.
25. Miami Dolphins–Miami is on the board. That Reggie Bush looked like the one we knew from USC.
26. Indianapolis Colts–Andrew Luck is on the board in dramatic fashion. Great drive late in the game to seal the deal.
27. Tennessee Titans–Tennessee needs to quickly get its act together.
28. Minnesota Vikings–Minnesota won on a last second field goal, and then lost on one. Still, this team can be competitive.
29. Kansas City Chiefs–This team needs help. Bad.
30. Oakland Raiders–See above.
31. Jacksonville Jaguars–The Jags could be decent, but they need Blaine Gabbert to play like an NFL quarterback.
32. Cleveland Browns–Cleveland looked much better last week, and at least they have Trent Richardson on their team.