There are still 10 teams in the NFL that haven’t felt the thrill of victory. Here is the NFL Winless Power Rankings heading into Week 3.
1. Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons lost a heartbreaker last week, as they allowed 16 points in the last 4:57 in the game to fall to the Dallas Cowboys 39-40. This defense will have to be better if the Falcons want to contend for a playoff spot. The offense is proficient as usual, ranking 4th in total yards per game (443), 2nd in passing yards per game (339.5), and 5th in points per game (32). The opposite is true for the defense. They rank 31st in both total yards allowed per game and passing yards allowed per game (476.5 and 358, respectively).
Potentially the most worrying stat is points allowed. They have given up 38 and 40 points, meaning they rank dead last in the NFL with an average of 39. If they keep this up, 0-16 is a real possibility. However, this seems highly unlikely, and these defensive duds were against two very good offenses in the Seattle Seahawks and Cowboys, landing Atlanta at the number one spot.
2. Houston Texans
Houston is feeling the loss of DeAndre Hopkins. QB Deshaun Watson, traditionally a Pro Bowl level QB, has had a troubling drop in play, as the Texans have only scored 18 points per game (T-27th) and only average 231 passing yards per game (19th). In a traditionally open AFC South division, Houston might have trouble taking it, and their 0-2 start certainly hasn’t helped matters.
3. Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota is not doing very well statistically, and their record reflects that. QB Kirk Cousins already has four interceptions to only two touchdowns, and RB Dalvin Cook has only rushed for 113 yards, although this can be contributed to his lack of usage with only 26 carries. Not only that, but the Vikings defense ranks no higher than 27th in most defensive statistics, and allows 35.5 points per game. Both the offense and the defense will have to improve if the Vikings want to turn their season around.
4. Philadelphia Eagles
Much like the Vikings, the Eagles’ offense has also been statistically unimpressive. Carson Wentz, typically a very capable starting quarterback, has been unimpressive at best, averaging a 69.5 QB rating with 2 TDs and 4 INTs. Not only that, but the already unimpressive offense also has an offensive line decimated by injuries and has already allowed 8 sacks. While Philadelphia was not expected at first to contend for an early pick, they may be in that position if things don’t improve soon.
5. Detroit Lions
The Lions weren’t expected to be a playoff team this year, and their 0-2 start is expected. Ultimately, Coach Matt Patricia will need to win a few more games to save his job, but whether that will be doable remains to be seen
6. Denver Broncos
The Broncos are in a precarious position headed into Week 3. Not only is their young QB Drew Lock out of action for a few weeks due to a sprained AC joint, but star WR Courtland Sutton is out for the season with a torn ACL. In a week with what most consider an injury apocalypse, the Broncos were one of the hardest-hit teams. While this team had playoff aspirations at first, those have been sidetracked.
7. Cincinnati Bengals
While the Bengals have an 0-2 record, the development of QB Joe Burrow has been promising. The rookie has been very good, throwing for 509 yards so far with three TDs to just one INT. While the Bengals had no real playoff aspirations before the season, they shouldn’t finish the season with the worst record in the league, either. They will have an interesting test against a fellow 0-2 team when they play the Eagles on Sunday.
8. Miami Dolphins
It may be Tua Time for the Dolphins soon. While Ryan Fitzpatrick was named the starting QB at the beginning of the year, so far he has been inconsistent. After throwing three picks in Week 1, he calmed down and had a good Week 2, throwing for 327 yards and two TDs, meaning the starting job is his for at least a little while longer. However, considering Miami took Tagovailoa with the 5th overall pick last year, it begs the question if–or when–he will start in the 2020-21 season.
9. Carolina Panthers
For what it’s worth, Carolina so far has done a very good job of keeping their games interesting. Even when they were down 21-0 against Tampa Bay in Week 2, the outcome of that game was never truly settled until a Leonard Fournette touchdown put the Bucs up 31-17. While Carolina will likely fall to 0-3 against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, they shouldn’t be the worst team in the league. Most likely, the team that holds that distinction…
10. New York Jets
Jets fans do not have much to look forward to. Their QB Sam Darnold has been unimpressive (albeit without much help in the skill positions), their RB Le’Veon Bell is injured, and neither of their top two receivers are expected to play against the Colts. Obviously, this is hindering their chances at a win, as their +10.5 odds are the highest point spread this week. Ultimately, their offense wasn’t very good before the Week 2 injuries, and it seems unlikely HC Adam Gase will save his job as New York trends towards the worst record in the league.
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
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