NFL POWER RANKINGS: Where every team stands heading into Week 3

• Week 2 of the NFL season was defined by comebacks, close games, and injuries.
• As we head into Week 3, we are getting a better feel for which teams are the real contenders and which are the pretenders.

Week 2 of the NFL season was defined by comebacks, letdowns, and sadly, injuries.

While the on-field action was compelling, with eight games decided by less than a touchdown and two games featuring double-digit comebacks, it also saw several big-name stars go down with major injuries, some season-ending.

As we head into Week 3, our top teams have changed a bit, and we're getting a better feel for who's truly good and who is not, though, of course, there are plenty of games to be played still.

Take a look at our power rankings going into Week 3 of the NFL season below:

32. New York Jets

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the 49ers, 31-13

Week 3 opponent: at Indianapolis Colts

One thing to know: The New York Jets are 0-2 with no end to the misery in sight. Head coach Adam Gase says it's time for the team to put things in "hyperdrive," but playing bad football really fast is still playing bad football.

31. New York Giants

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Bears, 17-13

Week 3 opponent: vs. San Francisco 49ers

One thing to know: The Giants lost running back Saquon Barkley to a torn ACL, immediately setting the franchise back. Between this injury and a lingering ankle injury last season, the Giants have seen Daniel Jones and a healthy Barkley together on the field for one game: Week 1 of this season.

30. Carolina Panthers

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Buccaneers, 31-17

Week 3 opponent: at Los Angeles Chargers

One thing to know: Carolina has competed in both of their games this season, nearly keeping pace in a Week 1 shootout with the Raiders, and coming back to make a game of it late against the Buccaneers. Still, they're 0-2, and with Christian McCaffrey hobbled by injury, they're going to need to come up with something quick if they're to turn things around.

29. Miami Dolphins

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Bills, 31-28

Week 3 opponent: at Jacksonville Jaguars

One thing to know: The Dolphins put up a valiant effort in Week 2, but their defense continues to be a problem. They allowed Josh Allen to throw for a career-high 412 yards in Week 2 and allowed the Bills to score on three of their first five drives.

28. Cincinnati Bengals

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Browns, 35-30

Week 3 opponent: at Philadelphia Eagles

One thing to know: Joe Burrow has looked as good as advertised through two games in his young NFL career. Throwing 61 passes is a lot to ask of a rookie, and Burrow answered the call, completing 37 of his throws for 316 yards and three touchdowns against the Browns. It won't be their year this year, but the Bengals have plenty of skill to work with moving forward.

27. Detroit Lions

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Packers, 42-21

Week 3 opponent: at Arizona Cardinals

One thing to know: The Lions have blown double-digit leads in back-to-back weeks and have now lost 11 straight games dating back to last season. Is Matt Patricia on the hot seat?

26. Washington Football Team

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Lost to the Cardinals, 30-15

Week 3 opponent: at Cleveland Browns

One thing to know: If the rest of the Washington Football Team were as good as their front four on defense, they'd be one of the best teams in the NFL. Unfortunately, that's far from the case.

25. Atlanta Falcons

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Cowboys, 40-39

Week 3 opponent: vs. Chicago Bears

One thing to know: The Falcons, a team with a history of blowing leads, blew a 26-7 lead vs. the Cowboys in a brutal loss. The Falcons defense remains abysmal, but on the other side of the ball, Calvin Ridley has been a bright spot: the third-year receiver has opened the season with 16 catches, 229 yards, and 4 touchdowns.

24. Denver Broncos

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Steelers, 26-21

Week 3 opponent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

One thing to know: Broncos quarterback Drew Lock is out with an injury, pushing Jeff Driskel into the starting lineup. He'll have his work cut out for him against the Patriots, as the Broncos top offensive weapon, Courtland Sutton, is done for the year. Injuries have not been kind this year.

23. Philadelphia Eagles

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Rams, 37-19

Week 3 opponent: vs. Cincinnati Bengals

One thing to know: The Eagles must be alarmed by Carson Wentz's play to start the season. He's completing just 58% of his passes, has 2 touchdowns to 4 interceptions, and has a 64 passer rating on the season. He's forcing passes, including a game-changing third-quarter interception, and has looked out of sorts. A date with the Bengals could be what cures him, however.

22. Minnesota Vikings

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Colts, 28-11

Week 3 opponent: vs. Tennessee Titans

One thing to know: Kirk Cousins completed just 11 of 26 passes on Sunday against the Colts, throwing for 113 yards, zero touchdowns, and three interceptions. Minnesota is going to need better than that if they're going to win some games this year.

21. Jacksonville Jaguars

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Lost to the Titans, 33-30

Week 3 opponent: vs. Miami Dolphins

One thing to know: Gardner Minshew has been among the most impressive quarterbacks to start the season, completing 75% of his passes for 512 yards, 6 touchdowns, 2 interceptions, and a 115 passer rating. He had a chance to lead the Jaguars on a game-winning drive to upset the Titans but was picked off.

20. Houston Texans

Record: 0-2

Week 2 result: Lost to the Ravens, 33-16

Week 3 opponent: at Pittsburgh Steelers

One thing to know: Houston is off to an 0-2 start, but had to start their season against the two most dominant teams in football. Sadly, in Week 3, they'll have to face another powerhouse in the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Texans have enough talent that they should compete when their schedule eases up a little, but it's been rough through the first few weeks.

19. Cleveland Browns

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Beat the Bengals, 35-30

Week 3 opponent: vs. Washington Football Team

One thing to know: Baker Mayfield and the Browns quieted growing concerns in Week 2 by finally getting their offense untracked vs. the Bengals. The key may be getting the run game going early and getting Mayfield out of the pocket, as the Browns made a point of doing in Week 2.

18. Indianapolis Colts

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Beat the Vikings, 28-11

Week 3 opponent: vs. New York Jets

One thing to know: What to make of the Colts? After a letdown in Week 1 against the Jaguars, the Colts thoroughly outplayed the Vikings in Week 2. Their run-pass ratio has changed dramatically over two weeks: 46 passes, 22 rushes in Week 1, and 25 passes, 40 rushes in Week 2.

17. Chicago Bears

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Giants, 17-13

Week 3 opponent: at Atlanta Falcons

One thing to know: It's hard to imagine a less impressive 2-0 team than the Chicago Bears. In Week 1, they were gifted victory after Lions running back D'Andre Swift dropped a game-winning touchdown, and on Sunday, they scraped their way to a 17-13 victory against a Giants team that was down its best player. Undefeated feels good, but don't expect it to last.

16. Los Angeles Chargers

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Lost to the Chiefs, 23-20

Week 3 opponent: vs. Carolina Panthers

One thing to know: Justin Herbert had to make a surprise start at quarterback with Tyrod Taylor a late scratch. The Chargers have said they'll stick with Taylor as long as he's healthy, but with Herbert going 22-of-33 for 311 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception, and a rushing score, one had to wonder how long the job will be Taylor's.

15. Dallas Cowboys

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Beat the Falcons, 40-39

Week 3 opponent: at Seattle Seahawks

One thing to know: The Cowboys are lucky not to be 0-2, having their early season saved by a brilliant onside kick from Greg Zuerlein and the Atlanta Falcons unbelievable decision to refuse to pick up the ball. While it's not an impressive 1-1 start, the dismal NFC East has put the Cowboys in the driver's seat of the division.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Beat the Panthers, 31-17

Week 3 opponent: at Denver Broncos

One thing to know: After two Bucs players dropped sure-fire touchdown passes from Tom Brady, Bruce Arians offered a stern message: "Don't drop the damn ball or you won't get another one. It's easy. He ain't gonna throw it to you."

13. Las Vegas Raiders

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Saints, 34-24

Week 3 opponent: at New England Patriots

One thing to know: The Raiders' first game in Las Vegas was a success, with Derek Carr leading the offense in an impressive performance against the Saints. With another win in this week's game against the Patriots, the Raiders could prove they're ready to at least put some pressure on the Chiefs in the AFC West.

12. Arizona Cardinals

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat Washington, 30-15

Week 3 opponent: vs. Detroit Lions

One thing to know: Kyler Murray is something special. Through two games, he's rushed for more yards than all but eight running backs in the NFL, while still leading one of the most fearsome trios of receivers in the league. Given the Cardinals rise, the NFC West is undoubtedly the best division in football.

11. Tennessee Titans

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Jaguars, 33-30

Week 3 opponent: at Minnesota Vikings

One thing to know: Derrick Henry has 56 rushing attempts through two games, the most in the NFL. He's on pace for 448 carries, 145 more than last year when he was the NFL's rushing champion. Can he hold up under such a huge workload?

10. Pittsburgh Steelers

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Broncos, 26-21

Week 3 opponent: vs. Houston Texans

One thing to know: Pittsburgh's defense may be the best in the league, and if Ben Roethlisberger can find his form from two seasons ago, the Steelers could be the team ready to knock off the two top dogs in the AFC in a run through the playoffs.

9. New England Patriots

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Lost to the Seahawks, 35-30

Week 3 opponent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders

One thing to know: Cam Newton looks like the steal of the offseason. Not only has he used his legs to pick up yards and scores, but in Week 2, he diced up the Seahawks secondary with some pinpoint passes over the middle. Though Julian Edelman finished with a career-high 179 yards, the Patriots might want to consider getting Newton some more receivers.

8. San Francisco 49ers

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Beat the Jets, 31-13

Week 3 opponent: at New York Giants

One thing to know: No team was hit harder by injuries in Week 2 than the San Francisco 49ers. Already playing without tight end George Kittle and cornerback Richard Sherman, the Niners lost quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo to a high ankle sprain, running back Raheem Mostert to a knee injury, and edge rusher Nick Bosa, who is out for the season with a torn ACL.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan suggested the new turf at MetLife Stadium might have been to blame for the string of injuries. "I know our players talked about it the entire game, just how sticky the turf was, and I think that was the first time people played on it, I think," Shanahan said. "But yeah, it was something our guys were concerned about right away. And the results definitely made that a lot stronger."

The Niners have to return to MetLife this week to take on the Giants.

7. New Orleans Saints

Record: 1-1

Week 2 result: Lost to the Raiders, 34-24

Week 3 opponent: vs. Green Bay Packers

One thing to know: The Saints didn't look their best on Monday night against the Raiders, starting with quarterback Drew Brees. While his final stat line looked fine, Brees was off all night, including throwing one of the worst picks you'll ever see straight to Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow. New Orleans still has plenty of talent to make a run at a title this year, but their loss to Las Vegas should serve as a wake-up call.

6. Los Angeles Rams

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Eagles, 37-19

Week 3 opponent: at Buffalo Bills

One thing to know: While the Rams' offense turned some heads in Week 2, Jalen Ramsey has been an underrated force in the team starting 2-0. In Week 2, Ramsey was targeted just twice and didn't allow a single catch. He's basically shutting down entire sides of the field.

5. Buffalo Bills

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Dolphins, 31-28

Week 3 opponent: vs. Los Angeles Rams

One thing to know: Through two weeks, Josh Allen leads the NFL in passing and looks like a potential MVP candidate leading the 2-0 Bills. It's still early, but the Bills may finally have a chance of winning the AFC East this year.

4. Green Bay Packers

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Lions, 42-21

Week 3 opponent: at New Orleans Saints

One thing to know: With Davante Adams going down with an injury, running back Aaron Jones stepped up, combining for 236 yards from scrimmage and 3 touchdowns. After Alvin Kamara and Dalvin Cook signed $75 million and $63 million contracts, respectively, Jones' next deal should be an interesting one.

3. Seattle Seahawks

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Patriots, 35-30

Week 3 opponent: vs. Dallas Cowboys

One thing to know: Russell Wilson looks like the early MVP favorite after torching the Patriots for 288 yards and 5 touchdowns on just 28 pass attempts (he also had one interception, though it wasn't his fault). Wilson is currently on pace to throw for over 4,800 yards and 72 touchdowns!

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Chargers, 23-20

Week 3 opponent: at Baltimore Ravens

One thing to know: Time and time again, the Chiefs have proven that a double-digit lead in not enough to contain them. On Sunday, it took yet another miraculous throw from Patrick Mahomes and an extra overtime period to get there, but they once again found the win. Monday night's matchup against the Ravens is one of the most anticipated regular-season showdowns in recent memory.

1. Baltimore Ravens

Record: 2-0

Week 2 result: Beat the Texans, 33-16

Week 3 opponent: vs. Kansas City Chiefs

One thing to know: The Ravens defense has made strides this season. They're ranked 3rd in defensive DVOA and have held teams to 21 points or fewer in their last 13 games, the longest streak in the NFL, according to ESPN. That streak will be put to the test on Monday against the Super Bowl champs.

• Read more:

The best moments you might have missed from Week 2 of the NFL season

Rookie Justin Herbert had no idea he was making his NFL debut until moments before kickoff and nearly beat the reigning champs

The top 15 waiver-wire pickups for Week 3 of fantasy football

Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid blast NFL's social-justice video that shows them kneeling during the anthem