Wednesday, September 30, 2020

Denver Broncos Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Denver Broncos rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 28.8 (T-29th)
  • Best ranking: 28th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 30th (USA Today)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Broncos in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 29

What we learned: They can't handle the blitz (yes, you can say that in the Jack Nicholson voice). Jeff Driskel was blitzed 20 times against the Buccaneers. Five of those plays resulted in sacks, and he averaged just 1.55 net yards per play when Tampa sent extra pressure. That's the worst mark for any quarterback against the blitz in a single game so far this season. In perhaps the saddest quarterback storyline of the season, the Broncos are reportedly going with Brett Rypien over Driskel on Thursday night because Blake Bortles isn't ready to play yet. I'm so sorry, Denver.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 28

They've had way too many injuries to compete with good teams. It's all about next season now for the Broncos, although they do have a winnable game against the Jets Thursday night.

USA Today -- Rank: 30

You'd think another 0-3 start under Vic Fangio might be an unrecoverable tailspin. But visiting Jets is a good way to start leveling out.

ESPN -- Rank: 28

What we got wrong: After churning through one battered quarterback after another over the past three seasons, the Broncos had finally learned their lesson about protecting their quarterbacks.

Three games does not a season make, but the Broncos are tied for second in the league in sacks allowed -- with 13 -- and have used three quarterbacks already (Drew Lock, Jeff Driskel and Brett Rypien), which could easily go to four if Blake Bortles plays. The Broncos invested a $44 million contract in guard Graham Glasgow and selected center Lloyd Cushenberry III in the draft. Left tackle Garett Bolles seemed ready to leave his growing list of penalties behind and second-year guard Dalton Risner was becoming the alpha in the line. Then right tackle Ja'Wuan James opted out with COVID-19 concerns and not much has gone as planned since. -- Jeff Legwold

NFL.com -- Rank: 29

Despite a host of upgrade options, John Elway made the decision to roll with Jeff Driskel as his backup quarterback entering 2020. That choice will likely continue to cost him. The Broncos -- with Driskel starting in place of an injured Drew Lock -- weren't competitive on offense against the Buccaneers, finishing with season lows in points (10), total yards (226), passing yards (184) and rushing yards (42) in a 28-10 loss. Driskel is now 1-8 in his career as a starter, and the Broncos continue to struggle out of the gate in the Vic Fangio era, falling to 0-7 in September over the past two seasons. The loss of Jurrell Casey to a season-ending biceps tear dims Denver's prospects that much more.

Previous update: Denver Broncos Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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New York Jets Week 4 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New York Jets rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 31.8 (32nd)
  • Best ranking: 31st (USA Today)
  • Worst ranking: 32nd (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 4 roundup for the Jets in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 32

What we learned: They're in the driver's seat for the No. 1 overall pick in 2021. The Jets are one of six 0-3 teams and have the league's worst point differential at minus-57. They had a chance to make their Week 3 game against the Colts competitive. Down 17-7, the offense drove to the Indianapolis 7 in the second quarter, but Sam Darnold threw one of his three interceptions on the day, and things fell apart from there.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 32

This team is a dumpster fire right now. There is no hope for a turnaround either. Do they make a coaching change?

USA Today -- Rank: 31

They looked horrid against San Francisco's JV in Week 2, then worse against Indianapolis' varsity. Locals wondering aplenty about QB Sam Darnold's outlook.

ESPN -- Rank: 32

What we got wrong: The defense would overachieve.

Even without All-Pro safety Jamal Adams, traded before training camp, the expectation was that defensive coordinator Gregg Williams still would be able to scheme up ways to overcome a talent deficiency. It hasn't happened, as the Jets rank 32nd in pass defense. Even good coaches need good players, and the lack of pass rush, coupled with coverage problems, has been too much to overcome. -- Rich Cimini

NFL.com -- Rank: 32

Three weeks, three blowout losses. Sunday was another grim slog, as Sam Darnold threw three interceptions -- including two returned for scores -- in a 36-7 loss to the Colts. Darnold finds himself in an impossible situation, marooned on an injury-riddled and talent-poor roster with an unimaginative offensive scheme cooked up by an uninspiring head coach -- but he may force Joe Douglas' hand come next spring if the Jets land at or near the top of the draft and Darnold is coming off an ugly statistical season. This wasn't supposed to be the conversation around Darnold in Year 3, but these are the consequences for a Jets team that has done virtually everything wrong since his arrival.

Previous update: New York Jets Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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2020 Fantasy Football WR Strength of Schedule (SOS): Weeks 4 to 16

When it comes to picking up or trading for players, one factor to consider is the player's fantasy football strength of schedule.

A player's fantasy strength of schedule is far from the most important aspect of his outlook. But if you're debating a pair of players and they are otherwise comparable in your view, a more favorable fantasy schedule could at least break the tie.

MORE: Our Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Post

Based on the fantasy points each team has surrendered up to this point, we average what each team's remaining opponents have given up to each position. The higher the number, the more favorable their collective remaining matchups are.

With that said, here are the WR Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule for the remainder of the year:

RankTeamPlayerCumulative PointsFantasy Playoffs
1Arizona CardinalsDeandre Hopkins33.3290.7
2Philadelphia EaglesDeSean Jackson31.3487.34
3WashingtonTerry McLaurin31.26112.73
4Los Angeles RamsRobert Woods30.24120.19
5San Francisco 49ersDeebo Samuel29.9986.04
6Minnesota VikingsAdam Thielen29.6776.6
7New York JetsBraxton Berrios29.36123.26
8New York GiantsDarius Slayton28.8284.14
9Baltimore RavensMarquise Brown28.793.87
10Buffalo BillsStefon Diggs28.56104.93
11New Orleans SaintsMichael Thomas28.4291.9
12Cincinnati BengalsA.J. Green28.41101.83
13Kansas City ChiefsTyreek Hill27.7997.37
14Los Angeles ChargersKeenan Allen27.7198.57
15Carolina PanthersD.J. Moore27.6689.37
16Jacksonville JaguarsD.J. Chark27.5284.87
17Green Bay PackersDavante Adams27.4192.13
18Chicago BearsAllen Robinson27.391.37
19Dallas CowboysAmari Cooper27.0480.6
19Houston TexansWill Fuller27.0471.7
21Pittsburgh SteelersJuJu Smith-Schuster26.8180.1
22Tampa Bay BuccaneersChris Godwin26.78112.8
22Indianapolis ColtsT.Y. Hilton26.7883.7
24Cleveland BrownsOdell Beckham Jr.26.6585.3
25Miami DolphinsDeVante Parker26.5577.8
26Detroit LionsKenny Golladay26.4387.77
27Seattle SeahawksTyler Lockett26.375.93
27Tennessee TitansA.J. Brown26.389.1
29Las Vegas RaidersHenry Ruggs26.2881.1
30Atlanta FalconsJulio Jones25.8871.03
31New England PatriotsJulian Edelman25.6493.66
32Denver BroncosJerry Jeudy25.4385.69

* Note: Totals above are the average fantasy football points allowed based on their remaining opponents.

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Tuesday, September 29, 2020

2020 Fantasy Football TE Strength of Schedule (SOS): Weeks 4 to 16

When it comes to picking up or trading for players, one factor to consider is the player's fantasy football strength of schedule.

A player's fantasy strength of schedule is far from the most important aspect of his outlook. But if you're debating a pair of players and they are otherwise comparable in your view, a more favorable fantasy schedule could at least break the tie.

MORE: Our Week 4 Fantasy Football Waiver Wire Post

Based on the fantasy points each team has surrendered up to this point, we average what each team's remaining opponents have given up to each position. The higher the number, the more favorable their collective remaining matchups are.

With that said, here are the TE Fantasy Football Strength of Schedule for the remainder of the year:

RankTeamPlayerCumulative PointsFantasy Playoffs
1Carolina PanthersIan Thomas11.8534.57
2Pittsburgh SteelersEric Ebron11.7925.6
3New York GiantsEvan Engram11.1641.76
4Los Angeles ChargersHunter Henry10.7838.64
5Detroit LionsT.J. Hockenson10.7627.17
6Minnesota VikingsIrv Smith Jr.10.6339.86
7San Francisco 49ersGeorge Kittle10.539.1
8New England PatriotsDevin Asiasi10.3732.07
9Indianapolis ColtsJack Doyle10.3226.57
10Denver BroncosNoah Fant10.3128.63
11Dallas CowboysDalton Schultz10.2726.33
12Jacksonville JaguarsTyler Eifert10.2340.13
13Cincinnati BengalsDrew Sample10.2234.9
14Las Vegas RaidersDarren Waller10.1917.67
15New Orleans SaintsJared Cook10.0833.69
16Kansas City ChiefsTravis Kelce10.0148.34
17Cleveland BrownsAustin Hooper9.9233.63
18Baltimore RavensMark Andrews9.8337.23
18Tampa Bay BuccaneersRob Gronkowski9.8337.07
20Atlanta FalconsHayden Hurst9.7928.09
21Philadelphia EaglesZach Ertz9.7347
22Chicago BearsJimmy Graham9.5937.23
23Seattle SeahawksGreg Olsen9.5539.8
24Tennessee TitansJonnu Smith9.3330.77
25Green Bay PackersRobert Tonyan9.328.31
26Houston TexansJordan Akins8.9223
27New York JetsChris Herndon8.933.3
28Miami DolphinsMike Gesicki8.6923.07
29WashingtonLogan Thomas8.3213.97
30Buffalo BillsDawson Knox8.1627.9
31Arizona CardinalsDan Arnold7.8321.9
32Los Angeles RamsTyler Higbee6.8723.3

* Note: Totals above are the average fantasy football points allowed based on their remaining opponents.

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Monday, September 28, 2020

Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Pickups: TE Options Heading into NFL Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some tight end waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Eric Ebron, Pittsburgh Steelers (27 percent)

The recipient of a team-high seven targets in Week 3, Ebron finished the game with five catches for 52 yards and a touchdown. Over the next four weeks, Ebron has a favorable matchup every week as all four opponents rank among the eight most generous fantasy defenses to opposing tight ends.

2. Logan Thomas, Washington Football Team (33 percent)

Four catches for 31 scoreless yards is far from a week-winning performance, but Thomas had seven targets in the team's loss to the Browns in Week 3. In fact, that was a season low in targets as he now has 24 targets through three games. While the Chiefs (Travis Kelce) and Ravens (Mark Andrews) are yet to play this week, there is only one tight end (Darren Waller, 28) that has more targets than Thomas, who is tied for second with Philadelphia's Zach Ertz.

3. Dalton Schultz, Dallas Cowboys (31 percent)

Schultz had four catches for 48 yards on six targets in Sunday's loss to the Seahawks. The week before that, he finished with nine catches for 88 yards and a touchdown on 10 targets. Based on his five opponents before their Week 10 bye, Schultz has three matchups against teams that have allowed the eighth-most (or better) fantasy points to the position.

4. Jimmy Graham, Chicago Bears (9 percent)

It's possible, perhaps likely, that Graham had his best performance of the season in Week 3. The veteran tight end had six receptions for 60 yards and two scores on 10 targets. While they certainly haven't faced a murderous row of opposing tight ends (JAX, MIN and NYJ), the Colts (Chicago's Week 4 opponent) have allowed the fewest fantasy points to opposing tight ends so far this season.

5. Mo Alie-Cox, Indianapolis Colts (9 percent)

Even though Jack Doyle returned in Week 3, Alie-Cox had three catches for 50 yards and a touchdown. Doyle wasn't targeted. In Week 2, Alie-Cox had five catches for 111 yards. If he continues to get the opportunities in the passing game, he has the athletic profile to continue to string together strong performances going forward.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 4

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Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Pickups: WR Options Heading into NFL Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some wide receiver waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Allen Lazard, Green Bay Packers (49 percent)

With Davante Adams (hamstring) sidelined in Week 3, Lazard had six catches for 146 yards and a touchdown in the win over the Saints. Through three games, the 6-foot-5 wideout has 13 catches for 254 yards and two touchdowns.

While it's unclear if Adams will return in Week 4, all of the team's wideouts get a favorable matchup against the Falcons. Only the Seahawks and Cowboys have allowed more fantasy points per game to opposing wide receivers than the Falcons. Through three weeks, the Falcons have allowed three 100-yard receivers and five receivers of 92-plus yards.

2. Justin Jefferson, Minnesota Vikings (30 percent)

Entering the season as the team's No. 3 receiver, Jefferson had a breakout performance in Week 3 as the first-round pick turned his nine targets into seven catches for 175 yards and a touchdown. While there is a general volume concern in a run-first offense for the team's (now) No. 2 receiver, the Vikings face the Texans, Seahawks and Falcons over the next three weeks. Seattle and Atlanta have allowed the most and third-most fantasy points to opposing receivers, respectively, through Sunday's games.

3. Brandon Aiyuk, San Francisco 49ers (28 percent)

No Deebo Samuel. No George Kittle. No Raheem Mostert. No ... well, you get the point.

Aiyuk may only be third in line for touches when the team is at full health, but San Francisco's scheme is a perfect fit for a playmaker like Aiyuk, given his ability to create yards after the catch. With the 49ers decimated by injuries early in the season, Aiyuk stepped up in Week 3 and racked up 101 scrimmage yards and a touchdown on eight touches (five receptions and three carries).

Even if Kittle returns in Week 4, it appears that Samuel is more likely to return in Week 5 than Week 4.

4. Tee Higgins, Cincinnati Bengals (5 percent)

John Ross was a healthy scratch in Week 3 and Tee Higgins got the start along side A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. The rookie from Clemson had five catches on nine targets for 40 yards and two touchdowns. Higgins (6' 4" and 216 pounds) entered the league with the profile of a receiver that could win in the red zone and vertical passing game, but more than likely, it will take an injury to one of the team's top two receivers to trust him as a WR3/flex option. Especially given AJG's durability history, however, he's worth stashing now.

5. Braxton Berrios, New York Jets (1 percent)

The Jets' receiving corps is a mess and the team will be significant underdogs most weeks. In other words, there should be plenty of pass attempts and Berrios has now strung together back-to-back good performances. Berrios had 4/64/1 in Week 3 after posting a 6/59/1 line in Week 2. Considering the Jets are playing on a short week, it's possible that Jamison Crowder won't be ready to return in Week 4 either.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 4

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Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Pickups: RB Options Heading into NFL Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some running back waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Myles Gaskin, Miami Dolphins (47 percent)

The answer to the Jordan Howard-versus-Matt Breida debate has turned out to be "neither." Well, the answer (among only those two backs) may be Howard due to his valuable goal-line opportunities, but Gaskin is clearly the team's running back to own.

Leading the backfield in workload in every game, Gaskins had a whopping 27 touches -- 22 carries and five receptions -- in Week 3. On the season, Gaskin has a total of 53 (60.9% of running back) touches, which compares to only 16 each (18.4%) for both Breida and Howard. Patrick Laird also has two touches (2.3%).

Even though Howard has vultured goal-line carries and should continue to do so as that is his primary role, Gaskins is unlikely to finish the season with no touchdowns assuming he continues to run circles around Howard and Breida in usage.

Despite having no touchdowns on the season, Gaskins is the RB25 in half-PPR scoring formats through Sunday Night Football. Especially in full PPR or half-PPR formats, his role as a receiver boosts his floor, however, as he has a minimum of four catches each week and a total of 15 through three games.

2. Jeff Wilson Jr., San Francisco 49ers (22 percent)

For as long as both Raheem Mostert and Tevin Coleman are sidelined, Wilson remains a potential flex play. In Sunday's win over the Giants, Jerick McKinnon had 17 touches and Wilson had 15 touches. In Week 3, Wilson turned his 15 touches including three receptions into 69 yards and two touchdowns. It's unclear if Mostert, whose MCL sprain is "mild," will miss another game or not.

3. Rex Burkhead, New England Patriots (11 percent)

Heading into Monday Night Football, only Alvin Kamara has scored more fantasy points than Burkhead in Week 3. With James White out, the versatile back carried the ball six times for 49 yards and two touchdowns and added seven catches for another 49 yards and a score on 10 targets. If White returns in Week 4, Burkhead may not see 13 touches, but it could shape up to be more of a White (and Burkhead) game than a Sony Michel type of game against the high-powered Chiefs offense.

4. Carlos Hyde, Seattle Seahawks (18 percent)

The Seahawks have been letting Russ cook as Russell Wilson has opened the season with 14 passing touchdowns in three games. That said, the team is generally run-first and Chris Carson sustained a knee injury at the end of the Week 3 win over the Cowboys. The good news for Carson (and his fantasy owners) is that the injury isn't serious and he has a chance to play in Week 4.

If he's unable to go or the Seahawks are careful with Carson, Hyde could get a large workload in a game with the potential for positive game script as the Dolphins are currently touchdown underdogs in Week 4. Hyde had his first-ever 1,000-yard rushing season with Houston last year.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 4

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Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Pickups: QB Options Heading into NFL Week 4

Every week, we examine players that may be available on your league's waiver wire that could help your team in the short and/or long term.

For a player to be listed, he must be owned in 50 percent (or less) of Yahoo! leagues. The goal is to provide recommendations of players that have a greater chance of being available on your league's waiver wire. Of course, your league's size and settings could significantly impact whether these players (or better options) are available in your particular league(s).

With that said, here are some quarterback waiver-wire options to consider heading into Week 4 (Yahoo! % rostered in parenthesis):

[Note: Players listed below are sorted by my preference to add.]

1. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Miami Dolphins (7 percent)

Longer term (and possibly midseason), we know that the Dolphins will hand the reigns over to Tua Tagovailoa as the future face of the franchise. In the immediate term (Week 4), there is not a better widely-available quarterback on the waiver wire than Fitzpatrick.

Kicking off the season with a dud against the Patriots, it's been back-to-back strong performances for Fitzpatrick with at least 24 fantasy points and multiple touchdowns in each game. Finishing Week 2 as fantasy's QB10, Fitzpatrick currently sits as the QB6 in Week 3 with only Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes still to play on Monday Night.

Seattle's Russell Wilson is playing MVP-caliber football and the Dolphins are TD underdogs in Week 4. A fantasy-friendly game script should force Fitzmagic to try to keep up with Wilson against a defense that has yet to allow a quarterback throw for less than 397 yards this season. Through three games, the Seahawks have allowed 450 passing yards to Matt Ryan, 397 to Cam Newton and 472 to Dak Prescott. If we include Newton's two rushing scores, they have also allowed multiple touchdowns to each quarterback as well.

2. Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns (43 percent)

When things are going well (for the Browns as a team), Mayfield will be a low-volume passer in Kevin Stefanski's run-first offense. We've seen just that in consecutive wins as the former No. 1 overall pick has completed exactly 16 of 23 pass attempts in back-to-back weeks.

Yet to finish better than fantasy's weekly QB20 this season, Mayfield could find himself in a situation where game script could dictate more passing attempts in Week 4 against the Cowboys. Through Sunday's games, only the Falcons and Seahawks have allowed more fantasy points to opposing passers than the Cowboys. The Cowboys have allowed nine passing touchdowns in their past two games.

3. Nick Foles, Chciago Bears (3 percent)

At a minimum, Foles is worth a look for those in two-QB, Super Flex and/or deeper leagues. After the Bears benched Mitchell Trubisky against the Falcons, Foles came in and provided an instant spark to the offense as he threw for 188 yards, three touchdowns and an interception in relief. It's difficult to envision a scenario where the team returns to Trubisky in Week 4 and it should become Foles job to lose going forward.

- More Fantasy Football Waiver-Wire Advice Heading Into Week 4

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Friday, September 25, 2020

Washington Football Team Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Washington Football Team rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 27.4 (27th)
  • Best ranking: 25th (ESPN)
  • Worst ranking: 31st (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for Washington in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 31

What we learned: They should be throwing to Terry McLaurin at least 15 times per game. The offense really has nothing else. Dwayne Haskins is erratic. The offensive line has holes. And the other pass-catching options are average at best. McLaurin has shown since his rookie season that he has the skill set to be a number one featured receiver. He can separate. He can make tough catches. And he can make plays with the ball in his hands. McLaurin had seven catches for 125 yards on 10 targets in Washington's loss to the Cardinals. They need to feed him more. It's their only chance.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 28

They came back to reality against Arizona after their Week 1 upset of the Eagles. The defense had a rough showing.

USA Today -- Rank: 27

Seems like owner Dan Snyder is OK despite being quarantined. Maybe for everyone's sake, he should consider extended (permanent?) isolation period.

ESPN -- Rank: 25

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: RB Antonio Gibson

Outside of Terry McLaurin, no one is really a strong fantasy play right now; but the one to watch remains Gibson. The rookie has rushed for 91 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries in two games; as the season progresses, he'll get more carries because this offense lacks playmakers -- and he has the potential to become one. He has shown flashes and has come close to breaking long runs; eventually, he will break one or two. The confusing part is that the former college wideout has only caught three passes. That should improve. -- John Keim

NFL.com -- Rank: 26

The ferocious Washington pass rush was one of the biggest stories to come out of Week 1. But getting after Carson Wentz (to the tune of eight sacks) proved to be a far easier task than containing Kyler Murray, who ran for two scores and threw for another in a 30-15 Cardinals victory. The bigger concern for Washington in this game came on offense, however. The Dwayne Haskins attack was stuck in neutral as Arizona built a 20-0 lead by halftime. (Arizona hadn't shut out a team in the first half since 2017.) The lone bright spot was second-year wideout Terry McLaurin, who finished with 125 receiving yards at a gaudy 17.9 yards per catch. Get that man some help.

Previous update: Washington Football Team Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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New York Giants Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the New York Giants rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 29.6 (31st)
  • Best ranking: 28th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 31st (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Giants in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 28

What we learned: Their kicker's name lends itself to some outstanding announcing puns. With three seconds left in the first half, the Giants set up for a 57-yard field goal. "Graham Gano, Ga-no good!" said CBS' Ian Eagle. It was one of the few highlights from their loss to the Bears. The Giants lost Saquon Barkley to a season-ending ACL injury. Daniel Jones had a pair of turnovers. And yet, thanks in large part to a couple terrific plays by cornerback James Bradberry, the Giants had a chance to steal a win at the end. They had two shots to score from inside the Chicago 15 but came up empty and fell to 0-2.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 29

Saquon Barkley is done of the year, which means they have little in terms of a running game. That means Daniel Jones will have to do even more. Can he carry this team?

USA Today -- Rank: 31

Despite disheartening loss of RB Saquon Barkley, New York continued to show quite a bit of fight and nearly left Chicago with a victory.

ESPN -- Rank: 29

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: RB Dion Lewis

Get on that waiver wire and grab Lewis. ASAP. Even if the Giants do sign Devonta Freeman, Lewis is going to play a substantial role. Imagine a plus version of James White in New England with a slightly bigger workload. The Giants trust Lewis in pass protection, and he catches the ball well out of the backfield. They aren't afraid to run Lewis on some early downs, either. He is the best bet to be the Giants' top running back with Saquon Barkley out for the season. -- Jordan Raanan

NFL.com -- Rank: 31

Losing Saquon Barkley to a season-ending ACL tear is nothing short of an organizational disaster. The former Penn State star might be the most talented running back to come into the league since Adrian Peterson; losing him in Week 2 is a season-crusher. Playing with a talent-deficient defense, the Giants already had an uphill fight ahead of them this season. The idea was that a promising Barkley-led offense could act as a concealer for some of the team's warts. But without Barkley? The losses are likely to keep coming.

Previous update: New York Giants Week 2 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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Seattle Seahawks Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Seattle Seahawks rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 4.0 (4th)
  • Best ranking: 3rd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 6th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Seahawks in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 3

What we learned: They look like legit Super Bowl contenders. What we're seeing is a quarterback in Russell Wilson at the peak of his powers and a coaching staff that is allowing him to be the best version of himself. The defense is flawed, but it's reasonable to expect this group to improve as the season goes on, given the new personnel. Wilson shredded the Patriots' secondary in the Seahawks' 35-30 win. Great stat from the NBC broadcast: The Patriots allowed four touchdown passes to wide receivers last season. That's as many as Wilson had Sunday night. Wilson averaged 10.3 YPA -- the best mark for any quarterback against the Patriots since the start of the 2019 season. One sidenote: The football hipsters might need to retire #LetRussCook and come up with a new catch phrase now that it went mainstream. With all due respect to Cris Collinsworth, hearing him mention it over and over again Sunday night felt like your dad quoting a line from your favorite rapper. I look forward to the internet helping me out here.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

Russell Wilson is cooking for sure. He has nine touchdown passes in two games. It's nice to see him throwing it as much as he has.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

Looks like they might just wind up with league's offensive (QB Russell Wilson) and defensive (S Jamal Adams) players of the year ... though it must be noted a defense ranked dead last has much to fix.

ESPN -- Rank: 3

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: RB Chris Carson

The surprise isn't that Carson has put up strong fantasy numbers. It's that he has done so more as a receiver than a runner. Over the previous two seasons, he ranked 36th among NFL running backs with 69 targets, an average of 2.4 per game. He has nine targets through two games (tied for eighth) as the Seahawks have started showing more of a willingness to throw to their running backs. Carson has made his chances count, catching all nine of those throws for 81 yards and three touchdowns. He has yet to score a rushing TD, but his PPR value has grown. -- Brady Henderson

NFL.com -- Rank: 5

We should just let the Patriots and Seahawks play every week. That's it. That's the whole league. Seattle finished on the winning end of an SNF insta-classic, and it was a huge goal-line stop of Cam Newton in the final seconds that salvaged an otherwise difficult day for the defense. Luckily, the Seahawks have their own superstar quarterback in Russell Wilson, and it's clear to us that the 31-year-old is playing at the highest level of his career right now. Wilson threw five touchdown passes, using impeccable touch and his patented rainbow arc to pick on everyone in the New England secondary -- Stephon Gilmore included. Speaking of Gilmore, DK Metcalf's performance against the reigning Defensive Player of the Year puts the rest of the league on notice. A star is born.

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Los Angeles Chargers Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Los Angeles Chargers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 17.4 (17th)
  • Best ranking: 15th (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 21st (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Chargers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 21

What we learned: It's time to roll with Justin Herbert. Anthony Lynn said he's going back to Tyrod Taylor when Taylor's healthy, and that's a mistake. Taylor experienced complications from a pregame injection and was sidelined Sunday, forcing Herbert into action against the Chiefs. The only case for Taylor would be that the Chargers want to make the playoffs, and he gives them their best chance. The only problem? Herbert very well might be better than Taylor right now. He went 22-for-33 for 311 yards against Kansas City. Herbert took his lumps. His accuracy was off at times, and he threw a bad interception. But he did not look overwhelmed and made a couple of "wow" throws, including one on third down that lofted over Tyrann Mathieu into Keenan Allen's hands. Herbert is the future, and he offers upside for 2020 that doesn't exist with Taylor. Sticking with Taylor because that was the plan is pure madness. Lynn has new information. Use it, and go all-in to help Herbert.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 15

It looks like Tyrod Taylor is back in at quarterback after missing last week, but they have to feel good about the way rookie Justin Herbert played. He is the future.

USA Today -- Rank: 15

As part of his unexpected but impressive debut Sunday, rookie Justin Herbert became first Bolts QB to score a rushing TD since 2011.

ESPN -- Rank: 18

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: RB Austin Ekeler

Ekeler was targeted just once against Cincinnati a week ago. Coach Anthony Lynn realized Ekeler needed to be more involved against the Chiefs, and he was electric. Ekeler had four catches for 55 yards and ran the ball 16 times for 93 yards. He got the extra yard where none was expected. The undrafted and little-known 5-foot-10 back out of Western Colorado figures to be important down the road. He should, as he signed a four-year $24.5 million contract extension in March. -- Shelley Smith

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

That's why you always stay ready, kids. Justin Herbert didn't know he was making his NFL debut until right before kickoff on Sunday, which made the resulting performance against the defending Super Bowl champion Chiefs all the more impressive. Herbert kept his poise and made a number of quality throws, giving the offense a spark it didn't have under Tyrod Taylor in Week 1. Taylor spent part of his Sunday in a hospital dealing with chest pains, but head coach Anthony Lynn said the veteran will remain the starter if healthy. To which we ask ... why? Herbert is the future of the franchise, and he's now proved he can learn on the job while keeping the Chargers competitive. Tyrod Taylor is a good man, but he's not the right man for these Chargers at QB1.

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Tennessee Titans Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Tennessee Titans rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 8.6 (8th)
  • Best ranking: 7th (NFL.com)
  • Worst ranking: 11th (The Athletic)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Titans in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 11

What we learned: The 2019 version of Ryan Tannehill is still alive. The Titans' offense looked choppy in Week 1 against the Broncos, but Tannehill was on fire against the Jaguars, completing 18 of 24 attempts for 239 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. His most impressive throw came late in the third quarter when Tannehill stood in the pocket, took a big hit and delivered a perfectly-placed ball to Adam Humphries for an 18-yard touchdown. The Titans ranked second in offensive efficiency in Week 2. They're the lone undefeated team in the AFC South.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 9

They are 2-0, but they really haven't played great football. Ryan Tannehill had another good day in the victory over the Jaguars, but the defense had issues.

USA Today -- Rank: 8

They're in sole possession of first place in AFC South ... yet Tennessee is also extremely fortunate it's not currently an 0-2 football team.

ESPN -- Rank: 8

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: TE Jonnu Smith

Smith is correctly not considered one of the top fantasy tight ends, but he has racked up three touchdowns in two games, as half of Ryan Tannehill's scoring passes have gone to Smith. Tannehill seems to look for Smith a lot in the red zone, which is where all three TD connections happened. It's clear that their offseason throwing sessions are paying off. So far Smith has been targeted 12 times by Tannehill and has eight receptions. Those catches plus his three touchdowns represent impressive production from 12 targets. -- Turron Davenport

NFL.com -- Rank: 7

The Titans continue to be the best red-zone offense in football with Ryan Tannehill at the controls. The quarterback has started the season 8-for-10 with six touchdowns and a 130.4 passer rating inside the enemy 20-yard line. Tannehill was stellar pretty much everywhere on the field against the Jaguars, averaging a whopping 10.0 yards per attempt (up from 5.8 in Week 1 in Denver) and matching a career high with four touchdown passes. His most impressive throw came late in the third quarter, when he absorbed a big shot from Jaguars pass rusher Josh Allen and dropped a perfectly placed 18-yard touchdown pass into the hands of Adam Humphries. Tannehill is a tougher dude than he gets credit for being.

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Carolina Panthers Week 3 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Carolina Panthers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 29.2 (30th)
  • Best ranking: 27th (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 31st (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 3 roundup for the Panthers in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 27

What we learned: They'll need to get used to life without Christian McCaffrey. McCaffrey could miss the next month or so with a high ankle sprain. The Panthers' offense has not been bad through two games. The negative plays hurt them against Tampa. The Panthers had four turnovers, including a pair of interceptions and a fumble by Teddy Bridgewater. But when they stayed out of their own way, they moved the ball with 427 yards and 24 first downs. Now they'll try to remain competent with McCaffrey.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 31

They have defensive issues that will show up on a weekly basis. The offense needs to do more than it did in the first half against Tampa Bay, but that will be tough without Christian McCaffrey.

USA Today -- Rank: 30

Hard to reckon how rebuilding team recovers from extended loss of RB Christian McCaffrey, who generated nearly 44% of the 2019 offense.

ESPN -- Rank: 30

Under-the-radar fantasy standout: WR Robby Anderson

No player has benefited more from Joe Brady's fast-paced offense than Anderson, who leads the team in receptions with 15 and is second in targets with 18. He has topped 100 yards receiving in both games -- 109 on nine targets in Sunday's loss to Tampa Bay and 114 yards and a touchdown in the opening loss to the Raiders. He has developed a solid chemistry with quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. With the Panthers seemingly destined to play from behind, Anderson will continue to flourish and become more consistent, something that has kept him from being a top receiver in the past. -- David Newton

NFL.com -- Rank: 28

The Panthers are 0-2 and Christian McCaffrey is expected to miss four to six weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain in Sunday's loss to the Bucs. The All-Pro back told reporters on Monday that he hopes he can accelerate that timetable, but in the here and now, Teddy Bridgewater will be asked to carry Carolina in Week 3 against the Chargers. Bridgewater has never been that kind of quarterback, and it's fair to wonder if a Panthers team without McCaffrey is one that will sink quickly into irrelevance.

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