NFL Week 3 power rankings: Rams rise following win, still not No. 1

Cameron DaSilva

[theramswire.usatoday.com]

With their 34-0 win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday, the Los Angeles Rams moved to 2-0 – one of nine teams still unbeaten on the year. No team, however, has been as dominant as the Rams.

They’ve outscored their first two opponents 67-13, including 57-0 since halftime of Week 1. Granted, they played two poor teams, but the wins have been wildly impressive, both coming in blowout fashion.


Still, USA TODAY is hesitant to put the Rams No. 1 in its power rankings. Ahead of Week 3, Los Angeles rose one spot, going from No. 3 to No. 2 – one spot behind the top-ranked Jaguars, who just beat the Patriots.

No one else remotely approaches their 54-point scoring differential after two weeks. But first real test looms Sunday vs. cross-town Chargers.

If the Rams continue to flex their muscle against the Chargers in Week 3, it’ll be nearly impossible to keep them out of the top spot. Sure, the Jaguars look impressive, too, but a point differential of 54 (and growing) is not something you can ignore.

We’ll probably find out the true potential of the Rams two weeks from now when they play the Vikings on Thursday night in Week 4, hosting Kirk Cousins and that outstanding defense. Until then, they can only beat the teams on their schedule.