2026 NFL Power Rankings: How all 32 teams stack up for Week 3

Week 2 of the 2026 NFL season marked a return to defensive dominance one week after record scoring numbers. This season, NFL defenses have a 35% stress proportion (the very best via two weeks since ESPN started monitoring pressures in 2009) and a 25% go rush win charge (highest since 2017).

How is that this impacting quarterbacks across the league? In our Power Rankings forward of Week 3, we requested our NFL Nation reporters to call the one factor we have discovered so removed from every staff’s QB state of affairs. Which quarterbacks are dealing with the stress? How are teams such because the Giants, Bears, Commanders, Seahawks and Vikings coping with early accidents to their QB1s?

To kind the checklist, our energy panel of greater than a dozen NFL analysts evaluates how all 32 teams stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from No. 1 to 32. And listed here are a couple of highlights from this week’s rankings:

• The 49ers climbed into the highest three, led by a near-perfect two weeks from quarterback Brock Purdy. He turned the fifth QB in NFL historical past to document a number of video games with 90% completion proportion, per ESPN Research. And San Francisco will get to remain at residence for two extra weeks, beginning with the Cardinals this Sunday.

• The Chargers are all the way down to No. 22 after falling to 0-2. According to ESPN Research, they’re the second staff within the Super Bowl period (since 1966) to be favored by no less than 6.5 factors in every of their first two video games and lose each. The Raiders, who most not too long ago beat the Chargers, are at No. 20 and are 2-0 for the primary time since 2021.

• Meanwhile, the Falcons and Dolphins are squarely on the backside of the rankings. The Dolphins are the one staff to not lead at any level this season, and ESPN’s Football Power Index already provides them a 43% likelihood on the No. 1 choose. Atlanta is hoping to rebound with quarterback Michael Penix Jr. back in the fold from ACL surgical procedure.

Let’s get into the complete checklist, beginning with the identical No. 1 staff as last week.

Jump to a staff:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Lions 41-31
Week 2 rating: 1

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Josh Allen goes to make defenses pay both method.

Allen has saved his eyes downfield via two video games, averaging a career-best 9.7 yards per try on his deepest common depth of goal (10.5) since 2018, his rookie season. That has led to 3 touchdowns on throws of 20-plus air yards. But Allen is simply as harmful when defenses bail out to guard in opposition to the deep ball. Of his 92 dashing yards on 20 carries this season, 70 have come on six scramble performs. — Nick Suss

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Cardinals 31-7
Week 2 rating: 2

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Drew Lock is likely one of the NFL’s finest backup QBs.

He’s not the identical participant who turned the ball over 25 occasions in 24 video games over his first three seasons in Denver. Or the one who could not beat out Geno Smith after a trade to Seattle in 2022. Lock has gotten loads of assist from receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Seattle’s protection, however he has additionally performed like a starter. Since stepping in for an injured Sam Darnold one sequence into the season opener, Lock has accomplished nearly 73% of his passes, with 4 touchdowns, zero turnovers and solely two sacks. His Total QBR of 86.4 ranks fourth. — Brady Henderson

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Dolphins 35-13
Week 2 rating: 5

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Brock Purdy appears poised for his finest season.

Purdy has been one of many league’s best quarterbacks since taking up the beginning job in 2022. Now in his fifth season, he is utterly comfy in coach Kyle Shanahan’s offense and is coming off his finest coaching camp. That sizzling begin has teammates reminiscent of linebacker Fred Warner brazenly questioning whether or not Purdy can compete for league MVP honors. Through two weeks, Purdy is atop the league in QBR (94.9) regardless of a supporting solid that has already been thinned by harm. If he stays wholesome, there’s purpose to consider Purdy will put up his finest 12 months but. — Nick Wagoner

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Colts 33-30 (OT)
Week 2 rating: 8

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Patrick Mahomes can deal from below heart.

With the addition of working again Kenneth Walker III, Mahomes has proven that he may be surgical when passing from below heart, particularly on play-action passes. On under-center performs, Mahomes threw a landing in opposition to the Colts and has already recorded 107 passing yards. It’s one of many greatest adjustments from final season, when the clear majority of the Chiefs’ snaps with Mahomes had been within the shotgun — 80.6% of their formations (excluding quarterback kneel-downs), third most within the league. — Nate Taylor

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Giants 28-6
Week 2 rating: 4

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Matthew Stafford continues to be able to enjoying at an MVP degree.

Stafford and the Rams’ offense struggled in the season opener, however large receiver Davante Adams mentioned the staff’s Week 2 offensive efficiency was nearer to what the group expects to appear like this season. On Monday evening in opposition to the Giants, Stafford, the reigning MVP, accomplished 22 of 31 passes for 327 yards with 4 landing passes and an interception. He had that success with out large receiver Puka Nacua, who’s coping with soreness in his groin. — Sarah Barshop

(*32*)

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Titans 24-20
Week 2 rating: 6

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Jalen Hurts is carrying this staff.

The thought heading into the season was Hurts and the passing offense would wish time to acclimate to coordinator Sean Mannion’s system, which means the Eagles must depend on their protection and floor recreation early. The protection didn’t dominate as anticipated against Washington and Tennessee, whereas the working recreation has been spotty behind an offensive line nonetheless looking for its footing. Meanwhile, Hurts led the staff to a Week 1 win with three touchdowns and one other victory Sunday by way of a go-ahead landing drive within the closing seconds. He is tied for second in landing passes (5) and forward of schedule on this new scheme. — Tim McManus

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Saints 24-17
Week 2 rating: 3

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Lamar Jackson is dealing with loads of stress.

Baltimore’s revamped offensive line has struggled in safety. The Ravens’ two lowest go block win charges with Jackson because the beginning QB have come within the first two weeks this season. Baltimore had a 38% go block win charge on the Colts in Week 1 and a 33% win charge in Week 2. Jackson and the Ravens ought to have a extra favorable matchup this week in opposition to the Cowboys, who’ve two sacks this season. — Jamison Hensley

play

How Lamar turned a QB who does not simply scramble to run however scrambles to throw

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Jaguars 20-13
Week 2 rating: 9

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Bo Nix won’t be all that keen on September.

Whether it is a difficulty together with his mechanics or dashing into performs, Nix is caught up within the Broncos’ propensity for gradual begins below coach Sean Payton. In his first two seasons, Nix has thrown eight of his 23 interceptions in September — together with three video games with no less than two picks. And within the season-opening loss to the Chiefs, Nix had his first profession three-fumble recreation and was sacked 4 occasions, tying a profession excessive. The Broncos escaped with a win in Week 2 after Nix and the offense bought issues cranked up within the second half. But he did throw his second interception of the season. — Jeff Legwold

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Texans 20-6
Week 2 rating: 15

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Joe Burrow is a tricky buyer.

In actuality, the again harm he had going into Week 2 wasn’t significantly extreme. But it was nonetheless an instance of Burrow’s toughness that his teammates recognize. And regardless of the harm and getting sacked 5 occasions in opposition to Houston, he made all the required performs to steer the Bengals to their first 2-0 begin with him as a wholesome quarterback. Burrow has additionally been clutch. He ranks tenth within the league in third-down QBR (86.1), based on ESPN Research. And he has a near-perfect purple zone QBR via two video games (99.9). — Ben Baby

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Steelers 20-3
Week 2 rating: 10

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Drake Maye‘s accuracy is not what he is accustomed to.

After main the NFL with a 72% completion proportion in 2025, Maye has accomplished 67.3% of his throws via two video games — with one landing go and 4 interceptions. Those performances got here in opposition to two of the league’s high defenses (Seahawks and Steelers), however Maye is not happy together with his efficiency. “It starts with me making good decisions, being in good plays,” he mentioned. — Mike Reiss

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Vikings 9-3
Week 2 rating: 7

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Caleb Williams‘ hamstring injury is not severe.

The Bears dodged a significant bullet with the proper hamstring harm Williams sustained late in opposition to the Vikings. Coach Ben Johnson labeled Williams as week-to-week, and whereas the QB is anticipated to overlook a while, Johnson is assured that backup Tyson Bagent can function the offense. It understandably will not look the identical as when Williams is below heart, however the scheme won’t change. Chicago gave Bagent a two-year, $10 million extension in 2025, and his expertise with Johnson in preseason video games is why the coach believes “we’ll be fine.” — Courtney Cronin

play

Why Orlvosky thinks Bears can keep afloat with out Caleb Williams

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Bears 9-3
Week 2 rating: 17

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: The Vikings can win with replacement-level QB play.

Starter Kyler Murray (concussion) hasn’t performed for the reason that Vikings’ eleventh offensive play, and Carson Wentz has produced a typical backup efficiency. Wentz ranks twenty second within the NFL in QBR (52.0) and twenty ninth in completion proportion (58%), and he is tied for the seventh-most sacks (six). However, the Vikings are undefeated on the power of all the things however their passing recreation. Their protection and particular teams each rank No. 6 within the NFL in EPA, whereas their dashing recreation ranks No. 16 in EPA. That’s an excellent signal for the whole staff with Murray returning this week. — Kevin Seifert

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Broncos 20-13
Week 2 rating: 13

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Trevor Lawrence must be higher in opposition to stress.

The distinction is stark for Lawrence this season. When he is not below stress, he is finishing 76.9% of his passes (eleventh within the NFL) for three touchdowns to 1 interception. When he is below stress, he is finishing solely 38.5% of his passes, with one TD. Jacksonville’s offensive line struggled in opposition to Denver, and if that turns into a seasonlong problem, Lawrence goes to need to be extra environment friendly below stress. He will not face simple defensive fronts over the subsequent month, both. — Michael DiRocco

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Bills 41-31
Week 2 rating: 12

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Jared Goff continues to construct a case as the best QB in franchise historical past.

Despite dealing with heavy stress behind a banged-up offensive line, Goff has continued his environment friendly play in Year 11. He has racked up 25 straight video games with a passing landing, which is the longest energetic streak in NFL and the longest in Lions historical past, per ESPN Research. He additionally reached 40,000 profession yards in Buffalo, tying Kirk Cousins and Dan Marino because the fourth-fastest to that mark in NFL historical past (153 video games). Goff is presently in his sixth season in Detroit and continues to succeed in main milestones at 31 years outdated. — Eric Woodyard

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Bengals 20-6
Week 2 rating: 11

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: C.J. Stroud simply wants a wholesome supporting solid.

Stroud has thrown for 627 passing yards within the first two video games, third most within the NFL, however that has led to solely two touchdowns. The Texans did not discover the top zone at all in Week 2, as No. 1 choice Nico Collins missed the sport due to a hamstring injury. Stroud’s play model is not essentially one that may persistently create explosive outcomes when performs break down. He wants the gamers round him to be wholesome so he can produce in construction. — DJ Bien-Aime

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Commanders 37-20
Week 2 rating: 16

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: The Cowboys will go so far as Dak Prescott can take them.

There have been — and might be — rising pains with the protection, so rather a lot might be on Prescott’s plate. The run recreation has not been what the Cowboys have wished to this point, both. Through two video games, Prescott is finishing 73.8% of his passes, and he has been in a position to escape hurt together with his legs, too. He has six landing passes and one interception, however the one giveaway exhibits the Cowboys’ skinny margin for error. The Giants turned that right into a landing to shift the momentum in Dallas’ Week 1 loss. — Todd Archer

play

What has Stephen A. so gleeful in regards to the Cowboys after their win over the Commanders?

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Jets 20-17 (OT)
Week 2 rating: 14

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Jordan Love is getting hit … rather a lot.

Through two video games, Love has taken 18 quarterback hits and been sacked 4 occasions. And given the state of his offensive line, it won’t get a lot better anytime quickly. The Packers misplaced proper deal with Zach Bako-Bewele and their high two left guards, starter Aaron Banks and backup Donovan Jennings, on Sunday. Regardless, Green Bay nonetheless averted its first 0-2 begin since 2006, conserving alive the longest energetic streak within the NFL, per ESPN Research. — Rob Demovsky

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Rams 28-6
Week 2 rating: 18

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: It’s all about Jaxson Dart staying on the sphere.

The younger quarterback regarded great in Week 1, particularly from the pocket, the place he had a QBR of 91.0. But Dart bought injured on the opening drive Monday evening in opposition to the Rams and backup Jameis Winston struggled. Winston’s accuracy was an issue. In the primary half alone, he accomplished 5 of 12 passes with an overthrown display and open rollout within the purple zone among the many misses. It by no means bought higher. The Giants’ offense did not look the identical with out Dart’s working risk. Winston had two rushes for 1 yard within the contest. — Jordan Raanan

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Ravens 24-17
Week 2 rating: 25

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Tyler Shough can deal with the massive moments, however he wants to start out quicker.

Shough has had two up-and-down video games to start out the season, however he has been at his finest within the fourth quarter, which led to a comeback win in opposition to the Ravens. According to ESPN Research, Shough has a 14.3 Total QBR within the opening three quarters of video games (twenty ninth amongst 30 qualifying passers this season). In fourth quarters and additional time, he ranks second with a 97.7 QBR. Shough can be 5-of-5 for 127 yards and a landing on passes of 15-plus air yards in fourth quarters. — Katherine Terrell

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Chargers 26-14
Week 2 rating: 28

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Kirk Cousins can deal with stress properly.

Cousins has been pressured on 36.5% of his dropbacks via two video games. In these conditions, he has accomplished 13 of 21 passes (61.9%) for 161 yards, three touchdowns, an interception and a passer score of 105.6. Against the Chargers, Cousins was pressured on 40.6% of his dropbacks. Yet he nonetheless managed to throw for 108 yards and two scores every time the Chargers introduced the warmth. — Ryan McFadden

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Falcons 34-3
Week 2 rating: 26

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Bryce Young is not afraid to throw it deep.

Young averaged 5.6 yards per dropback over the previous two seasons. He is averaging 8.0 yards in 2026, which ranks fifth. On Sunday, Young accomplished 8 of 11 passes for 197 yards and a landing on throws past 10 yards. Against the Bears in Week 1, Young threw for a career-high 221 yards on throws past 10 yards. Young can be sharing the wealth amongst his targets, as large receivers Jalen Coker and Tetairoa McMillan every have a 100-yard receiving efficiency this season. — Mike Kaye

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Raiders 26-14
Week 2 rating: 19

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Justin Herbert appears uncomfortable.

For the previous two Sundays, this Chargers’ offense has regarded like a unit that hadn’t practiced collectively earlier than. Herbert appears misplaced and, at moments, angrier than he has ever been on the helm of a flat offense. He had three fumbles (all recovered) and two interceptions Sunday, although one was due to a dropped go by tight finish David Njoku. This new offense below coordinator Mike McDaniel was alleged to elevate this staff right into a championship contender. Instead, its star quarterback appears nearly unrecognizable. — Kris Rhim

(*3*)play

Pat McAfee is not giving up on the 0-2 Chargers but

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Browns 23-19
Week 2 rating: 20

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Baker Mayfield is full wholesome, however one thing is just not proper.

The Bucs returned their complete beginning offensive line, they boast a receivers room that will make many teams envious, and working again Bucky Irving is averaging greater than 5.0 yards per carry. But Mayfield has turned the ball over 4 occasions, has not been correct and appears misplaced with out franchise scoring chief Mike Evans at receiver. Mayfield had comparable struggles final season when Evans was on the harm report for 10 weeks. Now, Mayfield is struggling. — Jenna Laine

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Chiefs 33-30 (OT)
Week 2 rating: 22

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Daniel Jones‘ Achilles harm is just not impeding him.

The Colts’ document does not scream “great QB play,” however Jones has largely performed his half. In Week 2, he confirmed the complete gamut of his recreation despite his recently healed Achilles tear. He helped deliver the Colts again from a deficit, scrambled, took a pair brutal hits and stretched the sphere when he might. Jones is finishing 66.1% of his go makes an attempt, benefiting from an offense that’s being sabotaged by a clumsy protection. — Stephen Holder

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Patriots 20-3
Week 2 rating: 21

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Aaron Rodgers is now not comfy below stress.

So far this season, Rodgers has accomplished simply 8 of 24 makes an attempt on 31 dropbacks below stress. He has been sacked six occasions on such performs. Rodgers can be finishing a career-low 50% in opposition to the blitz, as his off-target proportion on such throws is a career-worst 30.4%. While the offensive line’s struggles have considerably contributed to Rodgers’ inaccuracy, his decreased mobility at 42 years outdated has made it much more tough to handle the stress. — Brooke Pryor

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Seahawks 31-7
Week 2 rating: 24

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Jacoby Brissett must be simply tremendous.

The first two weeks have already been a curler coaster for Brissett, who threw for 277 yards in Week 1 however solely 95 on Sunday in opposition to the defending Super Bowl champions. His physique of labor since he turned Arizona’s starter in Week 6 final season is stable. He ranks No. 1 in completions and makes an attempt, No. 2 in passing yards, No. 4 in completion proportion over anticipated and No. 5 in passing touchdowns. His efficiency Sunday was vastly totally different than the final time he performed Seattle, when he threw for 258 yards and two touchdowns in a blowout loss in Week 10 final season. — Josh Weinfuss

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Packers 20-17 (OT)
Week 2 rating: 27

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Look, no interceptions for Geno Smith.

This is notable as a result of Smith threw a league-high 17 interceptions final season with the Raiders. He’s making sensible choices with the ball for essentially the most half — not a single turnover in 74 dropbacks. He’s finishing almost 71% of his passes, although he is averaging solely 5.8 air yards per try — tied with Daniel Jones for twenty eighth within the league. Going ahead, the Jets have to open up the passing assault to maximise their skill-position expertise. — Rich Cimini

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Cowboys 37-20
Week 2 rating: 23

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Jayden Daniels cannot keep wholesome.

Daniels has now left due to an harm in 4 of his previous 5 video games — 3 times due to his left elbow. He has dislocated it twice, including Sunday in Dallas, and reinjured it when he returned final season. The disgrace of it’s the remark earlier than the harm would’ve been that Daniels is again. He had a powerful end within the Commanders’ season-opening loss to the Eagles and was enjoying properly in Dallas. With a wholesome Daniels, Washington is a a lot totally different risk. But he simply has to … keep wholesome. — John Keim

Week 2 consequence: Beat the Buccaneers 23-19
Week 2 rating: 32

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Deshaun Watson discovered a risk-averse profitable formulation.

In Week 2, Watson earned his first win since September 2024 with the bottom common depth of goal (3.7) of his profession. At occasions, it has appeared just like the Browns’ passing recreation has been performed in a telephone sales space: Watson’s 6.7 air yards per try would tie a profession low. However, the play model has restricted turnover potential and allowed the Browns’ younger playmakers to get the ball of their fingers. Cleveland ranks third in yards after the catch (260) via two video games. — Daniel Oyefusi

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Eagles 24-20
Week 2 rating: 30

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Cam Ward will run the ball extra this season.

Ward is not a significant risk to defenses together with his legs, however he has turn out to be simpler at it. He picked up a few early first downs within the Week 1 loss to the Jets. And he was much more efficient Sunday, dashing for two touchdowns to turn out to be the fifth Titans/Oilers quarterback in 50 seasons to run for a number of touchdowns in a recreation. Coordinator Brian Daboll has at all times inspired his quarterbacks to run when mandatory. Now it is Ward’s flip. — Turron Davenport

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the Panthers 34-3
Week 2 rating: 29

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: The Falcons are determined for Michael Penix Jr.

There are a handful of statistics that exemplify the historic futility of the Falcons’ offense below third-string quarterback Cooper Rush. But none are higher than this: Atlanta is the fourth staff since NFL play-by-play was first tracked in 1978 and not using a purple zone drive via two video games — and the primary in 18 seasons. With three straight primetime video games, the Falcons badly want Penix to be again to outdated self shortly. Thursday in opposition to the Packers will mark his first start since tearing his ACL final November. — Marc Raimondi

Week 2 consequence: Lost to the 49ers 35-13
Week 2 rating: 31

One factor we all know in regards to the QB1: Malik Willis continues to be growing — and desires extra assist.

Willis hasn’t been the difficulty for the Dolphins’ offense, however he is clearly adjusting to a brand new scheme and new teammates. On one hand, Miami’s receivers room consists of three rookies and has struggled to persistently get open. Willis has additionally been sacked on the highest charge within the NFL. But on the similar time, his completion proportion over expectation of minus-3.5% ranks fourth worst within the NFL, per NFL Next Gen Stats, and there have been performs by which right here he refused to hit his checkdowns. Miami believes in Willis, and a studying curve is anticipated contemplating his restricted beginning expertise. — Marcel Louis-Jacques