The NFL season is happening right now, and we’re in the thick of it. Week 2 gave us some exciting games and a few surprises. In this article, we’re going to talk about the teams that are doing well and those that are still trying to find their groove in the NFL. We’ll also take a look at some players and their contracts, which can have a big impact on their teams.
NFL POWER RANKING WEEK 3
| Rank | Team | Record | Player | Contract Situation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | San Francisco 49ers | 2-0 | WR Brandon Aiyuk | Under contract through the 2024 season. Contract extension negotiations ongoing. |
| 2 | Dallas Cowboys | 2-0 | WR CeeDee Lamb | Under contract through the 2024 season. Contract extension plans in progress. |
| 3 | Philadelphia Eagles | 2-0 | OLB Haason Reddick | Under contract through the 2024 season. Future negotiations anticipated. |
| 4 | Miami Dolphins | 2-0 | QB Tua Tagovailoa | Under contract through the 2024 season. Extension discussions expected. |
| 5 | Kansas City Chiefs | 1-1 | DT Chris Jones | Under contract through the 2023 season. Long-term extension uncertain. |
| 6 | Baltimore Ravens | 2-0 | LB Patrick Queen | Under contract through the 2023 season. Performance may impact future. |
| 7 | Buffalo Bills | 1-1 | WR Gabe Davis | Under contract through the 2023 season. Contract negotiation dependent on performance. |
| 8 | Detroit Lions | 1-1 | QB Jared Goff | Under contract through the 2024 season. Stellar year could lead to extension. |
| 9 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 1-1 | LB Josh Allen | Under contract through the 2023 season. Attracting attention in free agency. |
| 10 | New Orleans Saints | 2-0 | WR Michael Thomas | Under contract through the 2023 season. Unique contract situation with renegotiations pending. |
| 11 | Atlanta Falcons | 2-0 | CB A.J. Terrell | Under contract through the 2024 season. Likely extension in the future. |
| 12 | Washington Commanders | 2-0 | DE Montez Sweat | Under contract through the 2023 season. Extension plans impacted by ownership change. |
| 13 | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 2-0 | WR Mike Evans | Under contract through the 2023 season. Uncertain future due to contract negotiations. |
| 14 | Seattle Seahawks | 1-1 | ILB Jordyn Brooks | Under contract through the 2023 season. Contract year after fifth-year option decline. |
| 15 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1-1 | OT Chukwuma Okorafor | Under contract through the 2024 season. Potential extension or cap management decision. |
| 16 | Cleveland Browns | 1-1 | RB Nick Chubb | Under contract through the 2024 season. Chubb’s injury raises questions about his future. |
| 17 | Los Angeles Chargers | 0-2 | RB Austin Ekeler | Under contract through the 2023 season. Contract drama in the offseason. |
| 18 | Cincinnati Bengals | 0-2 | WR Tee Higgins | Under contract through the 2023 season. Unlikely long-term deal this offseason. |
| 19 | Green Bay Packers | 1-1 | RB AJ Dillon | Under contract through the 2023 season. Playing for his future this season. |
| 20 | Los Angeles Rams | 1-1 | RB Cam Akers | Under contract through the 2023 season. Likely trade candidate after coach’s decision. |
| 21 | New York Jets | 1-1 | DE Bryce Huff | Under contract through the 2023 season. Pass-rushing specialist with trade potential. |
| 22 | Tennessee Titans | 1-1 | QB Ryan Tannehill | Under contract through the 2025 season with two voidable years. Future beyond this season uncertain. |
| 23 | New York Giants | 1-1 | RB Saquon Barkley | Under contract through the 2023 season. Failed long-term deal negotiations. Currently injured. |
| 24 | New England Patriots | 0-2 | OLB Matthew Judon | Under contract through the 2024 season. Likely renegotiation in the offseason. |
| 25 | Minnesota Vikings | 0-2 | QB Kirk Cousins | Under contract through the 2023 season. Potential free agent target next spring. |
| 26 | Las Vegas Raiders | 1-1 | RB Josh Jacobs | Under contract through the 2023 season. Contract stalemate during the offseason. |
| 27 | Indianapolis Colts | 1-1 | WR Michael Pittman Jr. | Under contract through the 2023 season. Emerging as a valuable receiver. |
| 28 | Denver Broncos | 0-2 | LB Josey Jewell | Under contract through the 2023 season. New coaching regime may impact his future. |
| 29 | Carolina Panthers | 0-2 | OLB Brian Burns | Under contract through the 2023 season. Contract negotiations on hold. |
| 30 | Chicago Bears | 0-2 | CB Jaylon Johnson | Under contract through the 2023 season. Performance crucial for future extension. |
| 31 | Houston Texans | 0-2 | CB Steven Nelson | Under contract through the 2023 season. Uncertainty regarding extension or free agency. |
| 32 | Arizona Cardinals | 0-2 | WR Marquise Brown | Under contract through the 2023 season. Extension potential in the future. |
Recap of the Power Rankings
1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)
- Player: WR Brandon Aiyuk
- His contract: He’s signed until 2024
The 49ers are thinking about extending Brandon Aiyuk’s contract. They want to keep him on the team for a long time. But whether they can do that depends on how well he plays this season.
2. Dallas Cowboys (2-0)
- Player: WR CeeDee Lamb
- His contract: He’s signed until 2024
CeeDee Lamb is becoming a top receiver for the Cowboys, and they want to sign him to a new contract. But it might cost them a lot of money because he’s playing so well.
3. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
- Player: OLB Haason Reddick
- His contract: He’s signed until 2024
Haason Reddick is playing great, and the Eagles want to keep him. They’ll need to work out a deal that makes sense for both sides and doesn’t hurt their budget.
4. Miami Dolphins (2-0)
- Player: QB Tua Tagovailoa
- His contract: He’s signed until 2024
Tua Tagovailoa is playing like a superstar, and the Dolphins might need to pay him a lot of money soon. If he keeps it up, he could become one of the highest-paid players in the NFL.
5. Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)
- Player: DT Chris Jones
- His contract: He’s signed until 2023
Chris Jones had a contract dispute with the Chiefs, but they gave him some extra money for this season. However, his long-term future with the team is still uncertain.
What’s Happening Beyond the Rankings
6. Baltimore Ravens (2-0)
- Player: LB Patrick Queen
- His contract: He’s signed until 2023
Patrick Queen is in the last year of his contract, and he knows he might play for a different team next year. His performance this season will determine his future.
7. Buffalo Bills (1-1)
- Player: WR Gabe Davis
- His contract: He’s signed until 2023
Gabe Davis has been doing well, but he’s in the final year of his rookie contract. What happens next depends on what he wants and what the Bills think.
8. Detroit Lions (1-1)
- Player: QB Jared Goff
- His contract: He’s signed until 2024
Jared Goff is proving he’s not just a placeholder quarterback. If he keeps playing this well, the Lions might want to keep him around for a long time.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
- Player: LB Josh Allen
- His contract: He’s signed until 2023
Josh Allen’s future with the Jaguars is uncertain. Other teams might be interested in him if the Jaguars don’t keep him. It’s something to watch.
10. New Orleans Saints (2-0)
- Player: WR Michael Thomas
- His contract: He’s signed until 2023
Michael Thomas has a unique contract that’s changing soon. He needs to have a good season to secure his future with the Saints.
11. Atlanta Falcons (2-0)
In Week 2, the Atlanta Falcons found themselves ranked at 23. One of the key players for the Falcons is cornerback A.J. Terrell. He’s currently under contract with the team until the 2024 season.
Terrell, now in his fourth year, has been a valuable asset to the Falcons. He’s not only one of the best young cornerbacks in the league but also a team leader. It’s highly likely that the Falcons will extend his contract. However, the exact timing of this extension remains to be seen. In the past, the Falcons have made such moves close to the new league year, as seen when they extended right guard Chris Lindstrom in March.
12. Washington Commanders (2-0)
Week 2 saw the Washington Commanders ranked at 21. Their player in focus is defensive end Montez Sweat, who is currently under contract until the 2023 season.
Sweat and fellow defensive end Chase Young will both become free agents after this season. However, Washington has expressed interest in extending Sweat’s contract, as he’s playing on his fifth-year option. Recent changes in ownership have somewhat slowed down this extension process, as the team is dealing with more urgent matters. Sweat has been impressive in his role as an edge run defender, and his performance this season, including two sacks and two forced fumbles in two games, will likely play a significant role in the decision-making process.
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, ranked at 24 in Week 2, have wide receiver Mike Evans in the spotlight. Evans is currently under contract until the 2023 season.
Evans is a significant figure in the Buccaneers’ franchise history, holding numerous receiving records. However, he’s now in the final year of his contract. Evans and his agent set a deadline of September 9 for a contract extension before the season, but no deal was reached. This situation leaves open the possibility that Evans could play for a different team next season. Despite being 30 years old, he continues to produce at a high level, evident from his 171 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 2.
14. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
The Seattle Seahawks, ranked 18th in Week 2, have inside linebacker Jordyn Brooks as the focal player. Brooks is under contract until the 2023 season.
In May, the Seahawks chose not to pick up Brooks’ fifth-year option, making this season a contract year for the 2020 first-round draft pick. This decision was influenced by his recovery from a torn ACL in his right knee. However, Brooks has made a swift recovery and is back in action, ranking seventh in the NFL with 23 tackles through two weeks. A significant payday likely awaits him, potentially from the Seahawks, if he maintains this level of performance.
15. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)
The Pittsburgh Steelers, with a Week 2 ranking of 16, have offensive tackle Chukwuma Okorafor in focus. Okorafor is under contract until the 2024 season.
The Steelers traded up in the first round to select tackle Broderick Jones, which raises questions about the future of either Okorafor or left tackle Dan Moore Jr. Both are set to become free agents after the 2024 season. Okorafor’s contract situation is a bit more complex, as his 2024 cap hit is considerably larger than Moore’s, who is in the final year of his rookie contract. Depending on how the offensive line performs throughout the season, the Steelers may decide to extend Okorafor in the spring to reduce his 2024 cap hit or consider parting ways, incurring a $3 million dead cap hit.
16. Cleveland Browns (1-1)
The Cleveland Browns, ranked 11th in Week 2, have running back Nick Chubb in the spotlight. Chubb is under contract until the 2024 season.
Chubb, an All-Pro running back, suffered a significant left knee injury during a Monday night game against the Steelers and is likely out for the season. While Chubb still has one season left on his contract extension signed in 2021, there is no guaranteed money remaining beyond this year. In today’s NFL, running backs, even elite ones, are no longer as highly valued. Chubb has been a vital part of the Browns’ offense, but his injury raises questions about his future with the team.
17. Los Angeles Chargers (0-2)
The Los Angeles Chargers, ranked 10th in Week 2, have running back Austin Ekeler as their focal player. Ekeler is under contract until the 2023 season.
During the offseason, Ekeler was briefly at the center of running back contract drama when he requested a trade in March after failing to agree on a multiyear contract extension. Eventually, in May, Ekeler agreed to a revised contract with additional incentives. In the Chargers’ opening game of the 2023 season, Ekeler showcased his skills with 117 yards and a touchdown. However, an ankle injury kept him out of Week 2, leading to a struggling running game for the Chargers.
18. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
The Cincinnati Bengals, ranked 13th in Week 2, have wide receiver Tee Higgins as their focal player. Higgins is under contract until the 2023 season.
Higgins did not secure a long-term deal during the offseason, and it seems unlikely one will be reached. The Bengals might consider giving Higgins a one-year franchise tag for 2024 and explore other options. The franchise tag is projected at $23 million, and the Bengals could use it to keep Higgins for another year or seek a trade for the talented receiver. Higgins has had an impressive start to his NFL career, amassing over 3,000 receiving yards in his first three seasons.
19. Green Bay Packers (1-1)
The Green Bay Packers, ranked 14th in Week 2, have running back AJ Dillon in focus. Dillon is under contract until the 2023 season.
Dillon is in the final season of his rookie contract, and he’s playing this season to secure his future, whether it’s in Green Bay or elsewhere. His performance in Week 2 was a bit disappointing, as he averaged only 3.7 yards per carry. The Packers have a decision to make regarding Dillon’s future, and it will likely depend on his performance this season.
20. Los Angeles Rams (1-1)
The Los Angeles Rams, ranked 22nd in Week 2, have running back Cam Akers as the player in focus. Akers is under contract until the 2023 season.
Surprisingly, Akers was a healthy scratch in Week 2, a decision made by Rams head coach Sean McVay. Akers, a 2020 second-round pick, is in the final year of his rookie contract and will be a free agent after this season. Recent comments from McVay indicate that the Rams are considering trading Akers. This situation has led to Kyren Williams emerging as the team’s lead back.
21. New York Jets (1-1)
The New York Jets, ranked 12th in Week 2, have defensive end Bryce Huff in the spotlight. Huff is under contract until the 2023 season.
Huff is known for his pass-rushing skills, but he may depart after this season due to the Jets’ significant investments in the position. The team used first-round picks on Will McDonald IV in 2023 and Jermaine Johnson in 2022. Huff had the highest pressure percentage among edge rushers in 2022, but his future with the Jets is uncertain. If the team falls out of contention, they might consider trading him before the deadline.
22. Tennessee Titans (1-1)
The Tennessee Titans, ranked 27th in Week 2, have quarterback Ryan Tannehill as their focal player. Tannehill is under contract until the 2025 season with two voidable years.
Tannehill, a veteran quarterback, is in the final year of his contract, and it might be his last with the Titans. The team made significant moves in recent drafts to secure quarterback options, including Malik Willis and Will Levis. Tannehill expressed his desire to continue playing beyond this season, but his performance will be crucial in determining his future, both with the Titans and other potential suitors in need of a quarterback.
23. New York Giants (1-1)
The New York Giants, ranked 25th in Week 2, have running back Saquon Barkley in focus. Barkley is under contract until the 2023 season.
The Giants and Barkley failed to agree on a long-term deal during the offseason. Currently, Barkley is playing on a revised franchise tag that allows him to earn up to $11 million. Unfortunately, Barkley suffered a right ankle sprain in Week 2, expected to sideline him for three weeks. The Giants still have the option of using another franchise tag next year, leaving Barkley in a challenging situation.
24. New England Patriots (0-2)
The New England Patriots, ranked 17th in Week 2, have outside linebacker Matthew Judon as their focal player. Judon is under contract until the 2024 season.
Judon signed a significant four-year, $56 million deal in March 2021. However, due to an adjustment this year, negotiations for another adjustment are likely in the offseason, given that his 2024 base salary is just $6.5 million. Judon has been highly productive, recording 15.5 sacks last season and 12.5 in 2021. His consistent performance has made him a vital part of the Patriots’ defense, and negotiations for his contract adjustment will be anticipated.
25. Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
The Minnesota Vikings, ranked 20th in Week 2, have quarterback Kirk Cousins in the spotlight. Cousins is under contract until the 2023 season.
Cousins, despite turning 36 next summer, is performing at a high level. He’s currently among the top free-agent targets for next spring if the Vikings don’t extend his contract first. So far this season, Cousins ranks second in the NFL in passing yards, is tied for first with six touchdown passes, and has a QBR of 71.6. Although he has committed four turnovers, Cousins’ overall performance is impressive from a business perspective.
26. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)
The Las Vegas Raiders, ranked 19th in Week 2, have running back Josh Jacobs in focus. Jacobs is under contract until the 2023 season.
Jacobs sat out the entire offseason program and training camp due to a contract stalemate, eventually agreeing to a reworked one-year deal with bonuses worth up to $12 million. However, his performance in the season opener at Denver was disappointing, averaging just 2.5 yards per carry. Jacobs’ future with the Raiders is uncertain, and his performance will be closely monitored as the season progresses.
27. Indianapolis Colts (1-1)
The Indianapolis Colts, ranked 30th in Week 2, have wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. as their focal player. Pittman is under contract until the 2023 season.
While running back Jonathan Taylor’s contract situation has been in the headlines, Pittman is also at the end of his rookie contract. He’s been working hard to increase his value as a free agent, with impressive performances through two games this season. Pittman’s consistency and young age make him a potential top-paid receiver in the NFL. The Colts may need to adjust their wide receiver payroll accordingly.
28. Denver Broncos (0-2)
The Denver Broncos, ranked 26th in Week 2, have linebacker Josey Jewell in the spotlight. Jewell is under contract until the 2023 season.
Jewell has consistently been a reliable and productive player for the Broncos. In 2022, he signed a two-year deal, making him an unrestricted free agent after this season. Jewell plays a significant role in the team’s defense, and his future with the Broncos may depend on the emergence of rookie Drew Sanders at linebacker. The team could face a decision regarding Jewell’s playing time as the season progresses.
29. Carolina Panthers (0-2)
The Carolina Panthers, ranked 28th in Week 2, have outside linebacker Brian Burns in focus. Burns is playing under the fifth-year option of his rookie deal for $16 million.
Burns aims to become one of the highest-paid edge rushers in the NFL, seeking a contract in the range of $25 million to $30 million annually. Negotiations have hit a roadblock, and Burns has put them on hold, despite the team’s willingness to continue discussions. Burns’ performance, including two sacks in Week 1, could impact the negotiations as the season unfolds.
30. Chicago Bears (0-2)
The Chicago Bears, ranked 29th in Week 2, have cornerback Jaylon Johnson as their focal player. Johnson is under contract until the 2023 season.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles has expressed the desire to keep Johnson long term. However, the team wants to see more interceptions and turnovers from the cornerback before committing to an extension. Johnson has one career interception and is working on creating more takeaways to demonstrate his impact beyond being a lockdown cornerback.
31. Houston Texans (0-2)
The Houston Texans, ranked 31st in Week 2, have cornerback Steven Nelson as their focal player. Nelson is under contract until the 2023 season.
Nelson received a slight raise in August, but a long-term extension was not reached. His performance in the first two games, including an interception and a pass breakup, will likely influence the Texans’ decision regarding his future. Allowing him to test free agency could create uncertainties at cornerback for the Texans in 2024.
32. Arizona Cardinals (0-2)
The Arizona Cardinals, ranked 32nd in Week 2, have wide receiver Marquise Brown in focus. Brown is playing on his fifth-year rookie option season, but an extension was not agreed upon leading into this season.
Brown leads the team in receiving yards and is playing a crucial role as a WR1. His contract situation may be addressed next offseason, once the Cardinals have a clearer financial picture. New general manager Monti Ossenfort has been addressing the team’s financial situation, and Brown’s extension could be on the horizon, given his performance and importance to the offense.
Conclusion
As the NFL season continues, we’ll see how these rankings change and how contracts are worked out. It’s an exciting time for football fans, and there’s a lot to look forward to in the coming years.
