Week 3, by far, brought out the most emotions from players and fans around the league. Blown calls, comebacks and miscues made Week 3 the most exciting weekend of football in the NFL so far in 2012.
Some sites had power rankings done before the Monday Football match, but those rankings definitely needed some shuffling after a controversial Monday Night Football match between the Green Bay Packers and the Seattle Seahawks.
But let's put that incident behind us and let the NFL handle things for the good of the sport.
Here are my Power Rankings entering Week 4.
1. Houston Texans (+2)
With one of the Top 5 defenses in the NFL and their offense one of 10 best offenses in the league. They are undeniably the most balanced team in the NFL. They have out outscored opponents 88-42
2. Atlanta Falcons (+4)
The Falcons have put it together nicely in the first three weeks of the season. Their secondary is above average, which helps balance their No. 24 ranked running defense in the league. With the Falcons schedule, they might be enjoy a stay in the Top 3 for weeks to come
3. Baltimore Ravens (+2)
The Ravens' biggest weakness is their defense, but their offense is insane. Joe Flacco is coming of age as he and the Ravens are the second best scoring team in the league.
4. New England Patriots (-2)
Possibly the best 1-2 team in the league. They still possess a Top 10 offense, but their secondary is killing their hopes of remaining in the Top 3.
5. San Francisco 49ers (-4)
Yeah, there is no way you can lose to the Vikings and remain in the Top 3. 49ers still have one of the best teams in the game.
6. New York Giants (+1)
Okay, so the Giants are on a little role. Still do not consider them a Top 5 team despite winning a championship. Their defense stepped up against the Panthers, but they will need consistent defensive efforts before they can enter the Top 5.
7. Arizona Cardinals (+8)
The Cardinals continue to surprise. Many might have the undefeated teams in their Top 3, but the Cardinals' offense still does not convince men. However, with Fitzgerald waking up against the Eagles in Week 3, the Cardinals' offense are taking the right steps. Enter Week 4 within the bottom five in total yards, passing and rushing yards per game.
8. Chicago Bears (+5)
Who had the Bears on top of the NFC North entering Week 4? Victory over the Rams was huge. They are beating the weaker teams in the league. Have to prove that they are serious and beat a serious contender now.
9. Dallas Cowboys (+3)
The Cowboys' offense is horrible believe it or not, but their defense is outstanding in comparison, which has kept them at the top of the NFC East.
10 Green Bay Packers (-6)
In my eyes, the Packers defense held the Seahawks in that last stand. The Seahawks were gifted yardage and points in that last drive. Aaron Rodgers still proves dangerous in the closing minutes of the game.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (-3)
Steelers' defense missing their big boppers, which explain why they have given up 75 points. A loss to the Raiders is unexplainable however. Steelers out of the Top 10, but I have faith that they will get it together.
12. Philadelphia Eagles (-3)
Maybe the Eagles ran out of their lucky comebacks in 2012? They looked weak against the Cardinals. Will have to prove if they are for real this season as they face the Giants in Week 4.
13. Seattle Seahawks (+5)
They should be ranked higher, but their passing game is the worst in the league. They also do not score enough points to be ranked amongst the other powerhouses. Defense however, is incredible. Russell Wilson deserves props for fighting in controversial Monday Night Football game.
14. Minnesota Vikings (+18)
How do you jump from the lowest team in the power ranks to being considered one of the better teams in the league? Easy, just beat the best team in the power ranks entering Week 3. The Vikings' defense is one of the best in the league and their offense is decent enough.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (+4)
Their defense needs to tighten things up if they want to stay above .500. Andy Dalton is making things happen in Cinci.
16. Denver Broncos (-6)
Apparently the Broncos only play defense when they have an inferior quarterback. Schaub lit their defense up for four TDs. The game got out of hand quickly for the Broncos and this time it was not due to Manning throwing interception.
17. San Diego Chargers (-3)
Probably should not be this low, but they proved they are inferior to competitive teams as they were walloped by the Falcons in Week 3. Still believe the Broncos are the better team in the AFC West.
18. New York Jets (-2)
How could a 2-1 team not be in the better half of the league? Easy, by struggling to beat the Dolphins. Their offense is below average. Tough schedule ahead as 49ers and Houston come to town.
19. Buffalo Bills (+6)
The Bills are juggling players at the running back position. C.J. Spiller went down on Sunday, but they will get Fred Jackson back. Bills are not for real in my eyes though.
20. Detroit Lions (0) (-9)
I guess if you're tied for last place in the NFC North with the Packers you're not too bad. Loss to the Titans was embarrassing. Play calling was poor. Defense needs to step up for the Lions if they want to be in the playoffs.
21. Washington Redskins (-4)
So I'm already asking, what should the Redskins as for in next year's draft? Probably a defensive player or three. Missing huge parts on their defense and they will not be able to compete. However, they possess a potent offense. Defensive effort does not reciprocate offensive effort.
22. Tennessee Titans (-1)
Could build on Week 3 win, but I do not see a lot of success in Tennessee this season. Tough schedule ahead.
23. Carolina Panthers (-1)
Offense can't score and defense can't stop opponents. Very bad recipe. Cam Newton has to step it up for the Panthers. He is their all.
24. Kansas City Chiefs (+5)
It took 233 yards from Jamaal Charles and yet they barely got past the Saints. Most yardage in the NFL per game, but they give up too many points. Team does not convince me.
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (-5)
The Buccaneers have one of the worst offensive units in the game. Passing defense is the worst in the league. Not a good recipe for success.
26. New Orleans Saints (-5)
Possibly the best 0-3 team ever? Their defense is one of the worst in the NFL though. They can put up points, but expect high scoring game as the Saints can still light up a scoreboard. Saints better offensively than the teams beneath them.
27. Oakland Raiders (+4)
Raiders winning was one of the shockers in Week 3. I don't see them doing this often though.
28. Jacksonville Jaguars (+2)
Jaguars still have one of weakest all around teams in 2012. Great win, but will not do much for the team except give them bragging rights over Colts fans.
29. St. Louis Rams (-2)
Rams are now at the bottom of the pack in the NFC West, but that was pretty much where they weer expected to be entering the season.
30. Indianapolis Colts (-4)
You belong in the bottom three in the power rankings when the Colts defeat you. Andrew Luck had a good game though.
31. Miami Dolphins (-3)
They were a field goal away from maybe being ranked No. 27 or 26 in the league.
32. Cleveland Browns (-2)
Their best asset is that they are not in the bottom 10 in scoring. Everything else is below average.
