The rankings have shifted dramatically since the preseason with both teams that represented the NFL in the SuperBowl are AWOL (the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona Cardinals). Also gone are the Tennessee Titans, who have yet to record a win. The departure of these three teams leaves room for three new teams, and the word new is right on the money as the New York Jets, the New York Giants, and the New Orleans Saints all make their Power 10 debut.
Baltimore Ravens 3-0 (6)
Looking like the most complete team in football, the Ravens are doing it on both sides of the ball. Credit offensive coordinator Cam Cameron for utilizing every ounce of talent in that offense. Fantasy Stock: Willis McGahee has been a surprise stud through three weeks with 5 touchdowns. Look for him to get even more touches in the coming weeks.
Indianapolis Colts 3-0 (4)
What can you say about the Colts except where there's a Manning, there's a way and the way so far has been to victories. The Colts were dealt a serious blow in week two with the loss of wideout Anthony Gonzalez for 3-8 weeks but hasn't missed a beat on offense. Fantasy Stock: Dallas Clark is setting the standard for tight ends this season with his 18 catches for 284 yards and 3 td's and Peyton Manning is just being himself; which is the best quarterback in football.
New York Giants 3-0 (-)
Perhaps the quietest 3-0 team out there, the Giants have shown an aggressive passing game to go along with their hard nosed running game and lights-out defense. Eli Manning is fast approaching his brother in skill and execution. Fantasy Stock: RB Brandon Jacobs found the end zone for the first time Sunday, which is a good sign for his owners. As long as The Giants passing game is so successful, expect Jacobs to find it on a regular basis from here on out.
New Orleans Saints 3-0 (-)
The Saints are marching all over opponents in the early going this season, lead by the cannon arm of Drew Brees. I believe its safe to put him up there with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning as guys I'd want leading my team. Fantasy Stock: Tight End Jeremy Shockey has again become fantasy relevant as a favorite target of Drew Brees. Where his fantasy output has been minimal the last two weeks, he's always a breakout possibility with as many balls thrown his way.
New York Jets 3-0 (-)
The surprise team of the NFL so far, the Jets are following the Steelers method of grooming a quarterback...strong defense, solid running game, and safe throws. Rookie QB Mark Sanchez has won the respect of his peers and is on his way to having one of the best rookie QB campaigns of all time. Fantasy Stock: RB Thomas Jones has tapered off considerably after a strong week 1 and is in danger of losing carries to fellow RB Leon Washington.
Minnesota Vikings 3-0 (10)
The Vikings got their first taste of what QB Brett Favre can bring when he engineered the game winning drive late in the fourth quarter to beat the pesky San Francisco 49ers. If he can hold up, health wise, for the entire season, the Vikes could go all the way. Fantasy Stock: It's hard to tell who is loving the other more right now between Adrian Peterson and Brett Favre but the pair of them are feeding off what the other brings. This spells out to high fantasy value for each.
Philadelphia Eagles 2-1 (7)
Even with the loss of quarterback Donovan McNabb and RB Brian Westbrook being hampered by injuries, the Eagles are looking like one of the premier teams of the NFC. The ability to win despite key injuries is the sign of a deep team. Fantasy Stock: Is this the end of the fantasy relevance of RB Brian Westbrook? I hope not, having him in one of my fantasy leagues, but the writing is on the wall.
San Diego Chargers 2-1 (9)
The Chargers are what they were last season; a playoff team that is just that, a playoff team. San Diego lacks that certain intangible that defines a winner and I don't see that changing this season. Fantasy Stock: Like Brian Westbrook, the writing is on the wall for the great L.T. Injury and ineffectiveness has reared its ugly head for this future Hall of Fame running back and his days as a first round pick are sadly over.
Denver Broncos 3-0 (-)
He's not the best passer and watching him play is about as exciting as watching paint dry but you have to say this about Denver quarterback Kyle Orton, the guys a winner. In his three games this season, he has been efficient, throwing for three scores and no interceptions. Fantasy Stock: Steer clear of the Broncos offense because it's simply not pretty and nobody on that squad is lighting it up.
New England Patriots 2-1 (2)
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady just isn't back to form yet and it's really hampering the New England Patriots. Until he gets it together, this is a team that is oozing weakness and is going to be in a dogfight week in and out. Fantasy Stock: I think the person most frustrated with the play of Tom Brady is wideout Randy Moss, who is missing opportunity after opportunity for big games as Brady just cant find him when he's open. How this will effect him and the Patriots over the coming weeks remains to be seen but owners of both might want to keep a close eye on these two as tensions rise.
