Cowherd's Week 3 NFL Hierarchy: Seattle Seahawks Retain Top Spot, Detroit Lions Enter Top 10
Colin Cowherd updates his weekly NFL power rankings, with the Seattle Seahawks holding strong at No. 1 and the Detroit Lions cracking the top 10.
Colin Cowherd's latest "Herd Hierarchy" rankings place the Seattle Seahawks at the top for Week 3, citing their ability to "throttle teams" even with backup quarterbacks and reserves. Cowherd noted the team's speed on defense and consistent performance across units as key strengths, despite concerns about over-reliance on receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
The Buffalo Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen and an improved defense, are also a strong contender, though Cowherd suggests an offensive head coach has been pivotal to their success. The Detroit Lions, despite defensive concerns and a tendency to allow high scoring, enter the top 10 due to their offensive firepower, with Jared Goff leading the league in touchdowns without an interception.
Cowherd highlighted the New Orleans Saints' impressive fourth-quarter performance against the Baltimore Ravens, crediting quarterback Tyler Shough and receiver Chris Olave. The New England Patriots are ranked eighth, with Cowherd acknowledging their winning record and strong defense, but questioning their offensive line.
Despite quarterback Matthew Stafford getting lucky in a recent game, the Los Angeles Rams are ranked seventh, with Cowherd noting their depth in various positions but a lack of polish and clean play. The Philadelphia Eagles, known for winning ugly, are also noted for their September success, though Cowherd suggested Jalen Hurts can sometimes hold the offense back.
The Cincinnati Bengals have shown significant improvement on defense, particularly against the run, and are forcing turnovers, making them one of the most improved teams so far. The Kansas City Chiefs are benefiting from a strong running game, which has opened up opportunities for Travis Kelce and Rashee Rice, while Patrick Mahomes appears sharp. The San Francisco 49ers, with a healthy roster, are dominating offensively, though Cowherd questions how they will fare when facing tougher competition later in the season.