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2018 NFL Power Rankings: Packers, Patriots fall as Rams, Chiefs show dominance

By Randy Gurzi

LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his touchdown with teammate Todd Gurley #30 during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - SEPTEMBER 23: Robert Woods #17 of the Los Angeles Rams celebrates his touchdown with teammate Todd Gurley #30 during the first quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on September 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 23: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch for a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 23: Austin Hooper #81 of the Atlanta Falcons makes a catch for a two-point conversion during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

18. Atlanta Falcons (5)

The most exciting game in the early window of Week 3 was easily the showdown in the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Atlanta Falcons hosted the New Orleans Saints and could have put themselves in a good position to contend the NFC South title. Instead, they dropped a home game to the Saints in overtime after watching Drew Brees run in a touchdown to cap off a five-touchdown performance.

It was a great showing for Brees, but Matt Ryan wasn’t outdone. He also had five touchdowns for his team — all through the air. Ryan finished with 374 yards passing and hit rookie Calvin Ridley multiple times. The rookie finished with seven receptions for 146 yards and three touchdowns. Mohamed Sanu and Tevin Coleman had the other two touchdowns but the offense wasn’t the problem — although it’s weird that Ryan and Julio Jones still cannot get it figured out in the red zone.

The problem for Atlanta is the defense. They couldn’t come up with key stops and they didn’t even get the ball back for their offense in overtime. Instead, they gave up a 15-play drive that covered 80 yards and 7:05. They need to get that side of the ball cleaned up or it could be a long season. Considering the players they’ve lost to injury, that’s a lot easier said than done.

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