2021 NFL Power Rankings, Week 3: Ravens knock off Chiefs, Raiders crack top 10

Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) celebrates scoring a fourth quarter touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
24 of 32
Next
2021 NFL Power Rankings
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) runs after a catch against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

9. team. 28. . . Previous: 24th. Las Vegas Raiders

Well, the Las Vegas Raiders are silencing a lot of their critics after just two weeks. After an unconventional offseason where they seemed to move on from all their trusted offensive linemen — and made their obligatory reach in the opening round of the draft for an Alabama player — the Raiders were near the bottom of the majority of the NFL Power Rankings. Including ours.

Then, they started out with two tough games as they played the Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 1 and the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in Week 2. In their first game, they found a way to squeak out a win in overtime but they had to try and keep it going once they faced the Steelers — who knocked off the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.

Vegas proved that they were up to the task again as Derek Carr shook off an early injury scare to throw for 382 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. The end result was. a 26-17 win as the Raiders are 2-0 despite their tough start to the season.

They now enter a stretch that could be favorable to them with the Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Chicago Bears up over the next three weeks. If they get a couple more wins in that slate, they could be well on the way to their first playoff appearance in the second Jon Gruden era.