Week 3 Power Rankings

Word to the over-excited in Houston, Atlanta and Arizona: Starting 3-0 has translated to earning a playoff berth more than 75 percent of the time since the postseason expanded in 1990, but it doesn't mean you've got it made. Three teams were 3-0 after three weeks last season -- Green Bay, Detroit and Buffalo -- and they combined for exactly zero playoff wins. The Bills, of course, didn't even make the dance.

So, temper that enthusiasm, Texans, Falcons and Cardinals fans. Things are looking good now, but we may not even remember a strong September come December (I majored in rhyming in college). Even our power rankings should serve as a reminder of how ephemeral success can be in the NFL. We've already had Green Bay, New England and San Francisco occupy our top spot, and all three teams immediately lost and fell. It's your turn, Houston. Try to withstand the G-force pressures that have now been placed on your Texas-sized shoulders.

Now on to this week's rankings...

NFL Power Rankings