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We know NFL power rankings are meaningless — but we still gobble them up every week! NFL writers have released theirs for Week 3. The Kansas City Chiefs are at least in the top three in every single one we checked. Here’s a sampling:
NFL.com: 2
(up from 3)
Here were Patrick Mahomes’ final five completions of the first half against the Raiders: 42-yard TD to Mecole Hardman, 32 yards to Damien Williams, 43 yards to Demarcus Robinson, a 27-yard TD to Travis Kelce and a 39-yard TD to Robinson. Superman stuff. Mahomes threw for an astounding 278 yards and four touchdowns in the second quarter alone and finished a game with more than 350 yards and four-plus touchdowns for the fourth time in 18 career starts. Oh, and he turned 24 today. Happy birthday, MVP. Kansas City’s defense -- which Derek Carr labeled as “really good” after the game -- deserves credit after holding Oakland scoreless in the final three quarters. Answer me this: Who (besides New England) has a chance of beating this team if Mahomes stays healthy and Steve Spagnuolo’s defense develops into an above-average unit? — Dan Hanzus
ESPN: 2
(unchanged from 2)
Pleasant surprise: Multiple wide receivers had huge games in Tyreek Hill’s absence in the Chiefs’ two games: Sammy Watkins in Week 1 and Demarcus Robinson against the Raiders on Sunday. Even without Hill, the Chiefs have too much receiving talent and too creative an offensive playcaller in Andy Reid to think opponents will be successful in shutting down every receiver. Look for the Chiefs to continue to be a big-play offense without Hill. — Adam Teicher
Sports Illustrated MMQB: 2
(unchanged from 2)
Tyreek Hill’s absence was hardly felt, as Damarcus Robinson had six catches for 172 yards. Tasty Mahomes-Jackson matchup on tap.
CBSSports.com: 3
(unchanged from 3)
That offense is rolling right now. So much for the idea that Patrick Mahomes would regress. It’s not happening. — Pete Prisco
Yahoo! Sports: 3
(up from 4)
Demarcus Robinson has always been an interesting talent but the production hasn’t been there. Was a 172-yard game on Sunday the sign of a breakout? — Frank Schawb
The Sporting News: 2
(unchanged from 2)
Patrick Mahomes is still the most valuable player to the Chiefs and in the entire league. If they can keep getting more from the complementary defense, they can be steadier and more dangerous overall than they were last season. — Vinnie Iyer
USA Today: 2
(unchanged from 2)
It’s obviously early, but QB Patrick Mahomes definitely appears like he’s on his way to becoming first guy to throw 50-plus TD passes twice. — Nate Davis
The Washington Post: 2
(unchanged from 2)
No Tyreek Hill in the lineup? No problem for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs, at least not against the Raiders. — Mark Maske
NBCSports.com: 2
(up from 3)
Patrick Mahomes is the game’s best quarterback. Andy Reid’s the game’s best offensive mind. Match made in heaven. — Scott Bair
Chicago Tribune: 2
(unchanged from 2)
Patrick Mahomes is off to an insane start, and while that is not a surprise, he’s on pace to pass for 6,568 yards — nearly 1,100 more than the single-season NFL record — and the Chiefs’ offense is showing no signs of slowing down without Tyreek Hills after blitzing the Raiders for 28 points in the second quarter Sunday. — Brad Biggs
Mile High Report: 2
(up from 3)
Patrick Mahomes turned 24 yesterday. Elway’s got a lot of work to do if the Broncos hope to keep up.
Patrick Mahomes, who has played 19 games, recorded his sixth game with at least 300 passing yards and four TDs, surpassing Hall of Famers Dan Marino (five games) and Kurt Warner (five) for most games with at least 300 yards and four passing TDs in a player’s first 40 NFL games.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 16, 2019
— Just_JoRo
Bleeding Green Nation: 2
(unchanged from 2)
The pairing of Patrick Mahomes and Andy Reid is just unfair. — Brandon Lee Gowton