Almost nobody in the NFL landscape expected the Las Vegas Raiders to be this good this early in the season. Certainly, nobody had it on their Bingo cards that Klint Kubiak's team would be 3-0 heading into a battle for sole possession of first place in the AFC West in Week 4 vs. the Kansas City Chiefs.
But such is the case. So get used to it!
Those who originally doubted the Silver and Black are starting to eat a bit of crow, but the anti-Raider bias is still very much alive in the national media. Yes, Las Vegas is gaining a more favorable perception, but understandably, it is taking more than just three games to have them anointed.
And that's fine. But hopefully it is not long until those who cover this league are literally forced to give this team its due, and shamed if they do not. A rundown of the post-Week 3 power rankings indicates that that time may be near, but is not quite here yet. Some are still laughably holding out as well.
Raiders post-Week 3 power rankings has Klint Kubiak's team rising (but not enough)
FanSided - Jason La Canfora
Current - 11
Last Week - 23
"We told you last week we are giving them all of their due while we can. There will be some falloff soon, but it's hard to win three in a row, and the Saints are a very decent team. Kirk Cousins is so at ease in this offense, and can you believe the Raiders are the team making the plays in the fourth quarter? Brock Bowers made a huge impact. Maxx Crosby is playing out of his mind."
Our take: Who says there will be some falloff soon? I understand the hesitation with Las Vegas, based on history, but that has no bearing on this team under Kubiak. Until the Raiders start to fall off, there is no reason to simply believe that they will. We'll take a 12-spot jump, though.
ESPN
Current - 14
Last Week - 20
"Jeanty got off to a strong start, recording 32.7 fantasy points in a Week 1 win over the Dolphins. But he has been inconsistent since then, averaging fewer than 3 yards per carry and 11.3 fantasy points in the past two games. Jeanty was expected to make a significant jump in Year 2 under new coach Klint Kubiak. His production should pick up if he gets more opportunities in the passing game, though Brock Bowers just returned for the Raiders from a meniscus trim.-- Ryan McFadden"
Our take: The Raiders' run game concerns are legitimate, but they've won against two good foes without being able to lean on it. And this list is inherently flawed, as the 2-1 Detroit Lions and 2-1 Cincinnati Bengals are ahead of Las Vegas. The former needed a fluke to beat the team that the Silver and Black just did, and the latter just lost to the Steelers and gave up 30 points.
NFL.com - Nick Shook
Current - 10
Last Week - 22
"Sure, I might be overreacting to the Raiders’ hot start, but how can I pass on the rare opportunity to push the Silver and Black into the top 10? Klint Kubiak has inspired this previously downtrodden franchise, and Las Vegas is playing a wildly entertaining brand of football built on contributions from both established (Kirk Cousins, Brock Bowers) and unknown players (fifth-round rookie Hezekiah Masses has three interceptions this season!)."
Our take: I love this energy from Shook. And he is exactly right - when is the last time Las Vegas has been in the top 10 of anything good?? It's hard to argue much on his list, and it's pretty crazy to see the Raiders a few spots ahead of the Los Angeles Rams.
Fox Sports - Ralph Vacchiano
Current - 20
Last Week - 22
"Yes, this is ridiculously low for a 3-0 team. I get it. But they had a very soft opening, and their schedule is about to get rock hard over the next eight weeks. Besides, do you really believe Kirk Cousins can keep this up? Nine TDs and three interceptions hasn’t been a standard ratio for him in a while. And the Raiders still haven’t really gotten RB Ashton Jeanty going.
"Las Vegas' bigger issue, though? They’ll get the Chiefs, Bills, Rams, 49ers, Seahawks and Broncos over the next eight games. So enjoy this record now, while you still can. It’s hard to see the Raiders pushing much higher."
Our take: Perhaps I don't understand. The Saints were No. 15 last week and stayed there this week after losing to the Raiders, but Las Vegas barely inches up after beating a supposedly good team? This list is a complete joke, with the 1-2 Panthers, 1-2 Patriots, 1-2 Cowboys and 1-2 Colts all ahead of the Silver and Black. The Chiefs jumped four spots for barely beating the Miami Dolphins. At least try to hide the bias!
The Athletic - Josh Kendall and Chad Graff
Current - 12
Last Week - 22
"Kirk Cousins is tied for the league lead in touchdown passes with nine, and Las Vegas is unbeaten. What’s not to love? The schedule, for starters. After playing three teams with a combined one win, the Raiders have the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Rams up next. Cousins is 38, in Year 15 of his career and knows he was signed as a placeholder for No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza. If Cousins or his team falls off this pace, fans will start clamoring for the new guy."
Our take: The schedule ahead isn't as difficult as it looks. And the Raiders should probably be slotted ahead of the Ravens, who sit at No. 11, considering they beat the Saints in New Orleans, and the week before, Baltimore blew a lead at home to the same team. Semantics, but still.
Sports Illustrated - Conor Orr
Current - 9
Last Week - 21
"The Raiders are getting their Mariah Carey moment in this week’s power rankings. Every year, Carey peaks on the Billboard charts and we celebrate her arrival and understand her departure without judgement. Las Vegas has earned its moment here after a third shape-shifting victory, this time over the Saints. Brock Bowers is the most imposing receiver we’ve seen since peak A.J. Brown."
Our take: I am going to take the positive of being No. 9 here and not take the bait on the Mariah Carey reference. Well, actually, I am. Mariah Carey is awesome, and she has her own theme night on Dancing With The Stars next Tuesday. Who said she can only peak one time per year?
Bleacher Report
Current - 11
Last Week - 20
"At 3-0, the Las Vegas Raiders have already matched their entire win total from last season. It's amazing how different a team can look thanks to organizational competency. It's only the second time since 2002 this franchise opened a season with three straight wins.
"Are the Raiders legit, though? Obviously, the Miami Dolphins and Los Angeles Chargers aren't good. The New Orleans Saints are highly competitive, but Kellen Moore's squad has found ways to lose during his time as head coach. Next week's matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs will provide a true test.
"Las Vegas should be ready for its upcoming matchup now that Brock Bowers is back. Much like Travis Kelce, Bowers isn't an ordinary tight end. He's the Raiders' No. 1 target, as evidenced by 10 catches for 116 yards upon his return to the lineup."
Our take: Yes, I think this Raiders team could be legitimate, but I need to see the Chiefs game to say for sure. My only gripe with this list, surprisingly, is Las Vegas being behind the Rams, as the 1-2 team hasn't really shown many signs of life yet. That feels crazy to say, but I stand by it. Power rankings are about right now.
Average Rank - 12.4
Average Rank Last Week - 21.4
Average Change - +9.0
Highest Rank - 9 (Sports Illustrated)
Lowest Rank - 20 (Fox Sports)
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