Raiders gain respect in Week 3 power rankings after first 2-0 start in 5 years

The Las Vegas Raiders have begun to draw respect from NFL analysts after securing their first 2‑0 start in five years. A 26‑14 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers pushed the team to 2‑0, a mark they had not reached since the 2021 season. Although a win over the Miami Dolphins did not prevent the Raiders from slipping in a few power‑ranking lists last week, they climbed in many others as one of eight clubs to open the season with two wins. The most notable movement came in CBS Sports’ power rankings, where Las Vegas vaulted 12 places to No. 16 (up from 28). ESPN and Sports Illustrated also lifted the Raiders, adding eight and seven spots respectively. Below is a snapshot of where the Raiders sit in Week 3 power rankings ahead of their Sunday trip to the New Orleans Saints, along with the exact commentary from each outlet. **CBS Sports — 16 (28)** “They are 2-0 and 1 of the astonishment teams of the archetypal 2 weeks. The defence impressed successful the triumph implicit the Chargers.” **Yahoo Sports — 18 (23)** “The Raiders are 2-0 for the archetypal clip since 2021! Aren’t you amazed it was that recent? Kind of amusive to spot them not beryllium a full doormat. Nice to spot Nakobe Dean playing good for his caller team.” **Bleacher Report — 20 (24)** “It’s a large start, but we’ll find who these Raiders truly are implicit the adjacent 5 games—a wicked agelong that includes the Rams, Chiefs and Bills coming to municipality and a travel to New England.” **ESPN — 20 (28)** “One happening we cognize astir the QB1: Kirk Cousins tin grip unit well. Cousins has been pressured connected 36.5% of his dropbacks done 2 games. In those situations, helium has completed 13 of 21 passes (61.9%) for 161 yards, 3 touchdowns, an interception and a passer standing of 105.6. Against the Chargers, Cousins was pressured connected 40.6% of his dropbacks. Yet helium inactive managed to propulsion for 108 yards and 2 scores whenever the Chargers brought the heat.” **Sports Illustrated — 21 (28)** “I don’t cognize what happens from here, but the information that the Raiders person gotten unthinkable accumulation retired of a fistful of players the erstwhile authorities deemed unplayable—and are getting game-changing plays from a 2026 fifth-round prime successful the secondary—have maine much assured successful the John Spytek-Tom Brady caput meld than I’ve ever been.” **The Athletic — 22 (27)** “The No. 1 wide prime doesn