NFC Power Rankings: Have the Cowboys shown enough to be No. 1 entering Week 3?

2nd Dallas Cowboys

Record: 2-0
Points per Game: 35.5 (1st in the league)
Points Against per Game: 5.0 (1st in the league)

At this point, the Cowboys have dominated each of their opponents and it wasn't even close, so why are they ranked second? Well, it's not because of the defense that's for sure, a defense that leads the league in the turnover battle and is tied with the Commanders for the lead in sacks. From top to bottom, this defense is fast, aggressive, and has been coached up so well by Dan Quinn that seldom do you see them making mistakes.

On the offensive side of the football Mike McCarthy has been calling a conservative game along with Brian Schottenheimer. They are also doing this without their starting left guard Tyler Smith who is set to return in week three. If McCarthy and Schottenheimer continue playing things close to the vest and making reads easier for Dak Prescott to go through then this offense is going to be effective no matter who they play, they showed it against the Jets this past weekend and that was without their second receiver Brandin Cooks. Once fully healthy look out.

1st San Fransisco 49ers

Record: 2-0
Points per Game: 30.0 (3rd in the league)
Points Against per Game: 15.0 (3rd in the league)

The gap between the Cowboys is very small but the thing that separates these two teams at the moment is the explosiveness of the 49ers offense. Running back Christian McCaffery is just a different type of player, give him any kind of space and he has the ability to take it to the house. They also have two strong receivers in Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel whose physical style of football makes it tough for defenders to bring them down. Quarterback Brock Purdy has done a nice job and taking what defenses give him and will continue that going forward.

On the defensive side of the football they have been solid, much like we assumed they would be but there are a few issues that are starting to show for this unit. Last season their secondary was really the only weak spot on this defense, and it continues to be to this day. If they want to get past the NFC Championship game and have any chance against the Eagles and Cowboys, they are going to need to shore up that secondary.

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