There are a jillion ways to win a football game, and Kansas City could be on a quest to experience each and every one. That’s now three close-shave victories in three games, all coming down to the final minute. The Chiefs have never backed down from high degrees of difficulty in their routines, and Sunday night in Atlanta required them to hang on after a slew of defensive penalties, needing a Nick Bolton fourth-down stuff to pull it out. There are still some limitations on offense, and the big play was nowhere to be found versus the Falcons, but the back-to-back reigning champs are getting it done. Undrafted rookie RB Carson Steele held up in place of Isiah Pacheco. Rashee Rice turned in another huge game. Travis Kelce woke up a little after halftime but remained underwhelming overall. It wasn’t Patrick Mahomes’ best night, but he was still the best QB on the field. The Chiefs are now 77-22 in the regular season with Mahomes as a starting QB. Seven wins every nine times he suits up. This season, they’re 3-for-3.

The Bills really could make a case for No. 1 here, but I didn’t want to be the guy who dropped the Chiefs from the top spot after the back-to-back Super Bowl champs opened the season with three wins. But the way Buffalo absolutely obliterated Jacksonville served as a firm reminder that this team isn’t going anywhere. It was a near-perfect night for the Bills. Josh Allen got cooking early, burgeoning his early MVP candidacy. Dalton Kincaid scored his first touchdown of the season. Khalil Shakir took another step forward. Keon Coleman caught his first NFL TD pass. And in the moment that truly energized the crowd, Damar Hamlin snagged his first career interception. Buffalo has a different level of focus and execution to start this season, one that took way too long to develop a year ago. Guess that Super Bowl window hasn’t closed just yet.

Vikings fans: Yes, I hear you! You’ve proven your point, and it’s time for that point to be reflected properly in these rankings. I harbored some doubt about Sam Darnold and a banged-up offense, as well as a defense that had been impressive the first two games but with clear caveats. Throw those concerns out the window following the 27-point blowout of the Texans, who were pretty much cooked by the third quarter. Darnold was sacked four times, but the offense took advantage of great field position on the first two scores. That was thanks to a masterful defensive game plan from Brian Flores, who could once again be a head-coaching candidate to watch this coming offseason. He blitzed the heck out of C.J. Stroud, and the plan worked. Stroud had been effective versus extra rushers his first season-plus, but the Vikings were undaunted in coming after him. And what a sweet day it had to be for Jonathan Greenard to sting his former team for three sacks.

Jared Goff played a cleaner game Sunday, but he still threw a regrettable interception that kept the Cardinals in it. That’s now four picks in three outings for Goff, and he could have had another — a pick-six, no less — late in the second quarter had the referees not blown the play dead just ahead of the two-minute warning. He also took a pair of sacks, both of which he appeared to walk himself into (including one vs. a three-man rush). Goff was more accurate this time out, completing 18 of his 23 passes despite Sam LaPorta missing most of the second half and Jameson Williams having a quiet game. The hook-and-ladder play was a reminder that this offense still is juicy and fun. But Sunday’s victory had as much to do with Detroit’s defense stepping up in a big way. There were still a few coverage slip-ups, but the pressure and tackling were strong all game.

I’m not sure what got into a run defense that was gashed in two straight games to open the season, but Vic Fangio’s front got the job done well against New Orleans. The Eagles also made life tough on Derek Carr and the Saints’ passing game, turning in one of the better all-around defensive performances in the Nick Sirianni era. Now, Sirianni’s decision-making? That remains dicey after some curious choices again Sunday, keeping the game remarkably close in spite of Philadelphia holding a yardage edge of more than 250 at one point in the game. Jalen Hurts also is hurting his team with turnovers, although his play this season has been more good than bad overall. But Week 2 was a reminder of the Eagles’ ability to lose a game they shouldn’t, so I’m still a little cautious with how high I’m ready to jump them up the list.