It's time for our another day of PFC's Players of the Week for the third week of the season. Every week, we will name the top three players of the week for the following positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, kicker, and team defense. The first player at each position will earn two points, the player that is ranked second will earn one point, and the player ranked third will earn 1/2 of a point. At the end of the season, the points will be tallied up, and the winners at each position will be crowned the PFCritics players of the year. One special note: the players are selected not only based on the stats they put up that week, but also the toughness of the opponent they were facing. For example; if Manning throws for 300 yards against the Texans while Leftwich does the same against the Steelers, Leftwich would probably get the higher ranking. So, without further adieu, let's get started:

Quarterbacks
1. Brett Favre: 25-of-36 for 340 yards and 3 touchdowns.
2. Donovan McNabb: 18-of-33 for 296 yards and 2 touchdowns. 3 carries, 1 yard.
3. Jake Plummer: 15-of-30 for 256 yards, 2 touchdowns. 3 carries, 9 yards.
Analysis: McNabb continues to find himself in the top three quarterbacks group after another easy match-up against the 49ers' secondary. Meanwhile, Brett Favre showed that he still has it at his age, taking the top nod against the Lions' defense. Plummer is a surprise to make the list after two poor weeks to begin the season, but he was able to rebound nicely against the Patriots.


Running Backs
1. Brian Westbrook: 8 carries, 117 yards, 2 touchdowns. 4 catches, 47 yards, 1 touchdown.
2. Clinton Portis: 16 carries, 86 yards, 2 touchdowns. 2 catches, 78 yards.
3. Willie Parker: 31 carries, 133 yards, 2 touchdowns. 1 catch, 13 yards.
Analysis: The story of Week 3 in terms if running backs involved the big plays. Portis made his return with a splash, including two touchdowns and a very long run-after-the-catch. Westbrook broke a huge run and totaled three touchdowns in a win over the 49ers. Parker ran the ball well for the Steelers, despite being on the losing side.


Wide Receivers
1. T.J. Houshmandzadeh: 9 catches, 94 yards, 2 touchdowns.
2. Keyshawn Johnson: 7 catches, 97 yards, 1 touchdown. 1 carry, 4 yards, 1 touchdown.
3. Javon Walker: 3 catches, 130 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Analysis: When the Bengals were down, Houshmandzadeh provided a much needed lift in his first game of the season. Likewise, Johnson did well with another receiver returning, that being Steve Smith of the Carolina Panthers. Walker made two big plays against the Patriots, otherwise it would've been a much closer game.


Tight Ends
1. Eric Johnson: 7 catches, 87 yards, 1 touchdown.
2. Kellen Winslow: 7 catches, 92 yards.
3. Dallas Clark: 1 catch, 30 yards, 1 touchdown.
Analysis: With Vernon David out, Alex Smith was able to build a connection with the veteran Johnson. Clark made a wide open catch against the Jaguars at a critical point of the game. Winslow tore apart the Ravens defense, including a leaping catch on a heave pass by Charlie Frye amidst coverage.


Kicker
1. John Kasay: 4-of-4 from 51, 50, 49, and 46 yards. 2-of-2 PAT's.
2. Matt Stover: 3-of-3 from 32, 43, and 52 yards.
3. Jeff Wilkins: 3-of-3 from 26, 47, and 21 yards. 1-of-1 PAT.
Analysis: Kasay was the kicker of the week without a doubt, making four field goals from 46 yards or more, including the game winner. Matt Stover also drilled a 53-yard game winner, while Wilkins showed some of the clutch he had in Week 1.


Team Defense
1. New Orleans Saints: 3 points allowed, 5 sacks, 1 blocked punt, 1 touchdown against Atlanta.
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 20 points allowed, 3 sacks, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble against Pittsburgh.
3. St. Louis Rams: 14 points allowed, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 1 forced fumble against Arizona.
Analysis: There weren't any shutouts recorded in Week 3, but the Saints surprised everyone by shutting down Michael Vick and the Falcons running game. The Bengals had three big interceptions on Ben Roethlisberger, and the Rams were once again able to get the better of former quarterback Kurt Warner.

Stay tuned to PFCritics for our weekly players of the week.