NFL Power Rankings After Week 2
This week has been one of many injuries to not only many teams, but for those teams, it was injuries to key star players. Without these players, teams will be tested early and often with depth and seeing if they can hold out until reinforcement comes or step up and show their young talented players. The rankings will be changing for everyone and some teams will definitely surprise many for how they perform.
32. Jets
31. Dolphins
30. Giants
29. Lions
28. Panthers
27. Bengals
26. Washington
25. Falcons
24. Broncos
23. Browns
22. Vikings
21. Jaguars
20. Bears
19. Eagles
18. Texans
17. Chargers
16. Colts
15. Cowboys
14. Buccaneers
13. Raiders
12. Patriots
11. 49ers
10. Cardinals
The Cardinals in the top ten can be a surprise to many, but the few experts and football junkies could have told you that the Cards have a lot of pieces to put together a great team. These past two weeks have shown that the Cards are legit. Week one they played a very solid and talented 49ers team that only a few months ago was in the Superbowl. They managed to not only win that game but have second-year quarterback Kyler Murray and superstar receiver DeAndre Hopkins show that the connection between them is real. They then came back in Week 2 vs the Washington football team and completely controlled the game from start to finish. Murray is on pace to be an early MVP candidate with multiple weapons. The defense is still working out the kinks but can be dangerous when all gelled together.
9. Rams
Each week this team is looking better and better. Jared Goff is looking good coming out of the gate. The offensive line is returning to its previous 2018 form. While the defense has revamped itself under the new defensive coordinator. The most surprising thing to happen so far is the running back rotation. Entering the season, the job seemed to be up for grabs with the release of All-Pro running back Todd Gurley. Malcolm Brown is the veteran, Henderson is the second year guy while Cam Akers is the talented rookie. All three backs offer different things, but they can all be multi-purpose backs. The first two weeks have highlighted Brown and Henderson. Hopefully, Akers can show his potential after his injury clears up, but for now, this team is looking great all around.
8. Saints
Drew Brees, Alvin Kamara, Sean Payton, and a solid defense is what keeps this team from dropping out the top ten. Yet, the loss to the Raiders on Monday night football really hurt and possibly showed how much Brees relied on his favorite target Michael Thomas. Thomas being sidelined for at least three to four weeks will be a true test for the remaining wide receivers and Brees to get through. If they can come out 2-2 in the next four games they should be good.
7. Titans
Tannehill is definitely trying to show everyone he earned that new contract this past offseason. Tannehill went 18 for 24 for 239 yards with four touchdowns. This type of production is what the Titans have been counting on since last year. While Henry is second in the league in rushing through two weeks. Even with no AJ Brown, Corey Davis, Jonnu Smith, and Adam Humphries have picked up the slack. The defense is showing well with new addition Jadeveon Clowney and the team finally got back the real Gostkowski after a kicking debacle in week one. This team plays to its strength and it's been working.
6. Steelers
Another week, another win for the Steelers and that defense. Once again the defense was the strength for this team, seven sacks, and a pick while getting 19 quarterback hits is a difficult way to live for a quarterback. Then when you add in Big Ben starting to look like himself again with a 300-yard performance with a pair of touchdowns touchdown this team will be hard to beat. The main reason for the jump up though was the defense and running attack with James Connor was rolling. Connor had a 100-yard performance and looked solid against a good Denver run defense. If things continue like this the Ravens have a real threat to their division crown like this.
5. Bills
Josh Allen seems to be figuring it out this year and the Bills are reaping the benefits. Josh Allen currently leads the league in passing yards while accounting for seven total touchdowns. His shiny new target Stephon Diggs is having a great start to the year with 14 receptions for a league-leading 239 and a touchdown. That offseason trade seems to be paying off. While the defense under Sean McDermott seems to just be getting better. It's unfortunate two of their best linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano are going to be out for this upcoming game. Yet, with this secondary led by Tre'davious White and Co., they should be able to weather out the storm. This Bills team is primed for a playoff run, lets just hope they keep it up against a Rams team that looks to be coming back to form.
4. Packers
The Packers two Aarons’ mixed with Davante Adams is going to be a nightmare this season for opposing teams. 238 yards total, that would Aaron Jones put up this best week to go along with three touchdowns. Then you mix in the fact that the Packers defense is holding up pretty well and are starting to gel again. For anyone this past offseason that questioned whether Aaron Rodgers is over the hill, he is currently saying his famous R-E-L-A-X to them then. Let’s just see if this continues against a Saints team that just let Derek Carr and the Raiders throw over 30 points on the board.
3. Seahawks
During this past week, Bill Belichick stated that Russell Wilson is underrated and one of the best he has seen. Russell Must have seen this and wanted to prove him right by throwing five touchdowns to five different receivers this week. He threw a pick-six early after a ball went through Greg Olsen's hands, but reminded everyone quickly that Russell is one of the best to do it. This defense might bend often but can make plays when they count from guys like Bobby Wagner, KJ Wright, and Jamal Adams. The goal-line stand on Cam at the one was a clear example. This team is good, but only can go as far as Russ can take them. Luckily for them, that includes nine playoff appearances and two two Superbowl appearances. Not bad for a 75 overall selection.
2. Ravens
The reigning MVP is exactly lighting up the scoreboard, but that is by design because this team overall is one of the most complete this year. They have started off winning their first two games by an average of 24.5 points per game. The offense is efficient in the passing and rushing game averaging 200 yards and 150 yards respectively. The defense with all the addition this offseason looks better than last season. There is truly only one team right now that is better and it is the Ravens’ next opponent. Ravens vs Chiefs will decide the new number one next win.
1. Chiefs
Patrick Mahomes just continues to shine. Even in a game where the offense struggled in the first half, you can’t ever count this team out. The last three drives he led all lead to points that helped them eventually tie and win the game. The biggest play was a 54-yard bomb to Tyreek Hill for the touchdown to tie. The defense is continuing on with its improved play as they kept the Chiefs within striking distance from a Chargers team that was surprisingly efficient with Justin Herbert at the helm in his first start. Yet the real MVP last week goes to Harrison Butker who knocked down two 55 plus yard field goals. When you have every phase of the game working like this, a Super Bowl repeat is definitely possible.
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