NFL Power Rankings Week 2

1. Kansas City Chiefs 1-0  —

Did the Chiefs offense get better…? They very well could have with the addition of 1st round RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire. The LSU product ran for 138 yards on the ground including 105 after contact, which was the most by a rookie in his debut since 2006. CEH adds a new element to this offense that QB Patrick Mahomes and head coach Andy Reid have lacked. 

Next: @ LAC

2. Baltimore Ravens 1-0 +2

Speaking of getting better, 2019 MVP Lamar Jackson looked stellar finishing 20-25 for 275 yards and 3 TDs. His chemistry with TE Mark Andrews picked up right where it left off as the former Sooner picked up 2 TDs. Instead of looking to run so quickly, Lamar looked much more patient in the pocket, keeping his eyes down the field. Besides a fumble from FB Pat Ricard in the red zone, the Ravens offense could not be stopped. Offseason acquisition Calais Campbell was a force in the interior, while rookie 1st rounder LB Patrick Queen finished his debut with 8 tackles and a forced fumble. Rookie RB JK Dobbins also had 2 rushing TDs in his debut. It was an all-around encouraging performance for John Harbaugh’s team.

Next: @ HOU

3. Seattle Seahawks 1-0 +2

Did Pete Carroll learn you can have a pass-first offense with Russell Wilson? It looked that way. In years past, the Seahawks have elected to run the ball more than anyone in the league. This uber-conservative approach would ultimately force Russ to save them with his late-game theatrics. Instead, the Seahawks started fast and ended faster. Five Seahawks’ receivers end up with 3 or more catches as Wilson started 10 for 10 and ended 31 for 35 with 322 yards and 4 TDs. He became just the second QB in NFL history to have over 30,000 career passing yards and 4,000 on the ground. CBs Shaquill Griffin, Quinton Dunbar, and Marquise Blair struggled immensely against Atlanta’s talented corps. But new superstar acquisition Jamal Adams delivered in a huge way with 12 tackles, 2 TFLs, and 1 sack. Next up: Bill Belichick and New England.

Next: vs. NE

4. New Orleans Saints 1-0 -1

The Saints did not do anything spectacular but left 1-0 against Tampa in week one. Having only gained 271 total yards on offense, the Saints were +3 in the turnover column including CB Janoris Jenkins’ pick 6 in the third quarter to make it 24-7. The Bucs made it interesting cutting the lead to 7, but the Saints were able to pull away. Despite WR Michael Thomas only finishing with 3-17-0 statline, the Saints got 2 TDs from newly extended RB Alvin Kamara.

Next: @ LV

5. Green Bay Packers 1-0 +1

The Packers handled the tempo of this game from start to finish with nearly 42 minutes in time of possession. There were questions about the WRs outside of Davante Adams all summer and what do the Pack do? WRs Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard combine for 159 yards and 2 scores in their rout of the Vikings. Adams had 156 yards of his own along with 2 other scores. The Packers are looking to show that their 13-3 finish in 2019 was no fluke.

Next: vs. DET

6. Buffalo Bills 1-0 +1

QB Josh Allen looked absolutely dynamic in the opener vs the Jets. He finished with over 300 yards passing for the first time in his career while completing 71% of his passes. He was throwing the ball down the field with efficiency and creating a ton of plays on the ground. Allen needs to take much better care of the football as he fumbled twice in Jets territory. If Allen can clean up the ball security issues, the Bills could be really scary. They will need to get better in the red zone moving forward as they only scored three touchdowns in their eight red zone trips (other five included two FGs, two missed FGs, and a fumble). The Bills left a ton of points on the board, but the potential to explode is evident. 

Next: @ MIA

7.   Pittsburgh Steelers 1-0 +5

The Steelers and QB Ben Roethlisberger started out slow as it looked like they were going to be in a dogfight with the Giants for a good portion of the game. However once RB Bennie Snell came in, it seemed like the entire Steelers offense opened up. The second year RB erupted for a career high 104 rushing yards in relief of starting RB James Conner. He was only 1 of only 3 RBs in week one to rush for over 100 yards. WR JuJu Smith-Schuster showed how much he missed Roethlisberger finishing his night with two TDs. This defense showed once again how pulverizing they are with 11 TFLs and 2 big time INTs, one being at the goal line. They held superstar RB Saquon Barkley to a career low 6 rushing yards. Despite horrendous QB play, this defense single-handedly carried the Steelers to .500 last year. If Roethlisberger can stay healthy, this team can absolutely contend in the AFC.

Next: vs. DEN

8. Arizona Cardinals 1-0 +9

One of the biggest risers after week one, the Cardinals edged out the 2019 NFC champs in a thriller. The DeAndre Hopkins trade is already paying dividends as Nuk finished with 151 yards on 14 receptions. QB Kyler Murray was an absolute difference maker, especially using his legs as he tallied up 91 rushing yards and a score. Murray constantly found the sticks with his legs for timely first downs when the Cards needed them most. However, the Cards did accumulate over 100 yards in penalties, they will need to clean up those mistakes moving forward but some sloppiness was to be expected in week one. It was nice to see CB Byron Murphy Jr. come up with two pass deflections to seal the deal over SF. 

Next: vs. WAS

9. Tennessee Titans 1-0 —

It certainly wasn’t pretty but they left mile high with a win. After a disastrous year in the kicking game where the Titans kickers missed more than they made (8/18 in 2019), former Patriots legend K Stephen Gostkowski went 1 for 4 on the night including a missed XP. He made the one that mattered the most to seal the deal in the final drive with a GW 25-yarder. RB Derrick Henry picked up where he left off with 31 carries for 116 yards. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith leaned on play action early and WR Corey Davis looked like the #5 overall pick they selected in 2017 eclipsing 100 yards. WR AJ Brown struggled as he dropped what would’ve been the game-winning TD but if Davis can stay healthy combined with the run game, this offense could be lethal. 

Next: vs. JAX

10. New England Patriots 1-0 +6

One of the more highly anticipated debuts in the NFL, QB Cam Newton delivered in a big way for New England. Newton finished with 230 total yards including 75 on the ground, which was the most by a Patriot QB since Steve Grogan had 81 in 1977. As the season progresses, the Patriots will need more from their WRs as Julian Edelman and N’Keal Harry were the only two to log a catch. The secondary was once again dominant, picking off Fitzmagic three times. Something to keep an eye on for next week is when this dominant secondary will have to take on the new and improved passing attack in Seattle.

Next: @ SEA

11. Los Angeles Rams 1-0 +8

The Rams won a thriller in game one, winning their first game in SoFi stadium 20-17 over Dallas. Despite seeing constant pressure in the first half from the likes of DeMarcus Lawrence and Aldon Smith, head coach Sean McVay made some critical adjustments in the second half. Goff was able to get the ball out of his hands much quicker with more quick game concepts and nakeds. RB Malcolm Brown stole the show as he plowed for a career high 79 yards and two touchdowns. IDL Aaron Donald wreaked all sorts of havoc with seven hurries and a sack. The Rams improved to 4-0 under McVay in season openers.

Next: @ PHI

12. San Francisco 49ers 0-1 -10

A disappointing loss to start the season, many people were not happy with QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s performance as he missed key throws all game including underthrowing WR Kendrick Bourne for the potential GW TD in the endzone. Although Garoppolo held onto the ball for too long at certain points, their WRs did only combine for 4 catches for 41 yards. This is a group that desperately needs guys like Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk to return. TE George Kittle went down with a scare but luckily came back. This is still a very good football team but there are plenty of question marks for this passing game in the immediate future. Each team in this division is very capable of beating each other; don’t be surprised if three teams make the playoffs out of the NFC West.

Next: @ NYJ

13. Minnesota Vikings 0-1 -3

The Vikings could never seem to find a rhythm. At the end of the first quarter, the Vikes established a 7-3 lead and made a goal line stand against GB as they seemed to grab all the momentum. But once CB Jaire Alexander sacked Kirk Cousins in the endzone for a safety, the Vikings were outscored 33-11 for the next two quarters including two last minute TDs before half for GB. Minnesota elected to move on from injury prone CBs Trae Waynes, Mackensie Alexander, and Xavier Rhodes. They used high draft capital to replace those guys, but in this season, growing pains will be expected for rookies Jeff Gladney and Cameron Dantzler. Without star DE Danielle Hunter, the Vikings pass rush failed to get home to Rodgers finishing without a sack. The Vikings will look to sure up their defense week two in Indy.

Next: @ IND

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers 0-1 -3

A sporadic opener for new QB Tom Brady. He looked efficient at times, but also proved to be erratic at other times. He had two uncharacteristic interceptions that cost his team in a huge way. RB Ronald Jones was a nice surprise with 82 total yards, as well as WR Scotty Miller who wound up with 73 receiving yards of his own. The Bucs defense held New Orleans in check with under 300 yards but could not generate any turnovers of their own. We saw the potential this team could be at times, but it’ll definitely be a work in progress with all the new moving pieces. 

Next: vs. CAR

15. Dallas Cowboys 0-1 -7

New coach, similar head scratching decisions for Dallas. In a back and forth contest, down by 3 in the middle of the fourth quarter, Dallas elected to go for a 4th & 3 from LA’s 11. Instead of taking the chip shot, McCarthy chose to be aggressive and go for the lead. Despite this, Dallas was still in position to win the game with the ball down by 3. Dak Prescott connected with WR Michael Gallup for a huge gain down the field only to see it be called back by an offensive pass interference, which was sold really well by Rams CB Jalen Ramsey. Dallas was efficient on offense but seemed to lack that big play we’d thought we’d see from this dynamic group. They’ll have a great chance to rebound against a struggling Falcons secondary. The Cowboys will have to do it without star LB Leighton Vander Esch, OL Cam Erving, and TE Blake Jarwin. Each were injured during the game as Jarwin will be out for the year with a torn ACL.

Next: vs. ATL

16. Houston Texans 0-1 -2

New offensive coordinator Tim Kelly had the Texans absolutely rolling in the first half. RB David Johnson looked revitalized as the Chiefs could not bring him down in the open field. But it all slowly fell apart as QB Deshaun Watson was facing constant pressure in the later parts of the contest. The Texans OL really struggled against the Chiefs front. This Texans offense has a lot of new faces along with Johnson. New WRs Randall Cobb and Brandin Cooks only had a combined 43 yards. It may take some time for them to gel together but with all their speed on offense, the Texans only managed to have 2 passing plays over 20+ yards. It doesn’t get much easier as they will have to face Baltimore, Pittsburgh, and Minnesota the next three weeks.

Next: vs. BAL

17. Los Angeles Chargers 1-0 +1

The Chargers did just enough to sneak by the Cincinnati Bengals. They definitely didn’t make it look easy as the Bengals had the Chargers on the ropes in the final possession. However, due to an offensive pass interference followed by a missed 31-yarder, the Chargers came out with a win. The Chargers will take it anyway they can get it as they have lost 31 one-possession games since 2015, the most in the NFL during that span. The Chargers were efficient in the ground game as rookie RB Joshua Kelley and Austin Ekeler combined for 144 yards. This offense and team can only go as far as QB Tyrod Taylor takes them. At times, Taylor looked like the Bills game manager, efficient version of himself, while at other times he looked like the inaccurate Cleveland version of himself that was benched early in the season.

Next: vs. KC

18. Chicago Bears 1-0 +3

One of the more exciting finishes in week one, the Bears came back down from 17 to win in the final minutes. After feeling each other out in the beginning, it seemed the Lions really started to separate towards the end of the first half. QB Mitch Trubisky looked overmatched as he had 110 yards while completing less than 50% of his throws towards the end of the third quarter. But then the Bears slowly chipped away. Trubisky finished with 242 yards and 3 passing touchdowns, which all came in the 4th quarter. The defense came up with a gigantic turnover intercepting QB Matthew Stafford with under three minutes left to cap off their comeback. Rookie RB D’Andre Swift dropped what would’ve been the game-winning touchdown for Detroit but Chicago pulled out this thriller starting the year off 1-0.

Next: vs. NYG

19. Indianapolis Colts 0-1 -6

The Colts looked to end an embarrassing stint losing 9 of their last 10 season openers as they haven’t won one since 2013. Who better to go against the Jaguars? They’re tanking, right? Wrong. At least on Sunday it didn’t look that way as the Colts defense could not handle QB Gardner Minshew and co. The Colts suffered a devastating blow losing starting RB Marlon Mack for the season. QB Philip Rivers was solid most of the day completing 78% of his throws. However, two timely interceptions, including one with under four minutes to play led to 10 of Jacksonville’s 27 points. The Colts cannot hang their heads as they’ll look to bounce back against Minnesota next week.

Next: vs. MINN

20. Philadelphia Eagles 0-1 -5

It was a tale of second halves for the Eagles as they flew out to a 17-0 lead midway through the second quarter. Their offense looked dynamic, fast, and efficient. QB Carson Wentz looked like the 2017 version of himself, stepping into throws, and extending plays with his legs. Once Wentz threw his first interception to CB Fabian Moreau in the second quarter, the Football Team scored 27 unanswered points. The OL has already become a revolving door in week one as rookie 4th rounder OT Jack Driscoll had to start in place of Lane Johnson. Driscoll suffered an injury in the third quarter and was replaced by OT Jordan Mailata. The Eagles are already down the second and third string OL as they surrendered 20 pressures and 8 sacks on Sunday. Head coach Doug Pederson did not help the cause as he completely abandoned the run and was sending Wentz back on 5-step passes without any OL help. The Eagles will have their work cut out for them next week as they will take on the most dominant DL in the league, Aaron Donald.

Next: vs. LAR

21. Atlanta Falcons 0-1 -1

There’s some good to take away from this game as the Falcons outgained Seattle by over 100 yards. A lot was accumulated when coming from behind but their WRs were incredibly productive as Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, and Russell Gage all had over 100+ yards. The Falcons DL tallied three sacks in the first half as they looked to be in Wilson’s face quite a bit. However, that pressure slowly wore off and became nonexistent in the second half as Atlanta’s defensive backfield struggled. The Falcons did not convert a single 4th down attempt going 0 for 4 on the day, each in crucial moments. They will look to bounce back at Dallas next week.

Next: @ DAL

22. Las Vegas Raiders 1-0 +3

Coming off an impressive rookie campaign, RB Josh Jacobs exploded with 139 total yards and three touchdowns. This was the Raiders first game after making the move to Las Vegas. Their offense was effective, scoring on six of their first eight possessions as well as their last drive to secure the win. They got out to a 27-15 lead before giving up 15 unanswered. Their defense struggled as they did not have answers for RB Christian McCaffrey and the Panthers passing attack. A win is a win, but the Raiders have a lot to clean up on the defensive side of the ball moving forward.

Next: vs. NO

23. Washington Football Team 1-0 +8

The Football Team seemed to look like the Washington of old in the first half. Ineffective on offense and swiss cheese on defense as they went down 17-0 very quickly. But thanks to their DL chalk full of first rounders, Washington had Carson Wentz running for his life as he could never get comfortable. Rookie DE Chase Young finished with 1.5 sacks in his debut as veteran DE Ryan Kerrigan had 2 of his own. WRs Terry McLaurin and Steven Sims Jr., along with TE Logan Thomas did enough as they accounted for 148 of QB Dwayne Haskins’ 178 passing yards. It may not come as easy as it did week one, but expect more of the same from this vicious DL.

Next: @ ARI

24. Detroit Lions 0-1 -2

A sight very familiar to Lions fans, the Lions blew a three possession lead and came back all the way back only to have their hearts broken again. Just a year ago, the Lions led in 14 out of 16 of their regular season games including 10 in the fourth quarter. This one was no different as they still could not come up with a win. This one looked like it could be different as RB Adrian Peterson who had been with the team for less than a week was wearing out the Bears defense finishing with nearly 100 yards rushing. The Lions are plenty capable of winning games but will have to learn how to close out these leads.

Next: @ GB

25. Jacksonville Jaguars 1-0 +7

One of week one’s more surprising outcomes, QB Gardner Minshew clearly has a huge chip on his shoulder to prove that he belongs. He completed an unbelievable 19 out of 20 where his one incompletion was a drop. Rookie first rounder CJ Henderson had an interception on the day while UDFA RB starter James Robinson finished with the highest rushing output from a UDFA in a debut in NFL history with 62 on the ground. WR Laviska Shenault added in a TD and 5 catches on the day. These Jags are young, and exciting to watch. They will look to go 2-0 in the division to start the year next week at Tennessee.

Next: @ TENN

26. Denver Broncos 0-1 -3

The Titans left a ton of points on the board, missing three field goals and another extra point but the Broncos couldn’t seem to convert. An early goal line stand on the 1 hurt the Broncos vastly as points will be tough to come by for this young offense. QB Drew Lock showed signs of promise but overthrew what would’ve been a potential game-sealing score. RB Phillip Lindsay left the game with an apparent toe injury. Despite a fumble in the first half, new acquisition RB Melvin Gordon looked really good in the second half. It was the first week without superstar and leader Von Miller and the defense held their own versus Tennessee. But things will certainly not get any easier going into Pittsburgh next week.

Next: @ PITT

27. Miami Dolphins 0-1 -1

There’s no question head coach Brian Flores has the Dolphins going in the right direction. Where the Dolphins were in week one last year against New England versus this year is completely night and day. The Dolphins had outgained the Patriots in the first half but costly turnovers proved to be crucial towards the outcome. WR DeVante Parker had 47 yards and was a problem for New England until he went down with an apparent hamstring injury in the third quarter. Miami’s offense will their hands full once again as they take on a stout front in Buffalo.

Next: vs. BUFF

28. Cincinnati Bengals 0-1 +1

It was an encouraging opener for Cincy but that one has to hurt. Rookie QB Joe Burrow had his fair share of mistakes including an inexcusable 4th quarter interception. But when it mattered most, Burrow marched his team down the field and looked to have won the game in the final seconds. A controversial OPI call against WR A.J Green led to a missed 31-yarder to lose the game in its final seconds. The Bengals have a short week and will look to redeem themselves on Thursday night against the Browns.

Next: @ CLE

29. New York Giants 0-1 -2

QB Daniel Jones showed encouraging signs in his first start of year two. Against arguably the best defense in the NFL, Jones threw for 279 yards including a beautiful TD bomb to WR Darius Slayton. However, the crux of Jones’ issues from his rookie year came back to bite him with two costly interceptions. The OL and DL were absolutely man-handled for most of the game as RB Saquon Barkley finished with 6 rushing yards. It will not get any easier for this OL as they’ll be up against Chicago, San Francisco, LA Rams, Dallas, and Washington for their next five games.

Next: @ CHI

30. Cleveland Browns 0-1 -6

A tough opener for new head coach Kevin Stefanski. After being destroyed in week one yet again, the Browns have now lost 14 straight season openers and have only won 1 season opener since the Browns franchise came back in 1999. Despite an absolute head scratcher in the first quarter where the Browns elected to run a fake punt in their own territory, they were very much in the game in the first 29 minutes. However, K Austin Seibert had different plans, missing an extra point and 40-yarder right before the half. What could’ve easily been 17-10 going into half, Lamar Jackson and co. took advantage of the shorter field and marched down making it an insurmountable 24-6 deficit at half. The Browns have already decided to move on from Seibert while K Cody Parkey will assume the kicking duties for the time being. The Browns had to completely abandon the run, which was very effective in the first half. They’ll look to clean up these mistakes going into a short week as they take on Burrow and Cincinnati on Thursday night.

Next: vs. CIN

31. Carolina Panthers 0-1 -1

There will be plenty of growing pains on the defensive side of the football for Carolina and last Sunday was just the beginning. Life after LB legend Luke Kuechly did not start out too well as QB Derek Carr and RB Josh Jacobs carved up the Panthers. With four rookie starters, don’t expect the defense to turn it around any time soon. Nevertheless, the offense was a very pleasant surprise as QB Teddy Bridgewater threw for 275 yards and CMC looked like the stud that he is. With new offensive coordinator Joe Brady, the aerial attack down the field was explosive and dynamic. The Panthers had a chance to cap off an impressive comeback late in the 4th but Brady elected to controversially hand the ball off to FB Alex Armah on a 4th & 1 instead of superstar RB Christian McCaffrey.

Next: @ TB

32. New York Jets 0-1 -4

An absolutely abysmal performance from New York. Besides WR Jamison Crowder’s 115 yard performance including a 69-yard catch and run for a TD, there was a lot to be desired from the offense. Le’Veon Bell only saw 14 yards on the ground on 6 carries. QB Sam Darnold looked frazzled once again as he was under duress for a good portion of the game. The Bills gave the Jets plenty of chances to hang around, but the Jets were extremely conservative and could not convert. The Jets continue to look dysfunctional as it’s looking more like “when” the Jets fire Adam Gase and not “if.”

Next: vs. SF