WEEK 2 POWER RANKINGS

I especially want to preface this weeks power rankings with a single word: Rust. I think that a lot of what we saw from week 1 is shaking off some rust from certain off-season scenarios. That being said, some of it is not rust, and some stuff needs to be shaken around a bit as far as rankings go. 

32. ARIZONA CARDINALS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 32

lost to the Commanders, 20-16

For a team that I think we all had very low expectations for, the Arizona Cardinals somewhat exceeded them. Yes, they lost and only scored 16 points, but they kept it a game all 4 quarters, all while being led by Joshua Dobbs under center. And thats no knock against Dobbs, who completed 70% of his passes in Week 1.  This feels like an organization trying to lose, but I think there are a lot of guys on this team who want to win, and who obviously took the bus there Sunday.

31. HOUSTON TEXANS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 25 

lost to the Ravens, 25-9

Going into this week, I was pretty hopeful for the Texans. I like Demeco Ryans, I like some of the free agent acquisitions, and I think CJ Stroud can be a solid QB in this league. They played a pretty competitive 1st half against the Ravens, then the wheels started to fall off the bus. I think it could have gone worse for them, but I have to be objective about the team, and that they still feel pretty far away, as of week 2. I am hoping they prove me wrong but kind of a safe pick for me at 31.

30. TENNESSEE TITANS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 30 

lost to the Saints, 16-15

I mean, yikes Ryan Tannehill. 3 interceptions, 50% completion percentage, and no offensive touchdowns. I think the defense did pretty okay, they generated pretty good pressure on the QB throughout the game, and Derrick Henry still looked pretty good, but that is about all I have good to say about the Titans performance. I think this will likely be a long year for the Titans.

29. CHICAGO BEARS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 23 

lost to the Packers, 38-20

Now, is this the Bears being cursed and unable to beat the Packers, or is there real concern for the Bears this season? If I were a Bears fan, I would be relatively concerned. They spent a lot of money on the offensive line, and the defense, and got Fields some weapons, and they got kind of steam-rolled. I can't say Fields looked bad nor good, but I feel like the scheme shouldn't require Fields to hold the ball for very long. On paper, this team has some strengths, running the ball, and some pass rush, but until I see it in practice, not a lot of faith for the Bears.

28. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 27 

beat the Cardinals, 20-16

Now I know, that they won, and I still dropped them a spot on the Power Rankings. Well, they heavily relied on the defense to win this game, as the offense was seriously lacking against the clear worst team in the league.  2 Howell turnovers, 1 costing them a TD, and only 38 more total yards than the Dobbs-led Cardinals. A really, really, ugly win, and yes a win is a win, but this is not the type of performance you would like week-in and week-out.

27. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 16 

lost to the Buccaneers, 20-17

This team better hand Justin Jefferson a blank check ASAP, if they know what is good for them. I wasn't super high on this team going into week 1, but I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt, and that they were surely going to take care of business against a weak, Mayfield-led team... but they didn't. the defense isn't very good, and you can throw a lot of yards, but that only means so much if you aren't efficent and score more. This team feels super one dimensional, and I don't think it is built to win a whole lot of games.

26. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 31 

Beat the Vikings, 20-17

I was fully prepared for this team to tank for Caleb Williams, but they found themselves in the Win column in Week 1. Do I think it was a good, hard fought win? Yes. Do I think this means that they are suddenly a sleeper team? No. I am impressed with Baker, and the whole team, but I can't in good faith put them higher than 26.

25. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 26 

lost to the Jaguars, 31-21

The Colts played shockingly well against a playoff team. I really liked how an 'unpolished' player in Anthony Richardson played in his first game, putting up some pretty good numbers. Even his 1 interception I can't give him too much crap for, he was trying to force a pass on a must-score drive. The defense made some plays, and even some of the Colts receivers played well. If only this team had a superstar runningback and a front office that is willing to pay him accordingly, because if so, this team could have maybe snuck away with a week 1 dub. Nevertheless, I am looking forward to watching this team play this year.

24. CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 18 

lost to the Falcons, 24-10

A little disappointed in my predicted NFC South winners, as they kind of fell flat on their face in week 1. It definitely felt like an NFC South matchup, and Bryce Young played like a rookie. I'm not going to sound the alarms for the Panthers just yet, there is still quite a bit I like about how this team is built. I want to see them play a non-NFC South team to really get a feel for the Panthers, as I just don't really know what to think about them right now.

23. ATLANTA FALCONS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 19 

beat the Panthers, 24-10

I think the Falcons are slightly better than the Panthers. I think they have a really, really solid roster, and could easily win their division, I just have a few gripes. The Falcons have used the last 3 first round draft picks on offensive weapons, Pitts, London, and Robinson. I feel like they should be used more in the offense, and that's not a fantasy football thing, it's a common sense thing, those 3 are crazy talented and I want to see the ball in one of their hands at least every other play. Pitts getting 3 targets, and London getting no receptions. Bijan got a good workload, but he is also the best running back prospect in years. Their defense has some really solid peices too, but I think they can do better.

22. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 29 

beat the Broncos, 17-16

The Raiders played pretty well in Week 1. The offense seemed to really work well through Jimmy G, and the defense did enough to hold onto win. This was one of those games where it really could have gone either-way, but there really isn't much to complain about from a Raiders perspective. I do have to be cautious, I'll have to see a little more to actually tell if this team is legit, but on paper it was the most efficient offense this week.

21. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 24 

lost to the Eagles, 25-20

Although they lost, I moved the Pats up 3 spots. I thought that they played super well against an elite team. Mac Jones had a pretty solid game, 3 TDs and 314 yards is not something that was on my bingo card for Mac, but he almost won the game for the Pats. I don't know how legit they are, but I think at the very least this team will be a tough, tough out.

20. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 17 

beat the Titans, 16-15

The Saints scraped out a win in Derek Carr's debut at the Superdome in week 1. I thought it was just an okay win. Not super impressed with the way the played, as they really couldn't run the ball very well, but not disappointed with 305 passing yards either. I don't think the Titans shouldn't have been much of a struggle, but they were for the Saints in week 1.

19. LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 28 

beat the Seahawks, 30-13

I mean, wow. An absolute thumping of their divisional rival. Everything was firing on all cylinders for the Rams. No Kupp? No problem. Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua had 119 yards each. They outplayed a roster I thought was better at every position. I can't say that they are a sleeper team in the NFC just yet, as there is a chance that it was just rust from the Seahawks, but wow, this could be an elite offense when Kupp gets back.

18. NEW YORK GIANTS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 10

lost to the Cowboys, 40-0

When it comes to the Giants, I am a little speechless. I think just about everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. I am hoping they bounce back next week, because I was pretty hopeful about this team this year, but this feels like one of those losses that could set a tone for the rest of the season, if they let it.

17. NEW YORK JETS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 20 

beat the Bills, 22-16

Welp, no more Aaron Rodgers. I apologoize to all the Jets fans that had their hopes up for this season, as that is maybe the worst thing that could have happened for them. I am in no position to judge Rodgers as a human being, he can do whatever he wants. However, a 40 year old QB that isn't exactly known for spending time and money on his body in the off-season, I hope the Jets are prepared for this. They seem to be going forward with Zach Wilson, as he did win the game last night, I think without Rodgers, just about all of their playoff hopes died. I was impressed with the defense, though, a lot better than I thought it was going to be.

16. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 11 

lost to the Rams, 30-13

The Seahawks were bad in week 1. All that was heard in the off-season was how good this secondary is, and that they were maybe the LOB 2.0. It got torched by a Matthew Stafford coming off his worst season and Tutu Atwell and Puka Nacua. The offense wasn't great either, now you could easily point to them losing both tackles as the reasoning for that, and I wouldn't disagree. A weak showing in week 1 from a playoff hopeful team, we'll see if they bounce back in week 2.

15. DENVER BRONCOS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 14 

lost to the Raiders, 17-16

Now I get it, you may think this is pretty high for a team that lost to the Raiders in Week 1. The loss I am not worried about, there was 4 points left on the board by the kicker, so it could have gone either way, like I said for the Raiders. The Broncos stay relatively high on my power rankings because some of the issues from last season seem to have improved. The offense on paper was the 2nd most efficient, and Russell Wilson looked pretty good. 80% completion percentage, 2 TDs and a passer rating of 109. All this while the offense was missing Jeudy and Dulcich. What is a little concerning for the Broncos is that they didn't have any sacks, and missed some field goals. The defense should figure it out, as it is essentially the same top unit from last season. Sean Payton should only make this offense gel more as the season goes on.

14. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 12

lost to the 49ers, 30-7

I am not going to be too harsh on the Steelers, as this was a tough week 1 matchup. The Niners at full health is an absolute juggernaut. It is hard to have a good read on the team after this week other than completely negative, but I don't see this team playing the Niners every week. That being said, they didn't stop the run very well, and Pickett didn't have his best day either. Hard to have a read on this team right now.

13. GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 22

beat the Bears, 38-20

This feels like this could be an overreaction, as the Bears could just be really bad again this year, but the Packers put on a clinic in Chicago. Jordan Love was absolutely dealing, all without his no. 1 WR, the running game was elite, and the defense was really good too. I think if we're not already having a conversation about Jaire Alexander being the best corner in the league, that conversation has to start now, because he just takes away the other teams best reciever with ease. Pass rush was good, they didn't turn the ball over, it is going to be hard to lose games the way the Packers played week 1.

12. CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 21

beat the Bengals, 24-3

An absolute masterclass on the defensive side of the ball. Shutting down Joe Burrow to 3 points? The whole game?! That is absurd, and something that I am sure no one expected. Offensively, it was a pretty decent showing. Watson didn't play too hot, but maybe he will improve throughout the season. Just like Jaire Alexander, I think there needs to be a conversation about Nick Chubb being the best RB in the league, 106 yards, averaging 5.9 YPC is elite numbers. If this offense can click through the air, I can easily see them being a top 10 team.

11. BUFFALO BILLS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 4

lost to the Jets, 22-16

Pretty disappointed in the Bills after week 1. After Rodgers went down, I thought the game would take a downward slide for the Jets, but the Bills never pulled away for the win, and instead lost in Overtime. I don't think they ran the ball super well, nor did they pass the ball well (3 INTs), but they are the Bills. This roster is still really good from top to bottom, and when there isn't turnovers and better redzone efficiency, they are really tough to beat. The Jets defense is as legit as they come, so maybe there is some rust the Bills need to shake off.

10. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 15

lost to the Dolphins, 36-34

I liked the way the Chargers offense played in Week 1, not the defense. I feel like Staley should have been fired this past offseason, as a defensive minded head coach can't have this bad of a defense, especially when you have the sheer number of weapons on defense. Potentially the defense could figure it out, and this could be a special team, but coaching is really important.

9. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 9

beat the Colts, 31-21

The Jaguars took care of business agaisnt the Colts in week 1. Calvin Ridley looked good in his debut, and the team played a pretty clean game all the way around. Maybe a little closer than it should've been, but it is a divisional game, so that will happen. Not too much to say about the Jaguars after week 1.

8. BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 8

beat the Texans, 25-9

JK Dobbins is sadly injured again, and will miss the entire season. The Ravens played well against the Texans, at least in the second half. This is why people say if this team can stay healthy, they will be dangerous, lets hope this doesn't start a trend for the Ravens. Zay Flowers looked like a real weapon for Lamar, which is really exciting. The defense was really good for the Ravens, which is something a lot of people had questions about going into week 1. I think the Ravens will be good moving forward.

7. MIAMI DOPLHINS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 13

beat the Chargers, 36-34

In easily game of the week, Tua and Tyreek Hill put on a show. 466 yards for Tua, 215 for Hill? Ridiculous. This is probably the best offense in the league, and for good reason. People were worried about their ability to run the ball, but does it really matter when Hill or Waddle are probably wide open? I think Tua won a lot of people over this week. The defense gave up 34 points, but it was to Justin Herbert, so we'll see how good they do in the coming weeks.

6. DETROIT LIONS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 6

beat the Chiefs, 21-20

I would say I am surprised the Chiefs lost, but I'm not.(because I picked them to) The Lions are good, I hope a lot of people knew that before, but they know it now. The defense was lights out in Kansas City, which is maybe the most impressive thing you can do in the NFL nowadays. I even think the offense underperformed in week 1, but they still were efficient. The Lions are going to be a huge threat in the NFC this year, and that is going to be kind of cool to say out loud.

5. CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 3

lost to the Browns, 24-3

Let's not overreact to this. Joe Burrow for some strange reason struggles against the Browns, I'm not going to read into it too much. I still think the Bengals are a top dog in the AFC, and that they should still win a lot of games this season. I did drop them a few spots from last week though, as I still am pretty dissapointed in the Bengals.

4. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (0-1)

LAST WEEK 2

lost to the Lions, 21-20

Not a great showing from the defending champs. Mahomes had never played a game without Travis Kelce before Thursday Night, and it showed some flaws in this offense when he is not there. A little concerned about that fact for the long term, because if the day comes that Mahomes will play without Kelce, should we be worried about how good Mahomes does. I know he is good, and a lot of the game should be blamed on the recievers, but Mahomes also missed some key throws too. If this offense doesn't work without 1 guy, that is pretty concerning. The bright side is Kelce will be coming back, but the roster outside of Mahomes, Kelce, and Chris Jones is concerning, and not as nearly as good as some of these other top teams rosters.

3. DALLAS COWBOYS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 7

beat the Giants, 40-0

I could only write that they blew out a playoff team from last year 40-0, and that would warrant a number 3 spot. However, after the defense didn't allow a point, got 3 turnovers, 7 sacks, I have to mention that. The offense didn't put up crazy numbers in week 1, but they didn't really have to. They ran the ball well, and didn't turn the ball over, which is all they have to do to win games. The Cowboys are legit.

2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0)

LAST WEEK 1

beat the Patriots, 25-20

The Eagles survived a late scare from the Patriots in week 1. The Eagles scored 16 points in the first quarter, then were outscored the rest of the game. The Eagles played as well as you would expect them to, and played their normal brand of football, just maybe let the Patriots get to close there at the end. I moved them down to 2 not because of their performance, but because of the new no. 1 team's dominance.

1. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-0)

LAST WEEK 5

beat the Bears, 30-7

The 49ers were good going into week 1, played a good team, and steamrolled them, so I think it's only fair that they are the new 1 spot in power rankings. They did everything good in week 1, literally everything, all against a really good defense. Not much else to say about the Niners, they are elite, and I would take them to beat any team in the league right now.