NFL Power Rankings: Week 2
16 – Indianapolis Colts (1-0)
LW – 33-8 Win over Miami Dolphins
Is Daniel Jones the fantasy GOAT? If you ask Eric, the answer is unequivocally yes. But in all seriousness, the Colts came out firing and surprised a lot of people. The Colts were dominating so much that Jonathan Taylor didn’t even play the last quarter and a half. Is this success sustainable? Only time will tell but they are playing for something bigger this year with their owner Jim Irsay passing away before the season began. I will say I am looking forward to more picks by Cam Bynum just so we can all enjoy his celebrations.
15 – Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
LW – 27-24 Win over Chicago Bears
Early on in the game, I was thinking JJ McCarthy just aint it. But he proved me wrong with his 3 touchdown performance in the 4th quarter in the come from behind win. McCarthy will need to show consistency for the Viking’s sustained success moving forward.
14 – Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)
LW – 17-16 Win over Cleveland Browns
What a dreadful performance by Joe Burrow and the Bengals offense. Finishing with 113 yards passing just can’t happen with the dynamic playmakers that they have. The offensive line just isn’t holding up. They were lucky to be playing the Browns this week.
13 – Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)
LW – 34-32 Win over New York Jets
Welcome back Aaron Rodgers! He looked good and fully back from an Achilles tear that sidelined him 2 seasons ago. The Steelers’ offense that is historically a run first offense, surprised me with their quick hitting, run after the catch passing attack. Rodgers thrives in situations like this. The defense was disappointing. After an entire offseason putting an emphasis on stopping the run, they turn around and let Jets run for 182 yards and 3 touchdowns on the ground.
12 – Los Angeles Chargers (1-0)
LW – 27-21 Win over Kansas City Chiefs
What a win over the last year’s Super Bowl losers! Much like the Steelers, I was surprised how a run first offense turned into a passing offense. Granted, it is just 1 week but having Justin Herbert sling the ball around is working! The funniest part of this game is that there are going to be so many kids in Brazil who will grow up thinking that Quentin Johnston is the best WR who ever lived.
11 - Detroit Lions (0-1)
LW – 13-27 Loss to Green Bay Packers
Losing your offensive and defensive coordinators in one offseason really takes a toll on the team. The Lions looked lost and discombobulated in week 1. I’m not entirely out on the Lions….yet. I think that Dan Campbell figures it out and gets his team on the right track in the next couple of weeks.
10 – Los Angeles Rams (1-0)
LW – 14-9 Win over Houston Texans
All that time in the offseason that Matthew Stafford missed is showing. The typically explosive offense was more like a small spark. And by small spark I mean Puka Nacua. The dude went off for 10 catches and 130 yards despite missing snaps to get stitches. Nacua is going to have games like this often. Get used to it.
9 – San Francisco 49ers (1-0)
LW – 17-13 Win over Seattle Seahawks
Will all the Brock Purdy haters please stand up? And now walk out because you are all wrong. Purdy was pressured on the majority of his throws and still made the right decision 94% of the time. His 2 bad decisions resulted in 2 picks but that’s what happens when you try to make plays with George Kittle and Juwan Jennings ruled out for the game. The defense looks rejuvenated and violent with Robert Saleh back on the sideline. I’m all in on the 49ers, obviously. Also thank God that Jake Moody was cut.
8 – Denver Broncos (1-0)
LW – 20-13 Win over Tennessee Titans
Sophomore Slump for Bo Nix? After a very promising rookie year, Nix looked scared, not in control of the offense and made haarrrrible decisions leading to 3 turnovers. The Broncos defense is what saved them. 6 sacks for 50 yards is incredible. This team will go as their defense goes.
7 – Kansas City Chiefs (0-1)
LW – 21-27 Loss to Los Angeles Chargers
The Xavier Worthy injury hurts. Patrick Mahomes will have to put the team on his back and rely on an old Travis Kelce, washed up JuJu Smith-Schuster and an oft-injured Hollywood Brown. On the bright side, Brown is healthy for the first time in what seems like an eternity. I think the Chiefs will need to make a WR acquisition for them to truly be in contention this year. Tyreek Hill?????
6 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)
LW – 23-20 Win over Atlanta Falcons
Incredible “Welcome to the League” moment for Emeka Egbuka! The highly touted rookie WR left his mark on the game with his game winning 25 yard touchdown grab with 59 seconds left. Let’s not forget that he had another TD grab earlier. Baker looked rusty but I expect him to be the Baker of last season by next week.
5 – Washington Commanders (1-0)
LW – 21-6 Win over New York Giants
While winning over the Giants is nothing to write home about, a win is a win and the Commanders showed off all their new toys. Deebo turned back the clock and looked like he did with the 49ers 2 years ago. The defense took a major step forward as Javon Kinlaw and Daron Payne held the Giants running backs to 38 yards on 15 carries.
4 – Green Bay Packers (1-0)
LW – 27-13 Win over Detroit Lions
The addition of Micah Parsons makes this defense something to be feared. Parsons was on a limited snap count but still made a major impact on the defensive end. Why would you ever let a generational talent like this walk? I don’t know, but you can ask the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Angels and see if it worked out for them.
3 – Baltimore Ravens (0-1)
LW – 40-41 Loss to Buffalo Bills
How can I put a team that lost week 1 in the top 3? Because the Ravens are just that good. If it wasn’t for Josh Allen putting on his Superman cape, taking over and a late Derrick Henry fumble, the Ravens had this game in the bag. That rushing attack is insane. 238 total rushing yards are the things dreams are made out of.
2 – Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
LW – 24-20 Win over Dallas Cowboys
What happened to the Eagles’ air attack? AJ Brown finished with 8 yards and Devonta Smith finished with 16 yards. Not something you want to see as an Eagles fan. On the bright side, Jalen Hurts is still a very solid rushing QB. On an even brighter note, the Eagles defense was able to hold their own even with chronic spitter Jalen Carter being ejected before the first snap of the game.
1 – Buffalo Bills (1-0)
LW – 41-40 Win over Baltimore Ravens
Game of the year award?!? What an incredible first Sunday Night Game of the season. Instant classic that showcased the grit, determination and consistency of the Bills. They can be down but you can never count them out. The run defense struggled mightily all game but you’re never out of it with Allen at QB.