Week 2 is officially in the books, and the NFL landscape is already starting to take shape. We saw some teams build on strong Week 1 performances, while others took a major step backward. There were also several surprises, including a few teams jumping up the rankings after impressive wins and others falling hard after disappointing performances.
With two weeks in the books, we’re starting to get a better idea of which teams are legitimate contenders and which teams still have plenty to prove. As always, these rankings are based on what I’ve seen on the field so far, not preseason expectations.
Let’s get into this week’s rankings.
#1 49ers (0)
After demolishing the Rams, the 49ers followed it up by obliterating the Dolphins at home. The offense was nearly perfect, scoring five touchdowns on its first five possessions. Brock Purdy was 20-of-22 for 287 yards, two passing touchdowns and another rushing score. Christian McCaffrey also rushed for two touchdowns while splitting some of the workload with Kaelon Black. The defense was just as impressive, keeping Miami completely in check.
#2 Seahawks (0)
Even without Sam Darnold, Drew Lock looked incredible, and his connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba was on full display. The defense was stout as well, holding Jacoby Brissett under 100 passing yards and limiting the Cardinals to just 70 rushing yards. If Seattle continues to play this well on both sides of the ball, the Seahawks will remain a serious contender.
#3 Bills (0)
The Bills played extremely well against the Lions, jumping out to a 27-10 halftime lead. Detroit’s offense came alive in the second half, but Buffalo always had an answer and controlled the time of possession. The Bills continue to look like a force to be reckoned with.
#4 Chiefs (+5)
Kansas City held their own against the Colts at home in primetime. The offense looked sharp, Patrick Mahomes looked much better, and Kenneth Walker continued his incredible start both running and catching the ball. Travis Kelce also had a phenomenal game. The defense couldn’t stop Jonathan Taylor, but they did a good job keeping Daniel Jones in check. If the Chiefs can continue playing at this level offensively, they will be back in the mix.
#5 Bengals (+5)
The Bengals looked like a complete team on both sides of the ball against the Texans. They held Houston to just six points while Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase continued to do what they do. If Cincinnati can maintain this level of play on offense and defense, watch out.
#6 Patriots (+6)
The Patriots’ defense looked incredible once again against the Steelers. The offense was still somewhat sluggish, with Drake Maye throwing an interception and Rhamondre Stevenson fumbling, but TreVeyon Henderson returned to action with a 39-yard rushing touchdown. Maye needs to become more consistent because the defense can’t be expected to carry this team every week.
#7 Rams (+6)
After a sluggish performance in Australia in Week 1, the Rams looked sharp and poised even without Puka Nacua. Davante Adams looked like his prime self, while Matthew Stafford, Kyren Williams and Blake Corum all played well. The defense also rebounded against the Giants. Next up is a Sunday Night Football matchup against the Broncos.
#8 Vikings (+7)
The Vikings went into Soldier Field and absolutely dominated the Bears. Yes, the final score was only 9-3, but the defense looked incredible after Chicago scored 59 points in Week 1. Carson Wentz looked like an efficient game-manager, while Aaron Jones played extremely well. However, Minnesota is dealing with injuries to Jones and Jordan Mason, who is now on IR. The Vikings head to Tampa this weekend.
#9 Eagles (-2)
The Eagles are 2-0, but they’ve been extremely streaky through the first two games. They were challenged by Washington and then nearly stumbled against the Titans. Jalen Hurts finally put things together on the final drive, while the defense looked much better in the second half. However, Hurts needs to be more consistent after throwing two ugly interceptions. Saquon Barkley was injured, returned to the game and was held in check by the Titans defense. Next up is the Case Keenum-led Bears with Tyson Bagent still in concussion protocol.
#10 Broncos (+8)
The Broncos looked to be in serious trouble against the Jaguars but turned things around in the second half on both sides of the ball. Jaylen Waddle was outstanding with eight catches for 138 yards and looks like a serious threat for opposing defenses. With J.K. Dobbins and R.J. Harvey dealing with injuries, Jonah Coleman stepped up and looked impressive, although he suffered a knee injury. Bo Nix also played much better in the second half. With questions at running back, though, where does Denver turn next? They face the improved Rams on Sunday Night Football.
#11 Ravens (-7)
The Ravens played very well offensively and defensively in the first half, but Zac Minter’s team blew a 17-9 third-quarter lead and looked completely inept offensively in the fourth quarter. Where was Derrick Henry? He had just five carries in the second half. That won’t get the job done. Baltimore needs a balanced attack featuring both Henry and Lamar Jackson. Next up is a Cowboys defense that has been inconsistent.
#12 Jaguars (-7)
The Jaguars appeared to be in control with a 13-3 lead in the third quarter, but they surrendered a 17-0 scoring run to Denver and ultimately fell to the Broncos’ defense. A Trevor Lawrence interception and a missed field goal also proved costly. Jacksonville’s defense should be one of the team’s strengths this season, but a huge test awaits against the Patriots. Can Lawrence perform against a stout New England defense?
#13 Panthers (+6)
The Panthers came back strong once again with a valiant effort on both sides of the ball against the Falcons. Yes, it came against two backup quarterbacks, but Carolina still needed to respond after allowing 59 points to the Bears in Week 1. The Panthers forced five turnovers, and Bryce Young looks to have taken a step forward this season. This team is looking increasingly competitive.
#14 Texans (-2)
The Texans’ defense did everything it could against the Bengals, but the offense held them back. After a strong showing against Cincinnati, Houston came crashing back down to earth. The rushing attack was nonexistent, although C.J. Stroud throwing for 350 yards was a positive. The Texans still haven’t put everything together. The offense should have an opportunity to improve against the Colts’ struggling defense.
#15 Packers (+1)
The Packers played a sloppy game against the Jets but managed to pull off a huge comeback victory on the road. It was a physical, low-scoring affair, but Green Bay did just enough to win. The question now is: Which Packers team are we going to see? Is this a well-balanced team, or will the Packers continue to have stretches where they look sluggish and inconsistent?
#16 Lions (-2)
The Lions’ offense will always have the potential to put up points, but their Achilles’ heel continues to be the defense and the injuries affecting that unit. Detroit’s defense has serious work to do. Fortunately, they have an opportunity to get things right against the Jets.
#17 Saints (+5)
The Saints have been one of the biggest surprises of the season. They put together a 24-point scoring run against the Lions to put Detroit on the ropes before pulling off a huge upset in Baltimore. New Orleans needs to start games better offensively, but they’ve been excellent in the second half, and the defense was outstanding against the Ravens. Next up is another surprise team: the 2-0 Raiders.
#18 Bears (-12)
The Bears’ offense looked rusty after their explosive Week 1 performance against the Panthers. The defense held its own against the Carson Wentz-led Vikings, but the biggest story is Caleb Williams’ hamstring injury. Thankfully, the injury doesn’t appear to be as serious as it initially looked. Tyson Bagent is a solid backup, although he remains in concussion protocol. Case Keenum is a serviceable veteran, but Chicago is in trouble. Without Williams, this team can only go so far.
#19 Raiders (+8)
The Raiders are one of the biggest surprises of the season at 2-0. Kirk Cousins has looked good, as has Ashton Jeanty, while the defense has held its own through the first two weeks. Now they travel to New Orleans to face another surprising 2-0 team. Can Las Vegas continue its hot start?
#20 Cowboys (+4)
The Cowboys looked much better against Washington. The offense improved significantly from Week 1, while the defense played well overall. However, the defense remains a weakness, and Dallas played the second half against a backup quarterback. Now they face a streaky Ravens team, which should give us a better idea of whether the Cowboys can put everything together.
#21 Steelers (-4)
As I said last week, the Steelers’ defense can only do so much. Aaron Rodgers looked his age in this game and struggled throughout. The offense couldn’t get anything going against an excellent Patriots defense. Now Pittsburgh has to figure out how to respond against the Bengals.
#22 Bucs (-1)
Tampa Bay is in serious trouble after starting 0-2. The offense has been a roller coaster, while the defense has given the team opportunities but hasn’t been able to finish games. Can Baker Mayfield elevate the offense, or will the Buccaneers continue to struggle? They face another strong defense in Minnesota this weekend.
#23 Cardinals (-3)
Arizona lost at home to a Seattle team that looks like one of the league’s best. The Cardinals’ defense couldn’t slow down Drew Lock and the Seahawks, while the offense struggled against Seattle’s stout defense. Their upcoming matchup with the 49ers should tell us a lot about who the Cardinals really are.
#24 Giants (-13)
The Giants potentially lost Jaxson Dart for the season on the opening drive against the Rams. Everyone knows Jameis Winston can make big plays, but he can also be extremely reckless. He struggled against Los Angeles, and the entire team appeared to fall apart. Without Dart, the Giants could be an extremely inconsistent team throughout the season.
#25 Jets (+1)
The Jets move up one spot after a strong effort against Green Bay. New York appeared to be in complete control with a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter, but the offense couldn’t do anything afterward and the Packers took advantage. Geno Smith played well and protected the football. The Jets showed they can compete, but can they actually finish games?
#26 Chargers (-1)
The Chargers entered the season looking like a potential contender, but they’ve already shown some serious problems. Jim Harbaugh has plenty to figure out offensively, while Justin Herbert threw two ugly interceptions. The Chargers’ defense was also exposed by Kirk Cousins. Los Angeles has a lot of work to do and is nowhere near its potential right now.
#27 Colts (+2)
The Colts put together a valiant effort against the mighty Chiefs in Kansas City. Jonathan Taylor continued to look incredible, while Daniel Jones threw a touchdown and an ugly interception.
On the first play of overtime, Jones made a ballsy 48-yard pass to Laquon Treadwell, putting Indianapolis in prime position at the Kansas City 17-yard line. Instead, Shane Steichen became conservative, eventually facing fourth-and-eight. Steichen originally planned to go for it but didn’t like the look and settled for the field goal.
There was also another fourth-down opportunity late in regulation that Indianapolis could have gone for but didn’t. Meanwhile, the defense remains a massive problem after allowing another 500-plus yards. The Colts have allowed the most yards through the first two games of a season since the 2016 Raiders. Until this defense gets figured out, Indianapolis is in serious trouble.
#28 Commanders (0)
The Commanders’ defense was exposed after an impressive Week 1 performance against the Eagles. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys steamrolled Washington, while Jayden Daniels dislocated his elbow on the final play of the first half. Stefon Diggs has looked excellent, and Marcus Mariota has arguably been one of the league’s better backup quarterbacks. Despite the loss, Washington remains at #28.
#29 Browns (+3)
The Browns proved me wrong this week by upsetting the Buccaneers in Tampa. Deshaun Watson looked sharp, while Cleveland’s defense made sure Baker Mayfield didn’t get his revenge game. The running game still needs work, but Cleveland has faced two strong run defenses to begin the season.
#30 Falcons (-7)
The Falcons were annihilated by the Panthers at home, and both their offensive and defensive performances were poor. Cooper Rush threw two interceptions, fumbled and was eventually benched. Then preseason favorite Jack Strand came in and threw an interception on his first pass attempt while also losing a fumble. With Michael Penix Jr. returning against the Packers, Atlanta should at least get more stable quarterback play.
#31 Titans (0)
The Titans put together a valiant effort against the Eagles and looked like they were in position to pull off the upset. However, the defense fell apart in the final minute as Jalen Hurts led the game-winning drive. Tennessee’s defense played well overall and forced Hurts into two turnovers, but it wasn’t enough to finish the job.
#32 Dolphins (-2)
Miami has now made a strong case for being the worst team in the league. After giving the Raiders a valiant effort last week, the Dolphins traveled to San Francisco and were completely steamrolled. Malik Willis didn’t make much of an impact with his legs and protected the football, but Miami’s defense was exposed. This could be a very long season in South Beach.
