The NFL seems to be getting crazier by the week. The NFC East currently has more undefeated teams (3) than the entire AFC (2). Meanwhile, the Bengals continue to look worse and now star QB Joe Burrow might miss time after re-aggravating his calf injury that cost him some of camp and all of preseason. The Chargers stayed true to form and found a way to lose a game that on paper shouldn't have been remotely close and there was a horror scene on MNF, as star running back Nick Chubb's career is in jeopardy after a devastating knee injury last night. Let's start by going over the biggest risers and fallers of the week, as well as other notable teams before getting into the full power rankings heading into week 3.
Risers
Biggest Riser: Atlanta Falcons (+15)
This might be a bit of an overreaction but the Falcons look legit and benefit from playing in a weaker division. The defense has given both the Panthers and Packers issues, and the offense is loaded with playmakers such as Drake London, Kyle Pitts, Bijan Robinson, and Tyler Allgeier. Desmond Ridder is also a fine quarterback and threw the ball downfield a lot more this week against a strong Packers defense, and is good enough to win games as long as the playmakers continue to do what they've been doing. It's easy to point out that Kyle Pitts still hasn't been heavily involved but the offense has been productive regardless.
Other Big Risers:
Seattle Seahawks (+10): The Seahawks bounced back in a strong way this week, taking down the favored Lions in Detroit. They did this despite missing DK Metcalf and Tariq Woolen for part of the game. Geno Smith looked much better in the pocket and the defense was able to get Jared Goff to throw his first pick in 380+ pass attempts.
Tennessee Titans (+9): The Titans won a game in which they were the vastly inferior team on paper. Henry is still a wrecking ball of a running back and Tannehill made big-time throws when he had to make them. This is even more impressive considering starting OL and first-round Pick, Peter Skronoski did not play Sunday.
Fallers:
Biggest Fallers: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns and New York Giants (-9)
This week we actually have a tie for our biggest faller in the power rankings. The Bengals looked awful for the second week in a row and Jamar Chase is still nowhere to be found. Tee Higgins showed up this week with two touchdowns but Joe Burrow apparently has re-aggravated his calf injury that cost him all of the preseason and part of training camp putting this team in a deeper hole than their 0-2 record shows.
Cut to the other Ohio team and they arguably had the worst week of any team, losing star running back Nick Chubb to an injury you hope only keeps him out for a year. Chubb was the only consistent offensive player on this team and would've been able to carry the offense while Deshaun Watson continues to struggle but unfortunately, this will no longer be the case. The Browns' defense remains dominant but the offense gave away 14 points to the steelers (pick 6 and fumble 6), and it's hard to believe this offense can thrive without Chubb given what we've seen from them since Deshaun Watson took over as QB last year
Meanwhile, the New York Giants won their game this week, but it took a massive comeback against the tanking Arizona Cardinals to secure their first win of the season. The Giants started out down 20-0 (and later 28-7) before rallying to win 31-28. Having to grit out this win after being embarrassed at home by arch-rival Dallas Cowboys on SNF in week 1 is a bad look for a team that was a pleasant surprise last year and was expected to contend for the division this year. Lastly, star running back and offensive centerpiece Saquon Barkley sprained his ankle and will be about at least three weeks making the path ahead even tougher for this team.
Other Fallers:
New York Jets (-7): The Jets suffered a brutal blow in week 1 when they lost start QB Aaron Rodgers on the first play. This week ended up being a second gut punch, as their elite defense was humiliated on Sunday by the Dallas Cowboys en route to allowing 30 points and 382 yards of total offense. Meanwhile, the offense line allowed a ridiculous pressure rate (over 60%) despite the Cowboys blitzing just 5 times as the Jets offense turned the ball over four times (although the last three were in garbage time).
Full Power Rankings
The Super Bowl Contenders (1-6)
1. Dallas Cowboys (+1): As mentioned above, the Dallas Cowboys made a defense that gave Josh Allen and the Bills plenty of issues look like the Arizona Cardinals' defense. Coach Mike McCarthy came up with a brilliant game plan and attacked the Jets linebackers, safeties, and backup cornerbacks en route to putting up 30 points. Meanwhile, Micah Parsons looks like an easy DPOY winner if he can stay healthy. The versatile pass rusher made the Jet's offensive line look like a CFL offensive line and also ripped a fumble right out of Dalvin Cooks's hands.
2. San Fransisco 49ers (-1): The Niners won another game this week, although not as easily as many expected. The 9ers' fall to the second spot in the power rankings is more a testament to how good the Cowboys have looked early this season, but they also were outgained by the Rams (386-365) who were without starting running back Cam Akers and All-Pro Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp. Without the two Matt Stafford Picks this game could've ended up as Brock Purdy's first regular season loss.
3. Miami Dolphins (-): The Dolphins took care of business in Foxboro on SNF this week. The offense wasn't as explosive as it was in week 1 but that's to be expected considering they were visiting a divisional rival. The Dolphins were able to get the ground game working and Tua was efficient (21/30, 1 TD 1 Int) on route to putting up 399 yards of total offense. This team is a nightmare for defenses to gameplan and if they can get this production from the running game (30 carries, 145 yards 2TDs) every week, this offense will somehow be even harder to stop.
4. Kansas City Chiefs (-): The Chiefs got two of their three most important players back this week in DT Chris Jones and TE Travis Kelce. Jones picked up right where he left off last season and was a problem for the Jaguars offensive line all game but Kelce seemed to be a little slow and is still dealing with his Knee Injury. As long as the Chiefs have Mahomes they'll be in the top 5 of any power rankings, but with Kelce banged up they desperately need another reliable pass catcher to help their offense become more consistent.
5. Baltimore Ravens (+5): Lamar Jackson and the Ravens offense has continued to get better and assuming Odell is okay, will be just fine without starting running back JK Dobbins. Gus the Bus Edwards and Justice Hill combined for over 100 yards on 21 touches while the Ravens offense as a whole put up over 400 yards on the Bengals. This game wouldn't have been close if it weren't for a Bengals punt return touchdown, as the Ravens defense held the Bengals offense to under 300 total yards.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (-1): The Eagles are 2-0 this season but they still aren't clicking yet. Despite the majority of their key players being healthy, it took 4 Vikings fumbles for the Eagles to win by a touchdown. AJ Brown was visibly upset on the sideline and is something to watch for in the coming weeks. Lastly, the defense shut down the Vikings' run game, but in the process allowed Kirk Cousins to torch them for 346 yards and 4 touchdowns through the air.
Fringe Super Bowl Contenders (7-8)
7. Buffalo Bills (+1): The Bills dominated the Raiders in their home opener, winning 38-10. The Bills' defense was dominant, holding the Raiders to under 250 yards of total offense and star running back Josh Jacobs to -2 yards rushing. Meanwhile, the Bills put up over 400 yards of offense including 123 rushing yards from James Cook on only 17 carries. The biggest problem with the Bills offense during the Josh Allen era was the lack of a competent running back, it's still early but all signs are pointing towards Buffalo finally resolving this issue.
8. Jacksonville Jaguars (+3): The Jaguars move up in the rankings despite losing to the Chiefs, as they only lost by one score and it is highly unlikely this team is held under 10 points again this season. Trevor Lawrence has to protect the football better and this team needs to finish drives with touchdowns, but this team can compete with the best teams in football on any given week.
Playoff Teams (9-11)
9. Detroit Lions: The Lions don't drop despite a loss to the Seahawks, as the offense out-gained the Seahawks and they would've won this game if it weren't for the Goff pick-six. The defense still has some issues to work out but Aidan Hutchinson is due for a big game recently and to remind everybody of the game-wrecker he can be. It seems like the Lions lucked out as starting running back David Montgomery avoided a serious knee injury and should return shortly.
10. Seattle Seahawks (+10): See above
11. Atlanta Falcons (+15): See Above
Fringe Playoff Teams (12-14)
12. Los Angeles Chargers (-6): The Chargers continue the trend of losing games they should easily win. Despite all the star power on both sides of the ball, the Chargers fell to the Titans in OT in a game that should not have been close. For a second week in a row, careless personal fouls hurt the Chargers and to some extent cost them the game. Until the Chargers move on from Brandon Staley and play with discipline they will never live up to their sky-high potential.
13. Green Bay Packers (-): The Packers lost to the Falcons but most importantly Jordan Love looked good for a second week in a row, and a second week without his number 1 WR Christian Watson. Additionally, the Packers were missing top running back and safety blanket Aaron Jones and once those two come back this team has a chance to regain the NFC North throne.
14. New England Patriots (-): Despite being 0-2, the Patriots lost by only one score each to the Dolphins and Eagles (week 1), two superior teams talent-wise. They'll look to get back on track vs. the New York Jets, a team they've beaten 14 straight times.
Mid (15-20)
15. Tennessee Titans (+9): See Above
16. Cleveland Browns (-9): See Above
17. New Orleans Saints (-1): Again the Saints offense struggled to show up. Derek Carr struggled against a Panthers defense that was missing CB1 Jaycee Horn, throwing for 228 yards and 1 pick on 21/36 passing. Outside of Taysom Hill, the Saints averaged under 3 YPC and desperately need Alvin Kamara to return from their suspension. The defense is good enough to keep them in games but eventually, the Saints will face a team with a consistent offense and the defense won't be able to carry this team to a victory like they have the first two games.
18. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (+5): The Bucs, who many thought would be one of the worst teams in the league this year (including us), have surprised everyone with a 2-0 start. The vibes are high in Tampa, shown by star linebacker Devin White publicly saying he is having so much fun on the defense and regrets his trade request. This team's defense is legit and Baker is making the throws he has to to give this team a chance at winning the division.
19. Minnesota Vikings (-): The Vikings, like the Chargers, seem to lose themselves games. Last week the team struggled with fumbles and this week was no different, losing 4 fumbles to the Eagles in a game they would lose by one score. Until the Vikings clean up their turnovers and get consistent play from Kirk Cousins and Alexander Mattison, they will struggle to win games and will be a stressful watch for all their fans.
20. Las Vegas Raiders (-3): The Raiders got blown out by the Bills Sunday and they don't have many positives to build off of this week. Tae Adams is still an all-world receiver but outside of him, Jimmy G doesn't have a reliable target. The defense also got picked apart and it might be time for the Raiders to consider trading star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, Tae Adams, and others for draft picks and look to rebuild.
Lower Mid (21-26)
21. Cincinnati Bengals (-9): See above
22. New York Jets (-7): See above
23. Pittsburgh Steelers (-2): The Steelers needed an injury to the Brown's best offensive player and two defensive touchdowns to win this week. The offense remains abysmal as Kenny Pickett completed only 50% of his passes and the Steelers ground game averaged 2.6 YPC. Take away a Najee Harris 21-yard run and this number falls to below 2.0 YPC, an even more unacceptable number. The Steelers can't rely on 14 points from their defense each week and need to consider completely overhauling the offense, whether it's benching Pickett or firing OC Matt Canada.
24. Washington Commanders (+7): The Commanders are starting to win us over. After the offense struggled against the Cardinal's defense, Sam Howell and co. put up 35 points in Denver. The defense also managed to sack Russel Wilson 7 times but allowed too many chunk plays, as Wilson had a not-so-great completion percentage (18/32) but threw for plenty of yards (308). If the Offense and Defense are able to play well together, this team has the potential to compete for a wild card spot.
25. Los Angeles Rams (-): The Rams played well this week against a divisional rival in the 49ers, but a late field goal made the score look a lot closer than it was. Puka Nauca was unstoppable for a second week in a row but the Rams need to find a number two running back if they trade Cam Akers, as Kyren Williams only averaged 3.7 YPC this week. Stafford also shouldn't have to throw the ball 55 times a game and he threw two picks that probably could've been avoided without this many passing attempts.
26. Carolina Panthers (+3): The Panthers built off week 1 and need to continue to stack good days from Bryce Young. He didn't throw a pick this week but did lose a fumble and it would help if they can trade for another reliable target outside of Adam Thielen. Miles Sanders has also been disappointing so far for this team but the defense still has the potential to be one of the best in the league when Jaycee Horn comes back.
Bad (27-28)
27. New York Giants (-9): See Above
28. Denver Broncos (-6): Coach Sean Payton, who cost the team a first-round pick, made waves in the offseason when he attacked Nathaniel Hackett and the job he did last year. However, through two weeks the Broncos remain winless, despite playing teams that they *should* beat if they wanted to live up to their hype. As mentioned above, Russ threw for plenty of yards but did not complete many passes as well as threw a pick and lost a fumble. Some of this can be blamed on the offensive line that allowed 7 sacks but most concerning of all is that the defense, who were dominant last year, allowed 35 points to a team with no true firepower on offense.
Rebuilding (29-30)
29. Indianapolis Colts (-1): The Colts seem to have a guy at QB. However, #4 overall pick Anthony Richardson left the game to be evaluated for a concussion in week 2 and has now left the game early due to injury in each of his first two NFL games. Richardson needs to avoid taking these big hits and his future can be very very bright.
30. Houston Texans (-): Texans rookie QB looked great against the Colts, throwing for 384 yards and two touchdowns on 30/47 passing. Most importantly, Stroud has yet to throw an interception in the NFL, something none of the other rookie QBs can say. The rushing game struggled (26 rushes for 52 yards) as Dameon Pierce seems to be taking a step back in his sophomore campaign. The Texans' main priority needs to be surrounding Stroud with playmakers as he continues to develop.
Mess (31) and Bigger Mess (32)
31. Chicago Bears (-4): The Bears look awful. Justin Fields does not look like an NFL passer as he yet again cost his team late with a pick 6 and Da Bears' aren't utilizing his rushing capabilities by limiting designed run plays. DJ Moore played much better this week but Fields was sacked 6 times, threw 2 picks, and fumbled twice (although neither was lost). The saving grace for the Bears is that they have the draft capital to go get Caleb Williams, after trading back twice in last year's draft (including trading the number 1 pick to commit to Fields).
32. Arizona Cardinals (-): The Cardinals almost managed to lose this game by upsetting the Giants. Someone in upper management should consider telling Josh Dobbs and James Connors that they want to lose games after both played very well this week. Luckily the defense bailed the front office out and blew a 20-point lead as the Cardinals remain defeated.
ICYM:
Don't forget to check out our preseason major award predictions! Our OPOY, DPOY, and OROY all balled out again this weekend!
Check out our Week 2 Power Rankings if you want to see our logic for last week's rankings.
Check out our "Do Not Bet List" on the Hucky Corp Blog where we broke down what teams we like to fade and what teams we try to avoid betting on altogether
Check out our analysis of what soft skills separate the GOATs from the legends in the "Pursuit of Perfection: Two Traits that Lead to Mastery"
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