Breaking down the NFL power rankings following Week 2 of the regular season! Make sure to drop your thoughts and feedback in the comment section.
No. 10: Minnesota Vikings (UP 6)
The Minnesota Vikings are one of the NFL‘s biggest surprises so far this season. Sam Darnold seems to be having a career resurgence under head coach Kevin O’Connell as he’s led the Vikings’ offense to two incredible performances and two wins to open the season. Meanwhile, defensive coordinator Brian Flores has his unit playing at an elite level. Can Darnold keep it up?
No. 9: Los Angeles Chargers (UP 1)
The Los Angeles Chargers are winning behind the dominant rushing attack. New head coach Jim Harbaugh has instituted his old school, run-first mentality and it has sparked a comeback season for running back J.K. Dobbins. The Chargers’ offense looks great and their defense looks great too. If they maintain their pace, they could be a dangerous team come playoff time.
No. 8: Philadelphia Eagles (DOWN 5)
The Philadelphia Eagles dropped one on Sunday night against the Falcons (pun intended) that they absolutely should have won. Controversial coaching decisions in the fourth quarter and a brutal third down drop from RB Saquon Barkley sunk the Eagles. This is a team with Super Bowl potential, however, they keep finding ways to hurt themselves. If the Eagles can clean up the turnovers and start to play better in the fourth quarter, they have more than enough talent to make a deep run this season.
No. 7: New Orleans Saints (UP 15)
The New Orleans Saints are by far the biggest surprise in the NFL so far this season. They have burst onto the scene with the NFL’s most explosive offense led by QB Derek Carr and RB Alvin Kamara. They dominated the Panthers and Week 1 and surprisingly did it again in Week 2 over the Dallas Cowboys. Is it an early season mirage or are the Saints turning into true contenders under new head coach Dennis Allen?
No. 6: Detroit Lions (DOWN 2)
The Detroit Lions lost a game that they should’ve won against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and, unfortunately, that has been a theme for them dating back to last season. The team plays incredibly hard for head coach Dan Campbell and he takes accountability for the team’s losses, but he has cost them a few in recency. The Lions’ roster is filled with talent and no doubt they will bounce back, but they need to stop beating themselves.
No. 5: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (UP 10)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one of the NFL’s biggest risers this season. QB Baker Mayfield is playing like an MVP candidate as he has led the Bucs to a 2-0 start this season. The Buccaneers’ offense is elite and their defense is good enough to shut down other top offenses like the Detroit Lions in Week 2. The upset win has the Buccaneers looking like a dangerous force in the NFC.
No. 4: San Fransisco 49ers (DOWN 2)
The San Francisco 49ers are falling down the power rankings, and that tumble could only just be beginning. They’ve lost multiple star players due to injuries, including RB Christian McCaffrey and WR Deebo Samuel. They dropped one to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2 and will need to bounce back if they want to maintain their status as one of the NFL’s elite teams. But with injuries piling up, it could be a rocky road to the postseason for the 49ers.
No. 3: Houston Texans (UP 3)
C.J. Stroud is firmly establishing himself as one of the NFL’s truly elite quarterbacks. The Houston Texans found themselves in a close game with the Chicago Bears on Sunday night, but with Stroud under center, a victory always felt certain. That theme will continue throughout the rest of the season.
No. 2: Buffalo Bills (UP 8)
The Buffalo Bills looked dominant against their division-rival Miami Dolphins in Week 2. QB Josh Allen is turning in another MVP-level campaign so far and looks to have the Bills contending once again this season. The Bills’ offense has been high-octane, and their defense has been at times suffocating. Buffalo is embarking on another great season.
No. 1: Kansas City Chiefs (SAME)
The Kansas City Chiefs narrowly snuck away with a win at home in Week 2 over the Cincinnati Cincinnati Bengals. They improved to 2-0 on the season, continuing to maintain their status among the top teams in the NFL, but with plenty of question marks surrounding them. QB Patrick Mahomes is off to an uncharacteristically slow start this season, as is TE Travis Kelce. The defense has done just enough to secure these victories, but the Chiefs’ offense needs to get going if they want to make a run at the threepeat.