NFL Power Rankings: Week 2

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-0)

Previous Rank: 1 (-) Next week: @ MIA (0-1)

A statement was made on Sunday night to put the rest of the league on notice that the defending champs should be favored to defend their crown come February. The Pats absolutely dismantled the Steelers in all facets of the game, en route to a 30 point blowout. Recently turned 42 year-old Tom Brady looked sensational yet again, while the defense dominated, allowing 32 yards rushing, never allowing the Steelers to put together consistent drives, and keeping what is at least a top 15 offense out of the end zone. This was all done without the newest addition of former Steelers All-Pro wide receiver Antonio Brown, who was not allowed to play after being released and then signed on Saturday afternoon to a one year deal, although we will have to see if the troubled and frankly, unstable star will be allowed to be play a down for the Patriots after a rather serious investigation of sexual assault came out Tuesday, adding to the infamous timeline of transgressions against him from just this year alone. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the latter, and recent departure of veteran Demaryius Thomas via trade, New England has more than enough firepower offensively to make up for it. The Pats will travel to Miami Sunday, perhaps foreshadowing an appearance in 144 days in what could be an absurd 10^th Super Bowl appearance since Bill Belichick took over in 2000.

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-0)

Previous Rank: 2 (-) Next Week: @ LAR (1-0)

The Saints survived a fantastic match up on Monday Night Football against the visiting Texans. Despite DeShaun Watson having a terrific game, New Orleans wreaked havoc all night, sacking the former Clemson Tiger six times. The offense rebounded after a rough first half, was able to fire on all cylinders during the 2^nd half, need every point to squeak by with a Lutz 58-yard field goal as time expired. While the win had a mixed bag of results, it is always great to open with a win, especially against an opponent the caliber of a reigning divisional champion such as Houston. The Saints will need to carry this momentum into the rest of the first month of the season, having to go on the road back to back weeks before returning home to face the Cowboys week four. NFL fans will be treated to a marquee game in Week 2, as the Saints travel to California to take on the Rams in a NFC Championship rematch that could in up having huge implications on seeding come January.

LOS ANGELES RAMS (1-0)

Previous rank: 3 (-) Next Week: vs NO (1-0)

The Rams, even in a struggle, was still impressive winning on the road in a cross-country matchup on Sunday. While Goff was not able to get going, the ground game allowed the offense to keep moving forward. Gurley was not a workhorse like in previous years, but was incredibly efficient, gaining 101 all-purpose yards on 15 touches, eight of which came in the fourth quarter. Backup Malcolm Brown chipped in with a couple of touchdowns himself. Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Aaron Donald was not much of a factor, however linebacker Cory Littleton picked up the slack, dominating the game with 14 total tackles, an interception, and a strip and fumble recovery. Not too many conclusions can be made from the first week of the season, however this personnel is incredibly balanced, a feat that can allow the team to contend for wins every week in ways that one-dimensional teams cannot. The Rams will play in their home opener on Sunday afternoon against a Saints team looking for vengeance after what transpired nearly eight months ago.

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (1-0)

Previous rank: 5 (+1) Next Week: @ OAK (1-0)

Patrick Mahomes proved the hype surrounding the reigning MVP was real on Sunday, passing for video game-like numbers in the first quarter, mostly to a rejuvenated Sammy Watkins, who caught nine passes for nearly 200 yards, capped off by a career high three touchdowns. LeSean McCoy also proved to still have enough explosiveness to contribute in a reunion season with Head Coach Andy Reid. The loss of Tyreek Hill to injury is a devastating one, as the two time All-Pro receiver will not be available for a month at the earliest. The biggest concern, however, is the lackluster performance the defense had against an ailing Jaguars team. Nick Foles answered the Chief’s 10 points with a score of his own, only to break his clavicle on his touchdown pass to D.J. Chark. Little known quarterback Gardener Minshew II comes in as a relief and looks like a Pro Bowler, albeit mostly in an uncompetitive second half. There is no denying the explosiveness the Chiefs have offensively, but there are legitimate questions concerning the ability Kansas City will have outscoring other teams, especially considering the overturn of skill players from a season ago. Of course Watkins looked fantastic, however relying on a guy that has missed 15 games over the last three seasons, while not gaining more than a mere 600 yards in each of those years gives me cause to pause. Kansas City will look to address these concerns on Sunday, traveling to Oakland for the final time to take on a divisional rival who is on a short week.

DALLAS COWBOYS (1-0)

Previous Rank: 6 (+1) Next Week: @ WAS (0-1)

The Cowboys had the looked very comfortable in a brand new offense against the division foe Giants. Dak Prescott looked remarkable throwing the football, showing off how underrated he is as a down field thrower, throwing for a franchise record 405 yards in a season opener, along with four passing touchdowns. Veteran Randall Cobb looked like a great compliment in his Cowboys debut, while Michael Gallup began his sophomore campaign with a career high 158 yards on seven receptions. All of this took place without the typical workload of recently extended running back Ezekiel Elliott, who only touched the ball 14 times. The defense flew around and made plays, especially when it counted, forcing the Giants to go 2-11 on third down. For a few years now, the Cowboys have adopted a bend-don’t-break style defensively, allowing offenses to move up and down the field, but stifle once the opponent has reached scoring position. For this unit to be successful this season, they will need to improve on forcing turnovers and in turn, flip the field to allow the offense chances to thrive, even during games of struggle. That is what the great teams do. Dallas will travel for their road opener in D.C. against the Redskins, a team that gave the Eagles a run for their money in the season opener.

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (1-0)

Previous Rank: 4 (-2) Next week: @ ATL (0-1)

Regardless of whether or not the Eagles underestimated the Redskins or just flat out stunk in the first half, Philly has feel a sigh of relief after pulling out a close one on Sunday. DeSean Jackson was phenomenal in his return to green and white, torching his former Washington team with multiple 50 yard touchdowns. Carson Wentz looked sensational in his return from the back injury that ended his 2018 campaign, further proving that despite the injury concerns, he is well worth the $128 million extension he signed in the preseason. Defensively, the concern is real after allowing Case Keenum torch the unit with 380 yards passing with a receiving corps that could be considered the least talented in the league. Losing Malik Jackson for the rest of the season to a foot injury is a big loss on the defensive line, though the unit as a whole still has enough depth to make up for it. Coming up is a big road test on Sunday Night Football against a Falcons team looking to rebound after a dreadful performance in their opener against the Vikings.

GREEN BAY PACKERS (1-0)

Previous Rank: 8 (+1) Next week: vs MIN (1-0)

A mixed bag of emotions should be felt after a road win against the reigning divisional champion Chicago Bears Thursday night. Though the newest acquisitions all made their presences felt, notably a game clinching interception by former Bear safety Adrian Amos and game winning sack by Preston Smith, all kinds of alarms should be going off after the managing just 213 yards offensively. New offensive-minded Head Coach Matt LaFleur led a rather stagnant game plan that did next to nothing outside of a 47 yard bomb by Rodgers to Valdez-Scantling, eventually leading to the game’s only touchdown. Facing the top ranked defense for the season prior may have had some to do with that, but it is highly unlikely the Pack will be able to squeeze out a win again throughout the duration of this season scoring 10 or fewer points. A huge opportunity to start 2-0 in the division looms over Lambeau Field when the Vikings come to town following an impressive win over the Falcons.

MINNESOTA VIKINGS (1-0)

Previous Rank: 10 (+2) Next Week: @ GB (1-0)

The Vikings jumped on the Falcons early and never looked back following a blocked punt on the opening possession of the game. Dalvin Cook was the real story, rushing for 111 yards and a pair of scores. The Seminole alum looked like a player poised for a breakout year after missing 19 of his first 34 games, including the postseason. 2019 3^rd rounder and alleged doppelganger Alexander Mattison served as a nice compliment as well. Xavier Rhodes looked like he was back to his Pro Bowl self, holding elite wide receiver Julio Jones under 25 yards receiving when in coverage. While this was a formula that worked, it is unreasonable to believe the Vikings will be able to throw ten times in a game and handle a playoff caliber team the likes of Atlanta again. The Vikings will look for a statement win in Green Bay on Sunday in what could go a long way in determining who will host a playoff game come January.

BALTIMORE RAVENS (1-0)

Previous Rank: 17 (+8) Next Week: vs ARI (0-0-1)

Despite playing a clearly inferior team, it is always stunning to see a beat down the likes of which we saw on Sunday. Former Heisman winner Lamar Jackson was surely a spectacle for sore eyes, throwing for a league best five passing touchdowns, two of which came via deep throws to new running mate Marquise Brown. The most impressive part could have actually came from what he did not do on the run, rushing for a career low six yards. It seems as though there was an emphasis on displaying the capability Jackson has as a thrower, which could pay huge dividends moving forward, as teams will have to prepare for his knack of being a dual threat quarterback. New Raven players Mark Ingram and Earl Thomas both impressed in their debuts, the former of which led a rushing attack that accumulated 265 rushing yards. It will be interesting to see how this offense is able to function when trailing though. While playing ahead is ideal, it is necessary to be capable of coming back from a deficit throughout the game. Lamar will need to continue to improve and show he can lead the offense to set Justin Tucker up for opportunities to succeed. Baltimore will have an opportunity to continue their strong start when the Cardinals come into town on Sunday.

TENNESSEE TITANS (1-0)

Previous Rank: 18 (+8) Next week: vs IND (0-1)

Perhaps the most impressive performance of the week goes to the Mike Vrabel-led Titans, going on the road to absolutely dismantle the hype of the Browns following a 31 point second half. While Marcus Mariota’s steady play helped, the main story was the dominance the defense displayed, sacking Baker Mayfield five times, half of which came from 37 year-old Cameron Wake, and picking off the former Sooner three separate times. Derrick Henry picked up exactly where he left off in 2018, gaining 159 yards of total offense, highlighted by a momentum-swinging 75 yard screen pass on the first play after the Browns were able to pull the game within two late in the third quarter. Seeing as though Tennessee is one of the toughest road teams in the NFL, they should be considered a tough out every week, especially if Mariota is able to stay healthy. The Titans will host a pivotal division matchup against a Colts team coming off an overtime loss to the Chargers.