It’s been an odd season through two weeks, and there will likely continue to be a ton of shuffling in the NFL power rankings over the next few games.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0) | Last week: 1
There’s no question that the Chiefs have become the villains of the NFL to many people, so important calls like the Daijahn Anthony pass interference keeping KC alive on their last chance leads to both sides standing firm on their beliefs about “special treatment” from officials. Nevertheless, the Chiefs find a way to get it done and are 2-0 despite not really finding their offensive groove yet.
2. Buffalo Bills (2-0) | Last week: 4 (+2)
The defense was dominant, and James Cook scored three touchdowns in the first half of last Thursday night’s win at Miami. I think Sean McDermott’s club heard the talk about how they’re going to take a step back and be overtaken by the Dolphins and Jets in the AFC East.
3. Houston Texans (2-0) | Last week: 8 (+5)
Houston’s defense recorded seven sacks, picked off two passes, and forced six punts in their 19-13 win over the Bears on Sunday night. The duo of Will Anderson Jr. and my Defensive Player of the Year pick Danielle Hunter each had 1.5 sacks in the victory.
4. New Orleans Saints (2-0) | Last week: 16 (+12)
This massive leap in the power rankings to No. 4 is well deserved, as the Saints have looked like the best team in the league after two games. Their 91 points are the most through two weeks since 2009, and quarterback Derek Carr is playing with a ton of confidence in the new offense.
Derek Carr’s throw to Rashid Shaheed was just insane. Look at the safeties when Carr releases it. 💣 pic.twitter.com/GD3miYDF9C
— David Chappine (@davidchappine) September 17, 2024
5. San Francisco 49ers (1-1) | Last week: 2 (-3)
Even with Trent Williams in the lineup this time around, the Vikings defense seems to have the number of the 49ers. Deebo Samuel (calf) is now going to miss at least a couple of weeks for San Francisco, but the defending NFC champions take on an even more depleted Rams squad as they look to get back on track.
6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0) | Last week: 13 (+7)
This might be too much of a rise for the Bucs, but I felt obligated to put them over the Lions after beating them in Detroit. Todd Bowles doesn’t get enough recognition for the type of defensive coach he is. Down a few players in the secondary, he brought pressure to not allow Jared Goff to get in a rhythm.
7. Detroit Lions (1-1) | Last week: 3 (-4)
Dan Campbell says the loss to Tampa was “100% on me,” and look for the Lions to bounce back quickly behind Campbell. The Detroit offense still hasn’t found its early-season footing, but Jameson Williams—tied for second in the NFL with 200 receiving yards—emerging as a top weapon is a great sign.
8. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) | Last week: 6 (-2)
There are always going to be off days, and that’s even more heightened as teams figure out what they’re best at and find an identity early in the year. It clearly was not the Cowboys’ day versus the Saints, and perhaps they were riding a little high after handling Cleveland in Week 1.
9. Baltimore Ravens (0-2) | Last week: 7 (-2)
It felt like the Ravens had their game won over the Raiders after going up ten points on a Derrick Henry touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. They outgained Vegas by 123 yards and outrushed them, 151-27. Not finishing drives with touchdowns in the first half came back to cost them.
10. Seattle Seahawks (2-0) | Last week: 10
Seeing Week 1 opponent Denver struggle to run the ball, pass protect, or create much separation for a second straight week perhaps makes Seattle’s opening game less impressive in hindsight. But they went into Foxboro to get a win and improve to 2-0 ahead of a matchup with backup quarterback Skylar Thompson and the Dolphins.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0) | Last week: 11
T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith had a sack each, and Cory Trice Jr. stepped up for a huge red zone interception to help the Steelers win another defensive battle on the road. Now set for their 2024 home debut, Pittsburgh should be in another close one with the Chargers.
12. Minnesota Vikings (2-0) | Last week: 22 (+10)
Sam Darnold’s success with the Vikings (again, it’s still early) is a prime example of how supporting cast is so important for a quarterback—and perhaps more important than ever with all the great athletes (like Justin Jefferson) at receiver in today’s game. Minnesota started slow defensively last year, but defensive coordinator Brian Flores has them playing very well.
13. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0) | Last week: 20 (+7)
The resurgence of running back J.K. Dobbins continues, and he’s now up to 27 carries for 266 yards (9.9 yards per carry) and two touchdowns through two games. They’ve had good matchups, but Los Angeles—behind the running game and improved defense to this point—has an identity.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2) | Last week: 12 (-2)
While now at 0-2, the Bengals looked a lot like the team we’ve seen go toe-to-toe with the Chiefs in recent years—and we might be having a different conversation if not for the controversial fourth-and-16 pass interference that didn’t have to be called.
15. Green Bay Packers (1-1) | Last week: 14 (-1)
Not to get crazy after just one game, but Malik Willis looks like another good example of situation being huge for players to have success in the NFL. He looked excellent Matt LaFleur’s offense while doing enough to help the Packers get to 1-1. It’s also a reminder of what a fantastic situation Jordan Love is in as Green Bay’s quarterback.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) | Last week: 5 (-11)
The big drop for the Eagles has a lot to do with their loss to the Falcons on Monday night feeling eerily similar to the team that collapsed down the stretch in 2023. Facing a Saints team that’s blown out their first two opponents, Philly has an opportunity to bounce back in a major way, though.
17. Arizona Cardinals (1-1) | Last week: 26 (+9)
Marvin Harrison Jr. became the first rookie since his dad in 1996 to catch at least four passes and two touchdowns in the first quarter of a game, erasing any concerns about a quiet Week 1. I expect Arizona to give the Lions trouble this week.
18. New York Jets (1-1) | Last week: 21 (+3)
On the board for their first win with Aaron Rodgers under center for a full game, the Jets now have a short week with another primetime game against the Patriots on Thursday night. I believe the offense will be at its best while playing through running backs Breece Hall (one touchdown last week) and Braelon Allen (two touchdowns—youngest player to score a scrimmage touchdown since 1930).
19. Chicago Bears (1-1) | Last week: 19
Right now, it comes down to the offensive line for the Bears, as No. 1 pick Caleb Williams simply is not getting enough protection to have success. On the ManningCast, Bill Belichick wasn’t shy about questioning the roster construction in Chicago.
20. Atlanta Falcons (1-1) | Last week: 23 (+3)
They really got going on the game-winning touchdown drive, but there were signs that the Falcons have some opportunities to click offensively—and they might have to this week when they host the Chiefs.
21. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1) | Last week: 28 (+7)
While it wasn’t pretty, the Raiders made enough plays in key situations on both sides of the ball to upset the Ravens in Baltimore and improve to 1-1. On paper, you could argue the schedule looks promising coming up, but Antonio Pierce has the right mindset in saying his team needs to worry about themselves.
22. Indianapolis Colts (0-2) | Last week: 17 (-5)
The Colts are giving up too much on the ground, which is limiting their opportunities to control the ball on offense with Jonathan Taylor. Anthony Richardson is learning on the fly right now, but we should see progression from the talented but inexperienced passer.
23. Miami Dolphins (1-1) | Last week: 9 (-14)
The health of Tua Tagovailoa is the No. 1 concern, as his situation is very sad and unfortunate. On the field, Miami is in a difficult spot with Skylar Thompson taking over at quarterback considering how the offense is structured around Tua.
24. Los Angeles Rams (0-2) | Last week: 15 (-9)
Injuries paired with an 0-2 start drop the Rams down to No. 24 in the power rankings. Star receiver Cooper Kupp (ankle) joins Puka Nacua in being out for a bit, and the offensive line was further decimated in the blowout loss at Arizona.
25. Cleveland Browns (1-1) | Last week: 25
The Browns had an ugly game with 13 penalties and just 172 passing yards, but the defense bounced back versus the Jaguars—including with a timely fourth quarter safety—to lead the 18-13 win.
26. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) | Last week: 18 (-8)
And for the Jaguars, it’s simply not gone well since November of last season (Trevor Lawrence’s last win came then). Perhaps they’ll get a spark at some point, but next up are trips to Buffalo and Houston.
27. New England Patriots (1-1) | Last week: 27
I must say, while they are not that high in the power rankings at No. 27, the Patriots have been one of the most impressive teams in the league relative to preseason expectations so far. I thought the defense could keep them in games, but I’m surprised the offensive line has held up so well.
28. Denver Broncos (0-2) | Last week: 24 (-4)
The situation in Denver feels very similar to the one in Chicago: Two defenses that are playing well and hard, but two offenses that must do a much better job around their rookie quarterbacks in pass protection and by running the ball. Bo Nix was the leading rusher for the Broncos in each of the first two games (the first player since 1950 to do so in his first two career games), which is not ideal.
29. Washington Commanders (1-1) | Last week: 31 (+2)
Offensive line wise, rookie Jayden Daniels is in a similar spot—but his rare ability as a runner is helping him run around and do enough on offense, especially when taking on struggling offenses on the other side like the Giants. I’d like to see Daniels not take so many hits, though.
30. Tennessee Titans (0-2) | Last week: 29 (-1)
We’re just two games in, but new Titans head coach Brian Callahan looks to have just about had it with young quarterback Will Levis making a very costly mistake in each game. Tennessee did not expect an 0-2 start with all the veterans they added to the team.
31. New York Giants (0-2) | Last week: 30 (-1)
Rookie receiver Malik Nabers had an outstanding game against the Commanders until a late drop that might have cost the Giants the win, but he’s handling it at a super mature level by saying that he feels he let the veterans down and when looking back at whatever their record is he’ll feel that a loss is on him. Nabers is one of the great things New York has going right now, and we’ll see if the Giants can continue getting him the ball against the Browns.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-2) | Last week: 32
I feel for the benched Bryce Young, as we’ve mentioned a couple of times in this week’s power rankings about the situation being important for the success of signal callers. The offensive line has improved, but there simply has not been enough “juice” at receiver, and going through three play-callers in a little over a season is not putting your quarterback in position to have success.