NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Rising Cowboys and Struggling Packers
Here are the NFL power rankings as we head into Week 2 of the 2024 season (previous ranking in parentheses):
1. Kansas City Chiefs (1): It seems rather unfair that a two-time Super Bowl champion with three-time MVP QB Patrick Mahomes could snag WR Xavier Worthy, who had a stellar debut with two touchdowns. You can thank the Bills for that: they traded away the first-round picks used to get both Mahomes in 2017 and Worthy.
2. Detroit Lions (2): This team could truly be unstoppable if WR Jameson Williams continues to play to his potential, showcasing 5 catches for 121 yards and a touchdown in Sunday’s victory.
3. San Francisco 49ers (5): Despite ongoing contract disputes and injuries following their last Super Bowl loss, they found success in RB Jordan Mason, who had an impressive Week 1 with 152 yards and a touchdown, signaling another deep playoff possibility.
4. Baltimore Ravens (4): Concerns from retired OT Taylor Lewan about the team’s identity due to their use of RB Derrick Henry proved warranted as the offensive line faced challenges. Yet, last year’s top AFC playoff team pushed the Chiefs to the limits in their season kickoff.
5. Philadelphia Eagles (8): While RB Saquon Barkley had a stellar Philly debut with 132 yards and 3 touchdowns, QB Jalen Hurts and the defensive line need to show improvement as the team adapts to its new coordinators.
6. Houston Texans (7): It remains to be seen if giving new RB Joe Mixon a career-high 30 carries weekly and dominating ball possession for 40 minutes is sustainable, but it’s working well for now.
7. Dallas Cowboys (18): They’ve earned praise after resolving QB Dak Prescott’s contract matter right before the season. However, the highlight of their game was the defense, now helmed by Mike Zimmer, which generated 25 pressures against the Browns.
8. Buffalo Bills (13): Their performance was a bit shaky on defense and in the passing game, but as expected, QB Josh Allen can still change the game on his own.
9. Indianapolis Colts (11): QB Anthony Richardson had remarkable stats with over 23 yards per completion and 9 yards per rush, yet their limited number of plays might extend their 11-season winless streak.
10. Los Angeles Rams (10): WR Puka Nacua’s knee injury, sidelining him for at least a month, adds to the already pressured depth chart.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (20): QB Baker Mayfield threw four more touchdown passes in a dominant win against Washington, raising eyebrows about why the Browns let him go.
12. New York Jets (6): They had a tough start, being the only winless team in the AFC East. However, QB Aaron Rodgers survived the game, and with an easier upcoming schedule, panic may not be necessary just yet.
13. Miami Dolphins (16): They managed to beat the struggling Jaguars but had disrupted preparation due to off-field issues surrounding star WR Tyreek Hill, contributing to their underwhelming performance.
14. Cincinnati Bengals (9): They matched last season’s fumble total in one game, but the more pressing concern is WR Ja’Marr Chase’s contract situation as they face the rested Chiefs soon.
15. Jacksonville Jaguars (14): RB Travis Etienne’s significant fumble in this game calls into question how they can finish strong, possibly requiring a reassessment of head coach Doug Pederson’s strategies.
16. Green Bay Packers (3): New QB2 Malik Willis has a shaky history in the league as he fills in for injured Jordan Love (MCL), but his familiarity with the Colts might offer some advantage.
17. Pittsburgh Steelers (21): OC Arthur Smith had a successful rematch in Atlanta. Can QB Russell Wilson get his chance for redemption in Denver this weekend?
18. Los Angeles Chargers (19): Their defense was strong, the running game relentless, and the physical play promising in HC Jim Harbaugh’s inaugural game. Just wait until QB Justin Herbert takes a more central role than his modest 144 passing yards on Sunday.
19. Atlanta Falcons (12): It felt as if Coach Smith was still around, with RB Bijan Robinson, WR Drake London, and TE Kyle Pitts combining for 152 yards, which unfortunately wasn’t enough.
20. Chicago Bears (17): With just 148 yards of total offense, they recorded the lowest figure by a winning team in four years. It’s a case of finding the silver lining amidst the challenges.
21. Arizona Cardinals (22): They nearly pulled off a win against the powerful Bills in Buffalo, despite rookie WR Marvin Harrison Jr. and TE Trey McBride combined for a total of 34 yards. It feels like a situation where the glass is half full.
22. Cleveland Browns (15): This wasn’t the best day to be missing both starting offensive tackles, especially with RB Nick Chubb still out. However, it does not fully account for the lackluster performance from QB Deshaun Watson.
23. Minnesota Vikings (24): At MetLife Stadium, QB Sam Darnold began the game by completing his first 12 passes in a victory over the Giants. Safe to conclude that New Yorkers were surprised by the resurgence of the former first-round Jets player.
24. New Orleans Saints (27): Can you believe they’re 6-0 in Week 1 over the last six seasons, making them the best in the NFL? This is the same team that scored on their first nine drives on Sunday.
25. Seattle Seahawks (25): At 33 years old, QB Geno Smith recorded his longest career run, a 34-yard TD – which turned out to be Seattle’s longest play during their victory.
26. Washington Commanders (23): What’s more troubling – that rookie QB Jayden Daniels is getting hit way too often, or that Dan Quinn’s defense is facing similar issues?
27. New England Patriots (30): They deserve some credit for their win, particularly DE Keion White and RB Rhamondre Stevenson. However, they also faced a solid team that’s struggling with several issues.
28. Denver Broncos (26): If you thought that QB Bo Nix’s age (24) would stop him from debuting like a rookie… well, you were mistaken.
29. Tennessee Titans (28): With a passing game that lacked excitement on Sunday (104 net yards, 2 interceptions), perhaps QB Will Levis should consider switching from mayo to sriracha?
30. Las Vegas Raiders (29): After a tough defeat against the Chargers, they now face a trip across the country to take on the frustrated yet well-rested Ravens. Can we call this a Silver and Black and Blue scenario?
31. Carolina Panthers (31): As if things couldn’t get worse, Pro Bowl DE Derrick Brown – potentially the most crucial player for Carolina – may miss the rest of the season due to a knee injury.
32. New York Giants (32): They spent Friday night watching Saquon Barkley and S Xavier McKinney excel in new uniforms, only to watch QB Daniel Jones struggle in a new uniform on Sunday – the Giants’ dreadful alternates meant to celebrate their 100th season. This celebration might be short-lived, as head coach Brian Daboll is already being questioned about Jones’ position as the starting quarterback.
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Keep up with YSL News Sports’ Nate Davis on X, previously known as Twitter, @ByNateDavis.