December 23, 2024

NFL Power Rankings – Week 2

With Week 2 in the books, it’s time to take a look at my NFL power rankings. Many elite teams from last year are seeing themselves drop rapidly through the first two games. Will they eventually regain their spot at the top? Stay tuned every week to see how your favorite team moves through the rankings and, as always, let me know who you think is ranked too high or too low in the comments below.

  1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

It should come as no surprise to everyone why the Niners are ranked #1. The 49ers are currently on a 12-game regular season win streak. That’s insane. Starting Mr. Irrelevant, Brock Purdy, was the best decision Kyle Shanahan has done in his coaching career. With a top 3 defensive unit and Christian McCaffrey looking like the best RB in the NFL, the Niners should have no trouble making a run this year.

2. Dallas Cowboys (2-0)

The Dallas Cowboys have looked phenomenal so far in 2023. Coming off a 40-0 beating of the Giants, the Boys hung 30 on the top-ranked Jets defense. With a point differential of +60, only SF comes close to half of that through two weeks. As long as Dallas can lean on Micah Parsons, who is already putting together a DPOY type season, and Dak Prescott, who is 1 of 4 starting QBs this year yet to turn the ball over, we might see Dallas make some noise this year.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)

The Eagles had many expectations this season coming off a Super Bowl loss to Kansas City in February. While they have continued to win, it hasn’t been in the dominant fashion that we’re used to seeing with Jalen Hurts at QB. Hurts is averaging 3.4 yards per rush which is down from his 2022 season. Despite their slight offensive setback, Philly still boasts a top defense in 2023.

4. Miami Dolphins (2-0)

The Miami Dolphins currently lead the NFL in total offensive yards at 925. Tua has looked like a top 10 QB so far, throwing for nearly 500 yards a week ago. The Dolphins also boast the top WR duo in the league with speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. The only thing holding Miami back is their defense. They are top 10 in yards allowed to opposing offenses and both of their wins were within one possession. Something to keep an eye on.

5. Baltimore Ravens (2-0)

Most likely the AFC North team that you weren’t expecting to see in the top 5 this early. The Ravens’ front office has finally given Lamar some weapons and it has showed. Drafting Zay Flowers in the first round and signing Odell Beckham Jr. this offseason was their top priority and it’s shown. Flowers has looked like Lamar’s top target through two weeks. Look for that connection to grow while Odell is sidelined with an ankle injury.

6. Buffalo Bills (1-1)

After a shaky four-turnover performance from Josh Allen in Week 1 against the Jets, the Bills showcased their explosive offense against Las Vegas. However, Buffalo’s defense also came to play. Intercepting Jimmy G twice Sunday was the key to their success. Buffalo should look to lean more on the run game with James Cook averaging 7.2 yards per carry en route to a 123-yard game this weekend.

7. Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)

Your reigning Super Bowl champs have slid throughout the last two weeks and that is mainly due to how they’ve looked offensively. The Chiefs have always had an average defense in the Mahomes’ era, leading them to rely heavily on their offense. Without Travis Kelce playing in Week 1, we saw Mahomes and company struggle heavily against Detroit. Even against Jacksonville it took until the 4th quarter for Kansas City to cement their first win of the season. Don’t fret though, I see them regaining a top 3 spot by Week 10 max.

8. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)

This offseason, Trevor Lawrence was gifted Calvin Ridley, who was fresh off a yearlong suspension due to sports gambling. Already in two weeks, he’s looking like Lawrence’s favorite WR with 8+ targets in both games. Coming off a hard-fought game against KC, the Jags look to have it easy this week with Houston coming to town.

9. Detroit Lions (1-1)

The Lions are my sleeper team for this year. Beating the Super Bowl champs in Week 1 definitely put them on notice to the rest of the league. Jared Goff has been balling this season and is in the top 5 in almost every passer category there is (yards, QBR, passer rating, touchdowns, completion percentage, etc.). Dan Campbell has Detroit looking good for 2023.

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

Who would have thought Baker Mayfield would have Tampa at 2-0? Definitely not me. Baker is looking like his college self once again. My biggest takeaway from his game is how protective he’s been with the football. Through two weeks, he’s 1 of 4 starting quarterbacks to not turn the ball over. If Tampa can ride their dominant defensive play so far, they can definitely make a run in a weak NFC South. However, Tampa deserves credit where credit is due. Many teams enter a rebuild era once parting ways with a HOF QB, let alone the GOAT.

11. Cleveland Browns (1-1)

12. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)

13. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

14. Green Bay Packers (1-1)

15. Washington Commanders (2-0)

16. New Orleans Saints (2-0)

17. Los Angeles Rams (1-1)

18. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)

19. Atlanta Falcons (2-0)

20. Los Angeles Chargers (0-2)

21. Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

22. New York Giants (1-1)

23. New York Jets (1-1)

24. New England Patriots (0-2)

25. Denver Broncos (0-2)

26. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)

27. Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

28. Tennessee Titans (1-1)

29. Chicago Bears (0-2)

30. Carolina Panthers (0-2)

31. Houston Texans (0-2)

32. Arizona Cardinals (0-2)