NFL Power Ranking: Week 2

1. Buffalo Bills (2-0)

Result: 41-7 Win vs TEN

Tennessee marched down the field on a 9-play, 75-yard scoring drive on their first possession of the game and it was all downhill from there.  The Bills completely dismantled last year’s #1 seed in the AFC, putting up 41 points in the first 3 quarters before calling off the dogs.  Stefon Diggs continued to see a high volume of targets from Josh Allen, reeling in 12 of 14 targets for 148 yards and 3 TDs.  The Titans did force the Bills’ first punt of the season and promptly muffed it to give the Bills great field position. Even when the Bills punt it turns into an explosive pay. This is why they top the NFL power ranking for week 2.

LOL the Bills finally punt and it is just a 50 yard gain

— Shane Haff (@HAFFnHAFF_TPL) September 20, 2022

Next week the Bills have a date with the high-flying Dolphins offense.

Last Week’s Rank: #1

Up Next: @ MIA

2. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

Result: 27-24 Win vs LAC

It wasn’t the cleanest game for Patrick Mahomes, who put the ball in harm’s way too many times.  With the offense stumbling a little bit, the defense did what it was often unable to do last season and picked up the slack.  Justin Herbert was under fire all night, eventually sustaining a rib injury in the 4th quarter that sidelined him for a play.  It might not have been a pretty win, but it was a huge win that sets the tone in the race for the AFC West.

Last Week’s Rank: #2

Up Next: @ IND

3. Los Angeles Chargers (1-1)

Result: 24-27 Loss @ KC

The opportunities were there for the Charger defense but they failed to make Mahomes pay with interceptions on wreckless throws.  The Chargers retain their spot at #3 and look ready to go blow for blow with the Chiefs in the race for the AFC West crown, but Justin Herbert’s rib injury threatens everything.  Hopefully, he is back at 100% soon, although his 75% is still a top 8 QB in the league, as evidenced by his 4th down post throw shortly after sustaining the injury.

Last Week’s Rank: #3

Up Next: vs JAX

4. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)

Result: 24-7 Win vs MIN

The Eagles passed the Kirk Cousins litmus test with flying colors.  The offense was unstoppable in the 1st half, and Jalen Hurts played what was easily the best game of his NFL career.  Jonathan Gannon pushed all of the right buttons for the defense, and Darius Slay shut down Justin Jefferson.  If the Eagles can normalize that performance, they are a serious Super Bowl contender.

Last Week’s Rank: #7

Up Next: @ WAS

Jalen Hurts is 2nd in the NFL in adjusted completion % (trailing Josh Allen by 0.2%) and leads the NFL in turnover worthy play rate at 0.0%. pic.twitter.com/GzFGBfZP26

— Shane Haff (@HAFFnHAFF_TPL) September 20, 2022

5. Miami Dolphins (2-0)

Result: 42-38 Win @ BAL

Tua had a rough start to the game, tossing 2 interceptions before halftime but he rebounded in the 2nd half.  Entering the 4th quarter with a 3-score deficit, the Dolphins’ offense roared back to a victory.  Tua finished the day with 469 yards, 6 TDs, and 2 INTs.  Next week is a huge game for the Dolphins, as they travel to Buffalo to take on the Bills.

Last Week’s Rank: #12

Up Next: vs BUF

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

Result: 20-10 Win @ NO

The Buccaneers got the New Orleans Saints monkey off their backs, picking up a key divisional win in the Superdome.  It wasn’t pretty for the offense, but once Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore were ejected from the game the offense started humming.  While there may be questions about the Bucs’ offense, there are no questions about this defense.  Through 2 weeks of the season, Todd Bowles’ defense has only allowed 6.5 points per game.

Last Week’s Rank: #5

Up Next: vs GB

7. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)

Result: 27-7 Win vs SEA

The biggest news coming out of this game is the Trey Lance injury.  Lance will miss the remainder of the season after sustaining a broken ankle in the game, making this Jimmy G’s team once again.  While that does lower the 49ers’ ceiling, it is worth remembering that that ceiling is still a Super Bowl contender. 

Last Week’s Rank: #10

Up Next: @ DEN

8. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)

Result: 38-42 Loss vs MIA

Lamar Jackson put on a show on Sunday and it still wasn’t enough.  Jackson was 21-29 passing for 318 yards and 3 TDs while adding 9 carries for 119 yards and 1 TD on the ground.  With a 3-score lead in the 4th quarter, the Ravens running game continued to flounder and instead of the Ravens chewing up the clock, the Dolphins chewed up the lead.  Ravens’ running backs needed the day with only 28 yards on 14 carries.

Last Week’s Rank: #4

Up Next: @ NE

It’s funny, I was told Lamar Jackson can’t pass 🤷🏼‍♂️ https://t.co/YVaEzrxaOp

— Shane Haff (@HAFFnHAFF_TPL) September 20, 2022

9. Green Bay Packers (1-1)

Result: 27-10 Win vs CHI

Aaron Rodgers hasn’t lost a home game to the Bears or thrown an interception to them since Barrack Obama was president.  Aaron Jones went off in this game with 132 yards rushing on 15 carries and the Packers defense dominated, holding the Bears to 4 3 and outs and only 41 offensive plays on the day.

Last Week’s Rank: #9

Up Next: @ TB

10. Los Angeles Rams (1-1)

Result: 31-27 Win vs ATL

The Rams held a 28-3 lead over the Falcons and then they almost falconed until the Falcons out-falconed them, throwing an interception in the endzone with 1:07 remaining in the game.  Matthew Stafford continues to be plagued by interception woes, tossing a pair of interceptions in this game to bring his season total to 5, the highest mark in the league.

Last Week’s Rank: #8

Up Next: @ ARI

Full NFL Power Ranking for Week 2