Week 3 2024 B/R NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand?
Week 3 NFL Power Rankings: Where Does Every Team Stand?0 of 32
Bleacher Report
Through two weeks of the 2024 NFL season, everything has gone completely according to script—if that script was written by a room full of monkeys with typewriters drinking Beefeater.
Last year’s top seed in the AFC? The Baltimore Ravens are 0-2 after being stunned by the Las Vegas Raiders at home. So are the Cincinnati Bengals, who snatched defeat from the jaws of victory with a DPI call on 4th-and-16 in Kansas City. Both teams from last year’s NFC Championship Game lost in Week 2 to surprising 2-0 teams in the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And the NFL’s most dominant team? The team that has scored 91 points in two weeks and just ended the Dallas Cowboys’ 16-game home winning streak in blowout fashion?
The New Orleans Saints—just like exactly no one predicted.
The Los Angeles Rams are reeling from a litany of injuries. Their SoFi Stadium roomies are another surprise 2-0 team. The Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers are undefeated first-place teams.
About the only thing that has made sense so far this season is that the Carolina Panthers are still horrible.
A wild and wacky Week 2 threw the NFL’s pecking order into a blender. But Bleacher Report NFL Analysts Gary Davenport, Kristopher Knox, Maurice Moton and Brent Sobleski did their best to sort through that margarita of mayhem and slot all 32 teams from worst to first.
The teams at either end have remained constant. In between? Buckle up—it’s a bumpy ride.
32. Carolina Panthers (0-2)1 of 32
Bryce YoungDavid Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Los Angeles Chargers 26-3
Things just keep getting worse and worse for the Carolina Panthers.
The Panthers were the league’s worst team last year—a 2-15 mess of a squad that fired its coach midseason. Now, the team has somehow found a way to be worse than that tomato can.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young was horrific once again—84 passing yards, a pick and a passer rating of less than 60. As Jeff Kerr wrote for CBS Sports, those were far from the only ugly numbers surrounding these pitiful Panthers.
“In addition to Young’s struggles, the Panthers became the third team since the NFL merger to trail by 20+ points at halftime in the first two games of the season, joining the 1978 Baltimore Colts and 2018 Buffalo Bills. The Panthers have 28 first-half points in their last 10 games combined and have been outscored 150-28 over that span. This is the fewest first-half points (28) by any team in a 10-game span since the 2002 Dallas Cowboys. The Panthers became the first team since the 2022 Giants to score 10 or fewer points in four straight games. They are the first team with four straight games with fewer than 200 total yards since the 2009 Browns and have bene outscored by 95 points in their last four games — the worst stretch in team history.”
The Panthers are a truly terrible team—and drafting Young ahead of C.J. Stroud last year appears to be one of the all-time draft-day mistakes.
“There isn’t a lot to say about the Panthers at this point,” Knox said. “They look as bad as they did a year ago, and Young somehow looks even worse. The Panthers offense lacks cohesion, efficiency and a quarterback who can provide a spark.”
31. New York Giants (0-2)2 of 32
Malik NabersRandy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last Week: 31
Week 2 Result: Lost at Washington 21-18
Not much went right for the New York Giants in a blowout loss to the Minnesota Vikings. But despite coming up short on the scoreboard again on Sunday against the rival Commanders, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones told reporters that he and his teammates remain confident that they can turn the 2024 season around.
“Despite what the expectation was after last week, I felt confident in our group, I felt confident in myself,” Jones said. “I thought we prepared well this week of practice. We’ll continue to build confidence through our process and through our hard work. Very disappointed with the outcome today … but in terms of my confidence and the team’s confidence, I don’t think that’s going anywhere.”
The fault Sunday wasn’t Jones’—he threw two touchdown passes without an interception and posted a passer rating of 100. Rookie wide receiver Malik Nabers shined against a bad Commanders pass defense—10 catches for 127 yards and a score. Running back Devin Singletary flirted with 100 rushing yards and averaged almost six yards a carry.
But the New York defense was gashed on the ground to the tune of 215 yards. With kicker Graham Gano injured, New York was forced to go for two after two of their touchdowns—and failed both times.
Long story short—the Giants are a bad football team. And with two straight games coming up against 2023 playoff teams, it’s not easy to see where win No. 1 is going to come from this season.
“Even with Daniel Jones’ efficient performance, the Giants couldn’t find a way to beat the Commanders, who didn’t score a touchdown in Week 2,” Moton wrote. “In fairness, the Giants didn’t make a single extra point because Graham Gano left the game after the opening kickoff. That said, the Commanders outgained the Giants 425-304.”
“With a limited offense and a bottom-half scoring defense, the Giants are one of the league’s three worst teams.”
30. Denver Broncos (0-2)3 of 32
Bo NixMatthew Stockman/Getty Images
Last Week: 28
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Pittsburgh 13-6
Maybe Russell Wilson wasn’t the problem after all.
To be fair, it’s to be expected that rookie quarterbacks will struggle. Bo Nix is no exception. And despite another rocky outing in Sunday’s loss to the Steelers, Broncos head coach Sean Payton continued to stand by his young quarterback while addressing the media.
“I think he’s got the right makeup and personality,” Payton told reporters. “Look, he was running around, he’s competing. There’s some pressures. There’s a missed protection late in the game. Those are frustrating things. I said this a week ago: We need to be better around him. Listen, this guy, he’s been through it. It’d be different if he hadn’t.”
For his part, Nix said his confidence remains unshaken.
“Don’t make a mistake about it: I’m going out there competing my tail off trying to win every single game for this team behind me because they deserve it,” he said. “But I feel like the confidence level is going to continue to build the more and more you play.”
But Nix has been objectively bad over two starts. He has averaged five yards per attempt. He’s completing less than 60 percent of his passes. He has yet to throw a touchdown pass. And he’s been picked off four times.
Now, the Broncos hit the road to take on a couple of perceived postseason contenders in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and New York Jets. Denver will be significant underdogs in both games. And at some point, Payton may have no choice but to sit Nix before his confidence hits Bryce Young-esque levels.
29. Tennessee Titans (0-2)4 of 32
Will LevisJustin Ford/Getty Images
Last Week: 30
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. New York Jets 24-17
The more things change, the more they stay the same. For the second time in two weeks, the Tennessee Titans played well enough to win a close game. And for the second time in two weeks, a jaw-droppingly bad turnover by Titans quarterback Will Levis played a major role in a Tennessee loss.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportWill Levis this week and last week 🤣 pic.twitter.com/hJSAEGZXVY
Wide receiver Calvin Ridley, who was a bright spot for the Titans in Week 2, acknowledged to reporters that the way the 2024 season has begun is frustrating.
“We lost, man,” Ridley said, per the team’s website. “I don’t want to lose; I want to win the game and go home and chill and be happy. But we have to go back to work and figure it out. I think we’re getting close, though. I’m upset, but I think we’re getting close.”
Defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons echoed that frustration.
“It is frustrating, losing,” Simmons said. “The things we keep talking about—taking care of the football, and getting turnovers, and it’s not happening.”
The reality is that the Tennessee defense has played relatively well. There have been flashes from the offensive skill-position players. But in back-to-back games, Levis has made a terrible decision with the football that has had a massively negative impact for the Titans. Levis is admittedly young, and backup Mason Rudolph doesn’t inspire a ton of confidence.
But when your quarterback keeps giving games away, at some point you have to consider making a change.
28. New England Patriots (1-1)5 of 32
Jacoby BrissettKathryn Riley/Getty Images
Last Week: 29
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Seattle 23-20 (OT)
In the NFL, results are all that matters. The New England Patriots came close to the most surprising 2-0 start in the NFL this year, but in the end the New England defense couldn’t stop Geno Smith and the Seattle Seahawks from eking out an overtime win at Gillette Stadium.
But the Patriots have put up a lot more fight than most expected two games in, downing the Bengals in Cincinnati and giving Seattle all it could handle.
Still, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo was the first to tell reporters after the loss that he cares less about fight and more about improved offensive execution.
“Look, this isn’t a fancy football team,” Mayo said. “This is one of those teams whether we throw it or run it that we just have to be a tough football team, but at the same time, have to be smart. We have to be able to go out there and line up and be mentally tough on a down-after-down basis. We’ve got to start pushing the ball down the field to get that shell defense, and we’ve got to be able to run. We’ve got to be able to pass. We’ve got to be able to ping-pong between the two. It’s something that we need to work on. That’s what I would say.”
These Patriots may still be lucky to win seven games. But you can rest assured that the New York Jets won’t be underestimating them heading into their Thursday night meeting at MetLife Stadium.
Because if they do, they’ll get beat.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)6 of 32
Trevor LawrencePeter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last Week: 17
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Cleveland 18-13
The Jacksonville Jaguars suffered a heartbreaking loss to the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, but ahead of Sunday’s matchup with the Cleveland Browns Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence told reporters that there was no panic in Duval County.
“Just play your game, trust your coaching, trust our system—talking offensively—and it will come to you,” Lawrence said. “I feel like we have a great plan, a great process, and you just have to keep trusting it. We were in a position to win (against Miami) because of a great week of prep, and obviously, we didn’t make a couple of plays down the stretch. That’s what happened. It’s as simple as that. You move on to the next week.”
There may be a different feeling around TrEverBank Stadium (No, really—that’s what they called it Sunday) after the Jaguars feel to 0-2 after a listless loss to Cleveland.
Yes, the Browns led the league in total defense last year. But while the Jaguars out-gained the Browns, the team couldn’t sustain offense. The Jaguars were just 3-of-9 on third down, Lawrence was sacked four times, and the Jags were 1-of-4 in the red zone.
The Jaguars entered the 2024 season aspirations of erasing last year’s late-season collapse and challenging the Houston Texans in the AFC South. But a lack of execution in big moments now leaves them with their backs against the wall headed into a must-win game in Buffalo next Monday night.
“I still believe that Jacksonville is a talented enough team to make a playoff push,” Knox said, “but it can only reach the postseason if it figures out how to play a complete game. Mistakes and a lack offensive rhythm have now cost the Jaguars two games they easily could have won, and Lawrence is missing more plays than a $275 million quarterback should. It’s hard to say that a team is facing a must-win situation this early in the season. With road games against the Bills and Texans upcoming, though, the Jags have to find their way now or risk falling far behind in the AFC race.”
26. Washington Commanders (1-1)7 of 32
Jayden DanielsRandy Litzinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last Week: 27
Week 2 Result: Won vs. New York Giants 21-18
The Washington Commanders got their first win of the Jayden Daniels era Sunday, but it was kicker Austin Seibert who did all of Washington’s scoring, booting seven field goals after replacing Cade York earlier this week.
Daniels has yet to throw a touchdown pass for the Commanders. But he also has yet to throw an interception, and his poise and resilience has already won over teammates like running back Brian Robinson Jr.
“He hasn’t been fazed,” Robinson told reporters. “Not one time by anything negative that happens. I haven’t seen his energy go down or anything. He’s as positive as anybody on his team. Even in the most critical times or when things are backed up. He’s a great leader in those situations. He’s able to fight through as our quarterback to help put us in a better situation. He’s a tough dude. Over time he’s going to continue to show how he’s a player. What more would I want from a quarterback that’s willing to put his body on the line at a critical time?”
“The Commanders’ offense isn’t as appealing as high-powered units around the league, but they’ve embraced a good old-fashioned ground-and-pound approach with a wrinkle of designed quarterback runs,” Moton said. “After Daniels ran the ball 16 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 1 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, head coach Dan Quinn told reporters that’s not ‘the model’ the team wants for its rookie signal-caller.
“In Week 2, Daniels recorded 10 carries for 44 yards, though running back Brian Robinson Jr. handled most of the rushing workload, racking up 133 yards on the ground. Daniels is efficient from the pocket, completing 75 percent of his passes, and his dynamic playmaking ability works well with Robinson in the run game. The Commanders aren’t a top-20 team, but they’re working on a winning formula.”
25. Indianapolis Colts (0-2)8 of 32
Anthony RichardsonStacy Revere/Getty Images
Last Week: 20
Week 2 Result: Lost at Green Bay 16-10
The Indianapolis Colts have problems—plural.
Offensively, second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson was rather a mess against the Packers on Sunday, completing just half his passes, throwing three interceptions and posting a woeful passer rating of 41.8.
Defensively, the Colts have been beyond abysmal against the run. For the second week in a row, Indy was gashed for well over 200 yards on the ground. Head coach Shane Steichen acknowledged to reporters after the loss that the winless Colts have a lot of work to do.
“We’ve got to get it fixed,” Steichen said. “It starts with myself, I’m the head coach, and we’ve got to get in that meeting room on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and get it fixed. And that’s the bottom line.”
“Indianapolis can’t stop that run,” Sobleski said. “An 0-2 start can be traced directly to that issue. The Colts aren’t just bad against the run; they’re easily the league’s worst in that department. Through two games, Indianapolis is the only squad to have allowed 400 yards on the ground. The Colts defense has surrendered 75 more yards than the Carolina Panthers, who are the league’s worst team with a minus-60 point differential. Yes, the Colts need more consistency from Richardson. Despite his ups and downs, Indianapolis remained in striking distance during each of its first two games. But Steichen’s squad should be embarrassed by how soft it is at the point of attack.”
24. Chicago Bears (1-1)9 of 32
Caleb WilliamsCooper Neill/Getty Images
Last Week: 23
Week 2 Result: Lost at Houston 19-13
The good news for the Chicago Bears is that for the second time in as many weeks, the defense kept the team in the game for four quarters.
The bad news is it didn’t matter because of the way the offense played.
In fairness to rookie No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, any quarterback would likely have struggled against the onslaught he endured Sunday night. Williams was sacked seven times and hit innumerable others, and he acknowledged to reporters that he was feeling those hits after the game.
“I’m a little bruised up,” Williams said. “I took a couple hits today. I’m going to get in ice tubs and do all the things I need to do to make sure my body is ready for tomorrow and practice other the other days and obviously next game.”
Williams also threw two second-half interceptions, although head coach Matt Eberflus said the night wasn’t all bad.
“There were certain points where I think he did a really good job riding up in the pocket and making some good throws, so some really good positives there to look at,” Eberflus said. “Then also he was able to evade the rush a couple times and get on the perimeter a couple times. He has to be careful with the football after he gets out there when he throws the ball in a scramble drill. So great learning moments there for him in terms of the pressure that you’re talking about, of what to do and when to do it.”
Chicago’s next three games are against three winless teams. So, in theory, Williams might be able to get untracked over that span.
If he doesn’t, his rookie honeymoon could end—and the criticism will come.
23. Los Angeles Rams (0-2)10 of 32
Matthew StaffordChristian Petersen/Getty Images
Last Week: 10
Week 2 Result: Lost at Arizona 41-10
There isn’t a team in the NFL that would like to rewind to the beginning of the 2024 season more than the Los Angeles Rams.
It’s bad enough that the Rams are 0-2 after suffering the most lopsided loss of the Seam McVay era. But the injuries in Los Angeles are just off the chain.
Earlier this week, the Rams placed wide receiver Puka Nacua, offensive tackle Joe Noteboom and guard Steve Avila on injured reserve. Against the Cardinals, wideout Cooper Kupp suffering an injury on what looked like the sort of “hip drop” tackle that isn’t supposed to happen in the NFL anymore. He’s likely headed to IR as well.
In the opinion of McVay, Sunday’s loss was a “burn the tape” type of game.
“There’s not anything positive I can take from today,” McVay told reporters. “Anytime something like this occurs you’ve got to look inward first and foremost. Didn’t do nearly a good enough job. There are so many things we have to go back and look at. It was an incredibly humbling three-hour window.”
“Some 0-2 teams will find ways to bounce back and make a run for a playoff spot, but the Rams won’t be one of those clubs,” Moton wrote. “Los Angeles has way too many injuries to keep pace with average-scoring teams. The team has placed Nacua on injured reserve, and Kupp exited Sunday’s game with an ankle injury. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Nacua could miss five to seven weeks of action. Kupp has battled ankle injuries over the past few seasons.
“When you factor in the Rams’ injury-riddled offensive line, they’re already fighting an uphill battle to stay competitive in games. Their 41-10 loss to the Cardinals may be the first of several lopsided defeats.”
22. Miami Dolphins (1-1)11 of 32
Skylar ThompsonCooper Neill/Getty Images
Last Week: 8
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Buffalo 31-10
Getting drilled by the Bills for their 12th loss to the Bills in 13 games was bad enough for the Miami Dolphins.
But right now, it’s the least of Miami’s problems.
After suffering three concussions in 2022, Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa made it through the 2023 campaign unscathed, leading the NFL in passing yards and getting a four-year, $212.4 million extension from the team.
But while trying to gain extra yards on a fourth-down run Thursday night, Tagovailoa suffered yet another concussion—one that has thrown his season (if not his career) into doubt.
The injury led to multiple calls from pundits and former players alike for Tagovailoa to retire, but Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel told reporters that the only thing Tagovailoa should be focused on is his health.
“You’re talking about his career; his career is his,” he said. “I just wish that people would for a second hear what I’m saying, that bringing up his future is not in the best interest of him. So, I’m going to plead with everybody that does genuinely care that that should be the last thing on your mind.”
Tagovailoa has reportedly already made a decision on his future—he will consult with neurologists this week but has no intention of calling it a career.
So now the Dolphins need to figure out a way to keep the season afloat until Tagovailoa returns—and if Thursday’s loss was any indication, generating offense with Skylar Thompson under center isn’t going to be easy.
21. Las Vegas Raiders (1-1)12 of 32
Gardner MinshewMichael Owens/Getty Images
Last Week: 26
Week 2 Result: Won at Baltimore 26-23
There wasn’t a weirder outcome in Week 2 than the Raiders’ upset of the Ravens in Baltimore.
This was a game where the Raiders were outgained by over 120 yards. Where the Raiders could not run the ball at all, managing just 27 yards on 17 carries. Where Las Vegas converted just four of 12 third downs. But thanks to some timely plays and a solid outing from Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II, the Silver and Black pulled off an upset that could have major ramifications for both teams.
Bleacher Report’s resident expert on all things Raiders will take the victory any way he can get it.
“Can the Raiders finally get some respect around here? In comeback fashion, down 10 points in the fourth quarter, they knocked off a perennial playoff contender who had extra days to prepare for the game,” Moton said. “The Raiders showed little signs of offensive vitality for about two-and-half quarters, but rookie tight Brock Bowers carried the unit through periods of futility. Davante Adams helped out with clutch catches in the fourth quarter.
“Initially, head coach Antonio Pierce wanted the ground game to be the bread and butter of the offense, but clearly, it’s Adams and Bowers in the passing game. The Raiders’ subpar offensive line will put Minshew in tough spots, but if he has enough time to throw, Adams and Bowers can make big plays in crucial moments downfield.”
20. Cleveland Browns (1-1)13 of 32
Deshaun WatsonPeter Joneleit/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last Week: 24
Week 2 Result: Won at Jacksonville 18-13
The good news for the Cleveland Browns is that after getting drilled at home in the opener by the Dallas Cowboys, Cleveland got into the win column Sunday in Jacksonville.
The bad news is that the biggest problem looming over the team is still there. Yes, Deshaun Watson scored a touchdown on the ground against the Jaguars. But he also averaged 5.5 yards per attempt and posted a passer rating of less than 80.
That’s not good, folks.
Add to that yet another lawsuit from a woman alleging that Watson sexually assaulted her in 2020, and the Watson trade and contract may well be the worst personnel move in the history of the NFL. But as Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab wrote this week, the team is effectively stuck.
“The trade is done but the contract still looms. He has an unbelievable cap hit of $72.9 million each of the next two seasons. According to OverTheCap.com, cutting Watson next offseason would cause $172.7 million in dead cap space. If you want a reason the Browns seem to keep talking themselves into Watson being an answer for them instead of a problem, that’s it. If they decide to go in any other direction at quarterback, Watson will be carrying around a Microsoft Surface on the sideline with the highest cap number in the NFL by a mile. There are no other options.”
“The Browns may have to pay Watson,” Davenport said, “but they don’t have to play him. This is a playoff-caliber team with skill-position talent, one of the league’s better offensive lines when healthy and a stifling defense led by the reigning Defensive Player of the Year. So long as Watson is under center, the rest of that roster is effectively being wasted. Bench Watson and start Jameis Winston. Now.”
19. Green Bay Packers (1-1)14 of 32
Josh JacobsTodd Rosenberg/Getty Images
Last Week: 15
Week 2 Result: Won vs. Indianapolis 16-10
The Green Bay Packers entered their Week 2 meeting with the Indianapolis Colts facing more than a little adversity. Coming off a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the opener, the Packers were without quarterback Jordan Love. The team’s starter under center (Malik Willis) wasn’t even on the team a month ago.
In news that should surprise no one, Green Bay leaned heavily on the ground game—a staggering 53 carries for 261 yards. Most of the work was done by veteran tailback Josh Jacobs, who impressed teammate Josh Myers with his 32-carry, 151-yard performance.
“Unbelievable. Unbelievable,” Myers told reporters. “I know they said he had 32 rushes for like 150-something. Most of those were up the gut, hard, gritty, grimy runs. Unbelievable job by him. I can’t imagine how he must be feeling right now.”
For his part, Jacobs said he just did what needed doing.
“You’ve got to put your head down and get results, and that’s what this business is,” Jacobs said. “Make it happen. Who cares that the odds are against you, that you don’t got your starting quarterback? Just make it happen.”
“You aren’t going to win many NFL games attempting 14 passes,” Davenport said. “But just two of Willis’ throws were incomplete, and he played unquestionably the best game of his career against the Colts. That outing is almost as important as the win itself—Matt LaFleur can talk up Love’s recuperative powers until milk turns to cheese, but MCL injuries take more than a week to heal. Now the team has at least some confidence that Willis can hold down the fort until Love is healthy again.”
18. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)15 of 32
Kyler MurrayNorm Hall/Getty Images
Last Week: 25
Week 2 Result: Won vs. Los Angeles Rams 41-10
Have yourself a day, Kyler Murray
After blowing an early lead in Week 1 in Buffalo, the Arizona Cardinals decided to try a different strategy in Week 2—dropping a piano on the Los Angeles Rams.
In a blowout win, quarterback Kyler Murray was, well, perfect—his four incompletions in 21 attempts, 266 passing yards, three scores and no interceptions netted him a perfect 158.3 passer rating.
It marked the first time the Redbirds had beaten the Rams at home since 2014, and Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was quick to credit his star quarterback while speaking to reporters.
“He was lights out,” Gannon said. “He’s a premium player for a reason. You take him against anybody. That’s how I feel, and that’s what he did today.”
It didn’t hurt that Murray got rookie fourth overall pick Marvin Harrison Jr. involved early. After being limited to one grab against Buffalo, Harrison exploded for 130 yards and his first two NFL scores in a game that was over at intermission. Murray said that wasn’t by accident.
“I’ve played for a long time—you want to get your guys the ball early so they feel like in the game,” Murray said. “Get them going. Get their juices flowing. I thought we did a good job of that today.”
“Everyone can calm down now. Harrison isn’t a bust. This year’s fourth overall draft pick, who B/R had as the No. 1 overall prospect, lit up the Rams after a disappointing debut. In fact, MHJ had 130 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the first quarter of Sunday’s action,” Sobleski said. “He didn’t need to do anything beyond that point, because the Cardinals were already running away with the game. Obviously, the Cardinals want to get their top pick involved. They didn’t do so in Week 1. But the freak-out session over Harrison’s one catch for four yards proved to be way over the top. He’s good. He’s a weapon. He’s going to put up big numbers at times. Everyone fully understands this now.”
17. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)16 of 32
Kirk CousinsMitchell Leff/Getty Images
Last Week: 22
Week 2 Result: Won at Philadelphia 22-21
What a difference a week can make.
After a loss at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1,
Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris told
reporters that he remained confident that his team was capable of having
success this season.
“We’ve got to have the ability to execute against anybody,” Morris said. “When you play a team like this, the Pittsburgh Steelers with the defense they have, you know it’s going to be a dirty game. But we had our opportunities.”
It looked like the Falcons were headed for another defeat in Week 2 after Jake Elliott kicked a field goal with less than two minutes left to put the Eagles up six. But the Falcons weren’t going to be done in by another Pennsylvania team. No sir. Kirk Cousins drove the Falcons the length of the field with remarkable ease, finding Drake London for the winning touchdown with less than 45 seconds to go.
For Cousins, it was a far better performance than his
Atlanta debut—241 passing yards and two touchdowns without an interception.
Running back Bijan Robinson had a big game as well, piling up 122 total yards.
The importance of this victory for the Falcons can’t be overstated. With the Buccaneers and Saints racing out to 2-0 starts, the Falcons could not afford to fall two back in the division—especially with three straight games coming up with 2-0 teams starting with the two-time defending champs in Week 3.
Maybe all that playoff talk around the Falcons over the summer wasn’t just talk after all.
16. New York Jets (1-1)17 of 32
Aaron RodgersJustin Ford/Getty Images
Last Week: 14
Week 2 Result: Won at Tennessee 24-17
The first win of the Aaron Rodgers’ era featured a combination of youth and experience. Rodgers is the oldest active player in the league—and when he threw the second of his two touchdown passes in the game to running back Braelon Allen, he connected with the league’s youngest active player.
Rodgers looked at times like a 40-year-old who barely played in 2023, completing just 18 of 30 passes for 176 yards. But Rodgers threw two touchdown passes, didn’t turn the ball over and told reporters after the game that it felt good to be part of a win for the first time in a long time.
“To be able to take a knee at the end is something special,” Rodgers said. “Proud of our defense, they made some big plays in the first half when we were really sputtering and got the ball back twice and we finally started putting a few things together. Still there’s a lot to improve on, but this feels really good. There’s so many people that have helped me get to this point right now that I have just so much gratitude for. I love this game. I love being back out here and I love being a part of this team.”
“Most of us talking heads and writers spoke extensively about how Rodgers’ return would impact the Jets offense, though it may be their two-man backfield that does more to propel the unit,” Moton said. “In the Jets’ first win of the season, running backs Breece Hall and Braelon Allen accounted for all three of their touchdowns. Rodgers threw one touchdown pass to both tailbacks, and Allen logged a 20-yard run for the go-ahead score late in the fourth quarter. Rodgers won’t have to stress his 40-year-old arm with two young running backs averaging more than four yards per carry and racking up yards after the catch on short completions.”
15. Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)18 of 32
Sam HubbardAndy Lyons/Getty Images
Last Week: 11
Week 2 Result: Lost at Kansas City 26-25
Apparently, the Cincinnati Bengals like uphill climbs. Because after falling to the Kansas City Chiefs on a last-second field goal Sunday, the fighting Joe Burrows are 0-2—again.
However, despite another slow start, head coach Zac Taylor told reporters that he’s not all that worried about his team.
“Disappointing that we lost. It was an emotional loss for us, but at the same time, I like where our team’s mental state is at,” Taylor said. “How we fought on the road against a really good team and I am confident that we’re going to be able to bounce back the right way and get ourselves in better shape in Week 3.”
It was a refrain echoed by edge-rusher Sam Hubbard.
“Never moral victories, but I think we can beat anybody. We proved that today,” Hubbard said. “Fifteen games left. There’s no reason to panic. We take what we did today and build off it.”
However, Sobleski’s concern level is a tad higher.
“Maybe the Bengals needed more than simply keeping Burrow healthy,” he said. “Cincinnati once again came up short Sunday against its measuring stick, the Kansas City Chiefs. In doing so, the Bengals have lost three in a row to Patrick Mahomes and Co. But Cincinnati’s latest loss is less about the opponent and more about where the Bengals need to improve. The offensive line remains an issue. Zack Moss is averaging under 4.0 yards per carry as the lead back. Ja’Marr Chase needs to be more involved. A balky hamstring hasn’t allowed Tee Higgins to play.
“Eventually, everything should come together based on what we know from past performance. But an 0-2 start, including a Week 1 loss to the New England Patriots, will make the Bengals’ path far more difficult to travel.”
14. Baltimore Ravens (0-2)19 of 32
Roquan SmithPatrick Smith/Getty Images
Last Week: 6
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Las Vegas 26-23
Had you said before Sunday’s meeting between the Raiders and Ravens that Baltimore would have a double-digit lead in the fourth quarter, most would have assumed that the Ravens would cruise to their first win of the season.
Instead, Baltimore fell apart defensively late—especially in the secondary. And a team many expected to represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX is now in very real trouble after starting the season 0-2.
Pro Bowl linebacker Roquan Smith didn’t make any excuses while talking to reporters after the loss.
“All we can do is respond, and I think that’s what defines each and every human being,” Smith said. “I know the guys in the locker room and how we feel about it. Trust me, it sucks for us more than anyone else. I just know we’re gonna put our head down and keep going and, you know, correct our mistakes. There’s no way we should be 0-2, but hey, it is what it is.”
“The Ravens have major problems,” Davenport said. “The defense under new coordinator Zach Orr has been inconsistent. Derrick Henry hasn’t been able to get the ground game going behind an offensive line that has struggled. And Baltimore just lost a game it badly needed against a mediocre Raiders squad. The Ravens needed that game because the schedule moving forward is brutal—at Dallas, Buffalo and at Cincinnati. The historical data for teams after 0-2 starts isn’t good. At 0-3, their chances of making the playoffs at all would be virtually nil.”
13. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)20 of 32
Quentin JohnstonDavid Jensen/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last Week: 19
Week 2 Result: Won at Carolina 26-3
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Quentin Johnston has received more than his fair share of criticism since being drafted in the first round in 2023. But earlier in the summer, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters those critics could win up eating their words this year.
“I just think he got a bad rap,” Harbaugh said. “I look at some of the clips coming out of training camp last year. You know, whatever it was, it just seemed like in somebody’s mind he’s been a disappointment. He hasn’t been at all in my eyes. I see a big, fast, strong, he’s stronger, that’s a piece that’s really been addressed in the offseason with Coach Herbert. And Quentin, just getting stronger. At that speed, the agility, his ability to catch the ball, I mean I’ve seen him pluck it out of the air. He’s as good as anybody doing it. But combining that speed and agility, getting that strength component to go along with it.”
One game won’t completely erase that narrative—but in catching a pair of touchdown passes against the Panthers, Johnston flashed some of the talent that made him a first-round pick.
Johnston wasn’t the only “disappointing” player who showed out in Charlotte. The NFL career of running back J.K. Dobbins has been marred by injuries, but the former Ohio State star sailed past 100 yards on the ground for the second time in as many games.
It’s not all smiles for the 2-0 Chargers, though. As the team stays on the East Coast ahead of next week’s trip to Pittsburgh, there are questions about the health of quarterback Justin Herbert, who went for X-rays after being rolled up in the third quarter.
“Jim Harbaugh is doing it again. The man simply knows how to coach,” Sobleski said. “The Chargers are off to a 2-0 start despite a lingering foot injury to Herbert and questions about the squad’s roster makeup. Certain surprises on offense are allowing the Chargers to be explosive despite major question marks at the skill positions entering the season. Let’s not forget: The Chargers moved on from Austin Ekeler, Keenan Allen and Mike Williams this offseason. Dobbins leads the NFL in rushing with 266 yards at a staggering 9.9 yards per carry. Also, Johnston showed signs of real progress Sunday with two touchdown grabs against the Panthers.”
12. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)21 of 32
Dak PrescottSam Hodde/Getty Images
Last Week: 7
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. New Orleans 44-19
The Dallas defense was dominant a week ago against the Cleveland Browns, but as quarterback Dak Prescott told reporters ahead of Sunday’s home opener, the offense was looking for improved efficiency against the New Orleans Saints.
“We weren’t able to put that team away when we had the chance,” Prescott said. “Defense did a great job of it but, for us, it’s about moving forward. We’re one of the best third-down teams we’ve been, so it’s about getting back on track with that [and] converting those and, when you do, you get more chances at the plate, you get more plays, and that’s when just the big plays come naturally in our offense. So we’ve got to convert those third downs. Looking to do it this week. Got to keep it rolling. I know the last time we were in there wasn’t a win. So, it’s about getting that taste out of our mouth and giving our home fans something to cheer about on Sunday.”
There was offensive efficiency on Sunday all right. But there was precious little for Cowboys fans to cheer about—because it was the Saints who piled up 432 yards of offense and 24 first downs in a blowout.
“There will no doubt be plenty of fans freaking out in Dallas this week after the Cowboys were roasted defensively,” Davenport wrote. “And there is cause for genuine concern. But it’s more on the offensive side of the ball. The Dallas run game was a question mark entering the season, and after averaging just 3.2 yards per carry against the Saints, that question looms larger than ever. Next week’s home tilt against the reeling Ravens has even bigger stakes now—two Super Bowl hopefuls trying to keep the season from getting away from them.”
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)22 of 32
Najee HarrisMatthew Stockman/Getty Images
Last Week: 13
Week 2 Result: Won at Denver 13-6
The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t piling up the style points with Justin Fields subbing for an injured Russell Wilson at quarterback. The team has scored one offensive touchdown in two games. But 2-0 is 2-0, and after outlasting the Broncos in Denver on Sunday, the Steelers are all alone atop the AFC North.
Fields, who threw for just 117 yards with a touchdown in the win over the Broncos, told reporters that he knows the team needs to clean things up on the offensive side of the ball.
“It’s always hard to win in this league, so being able to start out 2-0, with two away games, has been great,” Fields said. “But we’ve got to be better. We’ve got to stop the penalties, stuff like that. We ought to be better, including me. We get that and the way our defense is playing, we get rolling on offense, scoring 28 points-plus, we’ll be in good shape.”
Running back Najee Harris said that at times Pittsburgh has been its own worst enemy.
“We aren’t being conservative,” Harris said. “We are just (expletive) ourselves. We make a play and get a penalty that pushes us back and gets us off schedule. The plays you want to run you can’t run anymore because it is 2nd-and-12. If you take away those penalties, the stat sheet looks better.”
The Steelers defense has been dominant, allowing just 16 points and one touchdown in two games. If the offense could get untracked, this team could be a real factor in the AFC.
10. Seattle Seahawks (2-0)23 of 32
Geno SmithKathryn Riley/Getty Images
Last Week: 16
Week 2 Result: Won at New England 23-20 (OT)
With the Seattle Seahawks without starting running back Kenneth Walker III and completely unable to run the ball Sunday in New England, it fell to Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith to step up and carry the offense.
Smith did just that, completing 75 percent of his passes for 327 yards in an overtime victory over a Patriots team that has been more competitive than expected over the first two games of the season.
Smith told reporters after the victory that he relishes having to put the team on his back.
“I always dreamed about these moments growing up. It’s a dream come true just to be here. Whenever I’m in this situation and the game is on the line, I’m so happy and just excited for those opportunities. I look forward to them, actually. I know it’s going to happen more and more times throughout the season. The best quarterbacks always find ways to win. I want to be regarded in that light.”
The Seahawks aren’t without issues on both sides of the ball. But two weeks into the season they are the NFC West’s lone undefeated team. Davenport believes that merits some consideration.
“The Seahawks are not the best team in the division on paper—in fact, before the Rams were ravaged by injuries, they may not have been the second-best,” he said. “But for the second week in a row, they figured out a way to gut out a victory. Granted, those wins didn’t come against top-flight competition. With a banged-up Dolphins team next up on the schedule, the Seahawks could easily be 3-0 when they face their first real test of the season in prime time in Detroit in Week 4.”
9. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)24 of 32
Jalen HurtsTim Nwachukwu/Getty Images
Last Week: 5
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Atlanta 22-21
It’s déjà vu all over again.
After racing out to a 10-1 start last year, the Eagles collapsed, losing five of six before getting hammered in Tampa in the Wild Card round. The Philly team that somehow lost to the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night looked a lot like that team.
There was questionable coaching, with Nick Sirianni eschewing what would have been an important field goal in the first half for a failed fourth-down conversion. There was poor execution—if Saquon Barkley catches a third-down pass in the flat with less than two minutes left the Eagles run out the clock.
Actually, not running the ball there was a puzzling decision, too.
And there was uncharacteristically poor defense, especially on the game-deciding drive. Philly allowed Atlanta to gain over five yards a carry on the ground, and the Eagles pass rush was invisible most of the night.
It’s important not to overreact—especially in a week where most of the NFC’s marquee teams came up short. But in Davenport’s opinion, fans in the City of Brotherly Shove have plenty to be concerned about.
“This looked more like the Eagles of late last season than the team that looked like the NFL’s best earlier in the year,” he said. “Nick Sirianni made multiple bad decisions. The Eagles just couldn’t put the game away. And perhaps most importantly, Philly’s new-look secondary was carved to pieces by Kirk Cousins on the game’s deciding drive. He drove the length of the field with no timeouts—and it was easy. The Eagles may still be the team to beat in the NFC East, but Vic Fangio’s new-look defense looked a lot like the one from last year that was terrible against the pass.”
8. Minnesota Vikings (2-0)25 of 32
Sam DarnoldAdam Bettcher/Getty Images
Last Week: 21
Week 2 Result: Won vs. San Francisco 23-17
When the Sam Darnold-led Vikings rolled the New York Giants in Week 1, no one really batted an eye. After all, the Giants are, um, awful.
However, the San Francisco 49ers are most assuredly not awful—they are the defending NFC champions. And beating the Niners in Minnesota’s home opener was an eye-opening victory.
Facing one of the NFL’s best defenses, Darnold played one of the best games of his professional career, completing 17 of 26 passes for 268 yards and two scores, including a 97-yarder to star Justin Jefferson. It was a performance that surprised quite a few people—but not Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
“The amount of work that goes into that position on your quarterback journey when everybody decides that you cannot play—we always believed in him, and awesome to go watch him go do that thing, so really proud of Sam Darnold,” O’Connell told reporters.
Knox isn’t slamming purple Kool-Aid just yet. But he admitted the Vikings may just be for real.
“I’m not ready to crown Minnesota as the team to beat in the NFC North, but with a 2-0 record to start the year, it can steal a division title in 2024,” he said. “Minnesota’s defense looks better than it was a year ago, and wideout Justin Jefferson is clearly just as effective as he was when healthy last season—and he doesn’t believe his latest injury is serious. Perhaps most importantly, Darnold is playing like a quarterback with whom the Vikings can win. We’ll see if he continues doing so once teams have more film of him operating O’Connell’s offense.”
7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)26 of 32
Baker MayfieldSteven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last Week: 12
Week 2 Result: Won at Detroit 20-16
It may be time to start taking the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seriously as more than just a contender in the NFC South.
And start thinking of Baker Mayfield as more than a mid-range option under center.
Mayfield attempted only 19 passes, but he threw for one touchdown and ran for another—a career-best 11-yarder. While addressing the media after the game, he deflected praise for the victory in a rematch from last year’s postseason to his teammates.
“For starters, having a bunch of guys out and a lot of guys stepping up in a huge way, and for it to come down to critical moments in a really tight ballgame and everybody stepping up is so big for everybody on this team,” Mayfield said. “We stick together and obviously had a better outcome than the last time we were here. It’s a new season, there are a lot of games left, but for us, building chemistry, building resiliency, the culture we want, this is a huge win for us.”
“It’s early,” Knox said, “but it sure doesn’t feel like last season was a fluke for the Buccaneers or for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Beating the Commanders in Week 1 didn’t tell us a lot. Outlasting the Lions in Detroit did. Like their quarterback, the Buccaneers are gritty, physical and completely unwilling to simply go away. The defense has flaws, the offense isn’t always pretty, but this is a team that can be a problem for opponents if it returns to the postseason.”
6. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)27 of 32
Brock PurdyStephen Maturen/Getty Images
Last Week: 3
Week 2 Result: Lost at Minnesota 23-17
After the San Francisco 49ers dispatched the New York Jets with relative ease in Week 1, the belief by many was that the team would experience similar success in Week 2 against the Minnesota Vikings. But after allowing over 400 yards of offense and a two-turnover performance from quarterback Brock Purdy, the Niners left the Twin Cities trying to figure out what went wrong in a six-point loss.
The 49ers also came up short on a pair of fourth-down calls that theoretically took points off the board, but after the loss head coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters he didn’t regret either decision.
“I didn’t mind the decision in those situations. Where we were at on the field,” Shanahan said. “When you’re just right outside of field-goal range, the down and distance, and I didn’t mind going for it inside the [2], knowing that we’ll pin them back. They made a hell of a play to get out of there but didn’t like the results, obviously.”
It was an uncharacteristically sloppy performance all-around from San Francisco, but Knox isn’t hitting any big red buttons, even if he sees one area of real concern.
“I think it’s too soon for the 49ers to panic,” he said. “They were on a short week, on the road and against a Vikings team that is looking a lot better than most expected. Bad, mistake-filled games happen, even to good teams—remember when San Francisco lost to P.J. Walker and the Browns last year? My biggest concern coming out of Sunday is that San Francisco’s secondary still looks like a potential weakness. It’s a unit that struggled against the likes of Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes last season. It gave up too many big plays to Darnold on Sunday.”
5. Detroit Lions (1-1)28 of 32
Aidan HutchinsonMike Mulholland/Getty Images
Last Week: 2
Week 2 Result: Lost vs. Tampa Bay 20-16
Had you said before Sunday’s meeting at Ford Field that the Detroit Lions would outgain the Tampa Bay Buccaneers by almost 250 yards and that Lions edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson would log 4.5 sacks, most people would have predicted an easy win for the home team. But thanks to a couple of costly turnovers, some questionable coaching and some timely plays by the Buccaneers, the Lions were stunned at home to fall to 1-1.
It most assuredly was not the Lions’ finest hour, but Hutchinson told reporters after the game that he thinks the loss could actually be a learning experience for Detroit.
“Yeah, I mean, it sucks,” he said. “But I was just talking to some guys and I think this is gonna be really good for us. We had an early loss last year too. I remember we lost to Seattle, and everybody thought we sucked again. I think we’re gonna keep this one in perspective, and if we’re gonna be struggling a little bit as a team, I’d rather we struggle early rather than late. The plan is to catch fire as we get through the season and then we go from there.”
Knox isn’t overreacting either—but he does believe we may have been a bit quick to crown the Lions as one of the favorites in the NFC.
“I think most of us were ready to label the Lions a top-three team entering the season and even after a close win over the Rams in Week 1,” he said. “I’m not going to drop the Lions dramatically after a close loss to Tampa Bay, but it doesn’t feel like Detroit is a powerhouse yet. Simply put, Sunday’s game felt more like a statement about the Buccaneers than about the Lions. That said, I don’t believe Detroit is as good as it can be just yet.”
4. New Orleans Saints (2-0)29 of 32
Derek CarrRon Jenkins/Getty Images
Last Week: 18
Week 2 Result: Won at Dallas 44-19
Break up the Saints!
The Saints had the most impressive outing of Week 1, dropping 47 points on the hapless Carolina Panthers. But not many folks expected New Orleans to enjoy similar success in Week 2—not in Dallas against a Cowboys team that had won 16 straight regular-season outings at AT&T Stadium.
Um, yeah—about that.
Against a Dallas defense that completely shut down the Cleveland Browns in Week 1, the Saints did as they pleased offensively. Running back Alvin Kamara had a monster game, piling up 180 yards from scrimmage and finding the end zone four times. Saints quarterback Derek Carr threw for 243 yards and a pair of touchdowns—on just 11 completions.
While addressing the media, Carr said that he believes that the Saints will only get better offensively the more time he spends learning the nuances of Klint Kubiak’s new offense.
“I don’t know what’s going on in his head, but I’m getting there,” Carr said. “It’ll take these game reps to learn that, but he makes it pretty easy on me. It’s complete trust. It’s freeing for me. I trust him to let me know when it’s time, and then (I’ll) deliver for him. That’s the big thing for us as players.”
Are the Saints as dominant as they have appeared over these first two games? Probably not. But New Orleans has outscored its opponents 91-29 to open the season. We’ll find out how good they really are soon—the Saints play three 2023 playoff teams over the next month, including the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.
“The Saints deserve to be considered one of the NFL’s best teams based on what we’ve seen so far,” Sobleski wrote. “They’ve dominated their opponents during a 2-0 start. A Week 1 victory over the hapless Panthers may have had some wary of what the Saints really are. Sunday’s 44-19 manhandling of the Cowboys in Big D placed New Orleans’ standing in a completely different light. The Saints’ plus-62 point-differential is at least 27 more than any of the league’s other 2-0 squads. Derek Carr and Co. are playing complete football and deserve recognition for performing so well.”
3. Buffalo Bills (2-0)30 of 32
James CookCooper Neill/Getty Images
Last Week: 9
Week 2 Result: Won at Miami 31-10
There was a lot of hand-wringing over the summer about the Buffalo Bills. About an offense that lost its top two wide receivers in Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. About a defense that lost its two longtime starters at safety in Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
Well, if Thursday’s demolition of the rival Dolphins was any indication, the Bills are just fine—especially defensively. Despite tallying just 247 yards of total offense, Buffalo posted 31 points and cruised in Miami—largely due to a defense that registered a pair of sacks and intercepted Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa three times, returning one for a score.
Josh Allen had just 139 passing yards in the game, and after the victory offensive tackle Dion Dawkins told reporters that it was great to see the Bills win in lopsided fashion in a contest where Allen didn’t have to do a lot.
“It’s a beautiful thing,” Dawkins said. “Josh is still Superman. Whether he’s shown it or not, he’s still Superman. But it’s a beautiful thing that we could do it without him overexerting himself and really finishing that S, where he has a half of an S.”
This is a different Bills offense—rather than Allen throwing the ball all over the place, it was running back James Cook who had a huge game, tying a franchise record with three first-half touchdowns. But Buffalo’s defense stymied the Dolphins, and as we saw in Week 1, Allen is more than capable of big games when the Bills need them.
The Bills sent a message in Week 2 that they remain the class of the AFC East.
2. Houston Texans (2-0)31 of 32
Will Anderson Jr.Cooper Neill/Getty Images
Last Week: 4
Week 2 Result: Won vs. Chicago 19-13
Good teams figure out a way to win ugly—to log a victory even when they aren’t playing their best. And as Mike Bullock wrote for SB Nation, the Houston Texans most assuredly did not play their best Sunday night against the Chicago Bears.
“Collectively, the Texans committed 12 penalties. 13 if you count Azeez Al-Shaair’s punch thrown on the sidelines after a borderline legal hit on Bears quarterback Caleb Williams. Al-Shaair should have been ejected in that moment – but wasn’t. He should expect an unhappy delivery from Fed Ex detailing how much he will owe the League when this week’s fines are doled out. Laremy Tunsil was called for multiple false starts and committed a few that weren’t called. C.J. Stroud had 3 passes that should have ended his throws-without-an-interception streak, but thankfully Bears defenders failed to bring them in. Joe Mixon, who was the NFL’s leading running back entering the weekend, only mustered 25 ground yards before leaving the game with an ankle injury.”
Mixon’s injury could be a real issue for Houston. But thanks to a big game from ascending wideout Nico Collins and a smothering performance from the Texans pass rush, the team is 2-0—and that’s all that matters.
This week’s trip to face the surprising Vikings will be Houston’s biggest test of the season to date, and an October 6 home date with the Buffalo Bills should tell us exactly where the Texans fit in among the AFC’s elite.
But early on at least, it looks like they belong.
1. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)32 of 32
Patrick MahomesScott Winters/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Last Week: 1
Week 2 Result: Won vs. Cincinnati 26-25
Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Kansas City Chiefs were held under 300 yards of total offense. Star quarterback Patrick Mahomes passed for just 151 yards. The Chiefs were outgained and lost the turnover battle 3-1.
And they still won.
After the victory, Mahomes lauded his team’s resiliency—while allowing that the Chiefs most assuredly need to play cleaner football moving forward.
“That’s two great football games we’ve played the last two weeks, teams we played in the AFC Championship Game,” Mahomes told reporters. “We’re going to clean up the mistakes, especially on the offense. It starts with me. And we’ll be a better team for it.”
Kansas City’s offensive line also struggled, with head coach Andy Reid personally benching tackle Kingsley Suamataia late in the game. Reid told reporters he hopes Suamataia will grow from the experience.
“Kingsley, he’s going against arguably one of the best defensive ends in the league. It would be a great experience that he could put away and learn from, but I ended up taking him out of the game,” said Reid. “Sometimes you got to take a step back to take a step forward.”
“This was most assuredly not Kansas City’s best effort,” Davenport said. “Mahomes was sloppy. Travis Kelce was quiet for the second straight game. Starting running back Isiah Pacheco fractured his fibula and is out indefinitely. And the team needed a late DPI penalty to set up Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal. But somehow, some way, the Chiefs found a way to win the game. And at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
