NFL Power Rankings: Patriots rule the league post-Week 2, Redskins fall even further
Playoff Contenders
Nobody would be surprised if these teams went on Super Bowl runs, but they just might not have the ammunition to get it done this year.
7. Minnesota Vikings (1-1) – Previously 20. The Vikings put forth two very different performances to kick off the season. In the opener, they ran all over the Falcons and pressured Matt Ryan into countless turnovers in a lopsided 28-12 win. In that game, Kirk Cousins only threw 10 passes. Against the Packers, they weren’t quite as good on offense, and Cousins struggled to get the job done in the big game. But the defense kept the team in it and that is reason for optimism.
The Vikings look like they should have a shot at being a playoff team in the NFC. Their defense seems to be back on track and they contained two high-powered offenses for just 33 total points over two games. So long as they can run the ball well in addition to that, they’ll stay in contention in the NFC North.
Washington Commanders
8. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1) – Previously 2. The Eagles struggled in the first half against the Redskins before really turning things on and winning. They had similar issues against the Falcons but couldn’t come up victorious on the road. They are dealing with a number of injuries and inconsistent play from Carson Wentz, and that’s the reason they have moved down six spots in these rankings.
Perhaps the Eagles are just searching for their rhythm, but they may no longer be the best team in the NFC East. They still have the talent needed to produce, but their defensive line has lost Malik Jackson (for the season) and Timmy Jernigan (at least temporarily). If they can’t do enough in the trenches, their secondary, the weakness of their stop unit, could have some issues containing higher-octane passing offenses.
9. Seattle Seahawks (2-0) – Previously 9. The Seahawks are 2-0 right now, but they could easily be 0-2 as they beat the Bengals and the Roethlisberger-less Steelers by just three combined points. Still, Russell Wilson has been able to help the team win despite being under constant pressure and with some other NFC teams on the decline, it’s hard to move the Seahawks down much. If they get pushed by the Brees-less Saints in Week 3, we’ll start to consider moving them down a bit despite their record.
10. Atlanta Falcons (1-1) – Previously 4. The Falcons were woeful in their first game against the Vikings and Matt Ryan has made far too many mistakes out of the gate; he already has five interceptions in just two games. That said, the NFC South is now wide open and if Ryan and the offense can start to be a bit more efficient, and if the line can block better, they should have a chance to win the division.
The Falcons’ offensive line upgrades didn’t work out as well as they had initially hoped, which is the reason that they have fallen so much. But after their victory over the Eagles, it’s safe to assume that the team will be able to find ways to win. It’s just all about playing better on offense.
11. Chicago Bears (1-1) – Previously 5. The Bears really could be 0-2 to start the season and their offense has been dreadful. Mitchell Trubisky hasn’t taken the next step toward being a franchise quarterback and is handcuffing the Chicago offense. Still, the team’s defense has only allowed an average of 12 points in the first two games, so they have to be considered a potential playoff team. Because if Matt Nagy can fix the offense, this team has the talent needed to make a run.