NFL Power Ranking Week 3: What's Your Deal?
After one week of football, we're working mostly with conjecture. Predictions are based on a single 60-minute performance. Teams could have played a poor game. Players may have made some rare mistakes.
But after TWO games, we know everything. Well, not really. But the picture does start to become a little clearer.
Were the Titans just a flash in the pan against Pittsburgh? Not really, because they almost beat the Texans. Did Pittsburgh have an outlier of an offensive performance in Week 1? Again, not really, because they laid another egg against Cincinnati. Were the Giants really going to commit five turnovers a game? Yes, yes they were.
Last week's rankings were deplorably long. This week, I tried to keep each team's analysis short and sweet. Hopefully, you will all bear with me.
Did your favorite team make a leap up the rankings? Let's find out.
32. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
1 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 19-9 at Oakland
Last Week: 32
Move: None
The Good: Chad Henne might be marginally better than Blaine Gabbert. The Henne-led offense scored nine more points than Gabbert did last week and didn't turn the ball over once.
The Bad: This team is still putrid. They can’t run the ball a lick, and they have no threatening receivers.
The Ugly: Jacksonville is averaging 5.5 points per game in 2013.
Season Outlook: It's bleak. The Jaguars are a virtual lock to have the No. 1 selection in next year’s draft and should focus on not going 0-16. However, this was probably the easiest game on their schedule, so good luck there.
31. Cleveland Browns (0-2)
2 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 14-6 at Baltimore
Last Week: 29
Move: Down 2
The Good: Brandon Weeden didn't throw a single interception, the Browns led for the majority of the game and the defense looked superb.
The Bad: The offense was about on par with the Jaguars, which is why they lost
The Ugly: If it's possible, Jason Campbell looked even worse than Weeden when he came in to relieve the starting quarterback. With the game still up for grabs, he threw four straight incompletions (although the first was wiped away by a defensive penalty) and then dumped one off for six yards on 4th-and-10.
Season Outlook: What once looked promising for Cleveland now just looks like another top-five draft pick.
BONUS: With the announcement on Wednesday that the Browns have traded Trent Richardson to the Colts, Cleveland has officially given up on the 2013 season. I wanted to drop them to 32 because I hate the trade, but they could give away all 22 of their starters and they would still be better than the Jaguars.
30. Oakland Raiders (1-1)
3 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 19-9 vs. Jacksonville
Last Week: 31
Move: Up 1
The Good: They won! Hooray!
The Bad: The Raiders settled for five field-goal attempts inside the Jacksonville 30-yard line (four inside the 20). Sebastian Janikowski made four of them, which provided more than enough points to win the game, but against a better opponent, they need to finish drives better.
The Ugly: 4-for-14 on third-down conversions…against the Jaguars…at home.
Season Outlook: It's not as terrible as we thought. The Raiders are scrappy, they can run a little bit and the defense has looked decent so far. They aren't a playoff contender, but they might scratch out four or five wins.
29. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2)
4 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 16-14 vs. New Orleans
Last Week: 28
Move: Down 1
The Good: The defense held the high-powered Saints offense to just 16 points and returned a Drew Brees interception for a touchdown
The Bad: The offense scored seven points, so they lost by two.
The Ugly: Josh Freeman completed nine passes. Who do you think you are, Tim Tebow?
Season Outlook: Like the Browns, the Bucs had higher expectations this year than they had in previous seasons. Only two games in, and the Bucs are dead in the water. Josh Freeman might be gone by October.
28. Carolina Panthers (0-2)
5 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 24-23 at Buffalo
Last Week: 25
Move: Down 3
The Good: Cam Newton shook off the rust and looked much more like the QB we expect him to be (21-of-38, 229 yards, 2 TDs). Plus, the Panthers were ahead late in the game and should have won, for all intents and purposes.
The Bad: The Panthers defense, which is supposed to be their strength, gave up a last-minute touchdown drive to rookie E.J. Manuel, culminating with blown coverage on a Steve Johnson touchdown catch with two seconds left on the clock.
The Ugly: Luke Kuechly’s pass interference penalty on a play where his teammate, Colin Jones, caught a game-sealing interception. You can’t give away games like that.
Season Outlook: Unfortunately for Carolina, Newton is starting to develop one of those reputations: “He’s a great player, but he’s not a winner.” The Panthers are moving in the wrong direction and head coach Ron Rivera’s seat is already getting toasty.
27. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)
6 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 25-21 vs. Detroit
Last Week: 30
Move: Up 3
The Good: They held the Lions offense in check (21 points, 322 total yards) and scored twice in the fourth quarter to win from behind.
The Bad: Calvin Johnson absolutely torched their secondary to the tune of 116 yards and two touchdowns. Yes, Calvin Johnson is the best receiver in football, but it has become widely accepted around the league that you don't let him beat you. Period.
The Ugly: A defensive line that nearly cracked the top 10 in sacks last year (38) has recorded just one through the first two games of 2013. That puts them on pace for eight over the whole season.
Season Outlook: I’m warming up to the Cardinals a little bit. Carson Palmer has been a huge improvement already, and if the defense comes around, they could move up towards the middle of the rankings. Playoffs are still out of the question, though.
26. New Yorks Jets (1-1)
7 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 13-10 at New England
Last Week: 27
Move: Up 1
The Good: There is no shame in losing to New England by three points at Foxborough. The Patriots only lose there about once a season. The defense was stellar, holding the Patriots to 13 points.
The Bad: The entire offense. It isn't good. Geno Smith is going to get buried there.
The Ugly: Geno Smith's three interceptions in the fourth quarter, all coming with the Jets down three points (seeing as the Patriots didn't score after halftime), and one was within field-goal range.
Season Outlook: The Jets defense isn't bad enough for them to compete with the Jaguars for the top pick, but they should definitely be in the mix for a top-five selection.
25. Minnesota Vikings (0-2)
8 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 31-30 at Chicago
Last Week: 24
Move: Down 1
The Good: Rookie Cordarrelle Patterson returned the opening kickoff 105 yards for a touchdown. Defensive end Brian Robison scooped up a Jay Cutler fumble and took it to the house. Adrian Peterson rushed for 100 yards. They intercepted Cutler twice.
The Bad: They still managed to lose.
The Ugly: Three Blair Walsh field goals from inside the 10, in a game lost by one point.
Season Outlook: It’s hard to believe the Vikings went to the playoffs last year. They are in deep trouble with this defense. I feel bad for Adrian Peterson.
24. Pittsburgh Steelers (0-2)
9 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 20-10 at Cincinnati
Last Week: 22
Move: Down 2
The Good: I really struggle to find anything good about the Steelers so far this season. The defense isn't terrible, they’re in the top 10 in the league in points allowed (18 per game). That’s all I've got.
The Bad: The offensive line is a travesty. They can’t run because they don’t have any good running backs. Ben Roethlisberger looks off. Antonio Brown is throwing a Mike Wallace-inspired hissy fit because he isn't getting the ball enough. Should I keep going?
The Ugly: A total of 75 rushing yards in two games.
Season Outlook: You can’t completely give up on the Steelers...because they are the Steelers. The Titans might be better than we think, and there's nothing wrong with losing to the Bengals in Cincinnati. Both those teams certainly have solid defenses. But the Steelers better turn it around quick. They aren't going to catch a break with the Bears defense coming up next.
23. Washington Redskins (0-2)
10 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 38-20 at Green Bay
Last Week: 17
Move: Down 6
The Good: Robert Griffin III is really good at throwing touchdown passes when his team is down by 28 points. That's sarcasm, by the way.
The Bad: Everything about the defense
The Ugly: Allowing James Starks to rush for 132 yards. Starks’ previous career high was 123 yards in a playoff game in 2010. That is also the only other time he has rushed for 100 yards.
Season Outlook: You can't totally give up on the Redskins, because they were left for dead at 3-6 last year and ended up winning the division. Clearly, Griffin needs some time to get back into form, and the defense needs some help. But Washington might turn it around in a weak division.
22. Buffalo Bills (1-1)
11 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 24-23 vs. Carolina
Last Week: 26
Move: Up 4
The Good: E.J. Manuel is really, really exciting, and Mario Williams sacked Cam Newton 4.5 times.
The Bad: The Bills really should have lost. The Panthers handed them this game on a silver platter.
The Ugly: There wasn't anything terribly ugly out of Buffalo this week, surprisingly enough. They lost the turnover battle (two to one) and they had seven penalties for 55 yards. But they won; let them enjoy it.
Season Outlook: Much better after the first two games. They have a lot of talent on the roster. They have solid running backs, a big name wide receiver, a frightening pass rush and now a dynamic, playmaking quarterback. The Bills are still building, but the pieces are starting to fall into place. If not this year, then soon.
21. St. Louis Rams (1-1)
12 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 31-24 at Atlanta
Last Week: 20
Move: Down 1
The Good: Sam Bradford might finally be ready. Here's his line against a good Falcons defense: 32-of-55, 352 yards, 3 TDs, 1 INT. And that interception wasn't his fault (we’ll get to that). Also, Tavon Austin might just be the receiver he's been waiting for.
The Bad: The Rams trailed 24-3 at halftime. This was the second game in a row that they had to make a furious second-half comeback. Last week, they pulled it off. This week, they dug too big of a hole.
The Ugly: A butterfingers moment for running back Daryl Richardson, who let a swing pass bounce off his hands and into the waiting arms of Osi Umenyiora, who returned it 68 yards for a touchdown. This play was at least a 10-point swing for the Rams as they were in field-goal range already.
Season Outlook: The Rams are tricky. I’m not sure if they are good and have played down, or if they are bad and have played up. Either way, I know they aren't consistent enough to be a playoff team. Not yet, anyways. They are probably looking at another 7-9 or 8-8 season.
20. Detroit Lions (1-1)
13 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 25-21 at Arizona
Last Week: 19
Move: Down 1
The Good: Stafford got the ball to Calvin Johnson and the rest of the offense got out of the way. That should always be the game plan. No exceptions.
The Bad: The offense shut down following Reggie Bush's injury. The defense scored the team's only second-half touchdown.
The Ugly: only 49 rushing yards in total; 22 in the second half. Remember, the Lions held the lead until the last two minutes, so their inability to run the ball and put the game away could be costly going forward.
Season Outlook: They looked really good in Week 1, but they looked flat in crunch time against a not-so-great Arizona team. I need to see more from them before I consider them as a sleeper contender.
19. Tennessee Titans (1-1)
14 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 30-24 at Houston
Last Week: 21
Move: Up 2
The Good: They were competitive for the second straight week as a major underdog, this time on the road. They led by eight with less than five minutes remaining. Jake Locker played a mistake-free game. They were solid all around.
The Bad: The defense couldn't hold the lead, as the Texans drove down the field three consecutive times: once to tie the game, once at the end of regulation that ended in a missed field goal, and once in overtime to win.
The Ugly: Arian Foster and Ben Tate combined for 172 yards on 28 carries. That’s a massive 6.1 yards per carry. The Steelers run game made them look great last week, but the Texans made them look foolish. They probably fall somewhere in the middle of the two performances.
Season Outlook: I like the Titans. If Jake Locker continues to play safe and effective football, the Titans could easily be in the wild-card hunt.
18. San Diego Chargers (1-1)
15 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 33-30 at Philadelphia
Last Week: 23
Move: Up 5
The Good: 2008 Philip Rivers wandered into a time machine and ended up in Philadelphia in 2013. 36-of-47, 419 yards, 3 TDs. This was easily the best game I've seen him play in years. There was no temper tantrum. There was no backbreaking pick. It was great.
The Bad: The defense left something to be desired, especially against the pass. DeSean Jackson had 193 yards and 1 TD, and it easily could have been 300 yards and 3 TDs if Vick could hit him streaking wide open down the sideline.
The Ugly: Two fumbles inside the Eagles 20-yard line. Antonio Gates, normally sure-handed, fumbled at the goal line, and Ryan Mathews fumbled at the 10.
Season Outlook: If this is the Philip Rivers I can rely on to show up every week, then the Chargers are right in the wild-card hunt. If not, they’ll slip out of the race by December. We’ll find out soon enough.
17. Indianapolis Colts (1-1)
16 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 24-20 vs. Miami
Last Week: 15
Move: Down 2
The Good: Between Ahmad Bradshaw, Andrew Luck and Donald Brown, the Colts accumulated 133 yards on the ground. The run game became a concern when Vick Ballard went down for the year, but it appears that the rest of the team can pick up the slack.
The Bad: I'm actually struggling to find what the Colts did wrong in this game. They only had one turnover and forced one from Miami. They only committed three penalties for 13 yards. To be honest, all they did was lose a close game at home. The Dolphins might just be good.
The Ugly: Owner Jim Irsay tweeting his demand that the Colts provide a “NASA-like Heat Shield” in terms of protecting Luck against Miami’s pass rush.
Season Outlook: Obviously, opening with two beatable teams at home, Indianapolis would have hoped to be 2-0 today. However, this team still looks strong and will just hope it can pull out close games like these in the future.
BONUS: I love the addition of Trent Richardson. He brings toughness to the offense that the Colts haven't seen in a long time. Richardson should be able to keep defenses honest, making it easier for Luck and the passing game. Great pick up for Indy.
16. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1)
17 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 33-30 vs. San Diego
Last Week: 11
Move: Down 5
The Good: The offense was unstoppable again, gobbling up 511 yards.
The Bad: The defense couldn't stop Philip Rivers, one of the most shakable, mistake-prone quarterbacks of our generation. I don’t care how many plays you run or how many times you score, it's hard to win when you give up 539 yards of offense.
The Ugly: I rarely care about time of possession. Usually, I don't feel like it provides more insight than any other statistic. But it is perhaps the most important one for this game. Philadelphia had the ball for just 19 minutes and 43 seconds. That is definitely not in the game plan.
Season Outlook: I have no idea. They could win the NFC East, and they could be last in the NFC East. We need to feel out Chip Kelly and this offense a little more.
15. New York Giants (0-2)
18 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 41-23 vs. Denver
Last Week: 13
Move: Down 2
The Good: They were able to run with the Denver Broncos for three quarters. That is no small feat. Not until the 12:19 mark in the fourth quarter did the Broncos pull more than one score away. Then, of course, the wheels fell off, and everyone says they got blown out. But I felt that the game was closer than the score indicates.
The Bad: For all the things people say about Eli Manning, e.g., “pushing the envelope” and “taking chances” in the passing game, four interceptions is never okay. You can get away with one if you play well. Eli can sometimes get away with two, the way he tears up late-game defenses. But you can’t throw four. Ever.
The Ugly: I actually have two uglies for you here. Aren't you lucky? First, the Giants now have 10 turnovers in two games. That's bad. Second, the run game pounded out 23 yards on 19 carries against Denver. Add that to the 50-yard performance in Week 1, and you have a league-worst 73 rushing yards. That’s probably worse.
Season Outlook: The Giants always bounce back. Opening up at Dallas and home for Denver is tough and most teams would be 0-2 through that stretch. I still like the Giants to win the division. The turnovers will come down and the rushing yards will come up. Don’t worry about it.
14. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
19 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 17-16 at Kansas City
Last Week: 12
Move: Down 2
The Good: Dez Bryant was very, very good in a very, very boring game.
The Bad: The offense only punched it in for one touchdown and settled for three field goals. In addition, two second-half fumbles hurt them greatly.
The Ugly: The 37 rushing yards on the day. Why are so many teams struggling to break even 50 yards on the ground? Am I missing something?
Season Outlook: The entire NFC East is just an enigma to me right now. Magic 8 Ball says, “Ask again later.”
13. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
20 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 14-6 vs. Cleveland
Last Week: 14
Move: Up 1
The Good: They bounced back and won a game they had to have. After the debacle in Denver, losing at home to the Browns would have been a crushing blow. It wasn't always pretty, but they got the job done.
The Bad: The Ravens were so flat in the first half. They had the ball three times in the second quarter. In those three drives, they traveled 49 yards and picked up one first down. Cleveland’s D is solid, but it’s not that good.
The Ugly: To everyone’s surprise, Ray Rice pulled up lame late in the fourth quarter. Not only has Rice not missed a game the last four years, he was seemingly untouched on the play. Baltimore better hope he’s alright, because losing Rice would be a major setback for this team.
Season Outlook: With Ray Rice, the Ravens can compete with the Bengals for the AFC North. Without him, they’re done.
12. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)
21 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 17-16 vs. Dallas
Last Week: 18
Move: Up 6
The Good: With this win, the Chiefs have equaled their win total from last year. It doesn't matter who you play, 2-0 is 2-0.
The Bad: The Chiefs offense looked a little anemic. They did just enough to stave off defeat this time, but a lot of teams in the NFL are scoring a lot of points. Unless the defense is really strong (stronger than I think it is), 17 points won’t be enough.
The Ugly: Alex Smith led the team with 57 rushing yards. When you have Jamaal Charles, Alex Smith shouldn't be leading your team in rushing.
Season Outlook: The Chiefs aren't going to catch the Broncos in the AFC West, but they are definitely in the running for a wild-card berth. It is still very early for a revamped team with a new coach. If the Chiefs crank out another win in Philadelphia this Thursday, I will be very impressed.
11. Miami Dolphins (2-0)
22 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 24-20 at Indianapolis
Last Week: 16
Move: Up 5
The Good: Let me give you a short list of 2012 playoff teams: Minnesota, Green Bay and Houston. What do they all have in common? They all failed to beat Andrew Luck in Indianapolis. In Week 2, the Dolphins beat Andrew Luck in Indianapolis.
The Bad: The Miami defense gave up more yards than expected (448) but held the Colts when it mattered. However, the Dolphins can’t rely on costly interceptions from opposing QBs or last minute defensive stands every week.
The Ugly: Nothing to report here. The Dolphins were nothing but beautiful on Sunday.
Season Outlook: The Dolphins made out like bandits in the first two weeks. Two road games, two wins. And now with this early-season tiebreaker over another wild-card contender, Indianapolis, they are in great position for a run to the playoffs.
10. Houston Texans (2-0)
23 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 30-24 vs. Tennessee
Last Week: 7
Move: Down 3
The Good: At the very least, the Texans know they can come from behind. And like I said before, 2-0 is 2-0.
The Bad: To be honest, Houston shouldn't be behind late in games against teams like San Diego and Tennessee, especially at home. When you consider the way the Texans are designed (to run…a lot) they want to be ahead. It’s not a good sign that it takes a punch in the mouth to get this offense going.
The Ugly: I’ll tell you what was ugly: Randy Bullock clanging a 46-yard potential game-winning field goal off the left upright, after hooking a field goal wide left that was negated by a Titans timeout, after getting a 51-yard potential game-winning field goal blocked that was negated by a Titans offsides penalty, after making a field goal that was negated by a Titans timeout. Fun, right?
Season Outlook: The Texans are still going to be fine. They may not win decisively, but they find a way to win most of the time. They’ll be in the playoffs.
9. Chicago Bears (2-0)
24 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 31-30 vs. Minnesota
Last Week: 9
Move: None
The Good: All of a sudden, Jay Cutler is a great quarterback in the clutch. It feels weird, doesn't it? Two weeks in a row he’s led the Bears on fourth-quarter drives to go ahead and ultimately win the game. I don’t care if you throw picks or fumble when you get sacked, they pay you the big bucks for those game-winning drives.
The Bad: The Bears allowed a kickoff return TD and a defensive TD. The Vikings aren't very good, so it worked out alright this time. But those kind of plays swing momentum and would make the difference in a game against a worthy opponent.
The Ugly: Chicago turned the ball over four times. Same idea: You’ll lose to good teams turning it over four times.
Season Outlook: I would lock the Bears into a wild-card spot, but I have learned my lesson the past few years. They start out hot, have a couple guys go down to injury, fizzle out down the stretch and unjustifiably fire their head coach.
8. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1)
25 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 20-10 vs. Pittsburgh
Last Week: 10
Move: Up 2
The Good: Giovani Bernard provided a spark for the Bengals in a slow, monotonous game. He only rushed eight times, as he still plays second banana to BenJarvus Green-Ellis, but he gained 4.8 yard per carry and rumbled into the end zone from seven yards out. He also took a checkdown pass 27 yards to the house and accounted for both of Cincinnati’s touchdowns on the night.
The Bad: The rest of the offense wasn't great. Even A.J. Green was held in check, catching only six passes for 41 yards. There were a lot of overthrows, underthrows and general sloppy play from this offense. But to be fair, the defense isn't Cincinnati's problem.
The Ugly: Nine penalties for 84 yards. When you give a team almost twice as many yards in penalties as they had rushing, that ain't pretty.
Season Outlook: I’m about ready to lock in the Bengals as the AFC North champions. I know the defense is really good, and I know the offense can be explosive at times. I just get the feeling the Ravens are going to hang around for a while. Those two teams don’t play until Week 10 (and then again Week 17), so we may not know for some time. Cincy is firmly entrenched in the wild-card hunt, at least.
7. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
26 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 31-24 vs. St. Louis
Last Week: 8
Move: Up 1
The Good: Atlanta raced out to a 24-3 halftime lead and coasted to the finish line, winning by just seven. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones were a match made in fantasy heaven. The offense fired on all cylinders in the first half (you know, when they were actually trying).
The Bad: Steven Jackson left the game early, and the Falcons just couldn't run the ball at all. They only gained 36 yard on 16 carries by three different backs. They didn't exactly need it, but generally you run when you get ahead, and it didn't even seem to be an option for most of the game.
The Ugly: Injuries, injuries, injuries. Defensive end Kroy Biermann and fullback Bradie Ewing are out for the season. Steven Jackson and Sean Weatherspoon were lost most likely for the next month. Roddy White and Asante Samuel have been struggling through injuries, although they've played the first two games. The list continues to grow for Atlanta.
Season Outlook: With the Saints seemingly back on track, it’s a tough road ahead for the Falcons, especially with all the injuries. They may want to consider resting some of these guys for the time being. They can probably still compete for a wild-card berth anyways.
6. New England Patriots (2-0)
27 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 13-10 vs. New York Jets
Last Week: 3
Move: Down 3
The Good: For the first time in a long time, the defense is saving the New England Patriots. Well, that and the schedule makers. How convenient that the Patriots open with Buffalo, New York and Tampa Bay while they get all these injuries figured out.
The Bad: Tom Brady has no help out there. I've never seen him so frustrated. When is the last time Tom Brady completed less than 50 percent of his passes? I’ll tell you when: 2009, 58 games ago. He needs Gronk back in the worst way.
The Ugly: Dropped passes. I understand that it was raining, but come on. Aaron Dobson was the main culprit (who is Aaron Dobson, anyway?) but Kenbrell Thompkins had his fair share of disappointment as well. Between the two of them: 17 targets, 5 catches.
Season Outlook: Once the Patriots get healthy, they’ll be fine. The team as it is today might only win eight or nine games, but when Rob Gronkowski and Danny Amendola come back, they are looking at 12-4 and an AFC East division crown.
5. New Orleans Saints (2-0)
28 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 16-14 at Tampa Bay
Last Week: 4
Move: Down 1
The Good: The Saints came from behind on the road, in poor weather following an hour delay for lightning. All things considered, you can’t worry about this one too much.
The Bad: Not much going on in the ground game for New Orleans, which I think may actually be important later on in the season. The more you rely on the pass—and only the pass—the more guys can tee off on Drew Brees. The Saints need to do a better job keeping defenses on their heels with the run and hit hard with play action when the time comes.
The Ugly: Drew Brees threw a pick-six right at Mason Foster. I mean, it hit the guy in the chest. I don’t know what he was thinking, what he saw or what he thought he was seeing, but that throw almost cost his team the game.
Season Outlook: The Saints are dangerous, especially with the defense looking better than ever. I think they can hold off the Falcons for the NFC South.
4. Green Bay Packers (1-1)
29 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 38-20 vs. Washington
Last Week: 5
Move: Up 1
The Good: Aaron Rodgers is really good at football.
The Bad: Umm…
The Ugly: Eddie Lacy got knocked out on an ugly helmet-to-helmet hit from Brandon Meriweather. The Redskins safety was rightly fined to the tune of $42,000, per CBS Sports. I just hope Lacy is okay. I would hate to see another Jahvid Best situation.
Season Outlook: As Aaron Rodgers goes, so goes the Packers. There should be zero concern in Wisconsin, even with the 1-1 record.
3. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
30 of 32Week 2 Result: Lost 29-3 at Seattle
Last Week: 2
Move: Down 1
The Good: I mean, it was bad all over. The defense wasn't too bad. They held Russell Wilson to just eight pass completions. But really, everything fell apart for the Niners all at once. It won’t happen often. Remember, they got shellacked in Seattle towards the end of last season, and it didn't stop them from going to the Super Bowl.
The Bad: Colin Kaepernick played the worst game of his young career, by far. He was 13-of-28, 127 yards, 0 TDs, 3 INTs and 1 fumble. But the Seahawks have a fantastic defense. It isn't all Colin’s fault.
The Ugly: The box score says San Francisco ran for a total of 100 yards. But when you remove Kaepernick’s 87 yards from the mix, you are left with just 13 between Frank Gore, Anthony Dixon and Kendall Hunter. That isn't going to get it done. Kaepernick is going to need more help, especially against teams like Seattle.
Season Outlook: Nobody beats Seattle at home. It simply isn't done. The 49ers will turn around and obliterate Indianapolis next week. This NFC West rivalry is just getting warmed up, and I fully expect these two teams to go back and forth right to the end.
2. Seattle Seahawks (2-0)
31 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 29-3 vs. San Francisco
Last Week: 6
Move: Up 4
The Good: It’s all good when you blast your division rival on national television. Specifically, Marshawn Lynch played very well against a tough defensive front, coming up just two yards shy of the century mark and scoring three touchdowns.
The Bad: The pass offense was a little weak, but they didn't really need to throw all that much. I’m trying to find flaws here, I promise you I am.
The Ugly: Richard Sherman patting former coach Jim Harbaugh on the behind and then complaining about not getting a response.
Season Outlook: Let’s see what happens when the Seahawks go into San Francisco in Week 14. Mark that game on your calendars, boys and girls.
1. Denver Broncos (2-0)
32 of 32Week 2 Result: Won 41-23 at New York Giants
Last Week: 1
Move: None
The Good: Peyton Manning. He is all things good.
The Bad: Slow start for the second straight week? Does it really even matter when you can score at will in the second half?
The Ugly: Manning threw 13 incomplete passes. That is simply unacceptable.
Season Outlook: Best team in the AFC by a long shot. The road to the Super Bowl goes through Mile High.
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