NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Latest 2014 Standings and Reaction for All 32 Teams
The opening week of any new NFL season may as well be called National Overreaction Week. Sure, it’s easy to jump to conclusions when we finally get football back after a long summer, but there is still plenty of season ahead.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the power rankings heading into Week 2. Yes, Week 1 results certainly factored into these decisions, but they weren’t the be-all, end-all variable. After all, are the 1-0 New York Jets or Houston Texans really better than the 0-1 Green Bay Packers, New Orleans Saints or New England Patriots?
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Without further ado, let’s dig in.
32. St. Louis Rams
The St. Louis Rams were blown out by the Minnesota Vikings to the tune of 34-6 in what may have been the ugliest performance in the league. Oh, and this game was at home.
To make matters worse, starting quarterback Shaun Hill went down, and the offense could get absolutely zero traction throughout the entire game. The defensive line, which was supposed to be the bright spot, also struggled to get any pressure on Matt Cassel.
There really was nothing positive about this contest from St. Louis’ perspective.
31. Washington Redskins
Speaking of poor performances, the Washington Redskins went out and got annihilated up front by the Houston Texans.
J.J. Watt made a living in the backfield, and the Washington offense mustered a measly six points. The defense wasn’t bad, but it was nowhere near enough to overcome the offensive struggles.
30. Kansas City Chiefs
Losing at home to the Tennessee Titans is one thing, but it is not the only reason the Kansas City Chiefs are this low one season after making the playoffs.
Fox Sports NFL noted that there are serious injury concerns for the rest of the year:
What’s more, superstar running back Jamaal Charles only ran for 19 yards as the offensive line struggled to get any push at all. It really wasn’t a good look for the Chiefs.
29. Oakland Raiders
If there is such a thing as a moral victory in the NFL, it can’t really come in a loss to the New York Jets, right?
Things weren’t all bad for the Oakland Raiders. Derek Carr threw for two touchdowns and the defense held the Jets to 19 points, but there were too many big plays given up to Chris Ivory. The competition (and running backs) is going to get better, so it may be time for Oakland to look forward to a more experienced Carr next year.
28. Dallas Cowboys
ESPN Stats & Info noted that Sunday wasn’t exactly Tony Romo’s day:
For as much criticism as the Dallas Cowboys defense receives, one of the four touchdowns for the San Francisco 49ers came on a fumble return, and another was set up by an interception return to the 1-yard line. That means the Dallas defense really only allowed 14 points to an offense with playmakers all over the field.
We aren’t suggesting you start the Cowboys defense in fantasy next week, but it’s bad news for Dallas that it was completely outclassed in a game that the defense actually looked somewhat competent.
27. Jacksonville Jaguars
The start of the Jacksonville Jaguars and Philadelphia Eagles game may have been the one that nobody in the sports bar was paying attention to, but it certainly generated some buzz when people saw the score during casual glances at the corner television.
That 17-0 Jacksonville lead vanished rather quickly though, and the rest was history.
The problem for the Jaguars was the fact that the defense couldn’t stop Nick Foles when he got time in the second half. The secondary will need to step up if they plan on winning more than five games this year.
26. Houston Texans
The good news was that Watt was an unstoppable force for the Texans defense, and Brooks Reed certainly helped rush the passer as well.
However, Jadeveon Clowney is out with injury now, and that initial game probably said more about the Redskins than Houston. The Texans offense didn’t do much in this one either, but it didn’t have to with such a dominant performance from the defense.
25. Cleveland Browns
Nobody wants to lose to a hated division rival, but the Cleveland Browns were clearly the better team in the second half against the Pittsburgh Steelers. The problem is, Pittsburgh won the first half 27-3.
The Browns got impressive performances from running backs Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West, and Brian Hoyer looked like a completely different quarterback after intermission. Perhaps he felt Johnny Manziel breathing down his neck.
The secondary struggles are certainly worrisome though.
24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Losing to the Carolina Panthers without Cam Newton was not the way Lovie Smith wanted to start the season in Tampa Bay.
Josh McCown struggled to get anything going, and running back Doug Martin left the game with injury. It’s still way too early to count Tampa Bay out, but it did not look like the popular playoff pick that many expected before the year.
23. Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills beat the Chicago Bears because of the defense. It pressured Jay Cutler all game, picked up some critical interceptions and kept Matt Forte and the running game relatively in check.
This may have been a different result had Alshon Jeffery and Brandon Marshall stayed 100 percent healthy throughout the game, but Buffalo was still the better team Sunday. If nothing else, Buffalo knocked a lot of people out of their survivor pools right away.
22. New York Giants
The New York Giants looked downright awful Monday night in a way that didn't give much hope for the near future.
Eli Manning threw two interceptions, the defense couldn't stop Calvin Johnson (who can?) and the victory was never really in doubt for the Detroit Lions. Perhaps the only saving grace for the Giants is the fact that the NFC East looks as winnable as any division in football.
That won't matter for the Giants though if Manning continues to throw to the wrong team.
21. Tennessee Titans
The Tennessee Titans dominated the Kansas City Chiefs 26-10 and have a real chance to move to 2-0 against a vulnerable Cowboys squad.
Jake Locker looked particularly impressive and threw for two touchdowns, but the defense was the best part of the game for Tennessee. Charles only ran for 19 yards (much to the chagrin of fantasy owners everywhere), and the Titans defensive line had its way all game.
20. New York Jets
Yes, the Jets looked fine in their win Sunday, and Geno Smith directed the offense to victory.
What’s more, the defense shut down the Oakland attack in the second half when the game was on the line. However, the thought here is that this game said more about the Raiders than the Jets.
New York’s secondary will have to prove itself against better competition in later games if it wants to move higher in these rankings.
19. Minnesota Vikings
The Vikings were absolutely dominant against the Rams, and there was plenty to be excited about beyond Adrian Peterson.
Cordarrelle Patterson tallied more than 100 yards rushing and often looked like the most explosive player on the field, and tight end Kyle Rudolph appears to be a viable option in the passing game.
It will take another win to prove that performance was more about the Vikings than the Rams though.
18. Chicago Bears
The Bears had playoff aspirations heading into the season, but losing to Buffalo at home puts those on ice for the time being. Especially with a contest at San Francisco and then another against Green Bay in the first few games.
Injuries are the biggest concern in the Windy City going forward, as offensive linemen Roberto Garza and Matt Slauson left the game with high ankle sprains. What’s more, Jeffery didn’t play in the second half with a hamstring concern, and Marshall was far from 100 percent.
The defense is also still a question mark until proved otherwise.
17. Baltimore Ravens
There was a lot of good and bad for the Baltimore Ravens in their loss Sunday.
Joe Flacco struggled to hit receivers with any consistency, and the Bengals could have won by much more had they reached the end zone a couple times instead of settling for field goals in the first half.
Still, there is something to be said for climbing back into the game since Cincinnati was up 15-0, and Steve Smith appeared to have visited the fountain of youth. Still, it was clear the Bengals were the better team. That spells trouble for Baltimore going forward in the AFC North.
16. Detroit Lions
This would be a case of not completely overreacting to Week 1.
The Lions looked great (especially Johnson at wide receiver), but that victory may have said more about the Giants than Detroit. After all, Eli Manning throwing interceptions has become the most reliable statistic in the entire NFL.
Still, Matt Stafford has a ton of weapons at his disposal. If the defense plays well all year, the Lions could shoot up this list and challenge for an NFC North crown.
15. San Diego Chargers
The San Diego Chargers were all set to be in the top 10 of these rankings until they blew a two-score lead against the Arizona Cardinals.
Now they are staring at an 0-2 start with a date with the Seattle Seahawks on the immediate horizon. Philip Rivers was unable to lead the Chargers down the field in the final minutes, but it was the defense's struggles to prevent a 91-yard game-winning drive that should have fans most concerned.
It's difficult to imagine San Diego keeping up with Denver in the AFC West with an 0-2 start.
14. Carolina Panthers
The bottom line is that the Panthers won without Newton against a divisional opponent.
What’s more, rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin looked great with 92 receiving yards and a touchdown, and the defense is still stout. Luke Kuechly is the best player in the league that nobody talks about, and his forced fumble clinched the victory.
If a healthy Newton plays up to his capabilities, the Panthers could gradually climb these power rankings.
13. Pittsburgh Steelers
It would be easy to focus on the fact that the Steelers almost blew a 27-3 lead in the second half, but there were a number of positive things.
Ben Roethlisberger threw for 365 yards and a touchdown, Le’Veon Bell tallied 197 total yards and a touchdown and Antonio Brown finished with 116 receiving yards and score. Not a bad day for the offensive skill guys.
Roethlisberger summed it up perfectly, according to The Associated Press (via ESPN.com): "We can't apologize for the way we win. We just have to win games."
As long as the Steelers keep winning those games, they will be in a favorable position in these power rankings.
12. Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins' victory over the New England Patriots wasn’t all pretty, as ESPN Stats & Info noted:
Still, it was an impressive win, and the defense completely shut down Tom Brady and company in the second half. Lamar Miller, Knowshon Moreno and Mike Wallace were all impressive, and the Dolphins took an early step in the AFC East.
11. Arizona Cardinals
This may change as the season progresses, but the Arizona Cardinals have a golden opportunity to start the season 2-0 with a matchup against the New York Giants on tap.
Arizona certainly impressed in its Week 1 comeback against the Chargers after falling behind by two scores. Carson Palmer delivered with more than 300 passing yards, and rookie John Brown hauled in the game-winning touchdown.
If the offense continues to produce next to a solid defense, it could be another solid year for the Cardinals.
10. Philadelphia Eagles
It remains to be seen whether the Eagles resemble the team that lost to Jacksonville 17-0 in the first half or that won 34-0 in the second half.
The thought here is the Eagles are more like the second-half team with all those offensive weapons (Nick Foles, LeSean McCoy and Jeremy Maclin come to mind), but the secondary has to step up going forward.
The competition will be better than Chad Henne and Allen Hurns in future games.
9. Green Bay Packers
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report noted that the Green Bay Packers have a ways to go before they reach the top of this list:
"The Packers are still one of the NFL's most talented teams, and losing to the defending Super Bowl champs doesn't equate to a massive drop in the rankings. That said, it's clear there is a gap between a healthy Seattle team and a healthy Green Bay team right now.
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Aaron Rodgers was pressured all game in the loss to the Seattle Seahawks, Eddie Lacy did nothing and has a concussion and the defense looked vulnerable as ever. Still, Jordy Nelson and Randall Cobb should be a lethal one-two punch all season and help Green Bay reach the playoffs.
8. New England Patriots
The Patriots couldn’t stop the Miami pass rush or rushing attack, and Brady never really got into a rhythm.
There is no reason to panic just yet, especially since Rob Gronkowski looked healthy and scored, but it was strange to see New England lose like that to a divisional foe. Still, it’s one loss for a veteran-led club.
It will be imperative that the Patriots shore up the rush defense and protect Brady though, otherwise they will fall in future power rankings.
7. Indianapolis Colts
It was a tale of two halves for the Indianapolis Colts against the Denver Broncos.
The defense was exposed early against Peyton Manning, but it kept the team in the game as Andrew Luck directed a late comeback. There is also a ton of talent at receiver, which was evident in the second half.
Ultimately, a loss on the road against the defending AFC champion is nothing to be ashamed of, especially since the Colts almost overcame an early deficit. Still, they will have to improve the pass rush and pass protection if they want to compete in the playoffs.
6. Cincinnati Bengals
A division win on the road is huge early in the year, even if the Bengals did almost blow a 15-0 lead. Had Cincinnati reached the end zone once or twice instead of settling for six early field-goal attempts, it would have won comfortably.
However, a lesser squad would have folded when the Bengals fell behind in the fourth quarter. Instead, Andy Dalton connected with A.J. Green on a deep ball, and the Bengals took control of the AFC North (along with the Steelers) in Week 1.
5. Atlanta Falcons
ESPN Stats & Info passed along some information that should make Atlanta Falcons fans happy:
Matt Ryan was dominant, Roddy White looked like he is still an elite receiver and Julio Jones’ presence makes this offense all the more formidable. The only concern is the defense’s performance, but some of the credit has to go to Drew Brees for that.
The defense came through when it mattered most, and the Falcons look like they will compete for a playoff spot this year.
4. New Orleans Saints
The Saints lost their first game, but they still have Brees leading the way with Jimmy Graham running routes up the middle. What’s more, receivers Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks both looked the part in Sunday’s opener.
The ultimate problem was the defense, which could not stop the Falcons, even though Atlanta’s offensive line was banged up.
Ultimately, an overtime loss on the road against a team that will likely be much better than last year is not a huge problem. Let’s wait before completely overreacting about New Orleans’ first loss.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The San Francisco 49ers didn’t look like a Super Bowl contender in the preseason, but that ultimately doesn’t matter.
They completely stopped an offense with Dez Bryant, Romo and Jason Witten without Aldon Smith, NaVorro Bowman or Chris Culliver (who left the game early) and scored enough points to win easily.
Carlos Hyde looked explosive and scored a touchdown, Frank Gore consistently battered his way through the line and Colin Kaepernick threw for two touchdowns. This team dominated on the road against a squad that at least has some talent on it, and those preseason struggles appear to be completely overblown.
2. Denver Broncos
Denver is the class of the AFC, and it proved it again with a win over the Colts Sunday night.
Manning and company set the tone early and held on for the win, and the defense should improve as guys like DeMarcus Ware become more comfortable in their new roles. If the defense is even average with Manning and the record-setting offense in place, the Broncos could once again reach the Super Bowl.
1. Seattle Seahawks
Nobody else will be on top of these power rankings until the Seattle Seahawks lose a game.
If they play like they did against the Packers Thursday, that won’t happen for a long time. The defense completely shut down Rodgers and company, picking him off and sacking him three times. They also held Lacy to a meager 34 rushing yards.
We know about Seattle’s defense. Offensively, Marshawn Lynch ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns, and Russell Wilson tallied 191 passing yards and two touchdowns. With Percy Harvin making plays in space, the Seahawks truly looked like they had no weaknesses.
Just like last year.
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