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NFL Power Rankings: Who Are the Most Surprising Teams in the Top 10?

Chris Trapasso
Sep 19, 2011

Heading into the 2011 NFL season, did anybody envision the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills sitting at 2-0 through two weeks? We were ready to jump on the Detroit Lions bandwagon, but did we think they'd be this impressive this early?

The NFL never ceases to amaze us with the way underdog teams with low expectations can piece together winning seasons while the Super Bowl contenders fall flat on their faces.

After Sunday's action in Week 2, there are some rather surprising teams in the Top 10 of the Power Rankings.Ā 

The first squad that pops off the screen is the Buffalo Bills. They dominated the Chiefs in Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1, something that looks a little easier than we initially thought. Then, in the wildest game of this weekend, they scored touchdowns on all five of their second-half possessions to beat the Oakland Raiders, 38-35.Ā 

Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson spearhead what looks to be quite the dangerous offensive attack that is balanced and can beat teams in a variety of different ways. Most importantly, their offensive line has been solid, especially against Oakland; Fitzpatrick wasn't sacked once.Ā 

The defense may need some work, but they have shown the critics they are improved from a 4-12 season last year.Ā 

Rex Grossman and the Washington Redskins surely weren't in anyone's Top 10 prior to Week 1. With Grossman, you get the good with the bad, but he's been very efficient in his team's first two victories and, similar to Fitzpatrick, orchestrated a fourth-quarter comeback in Week 2.Ā 

The acquisition of Tim Hightower looks to be a good one and the defense has played better than many believed they would.Ā 

Lastly, how about those Detroit Lions?

Sure, we were ready to move them into "contender" status, but did we think they'd be this impressive through Week 2?

They beat a solid Buccaneers team on the road in Week 1 and totally dominated the Chiefs at home.Ā 

Matthew Stafford is emerging as a top-tier quarterback and the defense is ferocious.Ā 

These teams aren't used to being in the Top 10 among the Patriots, Saints and Packers, but could stay for a while.

Week 3 Power Rankings

1.Ā New England PatriotsĀ (2-0)Ā 17.Ā Ā Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
2.Ā Green Bay PackersĀ (2-0)18.Ā New York GiantsĀ (0-1)*
3.Ā Houston TexansĀ (2-0)

19.Ā Oakland RaidersĀ (1-1)Ā 

4.Ā New York JetsĀ (2-0)20.Ā San Francisco 49ersĀ (1-1)
5.Ā Detroit LionsĀ (2-0)
21. St. LouisĀ RamsĀ (0-1)*

6.Ā New Orleans SaintsĀ (1-1)Ā 

22.Ā Cleveland BrownsĀ (1-1)
7.Ā Washington Redskins (2-0)23.Ā Arizona CardinalsĀ (1-1)
8.Ā San Diego ChargersĀ (1-1)Ā 24.Ā Denver BroncosĀ (1-1)
9.Ā Buffalo BillsĀ (2-0)25.Ā Cincinnati BengalsĀ (1-1)
10.Ā Pittsburgh SteelersĀ (1-1)26.Ā Jacksonville JaguarsĀ (1-1)
11.Ā Atlanta FalconsĀ (1-1)27.Ā Carolina PanthersĀ (0-2)Ā 
12. Chicago Bears (1-1)28.Ā Minnesota VikingsĀ (0-2)
13.Ā Dallas CowboysĀ (1-1)29.Ā Miami DolphinsĀ (0-2)Ā 
14.Ā Philadelphia EaglesĀ (1-1)Ā 30.Ā Seattle SeahawksĀ (0-2)
15.Ā Tampa Bay BuccaneersĀ (1-1)31.Ā Indianapolis ColtsĀ (0-2)Ā 
16.Ā Tennessee TitansĀ (1-1) Ā 32.Ā Kansas City ChiefsĀ (0-2)Ā 

*Rams and Giants play on MNFĀ