1. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Previous: 1
Analysis: The Bengals made the Chiefs look pedestrian for much of Sunday’s battle, but the Chiefs have more ways to win than any other team in football right now. They’re still number 1.

2. HOUSTON TEXANS

Previous: 4
Analysis: Houston has so many weapons on offense, and the defensive front is relentless with Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson screaming off the edge. If anybody can take down KC in the AFC, it’s the Texans.

3. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Previous: 2
Analysis: Tough loss to a spunky Vikings team that took Kyle Shanahan’s injury-depleted squad off-guard, but if the Niners can get survive the absences of Christian McCaffrey and now Deebo Samuel for the next couple weeks, there’s still too much talent here to get too concerned.

4. BUFFALO BILLS

Previous: 7
Analysis: Josh Allen’s superhuman efforts have been plenty enough to lift a mediocre group of weapons, and the defense keeps exceeding expectations. They’re a legit Super Bowl contender with Allen playing at an MVP level.

5. DETROIT LIONS

Previous: 3
Analysis: Detroit has a habit of letting opponents keep the game close, and in this instance, made too many self-induced errors to fend off a surprisingly good Buccaneers team. The Lions will be fine, especially if Aiden Hutchinson (4.5 sacks in Week 2) keeps up his DPOY-level play.

6. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

Previous: 5
Analysis: The Eagles were a Saquon Barkley drop away from 2-0, so it’s hard to push them too far down this list. They dominated the majority of the game Monday Night, especially on the ground, but questionable decision-making from this coaching staff is becoming a recurring problem for Philly.

7. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Previous: 19
Analysis: This may be the single biggest leap I’ve ever given a team in a Power Rankings, but how could I do anything else? The Saints are 1st in EPA/play on Offense and 2nd in EPA/play on Defense. It’s been pure dominance from Dennis Allen’s squad through 2 weeks.

8. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Previous: 14
Analysis: The Buccaneers box score wasn’t pretty, but this team rallies in big moments behind a surging Baker Mayfield and an opportunistic defense. Beating Detroit wasn’t fluky. It was signature of a veteran, well-coached team ready for a bigger spotlight.

9. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

Previous: 11
Analysis: The Steelers have the worst offense by far of any team in the top half of these rankings, but the defense is special, and the offense does show signs of something better. If they can quit beating themselves with penalties on that side of the ball, they have a chance to be dangerous in the AFC.

10. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Previous: 12
Analysis: Nobody was more impressive in victory this week than Matt LeFleur’s Packers. LaFleur is one of the best coaches in the NFL and called an exceptional game with Malik Willis filling in for the injured Jordan Love. With a multiple offense and a defense on the rise, the Packers can stay afloat waiting for Love to return.

11. DALLAS COWBOYS

Previous: 9
Analysis: The Boys got trounced by the Saints, who are playing better than anyone right now, but I still believe in Dak and CeeDee on offense, and Mike Zimmer’s ability to get the defense playing better. This is still a dangerous team in the NFC.

12. NEW YORK JETS

Previous: 13
Analysis: It wasn’t too convincing a win, but it was a win for the Aaron Rodgers-led Jets, and the QB looked calm and cool in the biggest moments of the 4th quarter, which is why he’s in New York in the first place. The defense should continue to settle in, and in time this still feels like a playoff contender in the AFC.

13. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Previous: 8
Analysis: The Ravens have a lot to figure out on both sides of the ball, specifically up front. The O-line is struggling to get push in the run game and the Raiders pass rush made life tough for Lamar Jackson, while the D-line couldn’t get enough consistent pressure on Gardner Minshew to keep him from peppering his best targets until the Ravens’ secondary couldn’t hold up. A tough schedule and a ton of questions loom for Baltimore.

14. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Previous: 17
Analysis: Geno Smith gets a lot of attention from the big names in Pro Football analysis, and I’m starting to come around on him as a big-time NFL Quarterback. He makes great decisions and displays high-end accuracy at every level of the field. With HC Mike MacDonald reviving the defense, this Seattle team is fun to watch.

15. MIAMI DOLPHINS

Previous: 6
Analysis: Tua’s injury is very concerning for the Dolphins chances over the next 4 or more weeks while the concussed QB is on IR. With the Seahawks, Titans, and Patriots on deck, it’s imperative for the ‘Fins to sneak out a couple wins before the schedule gets much tougher in mid-October.

16. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Previous: 21
Analysis: Is Sam Darnold for real? It sure feels like the Vikes have a real QB after he systematically dismantled one of the best defenses in the league on Sunday. The defense plays with the demeanor of a Wildling Army north of the wall, which could make for a volatile outcome week to week, but overlook the Vikings at your own peril.

17. CINCINATTI BENGALS

Previous: 16
Analysis: It looked better for Cincy against the Chiefs on Sunday, but it was still a loss, and there are plenty of issues to figure out, especially on defense, but Joe Burrow is still Joe Burrow. He gives the Bengals a chance every week no matter the opponent.

18. ARIZONA CARDINALS

Previous: 23
Analysis: The Cardinals were impressive on Sunday, but especially Kyler Murray, who is playing out of his mind as the season gets rolling. If Murray and WR Marvin Harrison, Jr. continue to show the rapport they displayed in the first half vs. the Rams, this offense is going to be difficult to stop.

19. LOS ANGELES RAMS

Previous: 10
Analysis: The Rams are cursed to start this season, with multi-week injuries impacting at least 7 starters, including both Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua. The offensive line has also been hit hard, and Matt Stafford and co. just weren’t able to keep up against a quick-strike Arizona Cardinals team on Sunday. With no light at the end of the tunnel for many of these injuries, it will be tough for LAR to stay relevant early in the season.

20. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Previous: 20
Analysis: It was a nice win for Cleveland, but the Jags have some serious issues, and Cleveland wasn’t necessarily dominant in the effort. That said, Deshaun Watson played much better than he did in Week 1, and the defense rebounded as well, keeping the Jags flummoxed all game long.

21. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Previous: 15
Analysis: Indy’s dazzling big-play ability from Week 1 disappeared against a swarming Packers defense that kept Anthony Richardson on his toes all game long. If the Colts want to contend this year, they’ll need more consistency when defenses shut down the dynamic plays down the field.

22. ATLANTA FALCONS

Previous: 24
Analysis: Beating the Eagles in their building was impressive, but it took three and a half quarters for Kirk Cousins and the offense to really break through. The offense will need to drastically improve in the coming weeks for the Falcons to hang with the Bucs and Saints in the NFC South.

23. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

Previous: 25
Analysis: I hate putting the Chargers this low, but they are perhaps the toughest team to rank of the 32 teams. The Jim Harbaugh affect is masking some real roster holes early for LAC. We’ll find out a lot about their staying power after this week’s matchup against the bruising Pittsburgh Steelers.

24. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Previous: 28
Analysis: The Raiders would not go away against Baltimore on Sunday and eventually won the game on a near Herculean effort by All-World WR Davante Adams and stud Rookie TE Brock Bowers and a swarming front 4 on defense led by Maxx Crosby. This team fights, but it’s likely the luck runs out at some point with Gardner Minshew at QB.

25. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Previous: 18
Analysis: Trevor Lawrence still flashes his immense talent on the regular, but it’s mixed with too many questionable decisions and wild throws to make anyone feel great about this offense rebounding this season. It’s early, but signs are less than promising after JAX’s 0-2 start. Next up, Josh Allen and the surging Bills.

26. CHICAGO BEARS

Previous: 22
Analysis: We thought Caleb Williams was walking into a really nice situation and would establish himself immediately as the answer to Bears fans’ prayers from snap 1. It hasn’t played out that way, with the offensive line getting worked over in the first 2 weeks of the season. Still, the dynamic ability is evident. I expect him to settle down soon as the OL improves.

27. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Previous: 26
Analysis: The Patriots are a tough out every week, but it’s still a fairly talent-poor roster playing over its head in a surprising Week 1 win over Cincinnati and a close loss in OT to a solid Seahawks team. If they can keep games close though, the running game and defense are good enough to steal a couple more wins than expected.

28. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

Previous: 30
Analysis: Jayden Daniels dynamic rushing ability is evident through the first 2 weeks of the season, but he’s already taking too many big hits and the passing game is a real struggle. Combine that with a ton of holes on defense, and this team has a lot of work to do if they want to earn W’s against more impressive competition than the moribund Giants.

29. TENNESSEE TITANS

Previous: 27
Analysis: Will Levis, man. It’s a rollercoaster with this 2nd year QB. His Tasmanian devil approach to quarterbacking has some positives, but the boneheaded decision-making has really cost his team in both games already this season. If he can hone the enticing physical traits, he might be ok. For now, Titans fans should prepare themselves for a wild ride.

30. DENVER BRONCOS

Previous: 29
Analysis: They can’t run the ball, Rookie passer Bo Nix is easily flummoxed by disguised coverages, and Sean Payton’s group is just not on the same page to start this season. If Nix can’t settle in quickly, it could be a long season for Broncos fans with no clear direction in sight.

31. NEW YORK GIANTS

Previous: 31
Analysis: Outside of the impressive play of Rookie WR Malik Nabers, this is a firestorm of a roster and the coaching staff seemingly has no plan B if things completely fall apart. Unfortunately for the Giants, it appears things are quickly spiraling that direction.

32. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Previous: 32
Analysis: Bryce Young is OUT as the starter just 2 games into his 2nd season, and the there is no light at the end of the tunnel for one of the poorest run franchises in professional sports. Where does 1st-year HC Dave Canales turn now? It’s tough to imagine any way this gets better any time soon.