Another week of football is in the books already. Week 2 was even more wild, as it seems that every game could possibly have a wild ending. What’s even more crazy is that four teams from the same division are in the top 10 in the power rankings, which is possibly the first time this has ever happened in a power rankings listing, and it attests to the highly competitive nature of the NFC West. Let’s roll with the rankings.
#32: Jacksonville Jaguars
Week 2 vs. DEN: L, 13-23 | Record: 0-2
Previous Rank: #32
Yeah, whatever happened to the excitement that was supposed to come to Duval with the arrival of Urban Meyer and Trevor Lawrence? Looks like we’re still waiting as the Broncos held the Jaguars’ offense to 189 yards in the 23-13 loss. Lawrence had a brief moment of revelation before even more rookie lumps, with a fast start and an icy finish. At this rate this Jaguars team is making last season’s Jags team that went 1-15 look like a competitive team. The 1st overall pick registered 73 of his 118 passing yards on the opening drive that ended with a touchdown. You never want to peak in the 1st quarter. Simply put, the Jaguars are not a good football team. Meyer’s tenure is looking a lot like the era before him. And the era before that. It’s been so bad that Meyer asked fans for patience via a tweet from the team’s official Twitter account. But things are not going to get any easier against a red-hot Cardinals team. The plea for patience is not going to go over that well.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Trevor Lawrence
RB: James Robinson
WR: Marvin Jones Jr., DJ Chark Jr., Laviska Shenault Jr.
TE: Chris Manhertz
OL: Cam Robinson (LT), Andrew Norwell (LG), Brandon Linder (C), AJ Cann (RG), Jawaan Taylor (RT)
DL: Malcom Brown (LDE), DaVon Hamilton (NT), Roy Robertson-Harris (RDE)
EDGE: Josh Allen (WLB), K’Lavon Chaisson (SLB)
ILB: Damien Wilson (LILB), Myles Jack (RILB)
CB: CJ Henderson (LCB), Shaquill Griffin (RCB)
S: Andrew Wingard (SS), Rayshawn Jenkins (FS)
ST: Josh Lambo (K), Logan Cooke (P), Ross Matiscik (LS)
RS: Jamal Agnew
#31: New York Jets
Week 2 vs. NE: L, 6-25 | Record: 0-2
Previous Rank: #29
The Jets are now realizing that Zach Wilson is on an island as his O-line is breaking down, the running game is uncertain, and his receivers are still limited. There will be better days for him... they can’t get much worse than his four-interception performance in that 25-6 loss to the Patriots. With that showing, he became the latest rookie QB to get swallowed in whole by Bill Belichick’s Patriots. It was brutal from the very beginning, throwing picks on his first two pass attempts while repeatedly making poor decisions in his downfield reads. It’s a shame, because the Jets played an otherwise solid game. They ran the ball well, improved on pass protection from the Week 1 showing in Carolina, and held Mac Jones and the Pats’ attack mostly in check. Wilson’s struggles were too much to overcome, but he is smart and talented enough to learn well from his mistakes and the decision to start him could still pay dividends. Remember, teams have to measure rookie quarterbacks’ seasons by growth, not by wins. It’s way too early to pass judgment on him based on his first two games. And despite the awful game, Wilson said that he won’t change who he is.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Zach Wilson
RB: Tevin Coleman
WR: Corey Davis, Jamison Crowder, Keelan Cole
TE: Ryan Griffin
OL: George Fant (LT), Alijah Vera-Tucker (LG), Connor McGovern (C), Greg Van Roten (RG), Morgan Moses (RT)
DE: John Franklin-Myers (LDE), Bryce Huff (RDE)
DT: Sheldon Rankins (LDT), Quinnen Williams (RDT)
LB: Hamsah Nasirildeen (WLB), CJ Mosley (MLB), Quincy Williams (SLB)
CB: Brandin Echols (LCB), Bryce Hall (RCB)
S: Marcus Maye (SS), Adrian Colbert (FS)
ST: Matt Ammendola (K), Thomas Morstead (P), Thomas Hennessy (LS)
RS: Michael Carter III (KR), Braxton Berrios (PR)
#30: Detroit Lions
Week 2 @ GB: L, 17-35 | Record: 0-2
Previous Rank: #31
The first half of that Monday Night Football game looked to be as if every football fan entered a completely strange world. A world where Jared Goff outplayed Aaron Rodgers. A world where TJ Hockenson couldn’t be covered near the back pylon. That the Lions, the underdogs that one sports bettor was rooting for to turn a $25 wager into a $727,000 payday if they were to win. The Lions were on their way to a surprise win... until the rain came down. And as the rain fell, so did the Lions as we all snapped back to reality (Ope, there goes gravity). However, the Lions aren’t total pushovers, which is evident given that they made a comeback attempt against the 49ers in Week 1, and that they are playing hard for their new coach, Dan Campbell, despite the obvious talent scarcity, but they need to fix up their discipline issues as they are getting flagged too much. Plus, this defense is too undermanned to win consistently. They’re the least talented team in the league and it showed in this game, and likely will be more weeks than not, especially when they visit the Ravens in Baltimore. If you’re a Lions fan looking for any semblance of hope, your best chances of doing so are if you fast forward to the 2022 NFL Draft.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Jared Goff
RB: D’Andre Swift
WR: Tyrell Williams, Kalif Raymond, Quintez Cephus
TE: TJ Hockenson
OL: Penei Sewell (LT), Jonah Jenkins (LG), Frank Ragnow (C), Halapoulivaati Vaitai (RG), Matt Nelson (RT)
DL: Michael Brockers (LDE), Alim McNeill (NT), Nick Williams (RDE)
EDGE: Trey Flowers (WLB), Romeo Okwara (SLB)
ILB: Alex Anzalone (LILB), Derrick Barnes (RILB)
CB: Amani Oruwariye (LCB), Bobby Price (RCB)
S: Will Harris (SS), Tracy Walker III (FS)
ST: Austin Seibert (K), Jack Fox (P), Scott Daly (LS)
RS: Kalif Raymond
#29: Atlanta Falcons
Week 2 @ TB: L, 25-48 | Record: 0-2
Previous Rank: #30
When the Falcons took over deep in their own territory with 13 minutes left to play against the Buccaneers, they scored the game’s last 15 points, all the momentum in their favor, and in position to take the lead. The next six possessions were a complete downturn from what happened in the 3rd quarter: three-and-out (punt), Bucs touchdown, Bucs pick six, turnover on downs, Bucs turnover on downs, Bucs pick six. In the span of nine minutes of game time, the Falcons went from down 28-25 to down 48-25 on the way to the loss. Surprisingly, early signs are showing that Arthur Smith has been arguably the least impressive coach of the head coaching hirings of the 2021 offseason as he is not doing the things to help Matt Ryan overcome some of the team’s fundamental issues. The defense being literal Swiss cheese is not going to solve any problems, either. Credit the Falcons for being more competitive than they were in Week 1, though, especially on the road against the defending champions, but early returns don’t paint an optimistic picture in Atlanta. And with the way the O-line is playing, you will have to wonder if Matt Ryan will last the entire season. And it’s only a matter of time until the talk turns to replacing him and closing the door on that part of Falcons history. He didn’t play all that badly in Week 2, as one of his pick sixes was a wildly tipped ball. It’s not his fault that the defense needs patchwork or that the O-line needs work, or that the Falcons averaged 2.8 yards per carry on the ground.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Matt Ryan
RB: Mike Davis
WR: Calvin Ridley, Russell Gage
TE: Kyle Pitts, Hayden Hurst
OL: Jake Matthews (LT), Jalen Mayfield (LG), Matt Hennessy (C), Chris Lindstrom (RG), Kaleb McGary (RT)
DL: Jonathan Bullard (LDE), Tyeler Davison (NT), Grady Jarrett (RDT)
EDGE: Steven Means (WLB), Dante Fowler Jr. (SLB)
ILB: Deion Jones (LILB), Foyesade Oluokun (RILB)
CB: AJ Terrell (LCB), Fabian Moreau (RCB)
S: Duron Harmon (SS), Erik Harris (FS)
ST: Younghoe Koo (K), Cameron Nizialek (P), Josh Harris (LS)
RS: Cordarrelle Patterson (KR), Avery Williams (PR)
#28: Houston Texans
Week 2 @ CLE: L, 21-31 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #28
I’ll say this: I was wrong about the Texans. After a stunning Week 1 upset over the Jaguars, Tyrod Taylor was cooking up a possible upset in Cleveland. The journeyman QB completed his first 10 passes and scored a pair of early touchdowns against the heavily-favored Browns. The Texans were showing a lot of fight with him. But once again, misfortune struck the veteran QB once again. Taylor suffered a pulled hamstring in the final seconds of the first half—the injury knocked him out of the game and led to a quick scratch from the Texans’ upcoming Week 3 game against the Panthers, and can lead to him sitting out for a month. Head coach David Culley was quick to dismiss any talk on Deshaun Watson possibly re-entering the picture, so instead, it will be rookie QB Davis Mills playing his first full NFL game against a thriving Panthers defense on Thursday Night Football. They’re going to have a harder time overcoming their major defensive issues now unless the Watson situation turns heads towards a positive direction. This doesn’t look promising at all.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Davis Mills
RB: Mark Ingram
WR: Brandin Cooks, Chris Conley, Anthony Miller
TE: Pharaoh Brown
OL: Laremy Tunsil (LT), Tytus Howard (LG), Justin Britt (C), Max Scharping (RG), Marcus Cannon (RT)
DE: Whitney Mercilus (LDE), Jordan Jenkins (RDE)
DT: Maliek Collins (LDT), DeMarcus Walker (RDT)
LB: Zach Cunningham (WLB), Christian Kirksey (MLB), Kamu Grugier-Hill (SLB)
CB: Vernon Hargreaves III (LCB), Terrance Mitchell (RCB)
S: Eric Murray (SS), Justin Reid (FS)
ST: Joey Slye (K), Cameron Johnston (P), Jon Weeks (LS)
RS: Andre Roberts
#27: New York Giants
Week 2 @ WSH: L, 29-30 | Record: 0-2
Previous Rank: #27
There are bad losses and then there are bad losses marred by plays where several players make key mistakes and have them go down the Walk of Shame™. The Giants suffered one of the worst Week 2 defeats imaginable, where a 30-29 loss will be remembered by Giants fans for brutal mistakes and miscues at the most inopportune times. CJ Board committed a holding penalty that wiped away a 58-yard touchdown scramble by Daniel Jones. Darius Slayton was wide open in the end zone, with the closest Washington defender to him not even 20 yards within contact, and he dropped the ball. Finally, the icing on the cake: Dexter Lawrence jumped offsides and gave Dustin Hopkins a second chance on the game-winning field goal after appearing to miss. The second go-around, Hopkins connected. While Daniel Jones did his typical thing of playing well against Washington, the Giants have to start winning games. Despite opening 0-2, they are still just a game back in the division. But you cannot deny: The Giants are bad. Really bad. The same issues have been plaguing the team for years and it was evident in this game. The O-line was terrible. The run game sputtered. The team was undisciplined, with 11 penalties. Those mistakes reflect directly on Joe Judge, and the bad O-line play reflect on Dave Gettleman. Chances are that a firesale is happening in the Meadowlands after this season.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Daniel Jones
RB: Saquon Barkley
WR: Kenny Golladay, Sterling Shepard, Darius Slayton
TE: Evan Engram
OL: Andrew Thomas (LT), Ben Bredeson (LG), Billy Price (C), Will Hernandez (RG), Nate Solder (RT)
DL: Dexter Lawrence (LDE), Austin Johnson (NT), Leonard Williams (RDE)
EDGE: Lorenzo Carter (WLB), Oshane Ximines (SLB)
ILB: Tae Crowder (LILB), Blake Martinez (RILB)
CB: James Bradberry (LCB), Adoree’ Jackson (RCB)
S: Jabrill Peppers (SS), Logan Ryan (FS)
ST: Graham Gano (K), Riley Dixon (P), Casey Kreiter (LS)
RS: Jabrill Peppers
On a side note, I hope Nick Gates has a fast and steady recovery. Jeez, that lower left leg fracture is so brutal to watch.
#26: Minnesota Vikings
Week 2 @ ARZ: L, 33-34 | Record: 0-2
Previous Rank: #24
The optimist would say that the Vikings should be 2-0 with better game finishing and kicking fortunes. The pessimist would say this is part of their underachieving identity with Mike Zimmer. Then again, the line between 2-0 and 0-2 can be painfully thin. The Vikings know this all too well. In Week 1, fortunes turned on a Dalvin Cook fumble in overtime. Week 2 was even worse: Greg Joseph’s 37-yard field goal attempt was wide right as time expired to seal an excruciatingly painful 34-33 loss to the Cardinals. Zimmer said that he was thinking, “This should be an easy one here.” But nothing is easy if you’re the Vikings. That is especially true for kickers, and Joseph is the newest victim to the Vikings’ kicker curse. There’s 15 more games, so the Vikings still have plenty of time to right their wrongs. Zimmer also said that he is encouraged by the Vikings’ start to the season, and he is right that the team still has a chance. Out of 258 teams that started 0-2 since 1990, 30 made the playoffs. The Vikings have started 0-2 14 times in franchise history, making the playoffs after an 0-2 start just once: 2008. But back-to-back heartbreakers like this can drastically change an entire season. The offense will continue to do its part, but the defense and special teams could be too difficult to overcome.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Kirk Cousins
RB: Dalvin Cook
WR: Justin Jefferson, Adam Thielen, KJ Osborn
TE: Tyler Conklin
OL: Rashod Hill (LT), Ezra Cleveland (LG), Garrett Bradbury (C), Oli Udoh (RG), Brian O’Neill (RT)
DE: Danielle Hunter (LDE), Stephen Weatherly (RDE)
DT: Michael Pierce (LDT), Dalvin Tomlinson (RDT)
LB: Nick Vigil (WLB), Eric Kendricks (MLB), Anthony Barr (SLB)
CB: Bashaud Breeland (LCB), Patrick Peterson (RCB)
S: Harrison Smith (SS), Xavier Woods (FS)
ST: Greg Joseph (K), Jordan Berry (P), Andrew DePaola (LS)
RS: Ihmir Smith-Marsette (KR), KJ Osborn (PR)
#25: Cincinnati Bengals
Week 2 @ CHI: L, 17-20 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #23
Once again, the Bengals are struggling to protect Joe Burrow, and the feeling of an impending disaster once more looms large in them. Burrow was sacked four times by the Bears and hit on five other occasions in the 20-17 loss in the Windy City. Chicago’s ferocious pass rush could help explain why Burrow was in a giving mood—the QB threw interceptions on three consecutive attempts in the 2nd half, which wiped away any chance at back-to-back wins to start the year. On the bright side, in what could arguably be the worst game of his career so far, the Bengals also saw the fight in him, and they like what they have seen in their defensive improvements and offensive skill potential. But it was not enough as Burrow made some bad throws and decisions. It’s difficult for Burrow to throw deep passes from his back, as the “improved” O-line has allowed Burrow to be sacked 9 times. If this continues, the Bengals are in for another long year. Back to the drawing board for Zac Taylor and co.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Joe Burrow
RB: Joe Mixon
WR: Tyler Boyd, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins
TE: CJ Uzomah
OL: Jonah Williams (LT), Quinton Spain (LG), Trey Hopkins (C), Xavier Su’a-Filo (RG), Riley Reiff (RT)
DE: Sam Hubbard (LDE), Trey Hendrickson (RDE)
DT: DJ Reader (LDT), Larry Ogunjobi (RDT)
LB: Logan Wilson (LILB), Germaine Pratt (RILB)
CB: Trae Waynes (LCB), Chidobe Awuzie (RCB), Mike Hilton (NB)
S: Vonn Bell (SS), Jessie Bates III (FS)
ST: Evan McPherson (K), Kevin Huber (P), Clark Harris (LS)
RS: Brandon Wilson (KR), Darius Phillips (PR)
#24: Indianapolis Colts
Week 2 vs. LAR: L, 24-27 | Record: 0-2
Previous Rank: #19
Carson Wentz sprained BOTH ankles on one takedown by Aaron Donald during the Colts’ loss to the Rams, and it feels like something that can only happen to Wentz in 2021. Gregg Rosenthal noted in the Around the NFL Podcast that Wentz plays with a frantic energy that has fans biting their nails. Constant stumbles, ducks, dives, and flips… no wonder that he struggles to stay healthy. It also doesn’t help that the Colts don’t look reliable offensively with Wentz only flashing and with the running game not being the same reliable substance as they were last season… yet. The defense also looked bad against the Rams and Seahawks, who have two of the best offenses in the league. The next three games are brutal, as they will face the Titans, Dolphins, and Ravens up next. The loss to the Rams brings them at a tie for last place in the AFC South with the Jaguars, and the situation is being made worse as Wentz might not be available against the Titans, which leads to them starting an unproven Jacob Eason, who was uninspiring in his limited work against the Rams.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Jacob Eason
RB: Jonathan Taylor
WR: Michael Pittman Jr., Parris Campbell, Zach Pascal
TE: Jack Doyle
OL: Eric Fisher (LT), Quenton Nelson (LG), Ryan Kelly (C), Mark Glowinski (RG), Braden Smith (RT)
DE: Kwity Paye (LDE), Al-Quadin Muhammad (RDE)
DT: DeForest Buckner (LDT), Grover Stewart (RDT)
LB: Darius Leonard (LILB), Bobby Okereke (RILB)
CB: Rock Ya-Sin (LCB), Xavier Rhodes (RCB), Kenny Moore II (NB)
S: Khari Willis (SS), Julian Blackmon (FS)
ST: Rodrigo Blankenship (K), Rigoberto Sanchez (P), Luke Rhodes (LS)
RS: Isaiah Rodgers (KR), Nyheim Hines (PR)
#23: Miami Dolphins
Week 2 vs. BUF: L, 0-35 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #15
That shutout loss to the Bills will not be an easy one to shake off. The Bills came into Hard Rock Stadium and delivered them a 35-0 whomping that wiped away any lingering optimism they got from the Week 1 win at Foxborough. Simply put, they were overwhelmed by a more talented Bills roster. Not only that, but Tua Tagovailoa will not play in Week 3 as he suffered bruised ribs in the shutout. This is not to say that the outcome of the game would have been different if Tua remained healthy, but the Dolphins offense could not muster anything with Jacoby Brissett under center. He wasn’t able to provide a spark that Ryan Fitzpatrick had, and now they are left to ponder what the blowout loss meant to the big picture. Did they have a bad day? Are the Bills that much better? Or are the Dolphins, in reality, a candidate for regression? And with a trip to Vegas to face the red-hot Raiders next up, it’s hard to imagine the Dolphins winning that game without Tua. Brian Flores has a lot of work ahead of him, and Dolphins fans should start to grow concerned.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Jacoby Brissett
RB: Myles Gaskin
WR: DeVante Parker, Will Fuller V, Jaylen Waddle
TE: Mike Gesicki
OL: Austin Jackson (LT), Solomon Kindley (LG), Michael Dieter (C), Robert Hunt (RG), Jesse Davis (RT)
DL: Christian Wilkins (LDE), John Jenkins (NT), Emmanuel Ogbah (RDE)
EDGE: Andrew Van Ginkel (WLB), Brennan Scarlett (SLB)
ILB: Elandon Roberts (LILB), Jerome Baker (RILB)
CB: Xavien Howard (LCB), Byron Jones (RCB)
S: Eric Rowe (SS), Jason McCourty (FS)
ST: Jason Sanders (K), Michael Palardy (P), Blake Ferguson (LS)
RS: Jakeem Grant
#22: Chicago Bears
Week 2 vs. CIN: W, 20-17 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #25
Brace yourselves, Bears fans. The Justin Fields era has finally arrived. After Andy Dalton injured his knee against the Bengals, it fell to the rookie to carry the load on offense the rest of the way. The Bears escaped with a three-point win, but Fields didn’t play all that well, as he completed just six out of 13 passes and had an interception. Even he admitted that he needs to improve if the Bears are going to consistently win games. They can thank their defense for their first win of the season, forcing four 2nd half turnovers against the Bengals, picking off Joe Burrow on three consecutive pass attempts, with Roquan Smith getting his first career pick six and Eddie Jackson forcing a fumble that led to a Cairo Santos field goal. They needed these plays to cover for an offense that lost Dalton, who dodged a major injury, and it appears that Matt Nagy will keep him as the starting QB ahead of Fields if he is healthy enough to play. There are going to be a lot of lumps with Fields, even though he might help their offense in different ways and will get better over time. Should Fields play well during the time Dalton is out, he could be the starting QB.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Justin Fields
RB: David Montgomery
WR: Allen Robinson II, Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin
TE: Cole Kmet
OL: Jason Peters (LT), Cody Whitehair (LG), Sam Mustipher (C), James Daniels (RG), Germain Ifedi (RT)
DL: Akiem Hicks (LDE), Eddie Goldman (NT), Bilal Nichols (RDE)
EDGE: Khalil Mack (WLB), Robert Quinn (SLB)
ILB: Roquan Smith (LILB), Alec Ogletree (RILB)
CB: Jaylon Johnson (LCB), Kindle Vildor (RCB)
S: Tashaun Gipson Sr. (SS), Eddie Jackson FS)
ST: Cairo Santos (K), Pat O’Donnell (P), Patrick Scales (LS)
RS: Khalil Herbert (KR), Damiere Byrd (PR)
#21: Philadelphia Eagles
Week 2 vs. SF: L, 11-17 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #20
The Eagles dominated the 49ers for the majority of the 1st half and still found themselves trailing at halftime. When the dust cleared after the 17-11 loss, they were left to make peace with the opportunities wasted: Jalen Reagor stepping out of bounds before a long touchdown catch, Quez Watkins’ 91-yard reception that somehow ended up with no score, and a Derek Barnett unnecessary roughness penalty that wiped away precious time in the 4th quarter. They deserve credit for hanging tough against a talented Niners squad, but it was also a winnable game that they let slip away. You can’t do it against good teams, and the Eagles paid the price. And although Jalen Hurts looked like the guy the Eagles were hoping for in week 1, he looked the rookie that was both electrifying and maddening at the same time in Week 2. Although he had 82 yards on 10 rushes, his passing line wasn’t nearly as good, as he finished with 12 completions on 23 attempts for 190 yards. It was far from the worst thing that happened to the Eagles, as Brandon Graham is lost for the season with an Achilles tear. And despite Hurts’ high dual-threat floor, his inexperienced showed in this game. The O-line and defense are going back to being strengths, which can be helpful assets in fighting for the NFC East title with the Cowboys and the Football Team.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Jalen Hurts
RB: Miles Sanders
WR: DeVonta Smith, Jalen Reagor, Quez Watkins
TE: Dallas Goedert
OL: Jordan Mailata (LT), Isaac Seumalo (LG), Jason Kelce (C), Nate Herbig (RG), Lane Johnson (RT)
DE: Josh Sweat (LDE), Derek Barnett (RDE)
DT: Javon Hargrave (LDT), Fletcher Cox (RDT)
LB: Alex Singleton (WLB), Eric Wilson (MLB), Genard Avery (SLB)
CB: Darius Slay Jr. (LCB), Steven Nelson (RCB)
S: K’Von Wallace (SS), Anthony Harris (FS)
ST: Jake Elliott (K), Arryn Siposs (P), Rick Lovato (FS)
RS: Kenneth Gainwell (KR), Jalen Reagor (PR)
#20: Washington Football Team
Week 2 vs. NYG: W, 30-29 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #22
Washington might not have Ryan Fitzpatrick, but they still have hope in Taylor Heinicke, who moved the offense with purpose in that 30-29 win against the Giants on Thursday Night Football. They were aided by several huge miscues by the Giants, but Washington deserves credit for walking through the door that their opponents held open for them. Although Heinicke wasn’t perfect, but he looked like the better option under center to help them meet their immense offensive potential under Scott Turner and Ron Rivera. He made enough big throws to make you think that he could possibly turn into Washington’s long-term starter, regardless of Fitzpatrick’s health. He racked up 336 passing yards, two touchdowns, and a 99.5 passer rating. The fact that Washington got the game-winning field goal on the last second is most important. But even with the win, there are concerns. The presumption was that Washington would have the league’s best defense, but that defense struggled somewhat over the first two games of the season, allowing 391 yards to the Giants a week after giving up 424 yards to the Chargers, giving up 48 first downs in the process. The good news is that they are 1-1, they’re in the NFC East, and the offense is in good hands with Heinicke. When the D gets back on track, they can do damage, but it’s not guaranteed.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Taylor Heinicke
RB: Antonio Gibson
WR: Terry McLaurin, Dynami Brown, Adam Humphries
TE: Logan Thomas
OL: Charles Leno Jr. (LT), Ereck Flowers (LG), Chase Roullier (C), Brandon Scherff (RG), Sam Cosmi (RT)
DE: Chase Young (LDE), Montez Sweat (RDE)
DT: Da’Ron Payne (LDT), Jonathan Allen (RDT)
LB: Cole Holcomb (WLB), Jamin Davis (MLB), Jon Bostic (SLB)
CB: Kendall Fuller (LCB), William Jackson III (RCB)
S: Landon Collins (SS), Kamren Curl (FS)
ST: Dustin Hopkins (K), Tress Way (P), Camaron Cheeseman (LS)
RS: DeAndre Carter
#19: Carolina Panthers
Week 2 vs. NO: W, 26-7 | Record: 2-0
Previous Rank: #26
I get it, the Panthers are 2-0. But look at the teams they beat. They beat a lowly Jets team and a decimated Saints squad, so this rather sparks questions about the validity of their 2-0 start. However, they look like a team that has the ability to hang in with the majority of the NFC. Sam Darnold has been efficient and mostly mistake-free behind a revamped O-line, while Christian McCaffrey continues to put the offense on his back. Darnold was sharp, throwing for 305 yards and two touchdowns, while McCaffrey racked up 137 total yards and a score. The defense has been the revelation here, as the young group led by Shaq Thompson continues to swarm opposing QBs and put offensive game plans in the blender. Darnold is finally in a position to succeed and is realizing his potential, as his completion percentage, average yards per attempt, QBR, and QB rating are higher than his time with the Jets. It’s still hard to get a good read on the Panthers, but at this point, with how this defense is going, this looks like a good formula for wild card success. The schedule goes towards their favor in Week 3, as they have a Thursday night road trip to Houston to face rookie QB Davis Mills. They could head into October with the momentum on their side.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Sam Darnold
RB: Christian McCaffrey
WR: DJ Moore, Robby Anderson, Terrace Marshall Jr.
TE: Dan Arnold
OL: Cam Erving (LT), Dennis Daley (LG), Matt Paradis (C), John Miller (RG), Taylor Moton (RT)
DE: Brian Burns (LDE), Morgan Fox (RDE)
DT: Derrick Brown (LDT), DaQuan Jones (RDT)
LB: Shaq Thompson (WLB), Jermaine Carter Jr. (MLB), Haason Reddick (SLB)
CB: Donte Jackson (LCB), Jaycee Horn (RCB)
S: Juston Burris (SS), Jeremy Chinn (FS)
ST: Zane Gonzalez (K), Joseph Charlton (P), JJ Jansen (LS)
RS: Chuba Hubbard (KR), Alex Erickson (PR)
#18: New England Patriots
Week 2 @ NYJ: W, 25-6 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #16
The Patriots’ win over the Jets was a very Belichickian game. If you want, offense, offense, and more offense, that game was not for you. There was less than 600 yards on offense from both sides, with both combining to go 8 of 25 on 3rd down. That’s not good. But while the Pats were outgained yardage-wise, they didn’t turn the ball over, but at the same time, forced Zach Wilson to turn the ball over four times—all on interceptions. This is the Pats’ formula if they’re going to win games: Playing defense, running the ball, and keeping the pressure off of Mac Jones. Their ground game finished with 101 yards on 24 rushes, and Jones, although he wasn’t electric, led the offense with confidence and showed poise that eluded the guy who was taken 13 picks ahead of him on the other side. In short, the Pats are the AFC’s version of the Saints—racking up wins under a respected Super Bowl-winning head coaching genius with a transitional offense, a shorthanded defense, and a new starting QB. Now the two equals will face each other in Week 3, but you have to wonder if this strategy will be effective against playoff teams like the Tompa Bay Gronkaneers, who they will face in Week 4.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Mac Jones
RB: Damien Harris
WR: Nelson Agholor, Jakobi Meyers, Kendrick Bourne
TE: Jonnu Smith
OL: Isaiah Wynn (LT), Mike Onwenu (LG), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (RG), Trent Brown (RT)
DE: Matt Judon (LDE), Henry Anderson (RDE)
DT: Lawrence Guy (LDT), Davon Godchaux (RDT)
LB: Ja’Whaun Bentley (WLB), Dont’a Hightower (MLB), Kyle Van Noy (SLB)
CB: JC Jackson (LCB), Jalen Mills (RCB)
S: Adrian Phillips (SS), Devin McCourty (FS)
ST: Nick Folk (K), Jake Bailey (P), Joe Cardona (LS)
RS: Gunner Olszewski
#17: New Orleans Saints
Week 2 @ CAR: L, 7-26 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #11
So, yeah, about the Saints… it has been a tale of two teams in the span of two weeks for them. In Week 1, they looked like a team that could easily make it back to the playoffs despite the retirement of Drew Brees. Week 2 was the opposite. Their performance against the Packers was a huge dud as the Saints return down to the middle of the pack in the NFL. Dealing with COVID issues and injuries in key positions, they did not look like a competitive team in their 26-7 loss to the jumpstart Panthers. The week after throwing five touchdowns without an interception, Jameis Winston crashed back down to earth, completing just half of his 22 pass attempts for just 111 yards, falling back into the turnover trap, with a pair of picks. They were dominated from start to finish. The Panthers were one yard shy of tripling the Saints’ offensive output of 128 yards. Winston got sacked four times and the Saints’ ground game averaged 2.8 yards per carry. Sean Payton and Dennis Allen will try and push the right buttons at the right times on offense and defense. That defense, especially, is dealing with a heap of injuries, and that’s not going to help them at all.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Jameis Winston
RB: Alvin Kamara
WR: Marquez Callaway, Tre’Quan Smith, Lil’Jordan Humphrey
TE: Adam Trautman
OL: Terron Armstead (LT), Andrus Peat (LG), Erik McCoy (C), Cesar Ruiz (RG), Ryan Ramczyk (RT)
DE: Cameron Jordan (LDE), Carl Granderson (RDE)
DT: Christian Ringo (LDT), Shy Tuttle (RDT)
LB: Zack Baun (WLB), Demario Davis (MLB), Andrew Dowell (SLB)
CB: Bradley Roby (LCB), Marshon Lattimore (RCB)
S: Malcolm Jenkins (SS), Marcus Williams (FS)
ST: Aldrick Rosas (K), Blake Gillikin (P), Zach Wood (LS)
RS: Dwayne Washington (KR), Deonte Harris (PR)
#16: Denver Broncos
Week 2 @ JAX: W, 23-13 | Record: 2-0
Previous Rank: #18
Much like the Panthers, the Broncos are 2-0, but the opponents that they beat draw questions around their validity. However, they did take care of business against the Jaguars, where they will remember that game as Courtland Sutton’s post-ACL-tear coming out party. He lit up the Jags secondary for 159 receiving yards on 9 catches, almost a year to the day that he suffered his knee injury against the Steelers last season. He is a major factor on the offense that needs playmakers following the ankle injury Jerry Jeudy suffered in the season opener. If Sutton can build on this effort, he can form a chemistry with Teddy Bridgewater, who threw for 328 yards and two touchdowns without a pick, earning himself a 125.8 passer rating. They will come into Week 3 facing the winless Jets, and they have a good chance to build off this success.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Teddy Bridgewater
RB: Melvin Gordon III
WR: Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, KJ Hamler
TE: Noah Fant
OL: Garett Bolles (LT), Dalton Risner (LG), Lloyd Cushenberry III (C), Graham Glasgow (RG), Bobby Massie (RT)
DL: Dre’Mont Jones (LDE), Mike Purcell (NT), Shelby Harris (RDT)
EDGE: Bradley Chubb (WLB), Von Miller (SLB)
ILB: AJ Johnson (LILB), Justin Strnad (RILB)
CB: Kyle Fuller (LCB), Pat Surtain II (RCB)
S: Kareem Jackson (SS), Justin Simmons (FS)
ST: Brandon McManus (K), Sam Martin (P), Jacob Bobenmoyer (LS)
RS: Diontae Spencer
#15: Pittsburgh Steelers
Week 2 vs. LV: L, 17-26 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #8
The Steelers have problems. That’s not to say that it’s officially panic time in the Steel City. But there are causes for concern. While their defense and special teams paved the way for an upset over the Bills, a home loss to the Raiders puts the focus back to an underwhelming offense. It’s limited in terms of what it can do in the air game. That has to be fixed. Ben Roethlisberger had 295 yards in the game, but most of those yards came when the Steelers played catch-up. He didn’t look good throwing the ball, especially on deep throws. He’s no longer the star who can put the Steelers on his back, and he needs help to make the offensive attack go and he’s not getting much of it from his O-line or ground game. Najee Harris was held in check, with just 38 yards on 10 carries. However, he had five catches for 43 yards, a touchdown, and a nasty stiff arm on Johnathan Abram. But most of this responsibility is on Matt Canada, who is still trying to fit the pieces in the puzzle together. Injuries are piling up, as well. TJ Watt left the game with a groin injury, while Diontae Johnson suffered an apparent knee injury on the final play of the game. Stephon Tuitt and Zach Banner remain on the IR. Alex Highsmith is also on the injury list with a groin injury. Tyson Alualu is out for the year with a fractured ankle. Roethlisberger is questionable with a pectoral injury and is said that he will feel pain when he throws the ball. The good news for them is that Devin Bush and Joe Haden are back from injury. As long as the defense remains healthy, the Steelers should remain a competitive team.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Ben Roethlisberger
RB: Najee Harris
WR: Chase Claypool, James Washington, JuJu Smith-Schuster
TE: Eric Ebron
OL: Dan Moore Jr. (LT), Kevin Dotson (LG), Kendrick Green (C), Trai Turner (RG), Chukwuma Okorafor (RT)
DL: Chris Wormley (LDL), Cameron Heyward (RDL)
EDGE: Melvin Ingram (WLB), Jamir Jones (SLB)
ILB: Devin Bush Jr. (LILB), Joe Schobert (RILB)
CB: Joe Haden (LCB), Cam Sutton (RCB), Tre Norwood (NB)
S: Terrell Edmunds (SS), Minkah Fitzpatrick (FS)
ST: Chris Boswell (K), Pressley Harvin III (P), Christian Kuntz (LS)
RS: Ray-Ray McCloud
#14: Tennessee Titans
Week 2 @ SEA: W, 33-30 (OT) | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #17
The Titans badly needed a bounce back win against the Seahawks. They got it here. It wasn’t all that pretty, but they managed to pull it off in overtime. The star of the show was, without question, Derrick Henry, who dominated in the second half. By the time Randy Bullock lined up for the game winning field goal, Henry racked up 182 rushing yards and three touchdowns, while adding 55 more through the air on 6 receptions. The Titans stormed back from deficits of 24-9 and 30-16 to snag the win, 33-30, against a premium opponent in the Seahawks, made possible by a defense that tightened up when it mattered and a running back who is the most dangerous runner in the league. He did it all behind an O-line hampered with injuries. His combination of size and speed remains a breathtaking one—his acceleration away from cornerbacks he showed during his 60-yard touchdown run should not even be physically possible. The Titans were smart in feeding him the ball to match Russell Wilson in the shootout. They will need him to continue to show up in a big way. In the span of the next six games, they will face three teams that made the playoffs last year: The Colts (twice), the Bills, and the Chiefs.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Ryan Tannehill
RB: Derrick Henry
WR: Julio Jones, AJ Brown, Josh Reynolds
TE: Geoff Swaim
OL: Taylor Lewan (LT), Rodger Saffold III (LG), Ben Jones (C), Nate Davis (RG), David Quessenberry (RT)
DL: Jeffery Simmons (LDE), Teair Tart (NT), Larrell Murchison (RDE)
EDGE: Harold Landry (WLB), Bud Dupree (SLB)
ILB: Jayon Brown (LILB), Rashaan Evans (RILB)
CB: Janoris Jenkins (LCB), Kristian Fulton (RCB)
S: Dane Cruikshank (SS), Kevin Byard (FS)
ST: Randy Bullock (K), Brett Kern (P), Morgan Cox (LS)
RS: Cameron Batson (KR), Chester Rogers (PR)
#13: Dallas Cowboys
Week 2 @ LAC: W, 20-17 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #14
Greg Zuerlein drilled a 56-yard field goal as time expired as the Cowboys got their first win of the season and saving Mike McCarthy from a week of blasting criticism over time management in the final seconds. McCarthy said that the clock on the digital board above SoFi Stadium disappeared, which generated confusion on both sidelines. Zuerlein wasn’t the only guy on the Cowboys who delivered in the clutch. Micah Parsons dominated the game as an edge rusher. The Cowboys wouldn’t want to deploy their rookie first round pick like that, but he has a varied skill set that paid off huge in a game where they were missing DeMarcus Lawrence and Randy Gregory. The Cowboys also leaned a lot more towards their ground game, and Ezekiel Elliott and Tony Pollard delivered, combining for 180 rushing yards and two touchdowns on 29 carries, with the pair adding five receptions for 57 yards. It’s still early, but the Cowboys should be considered the NFC East favorites.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Dak Prescott
RB: Ezekiel Elliott
WR: Amari Cooper, CeeDee Lamb, Cedrick Wilson
TE: Dalton Schultz
OL: Tyron Smith (LT), Connor Williams (LG), Tyler Biadasz (C), Zack Martin (RG), Terence Steele (RT)
DE: Tarell Basham (LDE), Randy Gregory (RDE)
DT: Osa Odighizuwa (LDT), Brent Urban (RDT)
LB: Leighton Vander Esch (WLB), Jaylon Smith (MLB), Micah Parsons (SLB)
CB: Anthony Brown (LCB), Trevon Diggs (RCB)
S: Donovan Wilson (SS), Damontae Kazee (FS)
ST: Greg Zuerlein (K), Bryan Anger (P), Jake McQuaide (LS)
RS: Tony Pollard (KR), CeeDee Lamb (PR)
#12: Los Angeles Chargers
Week 2 vs. DAL: L, 17-20 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #12
The Chargers simply couldn’t get out of their own way against the Cowboys. They committed 12 penalties for 99 yards, with two of those penalties negating touchdowns. Some penalties were questionable, but legitimate contenders find ways to rise above the challenges. While Keenan Allen and Mike Williams had big games, and while Austin Ekeler had 115 total yards, a pair of Justin Herbert interceptions and the smallish front not being able to stop the Cowboys’ rushing attack led them to being the first AFC West team to lose a game this season. Herbert did make a number of brilliant throws that kept the Chargers in the game, though, and it keeps his upward trajectory going in his young career. He continues to be one of the more dynamic quarterbacks in the league, as he can make throws that other QBs can’t. He and his supporting cast still remain one of the most promising cores in the league. They still have 15 more games to play, so there is a lot of time to fix things so they can make the playoffs. But they don’t have time to waste, as they will face the Chiefs in Week 3.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Justin Herbert
RB: Austin Ekeler
WR: Keenan Allen, Mike Williams, Jalen Guyton
TE: Jared Cook
OL: Rashawn Slater (LT), Matt Feiler (LG), Corey Linsley (C), Oday Aboushi (RG), Storm Norton (RT)
DL: Jerry Tillery (LDE), Linval Joseph (NT), Justin Jones (RDE)
EDGE: Joey Bosa (WLB), Uchenna Nwosu (SLB)
ILB: Kenneth Murray Jr. (LILB), Kyzir White (RILB)
CB: Chris Harris Jr. (LCB), Michael Davis (RCB)
S: Derwin James Jr. (SS), Nasir Adderley (FS)
ST: Tristan Vizcaino (K), Ty Long (P), Matt Overton (LS)
RS: Nasir Adderley (KR), KJ Hill (PR)
#11: Las Vegas Raiders
Week 2 @ PIT: W, 26-17 | Record: 2-0
Previous Rank: #21
It’s two weeks into the season and the Raiders are already proving me wrong. They may be the NFL’s most surprising team over the first two weeks of the season, opening with a pair of wins against teams that made the playoffs last season. It’s no easy feat considering how good both the Ravens and Steelers are, but Jon Gruden’s Raiders are making a statement. The biggest surprise is the level of play that Derek Carr is playing at. He has played at MVP levels so far, and he did that against two of the better defenses in the league. Against the Ravens, he threw for 435 yards and two touchdowns. He followed it up with 382 passing yards and two more touchdowns against the Steelers. I asked about who from the receiving core is going to step up. Looks like we are seeing a lot from Henry Ruggs III and Hunter Renfrow. Not to mention Bryan Edwards, who proved me wrong when I told Gruden to “chill out” when he likened him to Davante Adams. The true revelation has been the defense. It starts with Maxx Crosby and Yannick Ngakoue, who are blowing up game plans. Through two weeks, Crosby leads the NFL with 15 pressures, while Ngakoue has 11. The Raiders have a chance to maintain this momentum in their next six games, with only one of them making the playoffs—the Chicago Bears, who went 8-8 last season. We will see if they keep this up, but Gus Bradley’s defense may have the scheme and personnel to change how we view this team.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Derek Carr
RB: Josh Jacobs
WR: Henry Ruggs III, Bryan Edwards, Hunter Renfrow
TE: Darren Waller
OL: Kolton Miller (LT), John Simpson (LG), Andre James (C), Jermaine Eluemunor (RG), Alex Leatherwood (RT)
DE: Maxx Crosby (LDE), Yannick Ngakoue (RDE)
DT: Johnathan Hankins (LDT), Quinton Jefferson (RDT)
LB: Cory Littleton (WLB), Denzel Perryman (MLB), KJ Wright (SLB)
CB: Trayvon Mullen Jr. (LCB), Casey Hayward Jr. (RCB)
S: Johnathan Abram (SS), Tre’von Moehrig (FS)
ST: Daniel Carlson (K), AJ Cole III (P), Trent Sieg (LS)
RS: Kenyan Drake (KR), Hunter Renfrow (PR)
#10: Green Bay Packers
Week 2 vs. DET: W, 35-17 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #13
When the Packers, coming off an upsetting 38-3 loss to the Saints, were trailing 17-14 to Dan Campbell’s Lions, it meant one thing: This was a wake-up call. They responded to the call by scoring touchdown on their first three possessions of the 2nd half on the way to a 35-17 win, shutting the Lions out in that half. What we saw there was the Packers offense we expected to see. They started out a little slow—they allowed a touchdown on the game’s opening drive. But they turned it around after halftime, and by the end of the game, Aaron Rodgers had four touchdown passes, Davante Adams topped 100 receiving yards, and Aaron Jones found paydirt four times. The defense tightened up, forcing a pair of turnovers in the 2nd half shutout. This gives them the benefit of the doubt that the Week 1 dud against the Saints was an albatross game. That’s not to say there isn’t anything to worry about, since they will face the 49ers next. The Packers took advantage of some Lions miscues, but the defense struggled early and didn’t generate much of a pass rush. It doesn’t help that Za’Darius Smith is lost for the year. Week 3 will be the big test to see if they can remain as a top tier team in the NFC.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Aaron Rodgers
RB: Aaron Jones
WR: Davante Adams, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Allen Lazard
TE: Robert Tonyan
OL: Elgton Jenkins (LT), Jon Runyan (LG), Josh Myers (C), Royce Newman (RG), Billy Turner (RT)
DL: Dean Lowry (LDE), Kenny Clark (NT), Kingsley Keke (RDE)
EDGE: Preston Smith (WLB), Rashan Gary (SLB)
ILB: Krys Barnes (LILB), De’Vondre Campbell (RILB)
CB: Jaire Alexander (LCB), Kevin King (RCB)
S: Adrian Amos (SS), Darnell Savage Jr. (FS)
ST: Mason Crosby (K), Corey Bojorquez (P), Hunter Bradley (LS)
RS: Kylin Hill (KR), Amari Rodgers (PR)
#9: Seattle Seahawks
Week 2 vs. TEN: L, 30-33 (OT) | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #5
The Seahawks led 30-16 over the Titans after Freddie Swain hauled in a 68-yard touchdown with 13:06 left in regulation. It felt like it was over, but Derrick Henry had other plans. He accounted for 12 of the Titans’ final 17 points in a marvelous 33-30 overtime win. Before this game, the Seahawks were 52-0 when leading by at least 15 points at home. They let this one slip away because the offense stalled, and the defense couldn’t contain Henry. The defensive issues continue to plague the team and it is a cause for concern that they could not put the Titans away. Outside of that long touchdown pass on a blown coverage to Swain, the offense was predictable and could not get anything going after the intermission. A miserable offensive series in overtime forced them to punt, and the Titans snagged the game-winning field goal. Basically, everything that cost the Seahawks their 2020 season was on full display in this game. There even were 10 penalties called on them for 100 yards. While Russell Wilson, Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf, and Chris Carson took the offense to new levels, those new levels have to be shown in their next four games against the Vikings, 49ers, Rams, and Steelers. They’re going to have to tighten things up, or they’ll be in a hole in the league’s toughest division.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Russell Wilson
RB: Chris Carson
WR: DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, Freddie Swain
TE: Gerald Everett
OL: Duane Brown (LT), Damien Lewis (LG), Kyle Fuller (C), Gabe Jackson (RG), Brandon Shell (RT)
DE: Rasheem Green (LDE), Carlos Dunlap (RDE)
DT: Poona Ford (LDT), Al Woods (RDT)
LB: Jordyn Brooks (WLB), Bobby Wagner (MLB), Darrell Taylor (SLB)
CB: DJ Reed (LCB), Tre Flowers (RCB)
S: Jamal Adams (SS), Quandre Diggs (FS)
ST: Jason Myers (K), Michael Dickson (P), Tyler Ott (LS)
RS: DJ Reed (KR), Freddie Swain (PR)
#8: San Francisco 49ers
Week 2 @ PHI: W, 17-11 | Record: 2-0
Previous Rank: #9
It’s not known how well Trey Lance is developing behind the scenes, but it’s fair to wonder about what Kyle Shanahan thinks about Jimmy Garoppolo leading the offense. Is it similar to the thoughts that were dancing through the head of Sean McVay when he watched Jared Goff in the final two years of the McVay/Goff era in LA? Because Garoppolo struggled mightily in Philly in the Niners’ 17-11 win over the Eagles—a game where the Niners didn’t get a first down until the 2nd quarter. The only reason it worked is because the Eagles are still a work in progress. So, it’s fair to wonder if Shanahan could turn to Lance at some point during the season. The win over Philly wasn’t pretty, but the Niners made plays that they needed to, especially on the defense, and earned a tough road win. They haven’t settled on everything offensively, and the defense is far from perfect, and players on both sides are getting injured. But the scheming and the stars are getting it done early. But things won’t get any easier heading into Week 3. They will be taking on the Packers in a rematch of the 2020 NFC Championship Game.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Jimmy Garoppolo
RB: Elijah Mitchell
WR: Brandon Aiyuk, Deebo Samuel, Trent Sherfield
TE: George Kittle
OL: Trent Williams (LT), Laken Tomlinson (LG), Alex Mack (C), Daniel Brunskill (RG), Mike McGlinchey (RT)
DE: Arik Armstead (LDE), Nick Bosa (RDE)
DT: Javon Kinlaw (LDT), DJ Jones (RDT)
LB: Fred Warner (LILB), Azeez Al-Shaair (RILB)
CB: Emmanuel Moseley (LCB), Deommodore Lenoir (RCB), K’Waun Williams (NB)
S: Jaquiski Tartt (SS), Jimmie Ward (FS)
ST: Robbie Gould (K), Mitch Wishnowsky (P), Taybor Pepper (LS)
RS: JaMycal Hasty (KR), Brandon Aiyuk (PR)
#7: Baltimore Ravens
Week 2 vs. KC: W, 36-35 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #10
Heading into the primetime matchup against the Chiefs, Lamar Jackson and the Ravens faced a daunting task. Had they not won this game, they would fall to the dreaded 0-2 hole after a heart-wrenching loss to the Raiders. But Jackson reminded the football world that there is no one like him, and his uniqueness is what makes the Ravens capable of beating anyone. The 2019 MVP rallied his shorthanded team to a 36-35 comeback thriller over the two-time defending AFC champion Chiefs, who were shut out 12-0 in the 4th quarter. Jackson did it all, but he had help from rookie 1st round pick Odafe Oweh, who forced a fumble and recovery on Clyde Edwards-Helaire late in the 4th to halt what seemed to be a game-winning drive and set up the Ravens’ gutsy 4th & 1 conversion to seal the deal. It wasn’t all perfect, as Jackson started off rocky, with a pair of interceptions to Tyrann Mathieu in the 1st quarter, including a pick six on his first attempt. But Jackson prevailed when it mattered, finishing with 239 passing yards and 107 more on the ground. The Ravens are in business, and should carry all the momentum on their side when they play the Lions in Week 3.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Lamar Jackson
RB: Ty’Son Williams
WR: Marquise Brown, Sammy Watkins, Devin Duvernay
TE: Mark Andrews
OL: Ronnie Stanley (LT), Ben Powers (LG), Bradley Bozeman (C), Kevin Zeitler (RG), Alejandro Villanueva (RT)
DL: Derek Wolfe (LDE), Brandon Williams (NT), Calais Campbell (RDE)
EDGE: Tyus Bowser (WLB), Justin Houston (SLB)
ILB: Malik Harrison (LILB), Patrick Queen (RILB)
CB: Anthony Averett (LCB), Marlon Humphrey (RCB)
S: Chuck Clark (SS), DeShon Elliott (FS)
ST: Justin Tucker (K), Sam Koch (P), Nick Moore (LS)
RS: Devin Duvernay
#6: Cleveland Browns
Week 2 vs. HOU: W, 31-21 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: 1-1
The Browns got a solid performance from Baker Mayfield and the game-icing touchdown from Nick Chubb to beat a Texans team that looks somewhat better than expected. But the win might be the only good thing that may have happened to them in this game. Jarvis Landry was lost for the game with an MCL injury in just the first series of the game and was ruled week-to-week, further depleting a shaky wideout corps already without Odell Beckham Jr. And the defense did not play well at all. Tyrod Taylor was dicing up his former team before he suffered a hamstring injury that had his day end by halftime. From that point forward, the Browns were on cruise control, as Davis Webb was uneven in relief. While the Texans aren’t an offensive powerhouse, they still managed over 300 yards of offense and converted 8 of 14 3rd downs. They still have time to get everything working together, but at the same time, that can hold the team back as well. OBJ’s lingering absence may have people wondering if they can feature this in an Unsolved Mysteries episode. Mayfield’s lack of downfield passes emphasized the issue at wide receiver in this game. The defense, in particular, needs to get together, and now. If they don’t, it’s likely going to be another year of disappointment in Cleveland.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Baker Mayfield
RB: Nick Chubb
WR: Odell Beckham Jr., Rashard Higgins, Donovan Peoples-Jones
TE: Austin Hooper
OL: Jedrick Wills Jr. (LT), Joel Bitonio (LG), JC Tretter (C), Wyatt Teller (RG), Jack Conklin (RT)
DE: Myles Garrett (LDE), Jadeveon Clowney (RDE)
DT: Malik Jackson (LDT), Malik McDowell (RDT)
LB: Mack Wilson (WLB), Malcolm Smith (MLB), Sione Takitaki (SLB)
CB: Denzel Ward (LCB), Greg Newsome II (RCB)
S: Ronnie Harrison Jr. (SS), John Johnson III (FS)
ST: Chase McLaughlin (K), Jamie Gillan (P), Charley Hughlett (LS)
RS: D’Ernest Johnson (KR), Donovan Peoples-Jones (PR)
#5: Buffalo Bills
Week 2 @ MIA: W, 35-0 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #7
The Bills were coming into this game frustrated from their Week 1 upset loss to the Steelers. And they took all their anger out on the Dolphins, with the defense being ruthlessly effective in a 35-0 shutout. They sacked Tua Tagovailoa twice on the opening possession, then knocked him out of the game with another crunching hit on his second series of the game. They also allowed only 216 yards of offense and forced three turnovers, while the offense got the ground game going, averaging 4.8 yards per carry on 30 tries and scored three touchdowns. The display of ferocity set the tone for a one-sided affair that showed that there is no team in the AFC East that can challenge the Bills for the AFC East title. But if you look deeper in this blowout, there is a cause for concern. Josh Allen hasn’t looked effective again. He finished 17 of 33 for 179 yards, two touchdowns and an interception, and has a passer rating of just 75.2. After completing almost 70% of his passes last season, he is well short of 60% in just two games this season. It’s surprising, since we were all expecting the Bills’ offense to be the main story of the game, but instead, the main story for them here is their defense. Devin Singletary is averaging 6.4 yards per carry following strong performances against two teams that have quality defenses to open the season. His resurgence in the running game is taking the pressure off of Allen, allowing Allen to get back into his downfield passing groove knowing that the burden of carrying the load has lessened. There is still question marks about the passing game through two games, as Allen looked more of like the 2019 version of him we are getting. That has to be fixed.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Josh Allen
RB: Devin Singletary
WR: Emmanuel Sanders, Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley
TE: Dawson Knox
OL: Dion Dawkins (LT), Jon Feliciano (LG), Mitch Morse (C), Cody Ford (RG), Daryl Williams (RT)
DE: Gregory Rousseau (LDE), Jerry Hughes (RDE)
DT: Star Lotulelei (LDT), Ed Oliver (RDT)
LB: Matt Milano (LILB), Tremaine Edmunds (RILB)
CB: Tre’Davious White (LCB), Levi Wallace (RCB), Taron Johnson (NB)
S: Jordan Poyer (SS), Micah Hyde (FS)
ST: Tyler Bass (K), Matt Haack (P), Reid Ferguson (LS)
RS: Isaiah McKenzie
#4: Arizona Cardinals
Week 2 vs. MIN: W, 34-33 | Record: 2-0
Previous Rank: #6
The Cardinals improved to 2-0, but their second win of the season came very differently than the first. In Week 1, they pounded the Titans on the road. But in Week 2, they fell behind the Vikings early, and would have lost had Greg Joseph not missed a 37-yard field goal as time expired. But let’s not lose sight of the big picture: The Cardinals are a fun team to watch, and Kyler Murray is a big name to watch in the MVP race this season as long as he stays healthy. He had a sloppy, yet spectacular, performance in Week 2, piling up 431 total yards and 4 touchdowns against the Vikings the week after smoking the Titans for 309 total yards and 5 touchdowns. While he had a shoulder injury last season that sank both him and the team, the first two weeks of the season should be a reminder to the rest of the league on how dangerous this offense can be when he plays at his very best. He is getting more help as well: Rondale Moore looks more and more to be the complement to DeAndre Hopkins. Going forward, they’re going to have to remove the mental mistakes that tend to pop up, so they’re still an inconsistent team. But they have taken care of the bottom line and will continue to thrive.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Kyler Murray
RB: Chase Edmonds
WR: DeAndre Hopkins, Rondale Moore, Christian Kirk
TE: Maxx Williams
OL: DJ Humphries (LT), Justin Pugh (LG), Rodney Hudson (C), Josh Jones (RG), Kelvin Beachum (RT)
DL: Zach Allen (LDE), Rashard Lawrence (NT), JJ Watt (RDE)
EDGE: Chandler Jones (WLB), Markus Golden (SLB)
ILB: Jordan Hicks (LILB), Isaiah Simmons (RILB)
CB: Byron Murphy Jr. (LCB), Robert Alford (RCB)
S: Jalen Thompson (SS), Budda Baker (FS)
ST: Matt Prater (K), Andy Lee (P), Aaron Brewer (LS)
RS: Andy Isabella (KR), Christian Kirk (PR)
#3: Los Angeles Rams
Week 2 @ IND: W, 27-24 | Record: 2-0
Previous Rank: #3
Matt Stafford and Cooper Kupp have found a new chemistry together. For the second straight week, Kupp was Stafford’s preferred weapon on the air game, as Kupp hauled in 9 catches for 163 yards and two touchdowns the week after he had 7 catches for 108 yards and a touchdown. The Rams improved to 2-0, but it wasn’t all that pretty: The offense was sputtering at times, and a special teams miscue nearly turned the momentum of the game towards the Colts’ favor. But the connection between Stafford and Kupp produced the plays that the Rams needed to survive. Kupp is the first Rams player with at least 100 receiving yards and at least one touchdown in each of the team’s first two games of the season since at least 1950. This game, it was all while the Rams came back after blowing an 11-point lead, but Jalen Ramsey says that there is no doubt that Stafford is up to the task at hand. While the defensive downgrade is noticeable on the team, it’s not a big dropoff. It’s anticipated that Stafford and Kupp could have All-Pro seasons. Next week is going to be their toughest test, and it will be up against Tom Brady’s Buccaneers.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Matt Stafford
RB: Darrell Henderson Jr.
WR: Cooper Kupp, Van Jefferson, Robert Woods
TE: Tyler Higbee
OL: Andrew Whitworth (LT), David Edwards (LG), Brian Allen (C), Austin Corbett (RG), Rob Havenstein (RT)
DL: A’Shawn Robinson (LDE), Sebastian Joseph-Day (NT), Aaron Donald (RDE)
EDGE: Justin Hollins (WLB), Leonard Floyd (SLB)
ILB: Kenny Young (LILB), Troy Reeder (RILB)
CB: Darious Williams (LCB), Jalen Ramsey (RCB)
S: Jordan Fuller (SS), Taylor Rapp (FS)
ST: Matt Gay (K), Johnny Hekker (P), Matt Orzech (LS)
RS: Tutu Atwell (KR), Cooper Kupp (PR)
#2: Kansas City Chiefs
Week 2 @ BAL: L, 35-36 | Record: 1-1
Previous Rank: #2
As the Chiefs were driving downfield in the final minutes of a Sunday Night classic against the Ravens, the question is if the Chiefs will go for the field goal right away or if Patrick Mahomes will further showcase his on-field magic. Instead, Clyde Edwards-Helaire coughed up the ball. The turnover and the Chiefs’ defense failing to stop a Lamar Jackson run on 4th & 1 at midfield sealed Mahomes’ first loss to Jackson’s Ravens. Before this game, Mahomes never threw an interception in the month of September. However, he had a costly pick in Baltimore. That pick, and the fumble by Edwards-Helaire, were big factors in the Chiefs’ first loss of the season and the first loss in the month of September with Mahomes. While he, Tyreek Hill, and Travis Kelce are on a plane over the rest of the league, he needs help from his running game and his defense to close out games. That defense looked bad. And I mean BAD. They allowed 404 yards to the Ravens and Browns over the first two weeks of the season. It’s not going to get easier as they face the Chargers. If the trend continues for the defense, the Chiefs’ status as the AFC front-runner could eventually be in question.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Patrick Mahomes II
RB: Clyde Edwards-Helaire
WR: Tyreek Hill, Mecole Hardman, Demarcus Robinson
TE: Travis Kelce
OL: Orlando Brown Jr. (LT), Joe Thuney (LG), Creed Humphrey (C), Trey Smith (RG), Lucas Niang (RT)
DE: Chris Jones (LDE), Frank Clark (RDE)
DT: Jarran Reed (LDT), Derrick Nnadi (RDT)
LB: Nick Bolton (LILB), Anthony Hitchens (RILB)
CB: Charvarius Ward (LCB), L’Jarius Sneed (RCB), Mike Hughes (NB)
S: Tyrann Mathieu (SS), Daniel Sorensen (FS)
ST: Harrison Butker (K), Tommy Townsend (P), James Winchester (LS)
RS: Mecole Hardman
#1: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 2 vs. ATL: W, 48-25 | Record: 2-0
Previous Rank: #1
The ageless GOAT, Tom Brady, is a masterful genius in his position. He reads the field in ways that no other QB has done, feels the pocket pressure coming, possesses flawless mechanics, and exhibits physical skills that many are noticing are sharper than ever. What makes this all impressive is that he is 44 years old. He now has nine touchdown passes in two weeks after a five-touchdown effort against the Falcons and is showing absolutely no signs of slowing down in his 22nd year in the NFL—his 21st as a starter. In two weeks, he completed 65.1% of his passes for 655 yards and 9 touchdowns. At the current pace that he is playing at, he would throw for 5,567 yards and 76 touchdowns. The scariest part is that the Bucs can still do a lot better. He is taking Rob Gronkowski and the rest of the teammates, whether young or old, for a ride on a potential successful Super Bowl title defense. He has long eclipsed Peyton Manning for the greatest QB of all time debate. Now he is coming for Manning’s throne as the greatest free agent signing in NFL history. Scary hours.
Week 3 Projected Starters
QB: Tom Brady
RB: Leonard Fournette
WR: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller
TE: Rob Gronkowski
OL: Donovan Smith (LT), Ali Marpet (LG), Ryan Jensen (C), Alex Cappa (RG), Tristan Wirfs (RT)
DL: Ndamukong Suh (LDE), Vita Vea (NT), William Gholston (RDE)
EDGE: Joe Tryon (WLB), Shaquil Barrett (SLB)
ILB: Devin White (LILB), Lavonte David (RILB)
CB: Carlton Davis (LCB), Jamel Dean (RCB)
S: Antoine Winfield Jr. (SS), Jordan Whitehead (FS)
ST: Ryan Succop (K), Bradley Pinion (P), Zach Triner (LS)
RS: Jaelon Darden
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