The opening pair of weeks in the NFL got off to a whirling start. There are currently nine undefeated teams in the league and below I will designate rankings from worst to first.
NFL Power Rankings for the 2-0 Teams
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers
There could be something valid here in the post-Brady era in Tampa Bay. Baker Mayfield has impressed through two weeks, but given that both teams they overcame were the Vikings and Bears, I am going to pause before jumping the gun. They’ve got two other division rivals who are also 2-0 so it’s time to see how they evolve against superior teams.
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Atlanta Falcons
This Atlanta squad sure has some grit in them as they’ve beaten divisional foe Carolina and also made a 12-point comeback to beat the Green Bay Packers. The one-two punch of rookie Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier proved to be a potent combo. There are some question marks surrounding quarterback Desmond Ridder, but he has shown some bright spots through two weeks. With a defense that seems competent and hungry, they are emerging as a legitimate contender in the NFC South.
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Washington Commanders
Are we seeing the Eric Bieniemy effect? Washington’s offense certainly looks different from previous seasons with a steady, Sam Howell-led unit. The Commanders have an arsenal of guys like Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Brian Robinson III, Antonio Gibson, and Curtis Samuel. When they are on the same page, they look efficient and as good as any offense. The Washington defense should be top-ranked once again, but we need to see them get off to some smoother starts in the trench of the front lines.
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New Orleans Saints
Without their shifty wideout Alvin Kamara, the Saints have still shown offensive prowess. They already had a legitimate defense under Dennis Allen, and it appears that they didn’t take any steps back from last season as they have the highest-rated corner in Marshon Lattimore and the second-ranked linebacker in Demario Davis.
Derek Carr has the experience and the weapons (Olave looking dominant in his second year)-he just needs more consistency from the offensive line to set him up for success. New Orleans could certainly put all of their pieces together and impress in the postseason.
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Philadelphia Eagles
The reigning NFC Champions have already shown adversity through just two games, as they have suffered injuries to key players. They have still come through and found ways to win. The good with the bad? Two turnovers on offense so far this year, but also six forced turnovers on defense. Once Hurts and his line get back into a rhythm, they should absolutely compete in the NFC. Their depth and determination intangibles can turn what would be a good season into a great one.
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Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens finally ravaged the AFC North thorn in their side, the Cincinnati Bengals. Lamar Jackson, finally healthy, is connecting with his favorite target, tight end Mark Andrews. Running back Gus Edwards is faring nicely after losing fellow RB JK Dobbins while the defense is looking stout as always. If health remains in the cards for this team, it appears they could take the division this year.
3. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers clearly have talent on both sides of the ball-most notably their defensive line that is led by Nick Bosa. With nagging injuries to star offensive players like Brandon Aiyuk, Niners faithful are hoping it isn’t a season-long plague like in years past. Brock Purdy looks sluggish and really is not wowing anyone, but this is still a dangerous team that tends to really turn it on every season later in the year. A 3-0 start does them all the favors.
2. Dallas Cowboys
This Dallas defense is absolutely destructive and has to be the top-feared unit in the league; however, there needs to be more consistency on the offensive front before I will assign them the number one spot.
The Cowboys can go deep into the playoffs if Mike McCarthy is now calling plays to get Pollard going on the ground and open up Dak for big plays downfield. We know that with weapons like CeeDee Lamb and Michael Gallup the Cowboys have dangerous potential. It’s just a matter of utilizing them the right way.
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Miami Dolphins
These Dolphins are hands-down the most explosive by way of Tua/Tyreek/Waddle. Out of 52 first downs, the majority (38) were in the air. The top-ten defense is complementary to the high-octane offense. I’d love to see the Dolphins do a better job getting to opposing quarterbacks as they only have one recorded sack through two games. Â Miami appears to be the most complete all-around team and Mike McDaniel continues to surprise us with both his offensive scheming and sarcastic wit in interviews.
These power rankings are a blend of both tangible stats and the classic eye test. Another consideration is opponent quality. Keep in mind that without all 32 teams, these are not a reflection of my true top nine!
How would you rank these teams differently? Who takes your top spot? Let us know @DraftCountdown or make your case @MirdaSheWrote.