JOHN McCLAIN’S
NFL POWER RANKINGS
1
New England 2-0 (Week 2 ranking: 1): For the third straight week, the Patriots are playing a team that hasn’t won this season (the Jets).
2
L.A. Rams 2-0 (2): After beating New Orleans in what was supposed to be the Saints’ revenge game, the Rams play Cleveland on Sunday night.
3
Kansas City 2-0 (4): Patrick Mahomes and the Ravens’ Lamar Jackson, quarterbacks who are off to tremendous starts, square off.
4
Dallas 2-0 (8): The Cowboys are as well-balanced as any team. They earned NFC East wins in their first two and host the winless Dolphins.
5
Seattle 2-0 (12): Russell Wilson has led the Seahawks to one- and two-point victories. They host New Orleans.
6
Green Bay 2-0 (11): The surprising Packers, who have missed the playoffs the last two seasons, are undefeated and host the winless Broncos.
7
Baltimore 2-0 (10): After defeating Miami and Arizona, the schedule gets tougher for the Ravens with a trip to Arrowhead Stadium.
8
New Orleans 1-1 (3): The Saints visit Seattle. It’s a great opportunity for QB Teddy Bridgewater to prove himself in place of the injured Drew Brees.
9
L.A. Chargers 1-1 (5): The Chargers are coming off a mistake-filled defeat at Detroit. They’ll try to bounce back at home against the Texans.
10
Philadelphia 1-1 (6): The Eagles are playing back home against Detroit. QB Carson Wentz is taking a beating only two games into the season.
11
San Francisco 2-0 (20): The 49ers may be the NFL’s biggest surprise. They’re also very lucky to get Pittsburgh without QB Ben Roethlisberger.
12
Buffalo 2-0 (19): The soaring Bills are state champions of New York by virtue of their victories over the Jets and Giants at MetLife Stadium.
13
Houston 1-1 (13): The Texans managed to hold off Jacksonville to win by one point. If they win a game at the Chargers, they’ll start to get respect.
14
Indianapolis 1-1 (18): After losing at the Chargers and winning at Tennessee, the Colts finally get to play their first game at home against Atlanta.
15
Cleveland 1-1 (16): The Browns bounced back nicely with a road victory over the Jets. They entertain the Rams in a Sunday night game.
16
Chicago 1-1 (14): QB Mitch Trubisky is struggling badly, but the Bears’ defense has been exceptional. They play Monday night at Washington.
17
Atlanta 1-1 (17): The Falcons pulled out a win at home over Philadelphia. They can make it backto-back successes at Indianapolis.
18
Tennessee 1-1 (9): What an opportunity the Titans blew at home to Indianapolis. Now they travel to Jacksonville for an AFC South game.
19
Minnesota 1-1 (7): If inconsistent QB Kirk Cousins doesn’t bounce back at home against Oakland, he’s sure to get ripped by fans and media.
20
Detroit 1-0-1 (29): The Lions recovered from blowing a lead at Arizona and tying the Cardinals with a surprising home victory over the Chargers.
21
Oakland 1-1 (21): After opening with a victory over Denver, the Raiders lost by 18 to Kansas City. Their next game is on the road against Minnesota.
22
Pittsburgh 0-2 (15): With Ben Roethlisberger out for the season, the Mason Rudolph era officially begins at undefeated San Francisco.
23
Tampa Bay 1-1 (31): After their impressive defensive performance against Carolina, the Bucs try to make it consecutive victories against the Giants.
24
Cincinnati 0-2 (22): Right when the Bengals start to earn respect with a one-point loss at Seattle, they get blown out by San Francisco.
25
Washington 0-2 (23): Washington is 0-2 in the NFC East. Coach Jay Gruden’s seat is so hot he’s unable to sit.
26
Jacksonville 0-2 (24): After their heartbreaking one-point loss to the Texans, the Jaguars go for their first victory Thursday against the Titans.
27
Carolina 0-2 (25): If the Panthers lose to rookie Kyler Murray in Arizona, the heat will really be on coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton.
28
Arizona 0-1-1 (28): Kyler Murray threw for 340 yards at Baltimore. Murray and coach Kliff Kingsbury are looking for their first win vs. Carolina.
29
Denver 0-2 (26): First-year coach Vic Fangio is trying to win for the first time against Green Bay at Lambeau Field. The Broncos should fall to 0-3.
30
N.Y. Jets 0-2 (27): Their 0-2 start is destined to be 0-3 because their next game is on the road against New England at Gillette Stadium.
31
N.Y. Giants 0-2 (30): Based on what the Giants have shown through two games, they may give the Dolphins a run for the first overall draft pick.
32
Miami 0-2 (32): In Brian Flores’ first season, the Dolphins are having a fire sale on their players, stockpiling draft choices and tanking on Sundays.