NFL Power Rankings is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio.

NFL Power Rankings is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio.

Well it's official.

Well it's official.

You can say goodbye to week number two in the NFL. Welcome to NFL Power Rankings. To Mike Hamelong with.

You can say goodbye to week number two in the NFL. Welcome to NFL Power Rankings. To Mike Hamelong with.

Eric at home.

Eric at home.

By the way, the rankings they are available on NFL dot com. You can scan the QR code to check out the entire list. Eric, I guess we can look at week two now and say, hey, maybe some of those biases that we had coming into the season, we can booth those.

By the way, the rankings they are available on NFL dot com. You can scan the QR code to check out the entire list. Eric, I guess we can look at week two now and say, hey, maybe some of those biases that we had coming into the season, we can booth those.

Yeah, I'm ready to throw most of mine in the trash. You can see my preseason rankings. Laugh at them at your own desire if you will. So, yeah, we've made the adjustments. We've tried to shift and adjust to what we've seen in the first two weeks.

Yeah, I'm ready to throw most of mine in the trash. You can see my preseason rankings. Laugh at them at your own desire if you will. So, yeah, we've made the adjustments. We've tried to shift and adjust to what we've seen in the first two weeks.

You know, there's one team in particular who we will get to in just a couple of minutes here, and I'm glad you were paying attention to some of my observations because they made a massive jump. But let's get through some of the top teams right now. And sitting at number one not a huge surprise to Kansas City Chiefs.

You know, there's one team in particular who we will get to in just a couple of minutes here, and I'm glad you were paying attention to some of my observations because they made a massive jump. But let's get through some of the top teams right now. And sitting at number one not a huge surprise to Kansas City Chiefs.

No change there, just in case you're one.

No change there, just in case you're one.

And I sent a message to our producer Madison when I got the updated rankings. I said, hey, Madison, I think I'm looking at the old rankings because San Francisco is sitting at number two. Apparently I was not. We'll talk about the Niners in just a moment.

And I sent a message to our producer Madison when I got the updated rankings. I said, hey, Madison, I think I'm looking at the old rankings because San Francisco is sitting at number two. Apparently I was not. We'll talk about the Niners in just a moment.

Here.

Here.

The Texans sitting at number three, their first two and oh starts since twenty sixteen.

The Texans sitting at number three, their first two and oh starts since twenty sixteen.

The Bills dominated on Thursday Night football. They are four.

The Bills dominated on Thursday Night football. They are four.

The Lions, they lose a tough one against Tampa Bay. They sit at number five. The Eagles tough Monday night loss, they dropped two spots to six.

The Lions, they lose a tough one against Tampa Bay. They sit at number five. The Eagles tough Monday night loss, they dropped two spots to six.

The Chargers.

The Chargers.

It's Jim Harbaugh. His team is two and zero, Not John and the Saints, the whole the big time Risers, who we will get to in just a minute, moving all the way up to number sixteen.

It's Jim Harbaugh. His team is two and zero, Not John and the Saints, the whole the big time Risers, who we will get to in just a minute, moving all the way up to number sixteen.

All right, break this down for me.

All right, break this down for me.

You'll lose, and yet you're still the number two team on your power rankings.

You'll lose, and yet you're still the number two team on your power rankings.

Make the case for the Niners not changing.

Make the case for the Niners not changing.

Yeah, And you know, look, I hear what people are saying out there, right Deebo Samuel is going to miss time. We know CMC's already out, and you know they haven't quite looked themselves, especially on Sunday at Minnesota. But they lost up there last year, lost to a quarterback who has you know, practiced against this defense all year. Still a pretty close game. I know that that one turnover probably you know, helped make it a little closer than it should have been. But still I believe in this team long term. I'm willing to kind of invest in them. Maybe maybe two's a little high. I was prepared to move the Eagles ahead of them a little Monday night game got in the way there, So that was a little bit of a last minute freak out there where I thought, all right, I'll leave them be. I'll put them at the number two spot. I'll take the heat that comes with it. I still think long term, this team's gonna figure it out. They had some issues in early October last year. They're having them a little sooner this year. Consider me unworried, Mike. I'm sticking with them for now.

Yeah, And you know, look, I hear what people are saying out there, right Deebo Samuel is going to miss time. We know CMC's already out, and you know they haven't quite looked themselves, especially on Sunday at Minnesota. But they lost up there last year, lost to a quarterback who has you know, practiced against this defense all year. Still a pretty close game. I know that that one turnover probably you know, helped make it a little closer than it should have been. But still I believe in this team long term. I'm willing to kind of invest in them. Maybe maybe two's a little high. I was prepared to move the Eagles ahead of them a little Monday night game got in the way there, So that was a little bit of a last minute freak out there where I thought, all right, I'll leave them be. I'll put them at the number two spot. I'll take the heat that comes with it. I still think long term, this team's gonna figure it out. They had some issues in early October last year. They're having them a little sooner this year. Consider me unworried, Mike. I'm sticking with them for now.

Okay, So just macro vision of how you do these rankings, it seems like you're still future casting for San Francisco squad and it's not necessarily about where they sit right now.

Okay, So just macro vision of how you do these rankings, it seems like you're still future casting for San Francisco squad and it's not necessarily about where they sit right now.

Yeah, I'm sorry, but there's gonna be a little bit of a weighted system for teams like the Niners, and even like the Ravens, who will get to later in the show. Who I didn't throw down the rankings twenty spots because they're row and two. So if you've built up a reputation and you have the same coaching staff in the same core in place, and you start slowly, I'm not going to throw you in the trash because you have a proven track record, and that to me matters. Now, look, that's not to say that the Saints or somebody like that, you know, can't keep moving up with wins, or the Buccaneers or somebody like that. But when there's a team that has that record like the Chiefs who almost blew it, like the forty nine ers who lost, like the Ravens who are row and two, we're gonna give them a little bit of a benefit of the doubt.

Yeah, I'm sorry, but there's gonna be a little bit of a weighted system for teams like the Niners, and even like the Ravens, who will get to later in the show. Who I didn't throw down the rankings twenty spots because they're row and two. So if you've built up a reputation and you have the same coaching staff in the same core in place, and you start slowly, I'm not going to throw you in the trash because you have a proven track record, and that to me matters. Now, look, that's not to say that the Saints or somebody like that, you know, can't keep moving up with wins, or the Buccaneers or somebody like that. But when there's a team that has that record like the Chiefs who almost blew it, like the forty nine ers who lost, like the Ravens who are row and two, we're gonna give them a little bit of a benefit of the doubt.

In that case, well, I'm glad you bring up the Bucks because they score a giant win against the Lions, who. I'm sure that watching the film this week has got to be a little tough here one touchdown in seven trips inside that red zone.

In that case, well, I'm glad you bring up the Bucks because they score a giant win against the Lions, who. I'm sure that watching the film this week has got to be a little tough here one touchdown in seven trips inside that red zone.

Hutchinson was terrific with four and a half sacks.

Hutchinson was terrific with four and a half sacks.

You know, and once again, I mean, you look at these rankings, you make a case maybe the buck should be in front of the Lions. That's not how you have it, but why the line's just a two spot drop.

You know, and once again, I mean, you look at these rankings, you make a case maybe the buck should be in front of the Lions. That's not how you have it, but why the line's just a two spot drop.

Yeah. Another team that I think from really the midpoint of the twenty twenty two season showed that they, you know, are one of the better teams, if not one of the best. But the first two weeks, let's face it, they left points on the board. Jared Goff hasn't been great. They let Baker Mayfield get after him early. Defense was actually pretty good after a certain point, but they've got to find ways to get in the end zone. You know. Ben Johnson turns down a head coaching opportunity to return to Detroit and get this thing done. Some of it is on golf, some of it is on his receivers and protection. But right now it's just a little bit of a disconnect. And I thought they would finish that game off Sunday against Tampa. I just couldn't get it done. Again. Another team that I feel like I've kind of bought into a little bit in terms of long term investment, but short term some stuff to work out, no doubt. Yeah.

Yeah. Another team that I think from really the midpoint of the twenty twenty two season showed that they, you know, are one of the better teams, if not one of the best. But the first two weeks, let's face it, they left points on the board. Jared Goff hasn't been great. They let Baker Mayfield get after him early. Defense was actually pretty good after a certain point, but they've got to find ways to get in the end zone. You know. Ben Johnson turns down a head coaching opportunity to return to Detroit and get this thing done. Some of it is on golf, some of it is on his receivers and protection. But right now it's just a little bit of a disconnect. And I thought they would finish that game off Sunday against Tampa. I just couldn't get it done. Again. Another team that I feel like I've kind of bought into a little bit in terms of long term investment, but short term some stuff to work out, no doubt. Yeah.

Look, they got a tough trip now on the road, and yes, I said tough trip against the Arizona Cardinals.

Look, they got a tough trip now on the road, and yes, I said tough trip against the Arizona Cardinals.

We'll talk about the Cardinals.

We'll talk about the Cardinals.

One of those teams for Eric that is rising Monday night football boyle boy.

One of those teams for Eric that is rising Monday night football boyle boy.

A late game collapse again.

A late game collapse again.

They've had four of these games over the course of the last tool this season and then last season where they have a lead with two minutes to go here, but yet you only have the Eagles dropping two spots to six. It sounds like not too much panic here without aj Brown.

They've had four of these games over the course of the last tool this season and then last season where they have a lead with two minutes to go here, but yet you only have the Eagles dropping two spots to six. It sounds like not too much panic here without aj Brown.

Yeah, I mean the Brown loss for a couple of weeks, I think they can manage. They managed it last night, right, I mean Siquon Barkley outside of the third Town drop had a really good game. DeVante Smith came up with some big catches. Dallas Goddard was ignored most of the game, and then you know, came up big late. So you know, you look at this. Was it a play calling thing, No, it was the right call if they had it. Was it a drop yeah? Was it a flukey thing? Absolutely? I still feel like they probably should have gone for it on fourth down and run some more clock off or run the ball there and then run it again on fourth. The field goal ended up doing nothing. So, yeah, this is a team that has found ways to lose games that they probably shouldn't and that was an issue that you know, kind of plagued me with them all you last year. Even if they were you know, ten and one at one point, there was still that doubt because of games like this. So this one is going to be hard to swallow over a ninety nine percent chance to win it according to next Gen Stats when they had when they lined up for that third down place kind of wild to see it happen in front of the Lincoln Financial Field crowd, and yeah, it was a church quiet after that one.

Yeah, I mean the Brown loss for a couple of weeks, I think they can manage. They managed it last night, right, I mean Siquon Barkley outside of the third Town drop had a really good game. DeVante Smith came up with some big catches. Dallas Goddard was ignored most of the game, and then you know, came up big late. So you know, you look at this. Was it a play calling thing, No, it was the right call if they had it. Was it a drop yeah? Was it a flukey thing? Absolutely? I still feel like they probably should have gone for it on fourth down and run some more clock off or run the ball there and then run it again on fourth. The field goal ended up doing nothing. So, yeah, this is a team that has found ways to lose games that they probably shouldn't and that was an issue that you know, kind of plagued me with them all you last year. Even if they were you know, ten and one at one point, there was still that doubt because of games like this. So this one is going to be hard to swallow over a ninety nine percent chance to win it according to next Gen Stats when they had when they lined up for that third down place kind of wild to see it happen in front of the Lincoln Financial Field crowd, and yeah, it was a church quiet after that one.

Yeah, they're not the only really good team in the NFL that has issues closing. The Baltimore Ravens one of those squads, and we'll talk about the Ravens coming up in just a bit here. Meanwhile, the Chargers, Hello, I don't even know if we've seen this team at the peak of their powers right now, but the one thing that we knew heading into the season it was going to look a lot different. It has and it's run the football, run the football and run the football.

Yeah, they're not the only really good team in the NFL that has issues closing. The Baltimore Ravens one of those squads, and we'll talk about the Ravens coming up in just a bit here. Meanwhile, the Chargers, Hello, I don't even know if we've seen this team at the peak of their powers right now, but the one thing that we knew heading into the season it was going to look a lot different. It has and it's run the football, run the football and run the football.

Yeah, I mean Jim Harbaugh basically said on day one what he was gonna do, and we all said, well, okay, sure he's got justin Herbert. You know, he's got a good pass blocking a line. But he's done exactly what he said he would do. And you know, the identity of this team has completely changed, and all the defensive laps is you know, haven't added up the way they did last year. Not perfect, but Sunday was an easy chair game. You know, they really took control early, made life heck for Bryce Young and sort of put it in an auto drive a little bit. The competition will raise There's no doubt these two games were not their most challenging too on the schedule, But I like what I've seen. Herbert looks a little bit more comfortable and JK. Dobbins is sort of a founder resurgence here. You just hope it's gonna last because he's had such an injury plague season. But so impressed with the early performance of the defense. Love the direction of the team right now, and yeah, they're flying high for now. Even if they do have some words.

Yeah, I mean Jim Harbaugh basically said on day one what he was gonna do, and we all said, well, okay, sure he's got justin Herbert. You know, he's got a good pass blocking a line. But he's done exactly what he said he would do. And you know, the identity of this team has completely changed, and all the defensive laps is you know, haven't added up the way they did last year. Not perfect, but Sunday was an easy chair game. You know, they really took control early, made life heck for Bryce Young and sort of put it in an auto drive a little bit. The competition will raise There's no doubt these two games were not their most challenging too on the schedule, But I like what I've seen. Herbert looks a little bit more comfortable and JK. Dobbins is sort of a founder resurgence here. You just hope it's gonna last because he's had such an injury plague season. But so impressed with the early performance of the defense. Love the direction of the team right now, and yeah, they're flying high for now. Even if they do have some words.

Yeah you mentioned levin Lock being competition, they will hit the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, it is time for our future champions and taking a closer look at the standings and in the NFC South and the odds to win this look the Saints. I'm not surprised that they're sitting there at the top. I think there's a real case for the Bucks. And don't look now, but the Atlanta Falcons with the road win in Philadelphia, I think they're in the mix.

Yeah you mentioned levin Lock being competition, they will hit the road against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Meanwhile, it is time for our future champions and taking a closer look at the standings and in the NFC South and the odds to win this look the Saints. I'm not surprised that they're sitting there at the top. I think there's a real case for the Bucks. And don't look now, but the Atlanta Falcons with the road win in Philadelphia, I think they're in the mix.

The point is.

The point is.

This is a log jam here. I like the Saints coming off of Week one. Apparently now you've we had room on the train, and I get that, but you really like them now. This is a massive jump sixteen spots into the top ten at eight.

This is a log jam here. I like the Saints coming off of Week one. Apparently now you've we had room on the train, and I get that, but you really like them now. This is a massive jump sixteen spots into the top ten at eight.

Mike, we have set a power rankings record, at least under my watch. Right my predecessor, I'm sure has had a few that exceeded that, but I could deny it no longer. You beat Carolina at home in Week one, Bully for you, that's great, good job. You beat Dallas in Dallas, a place where they or they'd won sixteen straight regular season games, A whole different story. And Mike, this wasn't a floky game. Anyone who watched it knows. Tom Brady knows. The Saints got after them early. Their big play percentage is super high. Their efficiency has been amazing. Derek Carr hasn't thrown forty passes, but he's probably the league's best passer statistically right now. Look it off. Alvin Kamaras Juice is back in his legs. He's got five touchdowns this season. So everything has worked perfectly with Clint Kubiak's offense. The defense has not been an issue whatsoever. And boy Talise fuuaga in that offensive line, what a question was coming into the season and what an afterthought it is now because they've been paving the way up front, really hasn't been a problem. I'm sure they'll hit static at some point. But here's a number for you. My three teams and history have crossed the ninety point mark through two games. The seventy one Cowboys, the two thousand and nine Saints, and now this year's Saints. First two teams won the Super Bowl. Guess where the Super Bowl is this year? New Orleans, baby. So I'm just saying it's kind of lining up to where, if it is indeed a special season, the final game will be in their hometown.

Mike, we have set a power rankings record, at least under my watch. Right my predecessor, I'm sure has had a few that exceeded that, but I could deny it no longer. You beat Carolina at home in Week one, Bully for you, that's great, good job. You beat Dallas in Dallas, a place where they or they'd won sixteen straight regular season games, A whole different story. And Mike, this wasn't a floky game. Anyone who watched it knows. Tom Brady knows. The Saints got after them early. Their big play percentage is super high. Their efficiency has been amazing. Derek Carr hasn't thrown forty passes, but he's probably the league's best passer statistically right now. Look it off. Alvin Kamaras Juice is back in his legs. He's got five touchdowns this season. So everything has worked perfectly with Clint Kubiak's offense. The defense has not been an issue whatsoever. And boy Talise fuuaga in that offensive line, what a question was coming into the season and what an afterthought it is now because they've been paving the way up front, really hasn't been a problem. I'm sure they'll hit static at some point. But here's a number for you. My three teams and history have crossed the ninety point mark through two games. The seventy one Cowboys, the two thousand and nine Saints, and now this year's Saints. First two teams won the Super Bowl. Guess where the Super Bowl is this year? New Orleans, baby. So I'm just saying it's kind of lining up to where, if it is indeed a special season, the final game will be in their hometown.

You know, I'm going to be asking you to reference that stat throughout the course of the season. I'm starting to get higher and hire on this Saints team as we move closer to really the goblin of the season. Meanwhile, there's an zero and two team that's still sitting in the top ten.

You know, I'm going to be asking you to reference that stat throughout the course of the season. I'm starting to get higher and hire on this Saints team as we move closer to really the goblin of the season. Meanwhile, there's an zero and two team that's still sitting in the top ten.

Find out who that is.

Find out who that is.

It's coming up next on NFL Power Rankings. Welcome back to NFL Power Rankings presented by Energizer. This is a look at teams nine through sixteen according to Eric and yes, you got a Ravens squad O wing two for the first time since twenty fifteen.

It's coming up next on NFL Power Rankings. Welcome back to NFL Power Rankings presented by Energizer. This is a look at teams nine through sixteen according to Eric and yes, you got a Ravens squad O wing two for the first time since twenty fifteen.

They sit at number nine.

They sit at number nine.

Number ten the Packers, who needs Jordan Love right, Milake Willis watched.

Number ten the Packers, who needs Jordan Love right, Milake Willis watched.

His backfield run. Wild's Number eleven.

His backfield run. Wild's Number eleven.

It's the Cowboys, a stunning defeat at home. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four straight years now they are off to a two and h start and they are in the twelfth position. At thirteen, it's the New York Jets who scored that first win of the year.

It's the Cowboys, a stunning defeat at home. Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers four straight years now they are off to a two and h start and they are in the twelfth position. At thirteen, it's the New York Jets who scored that first win of the year.

It's on the road against the Titans.

It's on the road against the Titans.

At fourteen, the Steelers also still perfect on the year at two and zero. The Vikings only at fifteen after taking out San Francisco, who Eric still has at number two, and at sixteen it is the Cincinnati Bengals Joe Burrow, by the way, one and nine in weeks one and.

At fourteen, the Steelers also still perfect on the year at two and zero. The Vikings only at fifteen after taking out San Francisco, who Eric still has at number two, and at sixteen it is the Cincinnati Bengals Joe Burrow, by the way, one and nine in weeks one and.

Two in his career.

Two in his career.

Just a really odd stat that I was in to dig up. All right, Ravens nine zero to two. I'm I'm not worried, but I don't like this if I'm a Ravens fan.

Just a really odd stat that I was in to dig up. All right, Ravens nine zero to two. I'm I'm not worried, but I don't like this if I'm a Ravens fan.

Talk to a friend of mine who's a Ravens fan in Baltimore the other day and he said, the vibes are a little bit ugly right now. And I get why, right. I mean, it's not just the oh and two record, it's kind of how those games have unfolded. It felt like the Ravens had a great opportunity to win both, especially Sunday, giving up some plays to Devonte Adams and Gardner Minshew, the Ravens slayer. He went in there last year and beat them with the Colts did the same thing Sunday with a great fourth quarter. But you know, you look at eleven penalties, a deflected ball off for shod Bateman's hands for a pick. It just felt like there were a lot of flukey things that worked against them. And I'm like you, I haven't panicked yet. I'm not saying to bury this team. I don't think they're dead and gone. And just look at the AFC North Mic. I mean, you know, the Bengals are struggling, the Browns are kind of going sideways. It's hard to know exactly where these teams sit right now. Steelers look pretty good, but what are we rating those wins? So I'm still saying the Ravens are the you know, the champs of this group until further notice.

Talk to a friend of mine who's a Ravens fan in Baltimore the other day and he said, the vibes are a little bit ugly right now. And I get why, right. I mean, it's not just the oh and two record, it's kind of how those games have unfolded. It felt like the Ravens had a great opportunity to win both, especially Sunday, giving up some plays to Devonte Adams and Gardner Minshew, the Ravens slayer. He went in there last year and beat them with the Colts did the same thing Sunday with a great fourth quarter. But you know, you look at eleven penalties, a deflected ball off for shod Bateman's hands for a pick. It just felt like there were a lot of flukey things that worked against them. And I'm like you, I haven't panicked yet. I'm not saying to bury this team. I don't think they're dead and gone. And just look at the AFC North Mic. I mean, you know, the Bengals are struggling, the Browns are kind of going sideways. It's hard to know exactly where these teams sit right now. Steelers look pretty good, but what are we rating those wins? So I'm still saying the Ravens are the you know, the champs of this group until further notice.

Yeah, we'll get to the Steelers here in just a moment. I'm with you.

Yeah, we'll get to the Steelers here in just a moment. I'm with you.

The way this division is going to shake out with two teams like Cincinnati and Baltimore sitting at owen two, this race during the season is going to be an absolute juggernaut.

The way this division is going to shake out with two teams like Cincinnati and Baltimore sitting at owen two, this race during the season is going to be an absolute juggernaut.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys.

You know, Eric at eleven, they didn't just lose, they got absolutely throttled at home against the Saints team, who, by the way, you have the top ten right now. But I just I don't know what to make of dak in the squad.

You know, Eric at eleven, they didn't just lose, they got absolutely throttled at home against the Saints team, who, by the way, you have the top ten right now. But I just I don't know what to make of dak in the squad.

Yeah, you know, a statement Week one victory followed by a dud at home and that's the danger of Week two. We sit in this sort of delicate place where team's identities haven't been defined, and you know they teams are allowed bad games, right, No, they lost to the Arizona Cardinals last year I think in what Week three on the road, and it was kind of a flukey game at least as far as how most of the regular season went. So do we chalk that up as this or the Saints truly among those elite teams and they don't stack up head to head. You couple this with the loss of Jordan Love and the Packers and the playoffs. That's too straight. They've lost now at home, and so have they lost their edge? I don't know, but there's something a little off now all of a sudden.

Yeah, you know, a statement Week one victory followed by a dud at home and that's the danger of Week two. We sit in this sort of delicate place where team's identities haven't been defined, and you know they teams are allowed bad games, right, No, they lost to the Arizona Cardinals last year I think in what Week three on the road, and it was kind of a flukey game at least as far as how most of the regular season went. So do we chalk that up as this or the Saints truly among those elite teams and they don't stack up head to head. You couple this with the loss of Jordan Love and the Packers and the playoffs. That's too straight. They've lost now at home, and so have they lost their edge? I don't know, but there's something a little off now all of a sudden.

You know what the worst part is from a Dallas perspective, we think they're a good team.

You know what the worst part is from a Dallas perspective, we think they're a good team.

I don't know if that's necessarily a case.

I don't know if that's necessarily a case.

Right, Like the last couple of seasons here they're beating up on the bad teams in the NFL and then the good ones they're struggling with. So it's hard to really gauge where they should sit. Top half of the league makes sense. Eleven, maybe a touch high, especially when I look at the Buccaneers one spot behind him, Tampa Bay. I think they got better wins. Right, Well, clearly they have better wins because the road went against Detroit. Any consideration of maybe having Tampa Bay in front.

Right, Like the last couple of seasons here they're beating up on the bad teams in the NFL and then the good ones they're struggling with. So it's hard to really gauge where they should sit. Top half of the league makes sense. Eleven, maybe a touch high, especially when I look at the Buccaneers one spot behind him, Tampa Bay. I think they got better wins. Right, Well, clearly they have better wins because the road went against Detroit. Any consideration of maybe having Tampa Bay in front.

Of Dallas, yeah, they were. All these teams were all kind of real close. There was this group at the top where you know, we had the Chiefs and you know a few other teams that you feel like belonged in there, and then there was this drop off to this next group and that included Tampa Bay. And you know, what they did Sunday shouldn't be overlooked at all. It was a break game performance by Baker. You see him scrambling with his legs. He made some big throws too. The offense definitely slowed down in the second half. I don't know that Detroit's a fantastic defense, but the point is they won the game. They made more plays than Detroit did and that's ultimately what matters. They dragged that secondary in there and somehow got out alive. But I want to see them be a little bit more productive. I still don't know if it's a great division. Hard to say. It does feel like it's a little better than people thought. But give them one more week and then and then we'll see if we can crack the top eight.

Of Dallas, yeah, they were. All these teams were all kind of real close. There was this group at the top where you know, we had the Chiefs and you know a few other teams that you feel like belonged in there, and then there was this drop off to this next group and that included Tampa Bay. And you know, what they did Sunday shouldn't be overlooked at all. It was a break game performance by Baker. You see him scrambling with his legs. He made some big throws too. The offense definitely slowed down in the second half. I don't know that Detroit's a fantastic defense, but the point is they won the game. They made more plays than Detroit did and that's ultimately what matters. They dragged that secondary in there and somehow got out alive. But I want to see them be a little bit more productive. I still don't know if it's a great division. Hard to say. It does feel like it's a little better than people thought. But give them one more week and then and then we'll see if we can crack the top eight.

If they win again, we have Denver, so they got a good opportunity to go and do that. They did move up four spots, so it's not like he didn't love them up, but as sitting at twelve, I don't know. I think there's an argument they should have been a touch higher. Meanwhile, the Steelers they're at fourteen. Okay, they got one touchdown, one offensive touchdown so far this team.

If they win again, we have Denver, so they got a good opportunity to go and do that. They did move up four spots, so it's not like he didn't love them up, but as sitting at twelve, I don't know. I think there's an argument they should have been a touch higher. Meanwhile, the Steelers they're at fourteen. Okay, they got one touchdown, one offensive touchdown so far this team.

I don't know what to make of this team's offense.

I don't know what to make of this team's offense.

Yeah, I don't either, and it sounds like Justin Fields is going to get another shot this This calf injury has been lingering for Russell Wilson. I mean, they have two road wins right in a big test coming up against the Chargers. I think kind of a measuring stick for both of those teams, and you know that'll help sort our rankings out the more of these head to head matchups between teams in the top half teams in the bottom half. And so look, you know, their defense has been really good. They've led what eight scoring drives, nine scoring drives they've gotten position. It's been a lot of field goals, not enough touchdowns. As Fields gets more comfortable, though he may not give this job back if he keeps playing. I would argue moderately well, not amazingly, but fairly well. And you beat a Falcons team at home that looked pretty good on Monday night.

Yeah, I don't either, and it sounds like Justin Fields is going to get another shot this This calf injury has been lingering for Russell Wilson. I mean, they have two road wins right in a big test coming up against the Chargers. I think kind of a measuring stick for both of those teams, and you know that'll help sort our rankings out the more of these head to head matchups between teams in the top half teams in the bottom half. And so look, you know, their defense has been really good. They've led what eight scoring drives, nine scoring drives they've gotten position. It's been a lot of field goals, not enough touchdowns. As Fields gets more comfortable, though he may not give this job back if he keeps playing. I would argue moderately well, not amazingly, but fairly well. And you beat a Falcons team at home that looked pretty good on Monday night.

Yeah, that was a quarterback competition that went to the bitter end. I mean to the end of the end of the preseason before Mike Tomlin decided to make that announcement, and it was supposed to be Russell Wilson but banged up right now, Well, Eric, one team whose offense were not worried about are the Vikings.

Yeah, that was a quarterback competition that went to the bitter end. I mean to the end of the end of the preseason before Mike Tomlin decided to make that announcement, and it was supposed to be Russell Wilson but banged up right now, Well, Eric, one team whose offense were not worried about are the Vikings.

It's time for power moves.

It's time for power moves.

As Minnesota moves up five spots to fifteen, they do move up five spots for you, Eric, I gotta tell you.

As Minnesota moves up five spots to fifteen, they do move up five spots for you, Eric, I gotta tell you.

To love it.

To love it.

Just took out the number two team in your rankings, in the San Francisco forty nine ers, And I know they throttled the Giants in week number one and the GM Unfortunately for the fans like myself, they're not a great football team. But this squad, this Vikings team, has looked really good.

Just took out the number two team in your rankings, in the San Francisco forty nine ers, And I know they throttled the Giants in week number one and the GM Unfortunately for the fans like myself, they're not a great football team. But this squad, this Vikings team, has looked really good.

Yeah. The disrespect tour just keeps rolling on, doesn't it? Right, Mike, and I hear people like it. People say, how do you not have teams like the Bucks and Vikings in your top fifteen, your top twelve, you know, your top ten? Keep moving them up the rankings the way they looked, and I think that it's fair to point out, but Jordan Addison banged up, Justin Jefferson banged up. You know, still have a small track record on Sam Donald. As strong as he looked and as confident as he looked on Sunday. Love what I saw out of Brian Flora's defense. Think they had a really good game plan, good execution. Still need to see a little bit more. And you know, they face a good Houston team. If they beat them or stand toe to toe with them next week, I think I'll have a lot more evidence to say, yes, this team can win with Donald, this coaching staff is excellent, and they'll find ways to replace those injured players.

Yeah. The disrespect tour just keeps rolling on, doesn't it? Right, Mike, and I hear people like it. People say, how do you not have teams like the Bucks and Vikings in your top fifteen, your top twelve, you know, your top ten? Keep moving them up the rankings the way they looked, and I think that it's fair to point out, but Jordan Addison banged up, Justin Jefferson banged up. You know, still have a small track record on Sam Donald. As strong as he looked and as confident as he looked on Sunday. Love what I saw out of Brian Flora's defense. Think they had a really good game plan, good execution. Still need to see a little bit more. And you know, they face a good Houston team. If they beat them or stand toe to toe with them next week, I think I'll have a lot more evidence to say, yes, this team can win with Donald, this coaching staff is excellent, and they'll find ways to replace those injured players.

Well, one of the other dramatic moves and it went the wrong way the Cincinnati Bengals. They dropped six spots. They're sitting oh into right now on the season. I don't know, man, I still think They're a really good football team, and if you would have said to me, hey, are they a top ten team? You can't make the argument based off of the record right now, and you certainly didn't. But I mean, I'd put them in that conversation. I mean, it's a tough loss against Kansas City. They should have won that, and if had they done that, you would have had them in the top ten, right.

Well, one of the other dramatic moves and it went the wrong way the Cincinnati Bengals. They dropped six spots. They're sitting oh into right now on the season. I don't know, man, I still think They're a really good football team, and if you would have said to me, hey, are they a top ten team? You can't make the argument based off of the record right now, and you certainly didn't. But I mean, I'd put them in that conversation. I mean, it's a tough loss against Kansas City. They should have won that, and if had they done that, you would have had them in the top ten, right.

I'd have moved them up, or probably at least kept them the same. Maybe I had them overrated in the preseason and maybe had them too high after Week one's loss, but you know, you see this team. You at least saw the super Bowl potential in that club on Sunday. Yes, they lost it with two horrific penalties, but they're the ultimate Roarshack test. Do you look back and see the history that you said, the one to nine start for Burrow, the historic slow starts under Zach Taylor, or do you look at the body of evidence that says by the end of the season they usually figure it out when Burrow's healthy. So that's kind of what I'm betting on. I thought they looked like a top half team, and like you said, on their best day, I think they're absolutely in the top ten.

I'd have moved them up, or probably at least kept them the same. Maybe I had them overrated in the preseason and maybe had them too high after Week one's loss, but you know, you see this team. You at least saw the super Bowl potential in that club on Sunday. Yes, they lost it with two horrific penalties, but they're the ultimate Roarshack test. Do you look back and see the history that you said, the one to nine start for Burrow, the historic slow starts under Zach Taylor, or do you look at the body of evidence that says by the end of the season they usually figure it out when Burrow's healthy. So that's kind of what I'm betting on. I thought they looked like a top half team, and like you said, on their best day, I think they're absolutely in the top ten.

You know the worst part about this if you're a Bengals fan, you didn't get the win in Week one that everyone thought you were going to get against the Patriots, and now you're sitting at zero to two. At worst case scenario, you thought you were a one to one football team and you lose a close one against the Super Bowl champs.

You know the worst part about this if you're a Bengals fan, you didn't get the win in Week one that everyone thought you were going to get against the Patriots, and now you're sitting at zero to two. At worst case scenario, you thought you were a one to one football team and you lose a close one against the Super Bowl champs.

You say, oh, okay, cool, like we're still there.

You say, oh, okay, cool, like we're still there.

Now.

Now.

There's some questions around this squad in that division, which we highlighted already here on Power Rankings.

There's some questions around this squad in that division, which we highlighted already here on Power Rankings.

It is going to be interesting to watch.

It is going to be interesting to watch.

Meanwhile, they're on the short list of maybe the best win of week number two.

Meanwhile, they're on the short list of maybe the best win of week number two.

Where's the Atlanta Falcon sid in the rankings?

Where's the Atlanta Falcon sid in the rankings?

The answer to that is coming up next. All right, let's hit teams seventeen through twenty four on Eric's rankings. Not a huge surprise that the Dolphins drop, but they fall eight spots to his injuries certainly looming large. The Browns are at eighteen. The defense is still looking good at nineteen. The Seahawks they escape with an overtime win against the Patriots. They got out rushed one eighty five to forty six, and yes, I know Kenneth Walker wasn't playing. The Falcons are at twenty, the Bears at twenty one. I'm starting to feel bad for Caleb Williams considering the amount of hits that he took. The Cardinals Hello easily handled the Rams at twenty two. The Jags at twenty three. Anthony Richardson can't turn the football over three interceptions and they fall to twenty four. All right, the Falcons up three spots here. I think there's an argument top three win of the weekend, getting it done or not the weekend.

The answer to that is coming up next. All right, let's hit teams seventeen through twenty four on Eric's rankings. Not a huge surprise that the Dolphins drop, but they fall eight spots to his injuries certainly looming large. The Browns are at eighteen. The defense is still looking good at nineteen. The Seahawks they escape with an overtime win against the Patriots. They got out rushed one eighty five to forty six, and yes, I know Kenneth Walker wasn't playing. The Falcons are at twenty, the Bears at twenty one. I'm starting to feel bad for Caleb Williams considering the amount of hits that he took. The Cardinals Hello easily handled the Rams at twenty two. The Jags at twenty three. Anthony Richardson can't turn the football over three interceptions and they fall to twenty four. All right, the Falcons up three spots here. I think there's an argument top three win of the weekend, getting it done or not the weekend.

It was a Monday night game of the week.

It was a Monday night game of the week.

Just because it's a Philadelphia win, and the way that they have looked, You're starting to buy this stock a little bit.

Just because it's a Philadelphia win, and the way that they have looked, You're starting to buy this stock a little bit.

Say it's the biggest Falcons win and in a couple of years at least. Right, this was exactly what they needed, and this is why they went out and got Kirk Cussins early in the night. You know, his passes are coming up short, losing some steam. Didn't look like his legs were into it. Was he even healthy. All the Michael Pennix talks started on Twitter, and then this last drive Kirk Captain Kirk ran them down the field before the Eagles even had a chance to adjust. No pass rush, by the way, where was it Philly, I don't know, but big plays from the wide receivers. They had to get Drake Lonimore involved. All he does is catch the game winning touchdown pass, but early on the offensive line, the run game, defense all kept him in the game and gave them a chance to come back and pull off that stunner.

Say it's the biggest Falcons win and in a couple of years at least. Right, this was exactly what they needed, and this is why they went out and got Kirk Cussins early in the night. You know, his passes are coming up short, losing some steam. Didn't look like his legs were into it. Was he even healthy. All the Michael Pennix talks started on Twitter, and then this last drive Kirk Captain Kirk ran them down the field before the Eagles even had a chance to adjust. No pass rush, by the way, where was it Philly, I don't know, but big plays from the wide receivers. They had to get Drake Lonimore involved. All he does is catch the game winning touchdown pass, but early on the offensive line, the run game, defense all kept him in the game and gave them a chance to come back and pull off that stunner.

Yeah. Look, I do Monday Night Football the post game on NFL Network.

Yeah. Look, I do Monday Night Football the post game on NFL Network.

When I tell you down the stretch there, I.

When I tell you down the stretch there, I.

Mean, I think it was six plays, seventy yards and a bucko six something along those lines.

Mean, I think it was six plays, seventy yards and a bucko six something along those lines.

I mean, phenomenal job by Kirk Cousins.

I mean, phenomenal job by Kirk Cousins.

This is why they paid that dude to all the money that he got this offseason. At twenty two, I'm actually happy we get to love up the Arizona Cardinals here. They hung tough and we one against the Bills. They lost that game, but huge when and they looked like a juggernaut offensively against the Rams.

This is why they paid that dude to all the money that he got this offseason. At twenty two, I'm actually happy we get to love up the Arizona Cardinals here. They hung tough and we one against the Bills. They lost that game, but huge when and they looked like a juggernaut offensively against the Rams.

Kyler Murray is having a terrific start to the season. I don't know if everyone's caught on. Maybe if you got him on your fantasy club, Maybe if you live out in Glendale or that part of the country. But let me tell you, he looked fantastic on Sunday. They got Marvin Harrison Junior involved right away, right all four catches, all one hundred and thirty yards, both touchdowns, all in the first nine minutes of the game. So it was incredible after his sort of slow debut and a rough start to his season. But you know, they have James Connor in the run game, they have the tight end of McBride. You know, the offensive line was really opening holes in the run game. And defensively, Mike, this team has taken it on the chin the last year plus. But that was Jonathan Gannon's best defensive performance by his club Sunday, even if it came against the beat up RAMS team. I was very impressed. I love the momentum of this team and I can't wait to see where they end up.

Kyler Murray is having a terrific start to the season. I don't know if everyone's caught on. Maybe if you got him on your fantasy club, Maybe if you live out in Glendale or that part of the country. But let me tell you, he looked fantastic on Sunday. They got Marvin Harrison Junior involved right away, right all four catches, all one hundred and thirty yards, both touchdowns, all in the first nine minutes of the game. So it was incredible after his sort of slow debut and a rough start to his season. But you know, they have James Connor in the run game, they have the tight end of McBride. You know, the offensive line was really opening holes in the run game. And defensively, Mike, this team has taken it on the chin the last year plus. But that was Jonathan Gannon's best defensive performance by his club Sunday, even if it came against the beat up RAMS team. I was very impressed. I love the momentum of this team and I can't wait to see where they end up.

Yeah, Marvin Harrison putting a smile on every fantasy owner's face, because I think there was a little concern coming off of Week over one, but in it early, I mean, in that first half, he was ridiculous. You mentioned the Rams. As we get through the rest of the rankings here they check in at twenty five. Look, they're the walking wound. Did they drop eleven spots? They get healthy? I'm sure we're going to have a different conversation. The Raiders are at twenty six. The Patriots. Maybe they're tougher than we think. They're the twenty seventh ranked team, The Commanders at twenty eight. The Titans. Will Levis continues to cough up the football. They're twenty nine at number thirty, the Broncos. Bonnick still trying to figure it out. The Giants, oh my god, dude, at thirty one, and then the Panthers. A lot of changes there. We're not going to talk about the g Men at this point.

Yeah, Marvin Harrison putting a smile on every fantasy owner's face, because I think there was a little concern coming off of Week over one, but in it early, I mean, in that first half, he was ridiculous. You mentioned the Rams. As we get through the rest of the rankings here they check in at twenty five. Look, they're the walking wound. Did they drop eleven spots? They get healthy? I'm sure we're going to have a different conversation. The Raiders are at twenty six. The Patriots. Maybe they're tougher than we think. They're the twenty seventh ranked team, The Commanders at twenty eight. The Titans. Will Levis continues to cough up the football. They're twenty nine at number thirty, the Broncos. Bonnick still trying to figure it out. The Giants, oh my god, dude, at thirty one, and then the Panthers. A lot of changes there. We're not going to talk about the g Men at this point.

The Raiders.

The Raiders.

I think when you win against one of the best teams in my mind in the NFL on the road in their house, you deserve at least to be talked about. The Raiders. That was an impressive win. Down in the fourth quarter, it didn't matter. Minsheot just dealing.

I think when you win against one of the best teams in my mind in the NFL on the road in their house, you deserve at least to be talked about. The Raiders. That was an impressive win. Down in the fourth quarter, it didn't matter. Minsheot just dealing.

It might be their biggest win of the year. I mean, I still have my questions about Gardner Minshew. Is he the right guy for this offense. We'll find out. But Sunday look great. You know, DeVante Adams is still here for a reason too, and they made it the great work of him. Week one not so hot, didn't think they looked very good. Week two, second half it was a different story. So they're in the right direction. But for me, six of the eight quarters haven't quite looked right. They've looked like a bottom eight team to me more than they haven't. But they absolutely came through with a huge win. Credit to Antonio Pierson. It wasn't looking great, but when you topped the Ravens in Baltimore, you're doing something right.

It might be their biggest win of the year. I mean, I still have my questions about Gardner Minshew. Is he the right guy for this offense. We'll find out. But Sunday look great. You know, DeVante Adams is still here for a reason too, and they made it the great work of him. Week one not so hot, didn't think they looked very good. Week two, second half it was a different story. So they're in the right direction. But for me, six of the eight quarters haven't quite looked right. They've looked like a bottom eight team to me more than they haven't. But they absolutely came through with a huge win. Credit to Antonio Pierson. It wasn't looking great, but when you topped the Ravens in Baltimore, you're doing something right.

Yeah.

Yeah.

You know.

You know.

One other note here, and I know we already talked about Baltimore some of the issues defensively. I mean DeVante Adams just was tearing them up in week number two and we saw some breakdowns and you highlighted it last week on the show against Kansas City. Just something to track here from a Raiders or excuse me, from a Ravens perspective. Panthers, maybe the most significant news. You're a number one overall pick and you can't make it into past two games into your sophomore season.

One other note here, and I know we already talked about Baltimore some of the issues defensively. I mean DeVante Adams just was tearing them up in week number two and we saw some breakdowns and you highlighted it last week on the show against Kansas City. Just something to track here from a Raiders or excuse me, from a Ravens perspective. Panthers, maybe the most significant news. You're a number one overall pick and you can't make it into past two games into your sophomore season.

What should we make of this? News?

What should we make of this? News?

On Bryce Young getting bench with Carolina A.

On Bryce Young getting bench with Carolina A.

Massive news story, no question about it, right anytime a number one pick gets bench, it's a big story. But when it happens this soon in his career, after hiring the head coach who was supposedly there to fix him, the guy who convinced David Tepper and Dan Morgan I have a plan to make Bryce Young better. It hasn't happened. It looks worse than last year somehow, And we're not putting it all on Bryce, but there's something clearly off with him, and you risk losing the locker room. Andy Dalton very popular guy, and I think very you know, a fishing guy. He can come in and step right in, be ready to go. So this may be as much about trying to save the locker room as it is trying to fix Young or get him back on track, because I don't know if he's getting his job back anytime soon.

Massive news story, no question about it, right anytime a number one pick gets bench, it's a big story. But when it happens this soon in his career, after hiring the head coach who was supposedly there to fix him, the guy who convinced David Tepper and Dan Morgan I have a plan to make Bryce Young better. It hasn't happened. It looks worse than last year somehow, And we're not putting it all on Bryce, but there's something clearly off with him, and you risk losing the locker room. Andy Dalton very popular guy, and I think very you know, a fishing guy. He can come in and step right in, be ready to go. So this may be as much about trying to save the locker room as it is trying to fix Young or get him back on track, because I don't know if he's getting his job back anytime soon.

I don't know how you go back to him. This is starting to have like the injury will send him type vibes. You're right, maybe it is an injury that gets him another opportunity here, but I don't know if we see him start in a catline uniform, and if that is not the scenario, Heerrik, you're the best man your entire rankings. You can die through him all on NFL dot com. We will do it again in week number three.

I don't know how you go back to him. This is starting to have like the injury will send him type vibes. You're right, maybe it is an injury that gets him another opportunity here, but I don't know if we see him start in a catline uniform, and if that is not the scenario, Heerrik, you're the best man your entire rankings. You can die through him all on NFL dot com. We will do it again in week number three.

Thanks for watching.

Thanks for watching.

NFL Power Rankings is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.

NFL Power Rankings is a production of the NFL in partnership with iHeartRadio. For more podcasts from iHeartRadio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.