32. NEW YORK JETS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 32
The New York Jets—from top to bottom—are the worst franchise in the NFL right now. I feel bad for Sam Darnold because who knows when they are going to figure this all out.
31. NEW YORK GIANTS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 30
Losing Saquon Barkley is a huge hit to an offense that is already struggling to move the ball. The offensive line is atrocious and the defense isn’t doing much to slow opposing offenses down either. It’s going to be a long year for the teams that play in MetLife Stadium.
30. DETROIT LIONS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 29
Detroit’s defense has been a joke so far this season and it’s very questionable how much longer Matt Patricia will be leading this team. It doesn’t appear that anything has changed for the Lions as they continue to find ways to lose football games.
29. CAROLINA PANTHERS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 28
The Carolina Panthers are struggling to stop offenses through two weeks of play; and the offense without Christian McCaffrey is going to fall apart. At this point the Panthers might consider doing everything they can to get Trevor Lawrence in the 2021 NFL draft.
28. MIAMI DOLPHINS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 31
The Miami Dolphins have set their foundation for the future, they just have to keep building off of it. Getting destroyed by Josh Allen is not part of the plan, but surely they will take some lessons from the beating. They were able to fight back at the end to bring the score closer, so you have to admire the fact they are fighting all the way to the end.
27. WASHINGTON (1-1) — LAST WEEK 21
The Washington Football team had a surprising win Week One against a damaged Philadelphia Eagles team but were absolutely destroyed by Kyler Murray and the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday and looked to be the team many of us expected them to be. They are a couple of years away from being a complete team, but some of the foundation pieces appear to be there.
26. CINCINNATI BENGALS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 27
The Cincinnati Bengals have a franchise quarterback. Now they have to find a way to protect Joe Borrow and build a defense that gives him the ball back. It is easier said than done, but if they can build this team the correct way and stay consistent, it’s the potential of the Bengals future to be excited about. This year, not so much.
25. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (0-2) — LAST WEEK 24
The Philadelphia Eagles are reeling and must make changes, but replacing Carson Wentz isn’t it, so don’t even say it. Wentz hasn’t looked great so far this year but neither has this entire team. The offensive line is banged up, Miles Sanders is coming off an injury, the wide receivers can’t catch, and the defense can’t stop anyone. Plus, the only ‘weapons’ are the tight ends right now. The Los Angeles Rams are on a different level than the Eagles and it showed Sunday. The Eagles need to find a way to put together a full game if they want to rebound after the last two weeks.
24. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 23
Gardner Minshew just might be the guy at quarterback for Jacksonville as he kept them in Sunday’s game. Linebacker Myles Jack is playing out of his mind right now and the young defense for the Jaguars is playing better than anticipated. The offense has weapons to be successful; they just have to put everything together for an entire game. The Jaguars are a team to be excited about this season.
23. DENVER BRONCOS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 17
The Broncos have such a bright future and that’s what makes the injuries suffered in Week 2 so difficult. Quarterback Drew Lock is going to be out several weeks with an AC joint sprain and Courtland Sutton is done for the year with an ACL injury. It will be tough to compete in the AFC West without your starting quarterback, wide receiver and star outside linebacker in Von Miller who was previously lost for the year. Hopefully, they can regain all their strength and be ready to go next year, because there isn’t much hope for this season.
22. MINNESOTA VIKINGS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 12
Kirk Cousins has been a problem this year for the Minnesota Vikings. The passing game is not what it has been in the past and they can’t keep possession of the ball. The defense has yet to stop anyone so far this year. The only bright spot in the game was Dalvin Cook’s touchdown run in the fourth quarter.
21. CHICAGO BEARS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 22
Who are the Chicago Bears? That is a question many of us are still trying to figure out. Has the light finally turned on for Mitchell Trubisky? Is he out of his own head and just playing ball? On top of that, David Montgomery had a day rushing and receiving for the Bears. Yes, they were playing the New York Giants, but the Bears shut them down in every phase of the game and have my attention heading into their next matchup.
20. Atlanta Falcons (0-2) — LAST WEEK 19
The Atlanta Falcons are putting up huge numbers in terms of stats but they have started the year off against two of the toughest teams in the NFC. But the issues on defense must be addressed, because the offense is clicking at a rapid pace. We’ll be watching to see if they can figure it out next week against the Chicago Bears.
19. CLEVELAND BROWNS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 26
The Browns finally played up to their preseason expectations. Baker Mayfield was hitting shots down the field and the running game was working great for the Browns with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt both getting into the endzone. The defense is still something to be concerned about as the year goes on, but right now the Browns are at least winning.
18. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 18
The Chargers are staying the same this week as they started their rookie quarterback in Justin Herbert and it’s a question mark as to who will be starting next week. Herbert played great and looked very poised in his first game, especially considering he started his first game against Patrick Mahomes and the defending Super Bowl Champions is not an easy thing to do. It’s hard to tell where this team is at this point playing two close games so far against the Cincinnati Bengals and then the Kansas City Chiefs.
17. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 25
After a confusing Week One loss to Jacksonville, the Indianapolis Colts find themselves in the win column. The Colts appeared to completely dismantle the Minnesota Vikings and controlled the game from the outset. Running back Jonathan Taylor was the real workhorse in this game and Phillip Rivers was back to spreading the ball around. The offense looked a lot smoother on Sunday than it did in Week One. The Colts have something to build off of heading into Week Three as they played a complete game in all three phases.
16. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 15
Yes, they just destroyed the New York Jets, but they are also without their star defensive end in Nick Bosa, defensive lineman Solomon Thomas and starting quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo for the time being and are still without George Kittle at 100 percent. The 49ers are already limited at receiver with Deebo Samuel yet to play as he continues to battle an injury. This season has been derailed for the 49ers and their division is the best in the NFL right now. Things are not looking pretty for the Niners.
15. HOUSTON TEXANS (0-2) — LAST WEEK 14
Talk about a tough schedule to start the season for the Houston Texans. We are still not sure who this team is as they are battling themselves right now and playing the best teams in the NFL to start the year. It doesn’t get any easier as they play the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week Three, but maybe they can find something to grow off of, because so far there isn’t much.
14. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 20
The Las Vegas Raiders picked up their first win in the Death Star against the New Orleans Saints on Monday night. The offense was able to control the tempo while putting up points throughout the entire game. Derek Carr is playing on another level to start this season and his favorite target Darren Waller is a big part of the Raiders production. They have a fantastic running game as well and are hoping to carry their momentum into Foxborough for a battle with the New England Patriots in Week 3.
13. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 10
A lot of people were questioning if the New England Patriots’ new run-heavy offense would continue to work heading into Week Two. The answer is yes. The Patriots are able to mix in the play-action and Cam Newton is still a pretty good quarterback. It will be interesting to see if they continue to call designed runs for Cam 10+ times a game, but for now it’s working. The Patriots passing attack was also working against the Seattle Seahawks defense, but at times they still struggled to get separation. It will be important to see how this offense continues to grow throughout the year.
12. TENNESSEE TITANS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 16
The Tennessee Titans find themselves at 2-0 to start the new campaign. It was a close game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, but the Titans were able to find a way without their number one receiver A.J. Brown. Jonnu Smith exploded onto the scene with two receiving touchdowns and an explosive play to start the game. The Titans don’t appear to be slowing down anytime soon either.
11. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) — LAST WEEK 13
Tom Brady looked a lot more comfortable in Week Two against the Carolina Panthers as he got his first win in Tampa Bay. Mike Evans and Leonard Fournette played a big part in the win this week. If Tampa Bay can carry this performance into the next couple of weeks they will find themselves sitting atop the NFC South.
10. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 4
The New Orleans Saints had a disappointing loss on Monday night against the Las Vegas Raiders, but they really did it to themselves. A team that was once deemed the most complete team in the NFL is not playing like it. Yes, Michael Thomas was out, but Drew Brees is not looking like himself as he is sailing throws. Has father time caught up to Brees? That is something we really need to ask ourselves because it is not looking good so far into this season that was labeled the Last Dance by yours truly.
9. DALLAS COWBOYS (1-1) — LAST WEEK 11
A comeback for the ages. Dak Prescott, along with CeeDee Lamb and Ezekiel Elliott, led the Dallas Cowboys back after a disappointing first-quarter performance where they continued to fumble the ball. Jerry Jones is going to have to hand Dak a blank check if he continues to play like this. The Dallas Cowboys showed why they are one of the best teams in the NFC, yes they started slowly, but once they got the train rolling it was all over for the Atlanta Falcons. This team is the real deal.
8. ARIZONA CARDINALS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 9
Kyler Murray continued his performance from Week One into Week Two as he completely destroyed the Washington Football Team by himself. The Washington defensive line was able to create pressure but Murray is so fast he is able to escape the pocket and create plays with his legs. The NFC West is going to be very competitive this season and Murray has the attention of everyone as he leads the Arizona Cardinals to another victory.
7. BUFFALO BILLS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 8
Josh Allen is on fire! The man is slinging the football all over the gridiron and spreading the love amongst his receiving targets. The Bills are loving the addition of Stefon Diggs as this offense is looking better and better. They will have a true test next week against Aaron Donald and the Los Angeles Rams.
6. LOS ANGELES RAMS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 7
Jared Goff looks to have a true ‘F*@k it’ mindset this season. He isn’t trying to do too much and prove he is worth his massive contract. It’s apparent Goff is more confident in his skills and this offensive supporting cast. Sean McVay is being more aggressive in his play calling and the Los Angeles Rams are dominating their opponents on both sides of the ball.
5. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 6
This defense is real and the offense is starting to click. If they can keep their running back healthy, this offense will be dangerous. Big Ben is starting to get back to his old ways and slinging the ball all over the field. The Steelers are the real deal this season.
4. GREEN BAY PACKERS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 5
Aaron Rodgers, Aaron Jones and Davante Adams are a phenomenal trio for the Green Bay Packers. The team is rolling the first two weeks into this season, and yes it has been against the Minnesota Vikings and Detroit Lions, but they are opening cans of whoop-ass this year. The Packers are out for vengeance after last season’s NFC Championship game loss.
3. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 3
Russell Wilson has yet to receive an MVP vote in his career, but this is the year he deserves it. Wilson is so damn good, it’s not even funny. Bill Belichick gave the ultimate compliment to Wilson, saying “He’s in a way underrated by the media or the fans. I don’t really see anybody better than this player.” Wilson backed it up with beautiful throws downfield all night and led them to a win in Week Two over the New England Patriots. This defense is so physical and with Jamal Adams in the mix, their swagger is at an all-time high.
2. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 2
Week Two was a lot closer of a game for the Kansas City Chiefs than most would have liked as the Los Angeles Chargers defense was able to slow down this high-powered offense for nearly three quarters before the Chiefs found LA’s weakness and exploited it. Thanks to Harrison Butker and three straight 50-plus yard field goals in overtime, the Chiefs were able to leave LA with a victory.
1. BALTIMORE RAVENS (2-0) — LAST WEEK 1
This is a redemption season for the Baltimore Ravens and they are playing like it. The defense is arguably one of the best in the NFL and the offense can beat you on the ground and in the air when need be. The Ravens defense will be truly tested next week as they face the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday Night Football.