NFL Power Rankings Week 2: Bills Make a Statement

After the first week of NFL football, we have arrived at the time of year when seemingly everyone overreacts to just one game. While the first week did open our eyes to surprise wins from teams like the New York Giants and the Chicago Bears, are they for real? Here are your NFL Power Rankings for Week 2 of the 2022-23 season.

NFL Power Rankings for Week 2

1) Buffalo Bills (1-0) (Last Week: 2)

It was widely expected that the addition of linebacker Von Miller would drastically improve an already impressive defense. Few expected them to run rampant on the Rams for a full 60 minutes. The Buffalo Bills moved the ball at will, outside of some uncharacteristic turnovers, and they sacked Matthew Stafford seven times. There is no question the Bills are currently the best team in the NFL.

2) Kansas City Chiefs (1-0) (6)

Patrick Mahomes passed his first test of playing without former teammate Tyreek Hill. The Kansas City Chiefs absolutely torched the Arizona Cardinals’ defense for 37 points in the first half. The offense looked as good as ever and the defense was able to hold Kyler Murray to just 222 total yards. If their defense can continue to play up to their potential, they’ll pose a real threat to the Bills in the AFC.

3) Baltimore Ravens (1-0) (4)

Of all the top teams in the NFL Power Rankings, the Baltimore Ravens had by far the easiest first game of the season against the New York Jets. The Ravens were slow out of the gate, but they never really felt in danger of losing this one. Lamar Jackson showed off the ability to throw the long ball, but he will need to be better moving forward. This Baltimore defense is once again one of the toughest in the NFL.

4) Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0) (8)

Although Dak Prescott was hurt in the second half, this game was already over. After giving up a field goal on the opening drive, Tampa Bay gave up just one first down for the next quarter and a half and never let the Cowboys score again. The offensive line struggled and will certainly be a topic of conversation moving forward, but for now, they are good enough.

5) Los Angeles Chargers (1-0) (9)

Even though the Los Angeles Chargers gave up over 140 receiving yards to Davante Adams, they forced three Derek Carr interceptions and sacked him six times. The running game was oddly anemic, but Justin Herbert showed he is a top-tier talent with a masterful performance with a passer rating of 129.4. The Chargers will need more from running back Austin Ekeler on the ground, but as long as Herbert is at the helm, they should easily be able to make the playoffs for the first time since 2018.

6) Los Angeles Rams (0-1) (1)

It’s hard not to overreact when a team like the Los Angeles Rams gets absolutely demolished at home. Luckily for the Rams, they can hang their hat on their defense. While they did give up 31 points, they were able to force some turnovers and weren’t helped by Matthew Stafford throwing three interceptions. With Atlanta on deck in Week 2, the Rams should be able to get back on track in a big way. For now, they slide in our NFL Power Rankings.

7) Cincinnati Bengals (0-1) (5)

On the surface, the Cincinnati Bengals looked like a team that is in serious trouble after losing at home to the Pittsburgh Steelers. They turned the ball over five times and missed a crucial extra point at the end of regulation, and a field goal in overtime. It is important to note, however, that their long snapper on the field goal unit was injured and poor snaps were to blame for the missed kicks. To think they almost won this game with all that went wrong is truly impressive. The offensive line will need to play better though if they want to make another deep playoff run.

8) Las Vegas Raiders (0-1) (10)

Although the Las Vegas Raiders took the loss, holding a Justin Herbert-led Chargers team to just 24 points is a feat in itself. Davante Adams looked incredible and drew 17 of the team’s 35 targets. While Adams is undoubtedly a top-five receiver in the NFL, one can only wonder if Carr and the Raiders will fall into the same trap as the Green Bay Packers and become too reliant on him.

9) San Francisco 49ers (0-1) (3)

It was a truly ugly loss for the San Francisco 49ers against the Chicago Bears on the road, but the conditions didn’t help much at all. Without tight end George Kittle and losing running back Elijah Mitchell early on, the 49ers’ offense stalled out. The good news, however, is that Trey Lance looks legit. In a tough environment against a very tough defense, Lance looked like a guy who can get the 49ers to another level, as long as Kyle Shanahan helps him out. A Week 2 matchup against the Seattle Seahawks should be a great opportunity for him to showcase his true talent.

10) Miami Dolphins (1-0) (16)

For the eighth time in the last 10 seasons, the Miami Dolphins beat the New England Patriots at home. Tua Tagovailoa was far from convincing everyone he’s the man for the job in Miami, but he did enough to get the win. The new receiver pairing of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill is truly special and should be able to help him out immensely. A Week 2 test in Baltimore against the Ravens will be a good litmus test for Tua and the Dolphins.

11) Arizona Cardinals (0-1) (12)
12) Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) (14)
13) Minnesota Vikings (1-0) (18)
14) Green Bay Packers (0-1) (7)
15) Chicago Bears (1-0) (23)
16) Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0) (21)
17) Indianapolis Colts (0-0-1) (19)
18) Denver Broncos (0-1) (15)
19) New York Giants (1-0) (27)
20) Dallas Cowboys (0-1) (11)
21) Tennessee Titans (0-1) (13)
22) New Orleans Saints (1-0) (22)
23) New England Patriots (0-1) (20)
24) Seattle Seahawks (1-0) (31)
25) Cleveland Browns (1-0) (17)
26) Detroit Lions (0-1) (29)
27) Atlanta Falcons (0-1) (25)
28) Washington Commanders (1-0) (28)
29) Carolina Panthers (0-1) (24)
30) Houston Texans (0-0-1) (32)
31) Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1) (26)
32) New York Jets (0-1) (30)