NFL Week 2 Power Rankings: Impressions after Opening Weekend

 

First impressions are everything, especially when setting a tone for the season.

Week 1 of the 2019 season showed us that last year’s playoff teams are still the top dogs in the league and are ready to make another run at glory. But after only one week, we try not to jump to too many conclusions.

Every week, HOF Experiences is releasing a power ranking of the top five teams in the league as the road to the 2020 Super Bowl rolls on and we get a better idea of what the postseason will look like.

Even just a week into the season, we have a glimpse at the team’s that could find themselves in Miami come February.

Here are your official power rankings for Week 2 of the 2019 NFL season.

Week 2 Power Rankings

 

1. New England Patriots (1-0)

Last Week’s Ranking: 1

Week 2 Opponent: at Miami Dolphins (0-1)

No team had a better opening weekend than the defending Super Bowl champions. Less than 36 hours before their first kickoff of the season, the Patriots added to their offensive arsenal by signing Antonio Brown, who had just been released by the Oakland Raiders earlier in the day.

While Brown wasn’t eligible for the Patriots Week 1 matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers, his services weren’t needed. After revealing the franchise’s sixth championship banner in the pregame ceremony, New England put on a world-class performance, dismantling the Steelers, 33-3. Tom Brady had no problem adjusting to another year in the league, finding almost every receiver during his 341-yard passing performance.

Josh Gordon, who was reinstated over the offseason, didn’t miss a step in his return, scoring New England’s first touchdown of the season on a 20-yard crossing route.

One game into the season and we are already seeing signs of how scary this New England offense can be.

 

2. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)

Last Week’s Ranking: 2

Week 2 Opponent: at Oakland Raiders (1-0)

All eyes were on the reigning MVP as Pat Mahomes had the Chiefs looking once again like legitimate Super Bowl contenders.

In Kansas City’s 40-26 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars, Mahomes threw for 378 yards and three touchdowns. All three of his touchdown passes were to Sammy Watkins, who took over the game after Tyreek Hill left the field early following a dislocated clavicle. Watkins was a nightmare all day for Jacksonville’s defense as he accumulated 198 receiving yards on nine catches.

But, as mentioned, the victory resulted in the loss of Hill. While the injury won’t require surgery, the team hasn’t set a timetable for their star receiver’s return.

The victory did highlight that the Chiefs still have work to do on the defensive side of the ball. They gave up 26 points to Jaguars backup Gardner Minshew, who came in after Nick Foles broke his left clavicle in the first quarter.

 

3. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

Last Week’s Ranking: 4

Week 2 Opponent: at Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

After a tumultuous first quarter against the Washington Redskins, the Eagles found their footing and put on a performance worthy of one of the NFC’s most stacked rosters. Carson Wentz looked fully back to health after missing the back half of last season, throwing for 313 yards and three touchdowns in Philadelphia’s 32-27 win.

The Eagles offense was rejuvenated by DeSean Jackson, who played in his first game for the franchise in over six years. The outing was worth the wait as Jackson lit up the Redskins with 154 receiving yards and two touchdowns.

The come-from-behind victory breathed fresh life into a franchise that is aiming to reach its second Super Bowl in the past three seasons.

 

4. New Orleans Saints (1-0)

Last Week’s Ranking: 3

Week 2 Opponent: at Los Angeles Rams (1-0)

The Saints would have found themselves outside of the Power Rankings after one week if not for the late-game heroics of Drew Brees and kicker Wil Lutz on Monday Night.

After giving up a touchdown on a 2-play, 75-yard drive by the Texans with 37 seconds remaining in the first Monday Night Football game of the season, the Saints trailed 28-27.

But the following drive was a masterclass of clock management, as Brees charged his offense down the field and got the ball to the 41-yard line with two seconds remaining. With the game on the line, Lutz nailed a 58-yard field goal as the clock hit zero to secure New Orleans’ first victory of the season.

While the performance resulted in a victory, the Saints defense looked shaky at times and will need to be straightened out if they hope to make another run to the NFC Championship Game. But at the end of the day, there’s no offensive trio in the game quite like Brees, Michael Thomas and Alvin Kamara.

 

5. Dallas Cowboys (1-0)

Last Week’s Ranking: NR

Week 2 Opponent: at Washington Redskins (0-1)

The Dallas Cowboys burst onto this list for the first time this season after an impressive offensive outing in their 35-17 Week 1 win over the New York Giants. The partnership of new offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and Dak Prescott got off to a hot start, as Prescott went 25-32 for 405 yards and four touchdowns with a perfect passer rating. Ezekiel Elliott touched the field for the first time after holding out for all of training camp and preseason, rushing for 53 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries. With owner Jerry Jones calling this Cowboys roster one of the best of the past two decades, the Cowboys just might stay in these Power Rankings from week to week.

Join HOF Experiences at the 2020 Super Bowl

The road to the 2020 Super Bowl rolls on as we head into Week 2. Even though the season is just in its infancy, you can secure your spot at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami with a 2020 Super Bowl Ticket Package from Hall of Fame Experiences. 

Packages include a game ticket, access to the Gold Jacket Club, optional hotel accommodations and much more!

 2020 SUPER BOWL PACKAGES