NFL Week 2 power rankings: Rams, Chargers slide as 49ers, Bears and Giants surge

Every week during the season, Chad Graff and Josh Kendall rank and analyze all 32 teams from first to worst. 

Week 1 was a doozy! The best team in the league — a “superteam,” or so we thought based on our initial power rankings — got hammered, a Super Bowl rematch didn’t change the result from February, at least three Super Bowl contenders opened with a loss and points were way up.

With that, the first week of the 2026 NFL season is in the books, and we finally have some meaningful results to examine. So let’s take a look in this week’s power rankings at what we learned from each team.

1. San Francisco 49ers (1-0)

Last week: 6

Thursday: Beat Rams 27-7

What we learned: The offense is still humming

After the franchise’s drama-filled offseason and with questions about the aging roster, the 49ers had no trouble moving the ball against the Rams. Brock Purdy threw for three touchdowns, the running game (including rookie Kaelon Black) looked good and Raheem Morris’ defense was great. It’d be hard to draw up a better start.

Up next: vs. Dolphins, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

2. Seattle Seahawks (1-0)

Last week: 2

Wednesday: Beat Patriots 13-10

What we learned: That run defense is still elite

Against a Patriots team that spent its whole offseason focused on running the ball better after getting humiliated in the Super Bowl, the Seahawks’ run defense dominated once again. Seattle limited New England to 2.5 yards per attempt on its designed rushes. Plenty is still unknown about how long Sam Darnold will be out, but — no surprise — the defense is still great.

Up next: at Cardinals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

3. Buffalo Bills (1-0)

Last week: 3

Sunday: Beat Texans 36-31

What we learned: They’re the AFC favorites

The Bills were a trendy pick to reach the Super Bowl this season, even in their first year under new coach Joe Brady. They showed why on Sunday. The Texans might have the best defense in the NFL, yet the Bills put up 409 yards of offense while Josh Allen threw for a pair of touchdowns and added another two on the ground. That offense will be fun for the home crowd to watch as Buffalo unveils its new stadium Thursday night.

Up next: vs. Lions, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

1-0. pic.twitter.com/XguSOY6RL8

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 13, 2026

4. Chicago Bears (1-0)

Last week: 10

Sunday: Beat Panthers 59-37

What we learned: Best offense in the NFL?

Ben Johnson told our Dan Pompei this offseason that he wanted to build the highest-scoring offense in league history. It seemed outlandish at the time. Then the Bears hung 59 on the Panthers in Week 1, and suddenly anything seems possible. The defense carries plenty of questions, but that offense was unbelievable.

Up next: vs. Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

5. Baltimore Ravens (1-0)

Last week: 11

Sunday: Beat Colts 41-23

What we learned: The young OC might work

The Ravens raised some eyebrows around the league during the offseason when they hired a 29-year-old offensive coordinator. Declan Doyle is now 30, but the young coach and a healthy Lamar Jackson led to an impressive rout in Week 1 that featured 506 yards of offense.

Up next: vs. Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

6. Los Angeles Rams (0-1)

Last week: 1

Thursday: Lost to 49ers 27-7

What we learned: Sleep helps

The season didn’t start well for the NFL’s superteam that has Super Bowl-or-bust aspirations. Matthew Stafford, the defending league MVP, threw for just 155 yards with no touchdowns and an interception in Australia. Now Myles Garrett is on injured reserve and out for at least four games.

Up next: vs. Giants, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

7. Kansas City Chiefs (1-0)

Last week: 14

Monday: Beat Broncos 31-10

What we learned: They have a running game!

After dealing with an inconsistent ground attack last season, the Chiefs went out and signed reigning Super Bowl MVP Kenneth Walker III. It took Walker one game to make a big impact. All eyes in the opener were on Patrick Mahomes’ return, but it was Walker who stole the show, totaling 191 yards of offense and two touchdowns, and adding a new dimension to the K.C. offense.

Up next: vs. Colts, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

8. Detroit Lions (1-0)

Last week: 9

Sunday: Beat Saints 31-30 (OT)

What we learned: A throwing motion negates a fumble

The Lions were saved when an apparent Jared Goff fumble was ruled an incompletion thanks to a statute many had never heard of before. The Lions went on to survive a crazy second-half comeback by the Saints that exposed several significant flaws. But, hey, they’re still 1-0 entering a big Thursday night showdown.

Up next: at Bills, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

9. Houston Texans (0-1)

Last week: 7

Sunday: Lost to Bills 36-31

What we learned: The defense is beatable

That side of the ball is supposed to carry this team. Even though the Bills had the ball for under 24 minutes of game time, the Texans’ usually dominant defense still got gashed at home. C.J. Stroud was better Sunday than in the playoffs, which is the last time we saw him, but his strip-sack in the final seconds cemented Houston’s loss.

Up next: vs. Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

10. New England Patriots (0-1)

Last week: 4

Wednesday: Lost to Seahawks 13-10

What we learned: Drake Maye’s slump isn’t over

The Patriots had hoped that Maye’s four-game postseason slide last season was largely the result of a shoulder injury and some big games in bad weather against great defenses. But with a full offseason to prepare, Maye struggled again against the Seahawks, throwing three interceptions, including a brutal one in the end zone when New England easily could’ve forced overtime.

Up next: vs. Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

11. Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)

Last week: 12

Sunday: Beat Commanders 24-22

What we learned: Jalen Hurts can still produce moments

The final box score isn’t going to instill a ton of faith that the Eagles’ offense has suddenly morphed back into one of the league’s best. But Hurts made enough big plays when his team needed him, connecting on a deep ball and improvising with his legs on a third-and-18 conversion to offer hope as Philadelphia settles into this new offensive scheme under Sean Mannion.

Up next: at Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

12. Denver Broncos (0-1)

Last week: 5

Monday: Lost to Chiefs 31-10

What we learned: There’s concern on offense

In a bit of a surprise this offseason, coach Sean Payton relinquished offensive play-calling duties to 31-year-old coordinator Davis Webb. His debut didn’t go well. After a pair of offseason ankle surgeries, Bo Nix fumbled three times, threw an interception and managed just 4.7 yards per attempt, while new receiver Jaylen Waddle had only one catch for 2 yards.

Up next: vs. Jaguars, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

13. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-0)

Last week: 13

Sunday: Beat Browns 34-10

What we learned: Not much

Did we really learn anything about the Jaguars by watching them beat a hapless Browns team? Still, props to them for jumping out to a 31-0 lead and putting it on cruise control behind a great game from Trevor Lawrence and an impressive showing from the defense. Now, the schedule turns brutal with five straight games against teams with Super Bowl hopes.

Up next: at Broncos, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

14. Cincinnati Bengals (1-0)

Last week: 16

Sunday: Beat Buccaneers 33-27

What we learned: They have a defense!

The bar might have been on the floor for that side of the ball after last season, but the new-look Cincinnati defense came to play against Tampa Bay, forcing four turnovers and notching four sacks. It was an especially impressive win considering Ja’Marr Chase caught only two passes for 12 yards.

Up next: at Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

15. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

Last week: 19

Sunday: Beat Packers 39-22

What we learned: Brian Flores is a mad man

And we mean that in a good way. The Minnesota defensive coordinator sent blitzes on 74 percent(!) of the Packers’ dropbacks and totally overwhelmed their offensive line late as the Vikings put together an impressive comeback win with backup quarterback Carson Wentz leading the offense.

Up next: at Bears, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-0)

Last week: 18

Sunday: Beat Falcons 20-13

What we learned: Things look familiar

Yes, the Steelers have a new coach, but this team looked much like it has in recent years. The defense was pretty good. The offense was mostly fine. It’s rarely worth putting too much stock into Week 1, but this Mike McCarthy-led squad looks like another roughly .500 team. We should learn more about the Steelers in Week 2 during their trip to New England.

Up next: at Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

17. Green Bay Packers (0-1)

Last week: 17

Sunday: Lost to Vikings 39-22

What we learned: New season, same Packers

That was the headline of Matt Schneidman’s story, recapping how the Packers have now blown double-digit leads in the second half of three straight division games. This one was there for the taking, but the Packers’ defense couldn’t stop Carson Wentz, and the offense was befuddled by Brian Flores’ blitzing onslaught.

Up next: at Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. New York Giants (1-0)

Last week: 25

Sunday: Beat Cowboys 28-20

What we learned: They might be for real

High expectations around the hiring of John Harbaugh were tempered by what seemed to be just an OK roster. But the Harbaugh era started smashingly, Jaxson Dart looked legit and the defense more than held its own against a good (or so we thought) Dallas offense.

Up next: at Rams, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

19. Los Angeles Chargers (0-1)

Last week: 8

Sunday: Lost to Cardinals 26-14

What we learned: Sound the alarm bells?

Maybe that’s an overreaction, but the Chargers lost to the Cardinals, a team that had a preseason win total over/under of 3.5. Justin Herbert wasn’t good, the running game struggled and the defense allowed 393 yards of offense to a team with Jacoby Brissett at quarterback and Kendrick Bourne as its top-producing wide receiver in the game.

Up next: vs. Raiders, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

20. Dallas Cowboys (0-1)

Last week: 15

Sunday: Lost to Giants 28-20

What we learned: The running game has to be better

The Cowboys had the ball for just 23:20 of game time. The Giants totally dominated the game flow, keeping the ball out of the hands of Dak Prescott and what’s supposed to be a powerful offense, and running 16 more plays than Dallas. Unless the Cowboys can run it better (Javonte Williams finished with 41 rushing yards on 12 carries), they’re going to be susceptible to nights like Sunday.

Up next: vs. Commanders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

21. New Orleans Saints (0-1)

Last week: 22

Sunday: Lost to Lions 31-30 (OT)

What we learned: They won’t quit

Tyler Shough and the offense were terrible to start. It would’ve been easy to pack it in on the road against a good team. But the Saints battled back from a 21-0 deficit to take the lead in the fourth quarter and had a 2-point attempt in overtime to try to win. If Shough can get off to better starts, the Saints could be a sneaky-good team, especially in the NFC South.

Up next: at Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

God’s country pic.twitter.com/dqyRHxGzKx

— Trevor Sikkema (@TampaBayTre) September 13, 2026

22. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-1)

Last week: 20

Sunday: Lost to Bengals 33-27

What we learned: Fumbles cost you

Baker Mayfield didn’t throw an interception but still turned it over three times on fumbles. The Bucs fought back to make the final score respectable, but it never really felt like they had a chance in this one. It’s weird for a Todd Bowles-coached team to finish last in pressure rate (21.6 on Sunday) for the week, which is not a great sign.

Up next: vs. Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

23. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

Last week: 21

Sunday: Lost to Ravens 41-23

What we learned: Daniel Jones’ recovery may be slower than expected

It’s easy to forget that Jones was an MVP candidate last season before an Achilles tear ended his campaign. His return from that injury suffered in December has been incredible and swift. But it’s also fair to wonder if it’s still lingering after he threw for just 166 yards on 31 attempts in a disappointing opener.

Up next: at Chiefs, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

24. Carolina Panthers (0-1)

Last week: 24

Sunday: Lost to Bears 59-37

What we learned: They can’t stop anything

The optimistic view here is that the Panthers moved the ball with ease, and Bryce Young looked good (23-for-37 passing for 361 yards, three touchdowns and an interception). But 37 points weren’t close to enough because Carolina couldn’t do anything defensively, allowing touchdowns on Chicago’s final five drives and an average of 7.9 yards per play.

Up next: at Falcons, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

25. Washington Commanders (0-1)

Last week: 23

Sunday: Lost to Eagles 24-22

What we learned: Offensive issues raise questions

Touchdowns on Washington’s final two drives offered some hope, but the Commanders still managed just 4.4 yards per play in the debut of new offensive coordinator David Blough. Stefon Diggs drew a penalty that wiped away their hope of a game-tying 2-point conversion attempt, but at least Jayden Daniels stayed healthy.

Up next: at Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

26. Arizona Cardinals (1-0)

Last week: 31

Sunday: Beat Chargers 26-14

What we learned: They’re not going 0-17

Last week, it was hard to pick between the Cardinals and Dolphins for the last spot on this list. That’s how much we thought of the Cardinals, who proceeded to go out and beat the Chargers in a game they controlled throughout. Skepticism remains, but that was a promising start for coach Mike LaFleur.

Up next: vs. Seahawks, Sunday 4:25 p.m. ET

27. Las Vegas Raiders (1-0)

Last week: 27

Sunday: Beat Dolphins 27-13

What we learned: This season may be different

Trepidation is warranted after the Raiders won their opener last season, too, before finishing 3-14. But as our Sam Warren wrote, there are legitimate reasons to think this season could be different under Klint Kubiak. They pulled off the win without tight end Brock Bowers, who could return from injury for Week 2.

Up next: at Chargers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

One time for the first time 👏 #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/PSU31Ta9GV

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) September 14, 2026

28. New York Jets (1-0)

Last week: 29

Sunday: Beat Titans 23-10

What we learned: They’re not bottom-feeders

In recent years, the only debate regarding the Jets in rankings like these was how far down to place them. But they showed they’re a better team than the Titans, which had to feel good against former Jets coach Robert Saleh, thanks to a strong running game and an efficient afternoon from new quarterback Geno Smith.

Up next: vs. Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

29. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

Last week: 26

Sunday: Lost to Steelers 20-13

What we learned: This could be a long year

There wasn’t much optimism in Atlanta, even when Tua Tagovailoa was signed to be the presumptive starter. But things were especially bleak with Michael Penix Jr. still not 100 percent and Cooper Rush in at quarterback. Yet somehow, the Falcons still managed more yards per play (4.2) than the Steelers (4.1) in a boring game that could come to symbolize Atlanta’s plight this season.

Up next: vs. Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. Tennessee Titans (0-1)

Last week: 28

Sunday: Lost to Jets 23-10

What we learned: Where’s the hope?

In the first year of a new regime with a former No. 1 overall pick at quarterback, there should at least be some sense of optimism for the future. After the first game, it’s hard to see much. Robert Saleh decisively lost to his former team, and Cam Ward was a mess, throwing for just 140 yards on 32 attempts.

Up next: vs. Eagles, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

31. Cleveland Browns (0-1)

Last week: 30

Sunday: Lost to Jaguars 34-10

What we learned: Not much

Same old, same old in Cleveland. Deshaun Watson was so bad that there will continue to be questions about how long the Browns will stick with him. But it wasn’t just Watson. The defense struggled way more than expected, and the whole operation under Todd Monken looked pretty terrible.

Up next: at Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Miami Dolphins (0-1)

Last week: 32

Sunday: Lost to Raiders 27-13

What we learned: It’s hard to overcome a roster like this

Miami might have the worst top-to-bottom team in the NFL. This rebuild is going to take some time. But Sunday’s game should’ve been one of the few on the schedule the Dolphins had a reasonable chance to win. Still, they never led, trailing from the end of the first quarter on.

Up next: at 49ers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET