Week Two of the NFL football season Rankings
Kansas City Chiefs
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 23-20 Overtime.
Breakdown: Phew, that was a close one, am I right?! The Chiefs thanks to some Mahomes magic and self-inflicted mistakes by the Chargers allowed Kansas City to squeeze out a tight one in the new and incredible SoFi Stadium. Hill and Kelce combined for 189 yards and two big scores and they will need that and more when they take on Lamar Jackson and the Ravens particularly on the defensive end where #SackNation gave up almost 200 yards rushing to running backs last week.
Baltimore Ravens
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Houston Texans, 33-16.
Breakdown: “Big Truss,” and the Ravens flocked all over Deshaun Watson and the Texans rushing for 248 yards while limiting Houston to just 51 yards. Baltimore’s defense looked dominant as ever playing a mentally defeated Texans squad sacking Watson four times as well as forcing a fumble and interception in the beatdown. Next up: Lamar and Co. welcome in Patrick Mahomes in the Chiefs in the most anticipated game of the 2020 season.
Seattle Seahawks
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. New England Patriots, 35-30.
Breakdown: Let Russ Cook! Mama, there goes that Man as Mark Jackson would so awesomely say, Russell “Freaking,” Wilson has been a man on a mission and Sunday Night Football he shined brightest throwing five touchdowns off just seven incompletions carving up an excellent New England defense. D.K. Metcalf looks like the second-coming of Julio Jones owning the league’s best corner (Stephon Gilmore) finishing with 72 yards and a score as well. While the Hawks’ defense still has plenty of holes, the mere presence of Jamal Adams in the secondary has completely juiced Seattle’s defense and if both sides are clicking this team could reach the Super Bowl. Next up the great Pacific Northwest welcomes Dak Prescott and the high-powered Cowboys into the land of the 12’s.
Green Bay Packers
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Detroit Lions, 42-21.
Breakdown: In the words of ESPN’s Stephen A, he’s a baaaaaaaaaaaaad man. Right you are: Aaron Rodgers has been on a mission shooting out the season like a rocket dismantling two NFC North opponents in the Minnesota Vikings and this week, Detroit Lions dropping 42 points on them in Lambeau. Perhaps, the biggest key in this high-powered cog might be running back Aaron Jones. Jones torched every Lion in a defensive jersey totaling 236 yards and three touchdowns coming off a career season last year. If Za’Darius Smith and the Cheesehead’s defense can continue sacking quarterbacks while the two AAron's blaze defenses, watch out rest of the league. Next up Rodgers and the Crew head to the Big Easy to take on Drew Brees and the Saints in New Orleans on Sunday Night Football.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Denver Broncos, 26-21.
Breakdown: Fundamentally sound the city of Steel has been the first two weeks of the season this time getting timely first downs and stops in a squeaker victory over a depleted Broncos squad. James Conner rumbled for 106 yards and a big touchdown while T.J. Watt and the Pittsburgh “d” sacked Jeff Driskel/Drew Lock seven times while forcing a timely interception and fumble. The “Black and Yellow,” will welcome Deshaun Watson and struggling Houston Texans next Sunday.
Arizona Cardinals
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Washington Football Team, 30-15.
Breakdown: He’s electric, boogie woogie: Kyler Murray threw for 267 and rushed for another 67 en route to three total touchdowns putting Washington defenders on skates. The Cards defense is still certainly susceptible in the pass and run game but they’ve shown an ability to get sacks and force fumbles totaling four and two respectively in their balanced diet. Next up, Murray, Jones and company welcome Matt Stafford and the Detroit Lions to the desert Sunday.
New England Patriots
Record: (1-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Seattle Seahawks, 35-30.
Breakdown: What a great game between the Seahawks and Patriots, it feels like every game between the two comes down to the final play of the game and it was no different this game. Yes, Cam Newton got stuffed on the goal-line of a fourth and goal but if I were a Patriots player or fan, I would be highly encouraged. A week after ground-and-pounding the Dolphins into submission, New England completely flipped the script with Newton throwing for 397 yards and rushing for 47 more en route to three total touchdowns. His favorite target Julian Edelman had one of his best regular season games hauling in 179 receiving yards off 8 catches and while the defense gave up 35 points they did haul in a pick-six and totaled a couple sacks too so Patriots fans can take a quick breath as they welcome in the 2-0 Las Vegas Raiders into Foxborough this weekend.
Buffalo Bills
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Miami Dolphins, 31-28.
Breakdown: Josh Allen and the Bills like to live life on the edge with their first two games being decided by a touchdown or less but man has their offense looked explosive thus far. Josh Allen looks like he has (finally) taken the next step passing for a career-high 417 yards with four touchdowns tossing the rock to his new weapon Stefon Diggs who looks to be the best Bills receiver since Andre Reed hauling in 153 yards and a touchdown torching the Fins defense all afternoon. The Bills defense was terrible but they are battling injuries to major starters so the one thing you can safely assume is a Sean McDermott-lead team will defend and if that comes to fruition #BillsMafia may be looking at their first AFC East Division crown since before I (26) was born. Next up for the Buffalo Wing Crew is welcoming in Jared Goff and the 2-0 Rams to Orchard Park.
Los Angeles Rams
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Philly Eagles, 37-19.
Breakdown: What a difference a year makes, clearly Jared Goff and Coach Sean McVay are trying to eradicate any thoughts of last year’s underperformance by coming out and manhandling opponents on both lines rushing for 191 yards and forcing the sinking Carson Wentz into two interceptions and a fumble. Goff has had a redemptive start to 2020 being unbelievably accurate, decisive and elusive, tossing 267 yards with three touchdowns and just six incompletions. Only one word comes to mind when I see this year’s Rams squad: impressive. They will look to continue to impress me and the doubters as they face a tough test traveling to Orchard Park to take on Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills this Sunday.
New Orleans Saints
Record: (1-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 34-24.
Breakdown: The Saints first road game summarized in a word: Ouch! Questions about Drew Brees arm are legitimate but missing a guy the caliber of Michael Thomas against a tough-minded Raiders team in a new Las Vegas stadium is a tall task to surpass and it proved so being dominated in the time of possession (36-to-23), committing to many penalties (10) and allowing Derek Carr to look like the 2016-version of him carving up New Orleans with 282 yards, three touchdowns off just 10 incompletions. Moving forward, I believe the Saints will give Alvin Kamara the ball about double the amount they did against the silver and black (13 attempts) and try to control the T-O-P more moving forward. Their shot at redemption starts next week when they take on a white-hot Aaron Rodgers and the Packers in the Dome Sunday night.
San Francisco 49ers
Record: (1-1).
Recap: Win Vs. New York Jets, 31-13.
Breakdown: No one had a worse week than the 49ers. Seven major injuries (four this week) to San Francisco starts after playing one of the worst fields in the league at Metlife Stadium. Still, Jimmy G and the crew beat the life out of the lifeless New York Jets physically and mentally manhandling them in every category finishing with four touchdowns while sacking Sam Darnold and limiting Gang Green to just 179 total passing yards. Jimmy G, Dee Ford, Richard Sherman, Telvin Coleman, Raheem Moestert are all questionable looking to week three and star Joey Bosa and Solomon Thomas’s season are over. Kyle Shanhan’s squad is back at Metlife to face another loser squad in Daniel Jones and the New York Giants.
Tennessee Titans
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 33-30.
Breakdown: The Titans seem to have ice in their veins because when the game’s on the line, Tennessee is straight money winning both their games on field goals. It is somewhat alarming the struggles of Derrick Henry’s efficiency but certainly encouraging what Ryan Tannehill has done through two games slicing and dicing the Jaguars secondary with four touchdowns to just six incompletions. Jonnu Smith looks to be a legit viable Titans weapon hauling in two touchdowns and explifying an ability to pass protect and outrun defenders with his strength and agility. I could certainly see him and the Raiders Darren Waller as being top end tight ends in this league. Tennessee’s defense looks terrible through two games but they are sacking the quarterback and forcing timely turnovers and if they continue that, the AFC South will be theirs for the losing. Next up: Mike Vrabel and the crew will face off against Kirk Cousins and the disappointing Vikings in Minnesota Sunday.
Las Vegas Raiders
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. New Orleans Saints, 34-24.
Breakdown: Just Win baby, one of the best catchphrases in football and with this Raiders squad, Al Davis somewhere in heaven would be smiling cause Derek Carr and John Gruden in their brand new home stadium nicknamed, “the Death Star,” played Raider football dominating the time-of-possession, owning the trenches rushing for 116 yards and torching the Saints secondary on long throws to future star tight end Darren Waller. Carr, who was left for dead over the past few seasons, has come out with a vengeance throwing for 259 yards, three touchdowns to just 10 incompletions. Their defense is hot garbage but with weapons like Josh Jacobs, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow and Henry Ruggs, this Raiders team can score with the best of them and that will certainly keep them in most games. The Silver and Black head up to Foxborough to take on a juiced Cam Newton and the New England Patriots Sunday afternoon.
Tampa Bay Bucs
Record: (1-1)
Recap: Win Vs. Carolina Panthers, 31-17.
Breakdown: The Bucs were down one of their top weapons in Chris Godwin but still manufactured 31 points thanks in large part to the dynamic play of Leonard Fournette. The former Jacksonville Jaguar-reject in only his second game looked explosive and powerful rushing for 103 yards off a blister 8.6-yards-per-carry average with the game-clinching 46-yard touchdown. Defensively, the Bucs defensive line and linebackers were dominant sacking Teddy Bridgewater into five sacks, two fumbles and a timely interception. Tom Brady is still channeling his inner Jameis Winston with his two-turnover-per-average but it was encouraging that he was able to find Mike Evans early and often en route to 104 yards off seven receptions and a 50-yard burner score. This team, on all ends, is a work-in-progress but they can continue to improve as they take on a backup quarterback for the Broncos in Denver Sunday.
Dallas Cowboys
Record: (1-1)
Recap: Win Vs. Atlanta Falcons, 40-39.
Breakdown: Comeback Kids: all truths aside, it is pretty tiresome always hyping up Dak Prescott and the Cowboys only for them to underperform and disappoint their way to another 8-8 season but I have to say their comeback against the Atlanta Falcons was unbelievable to watch. For all his shortcomings, Dak Prescott was amazing Sunday battling his way back and leading his team airing out 450 yards and three rushing touchdowns, becoming the first player to ever do that. Rookie CeeDee Lamb looks to be a legitimate bubble number one receiver, Amari Cooper is one of the best route-runners in the NFL and they still have Zeke to run over everything. This offense needs to be prolific each game cause the Cowboys defense is non-existent. Prescott and the high-powered squad will look to stay hot when they play an equally hot Russell Wilson and the Seahawks in Seattle Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Record: (1-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Tennessee Titans, 33-30.
Breakdown: Minshew Magic is apparently a real thing as Duvall’s finest has proven through two games that they can score thanks to Gardner Minshew and guys named James Robinson, D.J. Chark and rookie selection Laviska Shenault Jr. (Dare you to say that three times fast..) Through two games, the magical mustache has 512 passing yards with six touchdowns to just two interceptions. I am not alone in being shocked by this whereas the defense who acquired some talent this off-season has looked in a word: bad. Expect more of the same as the battle of the facial hair begins when Fitzmagic and the Dolphins take on Minshew Magic and the Jags in Jacksonville for Thursday Night Football.
Chicago Bears
Record: (2-0).
Recap: Win Vs. Giants, 17-13.
Breakdown: The Bears have looked below average in five of the eight quarters of football they’ve played thus far yet they are undefeated. Chicago’s defense has looked much-improved sacking Daniel Jones four times with a fumble and a timely pick and Matt Nagy’s offense has looked below average outside of one player and that’s second-year back David Montgomery. The former Iowa State Cyclone despite battling neck issues rushed for 82 yards and hauled in 45 more with a score looking agile, powerful and balanced before exiting with an injury. Nagy will need Montgomery and a turnover-less Trubisky to play more consistently when they face Matt Ryan and the high-powered Falcons in Atlanta Sunday.
Los Angeles Chargers
Record: (1-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 23-20 Overtime.
Breakdown: Just minutes before the game, rookie quarterback Justin Herbert was informed he would be the starter and what did he do? Oh, just throw for 311 yards and two total touchdowns guiding the Bolts to a near upset of the reigning defending Super Bowl Champs. The defense through two games has looked like a top-five unit in Bosa, Ingram, Tillery and Joseph holding down the front end while Hayward, Harris Jr. and King are locking down the back. If Los Angeles continues to run the ball effectively with the dynamic duo of Austin Ekeler and rookie Joshua Kelley combined with their dominant defense, the Chargers could certainly be a viable playoff threat. This week they take on Teddy Bridgewater and the 0-2 Panthers back at home.
Indianapolis Colts
Record: (1-1).
Recap: Win Vs. Minnesota Vikings, 28-11.
Breakdown: Welsh pop band EMF said it best in their hit single, “You’re Unbelievable,” What the Fudge? That’s kind of what it’s like watching the Colts. Indianapolis looked like they could beat the Jaguars in Jacksonville as they regularly do but lost then beat Dalvin Cook and Kirk Cousins with the Vikings in Indy looking like two different teams. The Colts defense led by DeForrest Buckner harassed Kirk Cousins into three sacks and three big interceptions. Jonathan Taylor is his home debut rushed for 101 yards off 26 carries and his first NFL touchdown and Phillip Rivers didn’t throw back-breaking interceptions. Indianapolis will look to dominante the time-of-possession (38-to-21) as they did previously, when they play Sam Darnold and the New York Jets back in the dome.
Cleveland Browns
Record: (1-1)
Recap: Win Vs. Cincy Bengals, 35-30.
Breakdown: The Dawgpound returned to form on Thursday Night as the Browns made Cleveland fans proud grounding-and-pounding for 215 yards off 6-yards-a-carry with three powerful touchdowns. Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt are two legitimate number one running backs and combined could be the most lethal duo in the NFL. So long as Myles Garrett and the defense can stuff the run and Baker Mayfield can avoid costly turnovers (both of which are tall tasks), the ‘Land can compete in a tough AFC North division. Baker and his Progressive Commercials will welcome Dwayne Haskins and the Washington Football Team to the Dawg Pound this Sunday.
Washington Football Team
Record: (1-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Arizona Cardinals, 30-15.
Breakdown: Washington had one of the most inspiring comebacks last game scoring 24-unanswered points to upset the Eagles on FedEx field, this week reality set in as they struggled through three quarters against a very potent Cardinals offense. WFT got after it sacking Kyler Murray three times but surrendered 160 yards off five-yards-a-carry and close to 300 through the air too. Offensively, Dwayne Haskins struggled immensely throwing for just 223 yards, getting sacks four times and fumbling the ball away once. Fortunately for them they are playing an unpredictable Baker Mayfield and the Browns in Cleveland Sunday so flip a coin on who does or doesn’t show up for that one.
Atlanta Falcons
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Dallas Cowboys, 40-39.
Breakdown: The Falcons just love to lose the biggest leads in NFL history it seems. It was a tough day for football if you hail from the A-T-L as Matt Ryan and the Dirty Birds coughed up a 19-point lead to Dak Prescott and the Cowboys in Jerryworld making Falcons fans remember their darkest day surrendering a 21-point lead to the Patriots in the Super Bowl. Bad offensive play-calling, awful pass-defense and one of the worst muffed onside kicks I’ve seen cost the Falcons their second game and it may, very well, be time for Atlanta to move on from head coach Dan Quinn. The only positive from this game and through two weeks has been the exceptional play of Calvin Ridley. The third-year pro out of ‘Bama has been outstanding hauling in 239 yards and four touchdowns already making tough catches with outstanding route-running and blazing speed. He along with, third-year Pro Russell Cage and superstar Julio Jones give the Falcons one of the best receiving corps in the league. Atlanta’s high powered offense will look to keep scoring when they play Mitch Trubisky and the Bears in Hotlanta this Sunday.
Denver Broncos
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 26-21.
Breakdown: Injuries have quickly derailed the high hopes of the Denver Broncos as Drew Lock and Courtland Sutton were both severely injured in a 26-21 loss to the Steelers in Pittsburgh over the weekend. Backup Jeff Driskell played valiantly but both lines struggled immensely surrendering seven sacks on offense while giving up 109 rush yards on defense the only silver lining during the Broncos two games has been the emergence of second-year tight end Noah Fant. Fant’s ability to block, make tough catches and run after the catch has been impressive. Denver will look to rebound when they face Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Bucs in Mile High Sunday.
Houston Texans
Record: (0-2)
Recap: Loss Vs. Baltimore Ravens, 33-16.
Breakdown: Houston, we have a problem and his name is Bill O’ Brian. Granted, the Texans have had arguably the hardest opening schedule playing the defending super bowl champs in the Chiefs in week one and one of the best teams in the league in the Ravens in week two so it’s understandable they have two losses. Deshaun Watson has struggled to find a viable number one option at receiver whereas the defense has struggled to stop the run surrendering 200 yards to the Ravens and 166 yards to the Chiefs but ultimately, nothing will be resolved or fixed permanently until the worst coach for a good football team is fired and that’s Bill O’ Brian. Deshaun Watson will continue to have his 2020 season wasted when the Texans battle Big Ben the Steelers in Pittsburgh this Sunday.
Minnesota Vikings
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Indianapolis Colts, 28-11.
Breakdown: If you take the “O,” from Skol, you can use that letter to scream “Oh No!,” if you’re a Vikings fan. Minnesota, organizationally, had shelled out money to Kirk Cousins, head coach Mike Zimmer and GM Rick Spielman but forgot their most important offensive weapon in Stefon Diggs. While Diggs is lighting up defenses in Buffalo, Kirk Cousins is throwing the football to the other team. He did that three times in their loss to the Colts and the defense, particularly in their secondary spearheaded with rookies looks like they have a long way to go. A team that looked on the rise in a major way has regressed immensely and that has to be an alarming sign for Vikings fans moving forward. Minnesota will search for their first win as they take on Derrick Henry and the Titans in Minneapolis Sunday.
Carolina Panthers
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Tampa Bay Bucs, 31-17.
Breakdown: Expectations weren’t high for a first year head coach in Matt Rhule and rebuilding Panthers squad, so being winless through two weeks was kind of expected. Teddy Bridgwater looks to be a solid starter while D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson are solid core at receiver but the injury to superstar Christian McCaffrey will certainly make it that much tougher for Carolina to win any future games. Rhule and the squad will look for win number one against Justin Herbert and the Chargers in SoFi Stadium in Inglewood Sunday.
Philadelphia Eagles
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Los Angeles Rams, 37-19.
Breakdown: The Eagles had their wings clipped Sunday getting absolutely dominated by Jared Goff and the Los Angeles Rams in Philadelphia and to make matters worse, Carson Wentz is struggling. The majority reason is the complete failure of the Eagles to build an even average offensive line around him but nevertheless it is somewhat sad to see a player of Wentz’s caliber continuously struggle with footwork, mechanics and decision making. The lone silver lining of this game and potentially Philly’s season is the play of second-year starter Miles Sanders. The former Penn State running back played tremendously rushing for 95 yards off 25 carries with a touchdown in the bird’s loss. The Eagles will try to regroup when they play Joe Burrow and the Bengals in Philly Sunday.
Miami Dolphins
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Buffalo Bills, 31-28.
Breakdown: In the word’s of State Farm, “oh, you gotta be quicker than that.” The Fins have been competitive in both of their games and had nice performances by Myles Gaskin, Mike Gesicki, DeVante Parker and Jerome Baker but haven’t been able to push in the “w,” column just yet. There are still lots of holes to fill for Miami and that can only be done through drafting, trading and signing players with coaches that can develop so all the Fins can do is to try to compete in each game. They will have their chance against Gardner Minshew and the Jaguars in Jacksonville on Thursday Night Football.
Detroit Lions
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Green Bay Packers, 42-21.
Breakdown: The Lions have lost their roar as Aaron Jones and the Packers ran all over them to the tune of 259 rushing yards and two touchdowns. Detroit struggled to protect Matt Stafford once more giving up four sacks that ultimately lead to a pick-six. Any person that has a heart must be saddened to see a player of Stafford’s caliber having his career wasted in a morbid franchise but one the plus side Adrian Peterson still looks as explosive and powerful as his 20’s. The Lions passing game should take an uptick with the return of Kenny Golladay when they face Kyler Murray and the Cardinals in the desert Sunday.
Cincinnati Bengals
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Cleveland Browns, 35-30.
Breakdown: The Bengals lost their growl surrendering 215 yards on the ground to the likes of their cross-town rival Cleveland Browns and Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt but man oh man this kid, Joe Burrow looks like a future star. The former Heisman Winner threw for 316 yards and three touchdowns in just his second start giving Cincy fans reason to hope. If he can continue to progress and find targets, Tee Higgins (fellow rookie), veteran AJ Green and Tyler Boyd, this team has the makings of a bright future. In the present, they head to Philly to play the equally struggling Carson Wentz and Eagles Sunday.
New York Giants
Record: (0-2).
Recap: Loss Vs. Chicago Bears, 17-13.
Breakdown: You can flip a coin to determine which team is worse in the Big Apple. Defensively, I think Big Blue only slightly edges out the Jets thus them being higher on my rankings. Losing superstar running back Saquon Barkely is a back-breaker for a struggling offense but defensively, the Giants sacked Mitchell Trubisky four times along with snagging two picks and newcomer Blake Martinez looks like one of the best linebackers in the league. New York will pray their defense can continue their improvement when the Giants look for their first win against Jimmy G and the 49ers at Metlife.
New York Jets
Record: (0-1).
Recap: Loss Vs. Buffalo Bills 27-17.
Breakdown: The 49ers lost five starters to the Jets and still blew them out 31-13. Fire Adam Gase or please trade Sam Darnold to a team where he can actually develop. That is the only breakdown the J-E-T-S deserve to receive from me. Darnold and Gang Green head to Indy to verse Phillip Rivers and the Colts this Sunday.
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