NFL Week 2 Power Rankings 2024: Who’s Rising and Falling After the First Games…

As the NFL season rolls into its second week, the landscape is already shifting dramatically. Teams are jockeying for position, and Week 1 has provided plenty of insights into which squads are thriving and which are struggling. Here’s a snapshot of how all 32 teams stack up after an action-packed start.

**1. Kansas City Chiefs**: The defending champions made a strong statement with a convincing win, showcasing their potent offense and improving defense. Patrick Mahomes continues to dazzle, making the Chiefs the team to beat.

**2. Philadelphia Eagles**: The Eagles were dominant in their opener, with Jalen Hurts and the offense firing on all cylinders. Their defense also stepped up, making them a formidable opponent.

**3. San Francisco 49ers**: The 49ers’ defense was relentless, and their balanced offense proved too much for their opponents. They’re looking like a well-oiled machine early in the season.

**4. Buffalo Bills**: Buffalo’s high-powered offense was in full swing, and their defense held strong. They remain a top contender in the AFC with Josh Allen leading the charge.

**5. Baltimore Ravens**: The Ravens showcased their defensive prowess and an efficient offense, led by Lamar Jackson. Their versatility and playmaking ability make them a serious threat.

**6. Cincinnati Bengals**: Despite some early-season rust, Joe Burrow and the Bengals are proving they can compete at the highest level. Their high ceiling keeps them in the upper echelon.

**7. Miami Dolphins**: Miami’s offense, spearheaded by Tua Tagovailoa, was explosive. They’re showing signs of being a playoff team with their dynamic playmakers.

**8. Dallas Cowboys**: Dallas’ defense was the story of Week 1, as they stifled their opponent and scored a few defensive touchdowns. If the offense finds its rhythm, the Cowboys could rise even higher.

**9. Jacksonville Jaguars**: Trevor Lawrence looked sharp in the opener, and the Jaguars’ defense made key plays. They’re solidifying their position as a playoff contender.

**10. Los Angeles Chargers**: The Chargers put on an impressive offensive display, though they’ll need to shore up their defense to be a serious playoff threat.

**11. Minnesota Vikings**: Minnesota’s offense looked strong, but their defense struggled at times. They’ll need to balance both sides of the ball to stay competitive.

**12. New Orleans Saints**: The Saints had a solid performance, with their defense and new quarterback Derek Carr showing promise. They’re in a good spot in a competitive NFC South.

**13. Seattle Seahawks**: The Seahawks had a strong showing, with their offense clicking well. Their defense will need to be more consistent as the season progresses.

**14. Pittsburgh Steelers**: Pittsburgh’s defense was impressive, but the offense will need to improve to sustain success throughout the season.

**15. Green Bay Packers**: The Packers had a mixed opener, but their young quarterback Jordan Love showed potential. They’ll need to build on this early performance.

**16. Atlanta Falcons**: Atlanta’s running game was effective, and their defense held firm. They’re making strides but need more consistency to be a playoff contender.

**17. Denver Broncos**: Denver’s defense was solid, but the offense struggled. Finding a balance will be key for their season.

**18. Tennessee Titans**: The Titans had an uneven performance, with their running game showing promise but their passing game lagging behind.

**19. New England Patriots**: New England’s defense was strong, but their offense needs significant improvement to compete effectively.

**20. Indianapolis Colts**: The Colts had a mixed opener with some promising moments. They’ll need to address consistency issues to climb higher in the rankings.

**21. Las Vegas Raiders**: The Raiders had a tough start, with their offense and defense both showing vulnerabilities. They’ll need to regroup quickly.

**22. Chicago Bears**: The Bears struggled in their opener, with both offense and defense needing significant adjustments.

**23. Washington Commanders**: Washington had a tough game, and their performance was inconsistent. They’ll need to improve in several areas to be competitive.

**24. New York Giants**: The Giants had a disappointing start, with both sides of the ball underperforming. They need to bounce back quickly.

**25. Carolina Panthers**: Carolina’s rookie quarterback had some highlights, but overall, the team struggled. Patience will be key as they develop.

**26. Houston Texans**: The Texans showed some promise, but their performance was inconsistent. They’ll need time to find their footing.

**27. Arizona Cardinals**: The Cardinals had a rough opener, struggling on both sides of the ball. They’re in a rebuilding phase and have a long way to go.

**28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers**: Tampa Bay struggled to make an impact, with their offense and defense both failing to perform at a high level.

**29. New York Jets**: The Jets had a tough start, with their performance highlighting the need for improvement on both sides of the ball.

**30. Baltimore Ravens**: The Ravens had an uneven performance, with their defense showing promise but their offense faltering.

**31. San Francisco 49ers**: The 49ers had a strong showing, but they still need to address some inconsistencies to maintain their high ranking.

**32. Detroit Lions**: The Lions struggled in their opener, with their performance leaving much to be desired.

As we move into Week 2, teams will look to address their weaknesses and capitalize on their strengths. The season is young, and with plenty of football left to be played, expect these rankings to evolve as teams hit their stride and others falter.