NFL Week 2 Hierarchy

Week two of the 2017/2018 NFL season is in the books and it surely was a good one. There were several games throughout Sunday afternoon, evening and Monday night showing what teams are built to win multiple games and possibly making the playoffs later this season.

Here is the top ten teams after the conclusion of week two.

10. Tennessee Titans (1-1)

The Tennessee Titans came out flat this weekend especially not a great performance from quarterback Marcus Mariota. However, they picked it up in the second half and were able to establish a running game and Mariota settled down and was able to throw a touchdown pass on a route to a win against the Jacksonville Jaguars.

9. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)

Once again it proved that the Seattle Seahawks’ biggest weakness is their offensive line. Russell Wilson simply does not have enough time to throw the ball. However, they are held together by their defense which will be one of the top defenses in the league and will be able to carry the team to at least a ten win season.

8. Denver Broncos (2-0)

Nothing too impressive with the Denver Broncos especially because they played the Dallas Cowboys’ defenses. Still, Trevor Siemian did play well and was able to move the ball but just like always, their defense carried the load and led them to victory. The Broncos’ defense must play exactly like that every week if they want a chance to snag a wild card spot once playoff time comes around.

7. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)

The Dallas Cowboys defense is horrendous and their offense did not look much better against the Denver Broncos. Trevor Siemian looked like a MVP caliber quarterback and running back C.J. Anderson was able to run right through and easily make it into the secondary. However, even with a poor performance from Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot against the Broncos defense (which will be the best defense they will see all season) the Cowboys should still be considered the favorites to win the NFC East.

6. Green Bay Packers (1-1)

Even with a blowout to the Falcons, the Green Bay Packers will still be considered on of the top teams in the NFC. Aaron Rodgers is still a viable threat to put up 300+ yards passing and two touchdowns per game and their defense is in good enough shape to hold their own. After two tough games against top teams in the NFC, the Packers get an easier game next week home against the Cincinnati Bengals.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0)

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked solid against the Minnesota Vikings this past Sunday. Ben Roethlisberger is just doing his thing and looked very good once again doing it and with the rise of Martavis Bryant alongside Antonio Brown and company, the Steelers are looking like one of the top teams in the AFC.

4. Oakland Raiders (2-0)

Granted this week’s win was against an awful New York Jets team but the Oakland Raiders are playing lights out. They could be one of the teams to be an actual threat to the New England Patriots coming playoff time. Derek Carr is still on that upward slope and he threw three touchdown passes during the game against the Jets. The biggest concern coming into this season however was their defense. They did not have much trouble with the Jets, only allowing 145 total passing yards and 126 total rushing yards.

 

3. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)

 

It just feels like the Kansas City Chiefs are for real this season. After a beat down of the Patriots in week one, they backed it up with a strong performance against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their defense rushed Carson Wentz all game long and made him uncomfortable while Alex Smith continued to show the world he can throw the ball down field.

2. New England Patriots (1-1)

Even after the embarrassing loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in week one, the Patriots showed that it was just a fluke. Their offense brought the heat against the New Orleans Saints (granted not the most threatening defense) this week with Tom Brady throwing three touchdown passes.

1. Atlanta Falcons (2-0)

The Atlanta Falcons manhandled the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football and it was not even close. After a good first week by Aaron Rodgers against the Seattle Seahawks, many believed that this game would be a close one. However, this game was reminiscent of last year’s NFC championship game. The Falcons high-powered offense ran right through the Packers defense and their much improved defense definitely made it difficult for Aaron Rodgers to settle in.