NFL Power Rankings: Who stands at the top after Week 2?

The bulk of Week 2 games have concluded for the 2023 NFL season. Let’s release a fresh set of power rankings. Who moved up? Who moved down?  Power rankings are fun.  Keep in mind that we are still early in the 2023 NFL season, so these rankings are probably going to look a bit different by the time Week 18 rolls around.

Week 2 was filled with more stellar games and exceptional play from offenses, defenses, and special teams.  For those who started 2-0, those teams have set themselves up nicely for the continued push.  For those who are 0-2, well, statistically, it’s not looking great.  We’ve seen teams do a complete 180 from their early season starts, and we’ll surely see that again this year.

Let’s power rank all 32 NFL teams as we come to the conclusion of Week 2.  There are four teams who still need to play.  The New Orleans Saints face off against the Carolina Panthers and the Cleveland Browns face off against the Pittsburgh Steelers, both games coming on Monday night.

With those teams in mind, let’s rank the teams.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 17: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears attempts a pass during the second quarter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on September 17, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

NFL Power Rankings: Who stands at the top after Week 2?

32. Chicago Bears (0-2)

The Chicago Bears are really bad.  Justin Fields is simply not the long-term answer in Chicago.  He holds on to the ball for too long and has a confusingly long drop-back process.  GM Ryan Poles should already being doing homework on QBs for 2024 and beyond.  The Bears do have some nice talent on their roster, so I don’t think all is lost.

31. Arizona Cardinals (0-2)

The Arizona Cardinals are not getting blown out, if nothing else.  They gave up a huge lead to the New York Giants on Sunday.  That’s really about it.  There’s not much more to talk about with this team.  They might win a few games and I’d expect them to be selecting Caleb Williams next April.

30. Houston Texans (0-2)

The Houston Texans are a rebuilding football team and they look like it.  CJ Stroud had a 103.5 rating against the Indianapolis Colts, so I do think there is some promise there.  I find the Texans’ roster to be better than most think, but they haven’t really shown it thus far.

29. Minnesota Vikings (0-2)

Folks, I don’t think the Minnesota Vikings are very good.  Kirk Cousins is still a stud, but their offensive line stinks, their run game is nonexistent, and the defense is still bad.  They will be sellers at the trade deadline.