NFL: Weekly Power Rankings
1. Los Angeles Rams (2-0, +3): The Rams couldn't get going in the first quarter against the Arizona Cardinals, but after that, QB Jared Goff started rolling. He finished the game with 354 yards on 75.0 percent passing, with one touchdown and one interception. RB Todd Gurley played out of his mind, too, finishing with three touchdowns as the Rams pulled away for a 33-0 victory. Los Angeles' defense has been stout thus far this season, allowing just 13 points in two games. They held QB Sam Bradford to just 90 yards and picked him off once. After taking down the Oakland Raiders (33-13), the Rams improved to 2-0 with a runaway with over the Cards (34-0). The Rams will now face the Los Angeles Chargers and Minnesota Vikings in the next two weeks.
2. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0, +3): The Chiefs' offense has looked unstoppable so far in the first couple outings, as they've put up a combined 80 points in wins over the Chargers and Pittsburgh Steelers. The defense hasn't been nearly as good, but with QB Patrick Mahomes at the helm, they might not need it right now. In only his second season in the league, Mahomes has looked like one of the best signal callers in the NFL. He threw for 326 yards on 82.1 percent and six (!) touchdowns, including three in the first 15 minutes. Mahomes has an undeniable connection with TE Travis Kelce, who recorded 109 yards on seven catches and two scores. The Chiefs will look to continue rolling as they host the San Francisco 49ers next weekend.
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-0, +3): The Jaguars looked like they wanted revenge against the New England Patriots for the AFC title game last year. Jacksonville was just a few minutes away from playing for the Super Bowl until QB Tom Brady shredded their dreams. The Jags held onto that frustration and let it out eight months later as they jumped all over the Patriots, going up 14-0 after one period (and 21-3 at halftime). Jacksonville's defense refused to let the New England backfield hurt them, and RB Sony Michel was the leading rusher with just 34 yards on 10 carries. QB Blake Bortles played a great game, throwing for 377 yards and four scores. The Jaguars will play their first division game with a matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
4. Cincinnati Bengals (2-0, +3): The Bengals were picked by many to finish third in the AFC North, but through two games, they have certainly been the best team in the division. Now, we know what you're thinking: "It's only been two games!" And while you'd be right, it's still hard to argue with how good the offense has been through two outings (and one was against a solid Baltimore Ravens club). We aren't projecting Cincinnati to win the Super Bowl, or even make the playoffs, but they should be on your radar now after outscoring their first two opponents by a combined 68-46. WR A.J. Green is tied for the league-lead in TDs right now. Cincy will have a chance to prove their quality against the Carolina Panthers and Atlanta Falcons next.
5. Minnesota Vikings (1-0-1, -2): The Vikings pulled back a couple of spots because of their tie with the Green Bay Packers in Week 2, but that's actually a pretty good spot to be in. Late in the matchup, it seemed like the Packers were going to come away with the win (which could go a long way in winning the division), but QB Kirk Cousins was able to put together a masterful drive to tie the game 29-29 in the final seconds. After neither team could score in the shortened overtime period, we have our second tie in as many weeks. For Minnesota fans, that's a pretty good sign. It's never easy to win in Green Bay and even if it's just a tie, that's certainly better that a one in the loss column. The Vikings should bounce back versus the lowly Buffalo Bills.
MVP Rankings:
1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) (+2)
2. Jared Goff (Rams) (+0)
3. Myles Jack (Jaguars) (+3)
4. Kirk Cousins (Vikings) (+0)
5. A.J. Green (Bengals) (+2)
Photo Credit: 4FOR4.
