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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Brendan Sugrue

2023 NFL Power Rankings: Week 2

We’re officially through the first week of the 2023 NFL season and judging by the overreactions, half of the teams are Super Bowl bound while the other half are guaranteed the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. There’s no in between according to some fans.

While it’s way too early to make any declarations, we learned quite a bit about every team to begin the season. For example, the Kansas City Chiefs can’t rely on Patrick Mahomes to do it all, while the Dallas Cowboys look like a complete team if they can stay healthy. But what about everyone else?

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Each week of the season, Bears Wire will unveil power rankings of all 32 NFL teams. Here are the rankings entering Week 2.

1. San Francisco 49ers

Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) runs with the ball against Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb (55) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. San Francisco won 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 30-7 win at Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 4

If there were any doubts about Brock Purdy heading into the season as a starter, those can be put to bed. The 49ers dismantled the Steelers with efficient offense and stifling defense. Nick Bosa got paid and doesn’t look like he has any rust. They’re a complete team to start the year.

2. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas Cowboys running back Tony Pollard (20) runs with the ball at MetLife Stadium. Sunday, September 10, 2023
  • Week 1 result: 40-0 win at New York Giants
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 6

You couldn’t ask for a more complete game from the Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Dallas’ defense made life miserable for Daniel Jones and the New York Giants, while the offense hummed with no turnovers or sacks allowed. They made a statement with their performance in prime time.

3. Philadelphia Eagles

Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) throws a pass against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 25-20 win at New England Patriots
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 2

Once again, the Eagles thwarted Tom Brady, even if he wasn’t playing. Philadelphia opened their season with a sluggish win and have some things to work on. But even on their off days, they still have the talent to gut out tough victories.

4. Miami Dolphins

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) catches a 4-yard touchdown pass against Los Angeles Chargers cornerback Michael Davis (43) in the fourth quarter at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 36-34 win at Los Angeles Chargers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 10

Tua Tagovailoa is back and the Dolphins offense is thriving with him under center. He put on a show in Los Angeles with Tyreek Hill in a back-and-forth affair with the Chargers and secured the win late. It’s the kind of performance Dolphins fans needed to see.

5. Kansas City Chiefs

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) looks to tackle Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) during the second half at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
  • Week 1 result: 20-21 loss vs. Detroit Lions
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 1

It turns out Patrick Mahomes can’t do it all when his receivers drop passes and Travis Kelce is unavailable. But the good news is Kelce should be back this week and Chris Jones ended his holdout, giving a boost to the defense going forward.

6. Jacksonville Jaguars

Sep 10, 2023; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) celebrates a touchdown in the second half against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 31-21 win vs. Indianapolis Colts
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 7

There’s a new dynamic duo in the league now that Trevor Lawrence has Calvin Ridley as a receiver. The Jaguars offense continues to get better and better and Lawrence could enter the MVP conversation sooner rather than later.

7. Baltimore Ravens

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks to pass in the third quarter against the Houston Texans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 25-9 win vs. Houston Texans
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 9

The Ravens were dealt a blow on their offense as running back J.K. Dobbins was lost for the year with a torn Achilles. But they continued on thanks to Justice Hill and a stifling defense and cruised to an easy victory.

8. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws against the New York Jets during the first half of the home opener at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, in East Rutherford.
  • Week 1 result: 16-22 loss at New York Jets
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 3

It looked like the Bills had an easy victory when the Jets lost Aaron Rodgers to injury, but Josh Allen threw three interceptions and coughed up a fumble to keep the Jets in the game and ultimately, give them the victory. Buffalo should bounce back, but this was one of the worst performances of Allen’s career.

No. 9 Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Alim McNeill (54) celebrates Lions’ 21-20 win over Kansas City Chiefs with defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Mo. on Thursday, Sept. 7, 2023.
  • Week 1 result: 21-20 win at Kansas City Chiefs
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 13

The Lions had many opportunities to put the Chiefs away early, but kept them in the game until the end. Nevertheless, they took down the reigning Super Bowl champions and started their season off on the right foot while dealing with lofty expectations.

10. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) throws during warm ups before the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland.
  • Week 1 result: 3-24 loss at Cleveland Browns
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 5

The Bengals and Joe Burrow once again start the season slow, but this time they had little to no life on offense. They should get things figured out but it was an uninspiring effort against a division foe.

11. Los Angeles Chargers

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) reacts after a first down against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 34-36 loss vs. Miami Dolphins
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 8

The Chargers put up a good fight against the Dolphins, yet were on the wrong side of the result when it was all said and done. Their defense is too talented to give up nearly 500 passing yards, but at least their offense can keep them in games.

12. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) runs for a first down as Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton (21) makes the tackle in the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, at Cleveland Browns Stadium in Cleveland.
  • Week 1 result: 24-3 win vs. Cincinnati Bengals
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 16

The Browns offense is still a work in progress after Deshaun Watson’s uneven day, but at least they have a stellar defense. Cleveland was giving fits to Joe Burrow all afternoon long, keeping them from doing much of anything. If the Browns can get their offense going, watch out.

13. New York Jets

Buffalo Bills defensive end Leonard Floyd (56) sacks New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) early in the first quarter during the home opener at MetLife Stadium on Monday, Sept. 11, 2023, in East Rutherford. Rodgers was carted off the field after being hit.
  • Week 1 result: 22-16 win vs. Buffalo Bills
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 12

The Jets got a big win over the Bills in overtime, but the big news is the potential season-ending injury to Aaron Rodgers. The Jets are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball and now will have to turn back to Zach Wilson to lead them. That’s not quite how their fans saw this season going.

14. Green Bay Packers

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 10: Jordan Love #10 of the Green Bay Packers celebrates a touchdown pass to Romeo Doubs (not pictured) against the Chicago Bears during the second half at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
  • Week 1 result: 38-20 win at Chicago Bears
  • Week 1 ranking: No. 22

The official start of the Jordan Love era couldn’t have gone much better for the Packers. He threw for three scores and pulled away from the Bears in the second half. We’ll see if they can keep it up, but it was an impressive start to the season.

15. New Orleans Saints

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – SEPTEMBER 10: Derek Carr #4 of the New Orleans Saints attempts a pass during the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at Caesars Superdome on September 10, 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
  • Week 1 result: 16-15 win vs. Tennessee Titans
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 17

The Derek Carr era didn’t get off to a bang in New Orleans, it was more of a light tap. Still, Carr helped the Saints win a close one over the Titans thanks to timely third-down conversions. A healthy Michael Thomas also helps when it comes to the passing attack.

 

16. Seattle Seahawks

Sep 10, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) passes the ball against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 13-30 loss vs. Los Angeles Rams
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 11

The Seahawks opened their season like we all thought they would last year. They were outplayed by the Rams and Geno Smith turned into a pumpkin when his two tackles went out of the game. Time will tell if the Seahawks can rebound but it wasn’t an encouraging start to the year.

17. Pittsburgh Steelers

Sep 10, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt (90) pass rushes at the line of scrimmage against San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. San Francisco won 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 7-30 loss vs. San Francisco 49ers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 14

It turns out the preseason isn’t an accurate indicator of regular season success. Who knew? The Steelers looked abysmal against one of the premier teams in the league. Kenny Pickett was ineffective and the defense had few answers for the San Francisco offense.

18. Los Angeles Rams

Sep 10, 2023; Inglewood, California, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams (81) reacts after a first down against the Miami Dolphins in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 30-13 loss at Seattle Seahawks
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 26

Perhaps if the Rams have a healthy quarterback, they can actually field a competitive team. Matthew Stafford returned to form and the Rams relied on their running game to put points on the board. If they can hold down the fort while Cooper Kupp recovers, there’s a chance they may have a chance to be more competitive than previously thought.

19. Atlanta Falcons

Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder (9) in action against the Carolina Panthers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 24-10 win vs. Carolina Panthers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 25

The Falcons offense didn’t need to do much when their defense set them up with short fields on multiple occasions. Jessie Bates intercepted Bryce Young twice that helped put the Falcons on the board. They pulled away late and gave the rookie quarterback hell in his first start.

20. New England Patriots

Sep 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots running back Ezekiel Elliott (15) runs the ball during the second half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 20-25 loss vs. Philadelphia Eagles
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 20

Tom Brady was in the building, but he wasn’t going to suit up and help the Patriots come back against the Eagles. Mac Jones threw the ball 54 times but couldn’t lead a scoring drive late to steal a win. The Patriots didn’t move in the rankings and are the same team we thought they were going into the season.

21. Washington Commanders

Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell (14) reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Arizona Cardinals at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 20-16 win vs. Arizona Cardinals
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 23

It wasn’t a pretty performance, but the Commanders were able to hold off the Cardinals and pull away for the victory. Sam Howell had a rough opener and the offense turned the ball over three times to an inferior Arizona squad.

22. Minnesota Vikings

Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) prepares to throw a pass against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 17-20 loss vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 18

The look on Justin Jefferson’s face as the game ended said it all. The Vikings had the best player on the field on Sunday, but couldn’t do much outside of Jefferson’s performance. The Vikings one-score game luck finally ran out.

23. New York Giants

New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) had a very difficult time against the Dallas Cowboys. The Giants lost, 40-0, on Sunday, September 10, 2023.
  • Week 1 result: 0-40 loss vs. Dallas Cowboys
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 15

No team had a worse performance on the field than the Giants on Sunday Night Football. New York couldn’t get anything going at any level, whether it was turnovers on offense, allowing big gains on defense, and special teams miscues. It was a complete breakdown against a division rival.

24. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) pushes away New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye (6) during the first quarter at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.
  • Week 1 result: 15-16 loss at New Orleans Saints
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 24

The Titans didn’t show us anything we didn’t already know. They have a struggling offense with Ryan Tannehill as the signal caller, while their defense can hold their own to keep them in games. They’ll play teams tough but wins will be hard to come by.

25. Las Vegas Raiders

Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22) pushes away New Orleans Saints safety Marcus Maye (6) during the first quarter at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, La., Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023.
Sep 10, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) passes the ball in the third quarter against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 17-16 win vs. Denver Broncos
  • Week 1 ranking: No. 30

Jimmy Garoppolo had one of his patented performances where he was efficient enough to secure a victory. The Raiders defense, meanwhile, stepped up even without Chandler Jones and started the season off on a good foot.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) passes against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 20-17 win at Minnesota Vikings
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 28

Perhaps we were too harsh on the Buccaneers following the retirement of Tom Brady. Baker Mayfield stepped up when he needed to most and the team still has star players on both sides of the ball. Let’s see how far they can go, though.

27. Denver Broncos

Sep 10, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA;Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton (14) celebrates his touchdown with wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey (17) in the second quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 16-17 loss vs. Las Vegas Raiders
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 19

The good news for Broncos fans is their Week 1 game wasn’t as disastrous as their Week 1 game from last year. Denver was missing key players and Russell Wilson wasn’t as detrimental to the team. But they needed to beat an inferior Raiders team and couldn’t.

28. Chicago Bears

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 10: Justin Fields #1 of the Chicago Bears is sacked by Devonte Wyatt #95 of the Green Bay Packers during the second half at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
  • Week 1 result: 20-38 loss vs. Green Bay Packers
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 21

The Bears were outcoached, outplayed, and outsmarted in their game against the Packers. This was supposed to be the turning point in a one-sided rivalry and instead it was much of the same.

29. Carolina Panthers

Sep 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) passes against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 10-24 loss at Atlanta Falcons
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 27

Bryce Young may be a good quarterback someday, but throwing to below-average receivers with poor blocking won’t help his development. It could be a long year for the Panthers.

30. Indianapolis Colts

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson (5) looks down field Sunday, Sept. 10, 2023, during a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.
  • Week 1 result: 21-31 loss vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 31

The Colts were able to hang with the Jaguars for the majority of the game and Anthony Richardson made some highlight plays. That’s enough to move them up a spot, but expectations should still be low for this team.

31. Houston Texans

Sep 10, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) attempts a pass as Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Rayshad Nichols (91) rushes during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
  • eek 1 result: 9-25 loss at Baltimore Ravens
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 30

Like the Colts, the Texans have reason for optimism after C.J. Stroud had a passable debut. It’s just going to be a awhile until that optimism results in wins on the field.

32. Arizona Cardinals

Sep 10, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Joshua Dobbs (9) rolls out during the second half against the Washington Commanders at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
  • Week 1 result: 16-20 loss at Washington Commanders
  • Last week’s ranking: No. 32

Only 17 more weeks, Cardinals fans. You can do this.

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