1. New Orleans Saints (2-0, –)
The defending champs had a close call with the 49ers on Monday Night but have earned our respect. Their offense has done enough against two good defenses and they’ve held opponents to low scores as well.
2. Green Bay Packers (2-0, –)
The Bills can make anyone look great, but the Packers would impress against any opponent. They really opened things up in the second half and showed how much firepower they have. Six sacks already for Clay Matthews? Wow.
3. Houston Texans (2-0, +8)
Funny how a missed kick by Graham Gano had the ability to influence Houston by about 10 spots, but this offense is tremendous. The defense still needs a lot of work, but the Texans must be respected.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (2-0, +5)
The defense that led the NFL in 2008 seems to be back now that everyone is healthy. They have some QB troubles but that will be fixed once Roethlisberger is back. Until then, the D will keep it together.
5. Indianapolis Colts (1-1, +1)
Indy followed up a disappointing loss in their season opener by putting together one of the most impressive wins of week two. The Texans caught them in week one but it will be tough for anyone else to. Their offense is locked into top form.
6. New England Patriots (1-1, +1)
Sure the Jets just beat them and people will wonder how we can put them higher, but that was a road game for New England. Put in Foxboro and the Pats win it. They’re the better overall team and will prove it.
7. Chicago Bears (2-0, +19)
Big road win over the Cowboys in week two. Jay Cutler has looked good and so has their defense. We’ll find out what they’re made of Sunday night against the Packers.
8. Baltimore Ravens (1-1, -5)
Maybe a bad call kept them from being 2-0, but their defense has looked stout this year. Joe Flacco threw a career-worst 4 picks against the Bengals. Once Flacco and the offense get it going they’ll validate the high ranking.
9. New York Jets (1-1, +1)
The offense came together at home as Mark Sanchez opened things up and threw for three TDs. The defense shut down the Pats in the second half and looked good. Losing Revis will hurt but they’re good enough to compensate.
10. Miami Dolphins (2-0, +5)
Think you should be higher? Prove it with a win over the Jets this weekend. The defense has been really good but the offense hasn’t moved the ball well. That’s not a good formula for long term success.
11. San Diego Chargers (1-1, -6)
We were high on SD despite their week one loss to KC. The beatdown they handed the Jags is exactly what we expected from them. They should continue to roll with an easy schedule ahead.
12. Atlanta Falcons (1-1, –)
The week one loss in Pittsburgh says more about the Steelers defense than it does Atlanta. This team can score points and is awfully tough at home. Huge divisional battle at New Orleans this weekend.
13. Washington Redskins (1-1, +3)
Very easily could be 2-0 and higher on the list, but we’ll give them credit for playing well against two tough opponents. Their defense is solid and with McNabb at QB, they can put up some points.
14. Minnesota Vikings (0-2, -10)
They have some serious, serious issues. Just 19 points in two games? The passing game is completely off and they’ve been turning it over. They should get a win Sunday heading into a must-win week five game at the Jets after their bye.
15. New York Giants (1-1, -2)
Yikes. They got smashed on Sunday night and proved they don’t belong with the big boys. Still, this team is solid enough to be right in the middle of the pack. The pass defense needs work but won’t be tested again until week four.
16. Dallas Cowboys (0-2, -8)
Did anybody expect this? With a trip to Houston in store, they better get a win otherwise they can kiss off the playoffs at 0-3. We’ll find out if they still have a pulse after Sunday otherwise we can already write them off.
17. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1, -3)
A big divisional win over Baltimore was good, but they did it kicking five field goals. Their offense still isn’t reliable enough but their defense is good enough to keep them in most games.
18. Tennessee Titans (1-1, -1)
Vince Young looked brutal Sunday but I’ll attribute that to Pittsburgh’s awesome defense. He’ll have much better days but I’m not exactly expecting greatness from this team until VY steps it up.
19. Philadelphia Eagles (1-1, –)
I’m convinced putting Kolb back in as the starter is the wrong move for them. The Jags can easily flip flop with them in the rankings with a win on Sunday. If Reid doesn’t come to his senses, it probably will happen.
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1, –)
Ugly, ugly loss to San Diego where everything became a disaster. They remain one of the most skitzo teams in the NFL, pretty good at home but brutal on the road. Keep that in mind as they oscillate from week to week.
21. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0, -3)
How is it possible for them to win another game yet move down in the poll? They may have the Ws, but they just have not been impressive. Defense and special teams doesn’t last. They need more from their passing game.
22. Denver Broncos (1-1, +2)
The team looked dominant at home against a weak team and threw the ball well for the second straight game. They just don’t have enough weapons on either side of the ball to be a real threat.
23. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0, +5)
A nice 2-0 start but we’re obviously not buying it. Josh Freeman looks capable enough and their defense is vastly improved. They’ll likely get outclassed in their next three games.
24. San Francisco 49ers (0-2, -1)
They had a strong showing at home against the Saints but the offense still needs work. Turnovers hurt and I don’t trust Alex Smith. That defense is stout enough to win them the division.
25. Seattle Seahawks (1-1, -2)
Now this is much more like it. After a stellar showing in week one, Seattle got completed embarrassed on the road at Denver. Four turnovers and a weak pass defense killed them. Plenty more of this is to come.
26. Detroit Lions (1-1, -1)
They blew a lead against Philly but came charging back. Shaun Hill gives them a chance but they lose a lot without Stafford in there. They’re an improved team but still not very good.
27. Oakland Raiders (1-1, –)
Their upside is limited by Bruce Gradkowski at quarterback, but sadly he actually makes them a better team. Their defense and running game has been good enough to get them by.
28. Arizona Cardinals (1-1, -8)
This team just is not very good. We’ve really seen how much of a difference Kurt Warner made for them. As always, their weak division will help them look good. Getting a win over the Raiders will make them respectable.
29. Cleveland Browns (0-2, –)
They were extremely close to beating the Chiefs but that’s not saying much. There really isn’t anything to highlight here. They honestly don’t have any real assets and are the worst team in their division.
30. Carolina Panthers (0-2, –)
It doesn’t get much worse than being hammered at home by Tampa Bay. They should be ashamed of themselves. Jimmy Clausen better develop quickly because Matt Moore certainly is not the answer.
31. St.Louis Rams (0-2, +1)
Well, at least they competed in both their games. The offense is showing signs of potential under Sam Bradford but they have a ways to go. So does the defense. Some positives here but they’re still bad.
32. Buffalo Bills (0-2, -1)
If you’re making a quarterback change to Ryan Fitzpatrick, then you know your team is in trouble. Horrible play from the most important position on the field keeps them this low. They need a QB desperately.
