Week two in the NFL is one of the more perplexing times of the season.
It’s the big week when those ominous playoff statistics start to float around. If your team is sitting pretty at 2-0, the odds are in your favor. If your team is lacking two wins to start the season, things aren’t exactly floating down your team’s stream.
However, when teams like the Bills and Texans are perfect and teams like the Saints and Colts are without wins, it’s hard to believe that these teams’ fates are set in stone. But, this is the NFL, and anything can happen on any given game day. Are the perfect teams for real? Are the winless teams on the downward path? What about the plethora of 1-1 teams?
One thing that week two does effectively is end week one honeymoons. If your favorite team won big in the first game and got squashed in the second game, those feel-good jitters were probably replaced with worrisome questions and bummed-out frowns. But, you know what, that’s okay. Early season NFL is all about working out the kinks and getting your team clicking. We’ve still got a long, long stretch to go, and who knows where your selected franchise will be once the final whistle blows.
Here are the 10 thoughts I had during the week.
1. The San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints are highly-respectable franchises with wonderful rosters, but those two teams have one bad thing in common: they both let RB Darren Sproles get out of their hands. After Monday night’s big comeback win for the Eagles, both of these teams must feel pretty crummy about not having Sproles on their sidelines. I mean, look at what he did. 152 yards from catches? That’s incredible. Watching him run all over the Indianapolis defense was like watching a symphony in motion. In Chip Kelly’s offense, Sproles is flourishing, and it doesn’t hurt that a fellow by the name of LeSean McCoy is the main running back on the roster. With Sproles and McCoy, the Eagles’ run game should be dynamic this year. They’ve also got a mean offensive line and the league’s second-best passing game. Best offense in the NFL? Perhaps.
2. The Buffalo Bills sitting at 2-0 is just as shockingly great as it looks. The team got a last-minute road win against the Bears in week one and firmly put the hammer down on the Dolphins at home. So, what’s going right for the Bills? Second-year QB E.J. Manuel is currently 32/48 with 375 yards and three touchdowns on the season. Those aren’t “elite” numbers, but they’re respectable given that Manuel is growing into the role. C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson are leading the Bills’ rushing attack, and rookie Sammy Watkins appears to be exactly what the Bills had hoped for with 11 receptions and 148 yards on the season so far. The defense also already has six sacks on the year. A lot is going right for the Bills right now, but Sunday’s home game against San Diego won’t be a walk in the park. Can the Bills keep chugging along to 3-0?
3. Don’t put too much stock into the Saints and Colts being 0-2. The Saints literally have lost both of their games at the last minute, and the Colts have lost two close games to two of the best teams in the league. Sure, it doesn’t look great, but both of these teams are major, major contenders for their divisions and the playoffs.
4. The Bengals quietly may have become the best team in the NFL. In the first two weeks of the season, the team has won a division game in Baltimore and has shut down one of the best offenses in the league in the Falcons. Andy Dalton and company are rolling right now. A.J. Green may miss some time with a non-severe injury, but the team proved in their win over Atlanta Sunday that they don’t even have to be at full health to cause headaches for other teams. Could Cincinnati have the league’s best defense? Hosting the Titans at home should be another stage to prove their dominance. The Oct. 5 game in New England, after a bye week nevertheless, should be a major, major time to prove that they’re the best of the bunch.
5. The Chargers silenced the ‘Seahawks best ever?’ conversation with a big win over Seattle Sunday. I pose this question: are the Chargers Super Bowl contenders? I think so. QB Philip Rivers has been rejuvenated under head coach Mike McCoy, their offense is dangerous and their defense is getting steadily better. I really do think that they could cause a lot of problems for teams in the playoffs. Wild Card teams have always been able to make pushes in the past. Could the Chargers be that team this year? Early indications are good.
6. It’s hard not to root for Cowboys LB Rolando McClain. The former first rounder has struggled both on and off the field, but ever since exiting retirement and starting the season with Dallas, the former Alabama player has been on fire. He’s the team’s leading tackler right now, and he had a magnificent interception against Tennessee Sunday. Right now, McClain has to be a major candidate for Comeback Player of the Year.
7. The Cleveland Browns got their home opening win in style, defeating the New Orleans Saints. QB Brian Hoyer is playing admirably for the team. Is Cleveland legit? They might not be Super Bowl contenders, but this team is playing far better than anyone could have given them credit for. Just think – if their comeback march against Pittsburgh had just happened a little earlier, we could be looking at the 2-0 Cleveland Browns. Major credit goes to this team, head coach Mike Pettine and his staff for Sunday’s win. Rookie RB Terrence West looks to be the real deal.
8. Rams quarterback Austin Davis probably didn’t know he would be winning an NFL game as a starting quarterback this season, but the third-string QB went 22 for 29 and 235 yards, posting up a 99.1 rating against a talented Buccaneers defense. The Rams say the starting job will go back to Shaun Hill when he returns from injury, but Davis has earned his roster spot for the year, getting the Rams their first win of the year.
9. Let’s clear something up real quick: Seattle didn’t lose to San Diego because they are a fluke. Far from it. Seattle lost to San Diego because San Diego is a really, really good team, and it just wasn’t Seattle’s day. Carry on.
10. Houston’s monster defensive end J.J. Watt got a touchdown on offense over the weekend. It was awesome. ‘Nuff said.
WOODY’S POWER RANKINGS – WEEK TWO
32. Oakland Raiders (0-2)
Oakland hasn’t exactly had the hardest schedule to start the season, but in fairness, the team is starting a rookie quarterback with Derek Carr and was missing RB Maurice Jones-Drew Sunday. Look at their schedule for the rest of the season. It’s brutal.
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2)
The Bucs are taking their punches early. Losing at home to the Austin Davis-led Rams is not good on any level. This team has talent, but so far, nothing is clicking for Tampa Bay. New coach Lovie Smith has a project on his hands. It may take some time, but the Bucs have a good blueprint in motion.
30. St. Louis Rams (1-1)
The Rams got a road win on the arm of Austin Davis, their third-string quarterback. That was over the struggling Tampa Bay, mind you, but a win’s a win. This team still could have a long season ahead, but winning is winning. They get bumped up out of the bottom spot.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2)
Does anybody know how this team was able to wallop Philly for a half last week? Anybody? A Kirk Cousins-led Washington demolished this team. The Jags need to find whatever they did early in week one and duplicate it. Fast.
28. New York Giants (0-2)
The Giants take a road loss to a Carson Palmer-less Cardinals, going to 0-2 in the division. Once a Super Bowl-caliber team, the Giants could be the worst team in one of the NFL’s worst division. Can Eli Manning and company get things turned around?
27. Washington (1-1)
With Robert Griffin III missing some time due to an ankle injury, QB Kirk Cousins stepped up and made some plays in a win over Jacksonville. RB Alfred Morris also had a big day. Will Cousins be able to guide this team through an RGIII injury?
26. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2)
The Chiefs are struggling, but it’s hard to imagine this team to be down for too much longer. A division title is pretty out-of-reach with Denver and San Diego playing at the level they are, but is a Wild Card spot a possibility? A lot rides on if this offensive line starts to click and open up holes for RB Jamaal Charles.
25. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)
The Steelers need to right the ship early this season after nearly losing to Cleveland in week one and being dominated by the Ravens in week two. However, rookie LB Ryan Shazier is playing some inspired football right now. Unfortunately for the Steelers, the team must face Carolina on Sunday.
24. Tennessee Titans (1-1)
After the resounding win over KC on the road in week one, the Titans got pummeled by the Cowboys at home. Jake Locker didn’t have the best day, but neither did the Titan’s defense. Two road games against Cincinnati and Indianapolis don’t exactly look great for the team, but Tennessee’s best performance this season was on the road, so who knows.
23. Minnesota Vikings (1-1)
With Adrian Peterson in a sea of controversy, head coach Mike Zimmer is going to have to really get this team going. QB Matt Cassel has to start playing better. He threw four picks in the loss to New England Sunday.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-1)
The Dolphins lost soundly to Buffalo Sunday, but they soundly defeated New England in week one. So, what do we do with the Dolphins? With Kansas City coming to town Sunday, the team needs its offensive arsenal to step up. WR Mike Wallace needs to have a big year this year to justify his monster contract. Letting up 4 sacks on QB Ryan Tannehill isn’t going to cut it for the rebuilding o-line, either.
21. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)
Dallas should feel pretty good right now. After receiving a blistering loss to San Francisco in week one, the Cowboys lit up a good Tennessee team on the road. DeMarco Murray had a career day, and Tony Romo looked sharp. Rolando McClain also had some nice plays on defense. Still a long season, but Dallas can play.
20. Cleveland Browns (1-1)
Talk about a statement win for first-year head coach Mike Pettine. Winning at home against a formidable Saints team is a nice way to show you’re a competitive ball team. Brian Hoyer looks to be the answer at QB for the team so far.
19 New York Jets (1-1)
The Jets got close to defeating the Packers before dropping the game at the end. Still, the team had Green Bay on the rocks before Aaron Rodgers and Jordy Nelson got it going. There’s talent here, and if the team can figure out a way to keep their opponents down, they could make some noise.
18. Houston Texans (2-0)
Houston hasn’t exactly had the hardest schedule so far, but 2-0 is 2-0. Things are going the Texans’ way, but defeating an 0-2 Giants on the road won’t be an easy task. But, hey, J.J. Watt catches touchdowns now, so anything is possible.
17. New Orleans Saints (0-2)
What’s going on with the Saints? Two as-close-as-can-be losses on the road have been hard for New Orleans. Rob Ryan’s defense hasn’t been the same this year, but it’s still a scary roster. The team is back in the Superdome against Minnesota this week. It’ll be important for New Orleans to win this one big.
16. Detroit Lions (1-1)
After a big win over the Giants in week one, Detroit got brought back down to earth in a road loss to the Panthers. Any day where Calvin Johnson doesn’t have a touchdown is not a good day. The run game is also going to have to step it up, with no RB rushing for over 40 yards. A home game against Green Bay should be a great test for Detroit.
15. Indianapolis Colts (0-2)
The Colts are the best 0-2 team in the league. Two losses in primetime hurt, but the Colts have too talented a roster and coaching staff for this to become a trend. A weak AFC South helps, but Andrew Luck is going to have to work a little bit of his late-game magic if the team gets down on the ropes again like it did against Philly on Monday night. The front seven is also going to have to play better with Arthur Jones out for a little while.
14. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)
The Ravens squashed Pittsburgh on Thursday Night Football last week, with new acquisitions TE Owen Daniels and WR Steve Smith proving their worth early in the season. The Ravens are good, but how will the team fair on the road this season? Cleveland awaits.
13. Buffalo Bills (2-0)
Are the Bills the “It” team of the NFL right now? Maybe so. This team is 2-0 and is playing some good football right now. A road win Chicago looks great for the Bills, and the team crushed Miami at home Sunday. A home game against a tough San Diego Chargers should finally prove if the Bills are truly a force to be reckoned with this season.
12. New England Patriots (1-1)
The Patriots got a needed win over the Vikings Sunday, but the loss to Miami still makes you wonder. This is essentially the same team from last year, only nearly better when you compare rosters. New England needs a big win over a good team. Oct. 5’s Sunday night home game against Cincinnati will be the team’s time to prove their worth.
11. Green Bay Packers (1-1)
The Pack came back from a big deficit and got the late win against the Jets Sunday. Aaron Rodgers is doing Aaron Rodgers-like things, and Jordy Nelson currently leads the NFL in receiving yards with 292. But, having to come back to, admittedly, a not-as-talented team like the Jets isn’t the best way to win games. Green Bay is good, but the team needs to turn in a complete performance against the Lions when the travel to Detroit this weekend.
10. Atlanta Falcons (1-1)
It’s a tale of two games for Atlanta. After looking like one of the NFL’s best in a win over New Orleans, they looked like, well, not one of the NFL’s best in a road loss to Cincinnati. The o-line didn’t hold up against the Bengals’ pass rush, and Atlanta didn’t ever get pressure on Andy Dalton. But, rookie Jake Matthews is likely to return from injury this week. When the Falcons’ can block for Matt Ryan, this team can make fireworks. Somebody’s got to step up and rush the passer, though.
9. San Francisco 49ers (1-1)
The team couldn’t break in their new stadium with a win, but the Niners’ offense is too good for this team to be upset. The defense isn’t as ferocious (especially in the secondary), but there’s enough talent in San Francisco for this team to be okay. A road game against division rival Arizona won’t be easy, though.
8. Chicago Bears (1-1)
“Da Bears” proved how dangerous they can be when Jay Cutler and Brandon Marshall are clicking in a comeback road win against San Francisco. With inspired play from CB Kyle Fuller to boot, Chicago looks to have already put their week one loss behind them. If the team keeps this up, consider Chicago to be one of the better teams in the NFL.
7. San Diego Chargers (1-1)
The Chargers toppled the NFL’s giants in a win over Seattle. Philip Rivers chucked three touchdown passes to Antonio Gates, proving that the duo still has their patented spark. Even Seattle didn’t have the 12th Man on their side, the Chargers still deserve a lot of credit for the win. They’re back to make waves this season.
6. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
Darren Sproles, Darren Sproles, Darren Sproles. He and LeSean McCoy just might be the best running back tandem in the NFL. No one is going to stop Philly’s running game anytime soon, and their passing attack is pretty solid (second in the league right now, actually). But, they had to fight back to win Monday night against the Colts. It’s the second week they’ve had to dig themselves out of a mess. Can this team put points on the board early, or are they the new comeback team of the NFL?
5. Carolina Panthers (2-0)
The Panthers are legit, make no mistake about it. The Lions are no easy out, and Carolina had no issue with handing them their first loss of the season. However, Cam Newton got sacked 5 times on Sunday. This shouldn’t be a recurring theme for Carolina.
4. Arizona Cardinals (2-0)
The Cards won, with Drew Stanton behind center for the first time since 2010 nevertheless. This team really can make an impact, especially with RB Andre Ellington playing at a high level. Getting QB Carson Palmer healthy is imperative, but Stanton has proven he can hold down the fort. A home game against San Francisco should be tough, though.
3. Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
Those in the ‘Seattle is the best team in the NFL ever and will go 500-0 this year’ corner got a big piece of humble pie after the Seahawks lost on the road to San Diego. That’s far more to the idea that San Diego is a really, really good team that’s hard to beat. The Seahawks will be fine, but the week’s marquee matchup between them and Denver should prove to be quite the watch. Yes, they’ll be at home.
2. Denver Broncos (2-0)
Denver is 2-0, and has looked like the NFL’s best team in the first half. But, oddly, the team isn’t playing its best football late in games. The Colts nearly came back against the team in week one, and the Chiefs stuck around longer than the team probably would have liked for them to. Denver is winning, but it doesn’t feel as convincing as last year. Maybe they need time to warm up before the major wins start piling in. A Super Bowl rematch against Seattle should be a close one. Can Denver dominate for a full game?
1.Cincinnati Bengals (2-0)
See more above in my 10 thoughts for the week, but they’re my pick for best in the league right now. They can weather their short-term injuries.
PLAYER OF THE WEEK: RB DARREN SPROLES, EAGLES
Sproles had 7 receptions and 152 yards in the air, coupled with 26 yards on the ground and a touchdown. No player was more fun to watch than he was in week two. He had a career day.
5 GAMES TO WATCH IN WEEK THREE
Denver Broncos @ Seattle Seahawks (Sunday late afternoon)
The undefeated Broncos head to Seattle for a Super Bowl rematch. Denver’s defense is far more able to slow down the Seattle offense now, but can Peyton and company put points against the board against the Seattle defense playing at home?
San Diego Chargers @ Buffalo Bills (Sunday afternoon)
The Bills are the “feel-good” team of the NFL so far, but stopping a red-hot chargers team at home will be no small task for Buffalo.
Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions (Sunday afternoon)
The Packers and Lions both have a chance to be pretty great teams this year, but both have suffered tough road losses this season. Both teams can make statements with big division wins in this one.
San Francisco 49ers @ Arizona Cardinals (Sunday late afternoon)
The Niners dropped a tough one to the Bears in their home opener, but the Cardinals may be without Carson Palmer. Can backup QB Drew Stanton lead the Cards to another win? It’ll be a big division matchup.
Baltimore Ravens @ Cleveland Browns (Sunday afternoon)
After Cleveland’s big win over New Orleans, the Browns could go to 2-1. Will the Ravens, fresh off a big win of their own over Pittsburgh, crash the party? Browns QB Brian Hoyer needs to continue to play well.
Thanks, everyone, and be sure to head back to the screening room next week for another Film Session.