NFL Energy Rankings Week 2: Let’s overreact! Chargers, Bucs up; Bengals, Falcons down

The Week 2 NFL Energy Rankings are right here, and which means it’s time to overreact.

The league’s coaches and gamers have spent all offseason telling us that yearly brings new potentialities, that what occurred up to now and media expectations for the longer term don’t matter. We’re going to take them at their phrase. Meaning all of the winners are within the high 16 and all of the losers are within the backside 16. These are the Week 2 guidelines.

These rankings are primarily based solely on what occurred within the opening slate of video games, and we’re not afraid to make some massive pronouncements. As an illustration, passing is useless within the NFL. The common passing yards gained within the first 16 video games was 186.9 yards. Solely two quarterbacks topped 300 yards by the air. Solely DeeJay Dallas saved the brand new “dynamic” kickoff, and the NFL ought to think about scrapping it instantly. Dallas had a 96-yard return for a landing, nevertheless it was principally only a bunch of touchbacks. And, lastly, the Cleveland Browns ought to simply cease enjoying now, however we’ll get to that later.

For now, we begin on the high, which is about the one place these rankings look the identical.

Final week: 1

Thursday: Beat Baltimore Ravens 27-20

Is it too early to begin speaking a few four-peat? Rookie huge receiver Xavier Worthy touched the ball thrice and gained 68 yards and scored twice. Second-year receiver Rashee Rice opened the season with the fourth 100-yard sport of his profession. Eight Chiefs skill-position gamers touched the ball, and Travis Kelce had solely 34 yards, so there’s loads extra there for the Chiefs, who could possibly be the primary group to three-peat within the Tremendous Bowl period in the event that they maintain this up.

Up subsequent: vs. Bengals, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

Final week: 5

Monday: Beat New York Jets 32-19

Christian McCaffrey was inactive Monday evening due to a lingering calf pressure. That might sink most groups. These 49ers aren’t most groups. They survived a drama-filled preseason. Heck, they thrived. Coach Kyle Shanahan plugged in third-year working again Jordan Mason, a former undrafted free agent, rather than McCaffrey, and Mason carried the ball 28 occasions for 147 yards towards what was one of many league’s finest defenses in 2023. Newly super-rich huge receiver Brandon Aiyuk had solely two catches, and the Niners nonetheless scored on eight straight drives. No surprise San Francisco wasn’t bending over backward to satisfy all his calls for.

Up subsequent: at Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 8

Sunday: Beat Arizona Cardinals 34-28

Josh Allen took the super-early MVP lead by throwing for 2 touchdowns and speeding for 2 extra, together with a classic Josh Allen half-hurdle, half-bulldoze a defender. He’s now tied with Steve Younger for many video games in NFL historical past with a number of passing and speeding touchdowns (4). 9 Payments caught a go, and rookie huge receiver Keon Coleman led the group with 4 catches for 51 yards. Linebacker Terrel Bernard helped fill the hole left by one other Matt Milano harm by registering 11 tackles.

Up subsequent: at Miami Dolphins, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Can not cease watching this @JoshAllenQB landing. 🤯#GoBills | #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/xU0dd6BLOT

— Buffalo Payments (@BuffaloBills) September 8, 2024

Final week: 4

Sunday: Beat Indianapolis Colts 29-27

Joe Mixon is the league’s main rusher after getting a career-high 30 carries and ending with 159 yards. It put him in such an excellent temper that he declined after the sport to take a shot on the group that permit him go — the Cincinnati Bengals. “I simply wanna go away them the place they’re at, identical to the place they left me,” he stated. One other new man on the town for Houston had a reasonably good debut, too, as Stefon Diggs caught two landing passes. (Nico Collins nonetheless racked up 117 yards.)

Up subsequent: vs. Chicago Bears, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

Final week: 2

Sunday: Beat Los Angeles Rams 26-20 (OT)

The Lions gained the sport with an eight-play, 70-yard landing drive in additional time. Seven of these performs had been runs that coated 60 yards. It was Dan Campbell’s dream drive. This could be his dream group, too. Jared Goff was positive. David Montgomery had 91 speeding yards. Perhaps most significantly, Jameson Williams had his first 100-yard receiving sport, ending with 5 catches for 121 yards.

Up subsequent: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 10

Friday: Beat Inexperienced Bay Packers 34-29

The New York Giants didn’t open the season till Sunday and one way or the other they obtained embarrassed on Friday evening in South America. Former Giants working again Saquon Barkley saved Jalen Hurts from a tricky day by scoring three touchdowns, two on the bottom, to go together with 109 yards speeding, and one by the air. There are some causes for fear, although. Hurts had two interceptions, and the Jason Kelce-less Tush Push failed on its first try.

Up subsequent: vs. Atlanta Falcons, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Final week: 7

Sunday: Beat Cleveland Browns 33-17

Dak Prescott gained the day Sunday. Not simply within the NFL however on the planet. No person had a greater day than the Cowboys quarterback. Hours earlier than the sport, Prescott finalized a six-year contract that ensures him $231 million and makes him the primary participant in league historical past to make $60 million per season. Then he went out and had a really Dak sport — environment friendly however not spectacular with 19-for-32 passing for 179 yards and a landing. It was loads to beat an already flailing Cleveland group.

Up subsequent: vs. New Orleans Saints, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 14

Sunday: Beat Jacksonville Jaguars 20-17

Tyreek Hill was handcuffed and detained outdoors the stadium simply earlier than the sport after a visitors incident. He was launched virtually instantly and made it inside, the place he had seven catches for 130 yards, together with an 80-yard landing that he adopted with a handcuff celebration. Tua Tagovailoa led all quarterbacks in Week 1 with 338 yards, and the Dolphins scored the sport’s ultimate 13 factors to return from behind.

Up subsequent: vs. Buffalo Payments, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET

Tyreek Hill’s week 1 stats:

• 7 catches
• 130 receiving yards
• 1 TD pic.twitter.com/opkRevcnUI

— NFL Stats (@NFL_Stats) September 9, 2024

Final week: 17

Sunday: Beat Las Vegas Raiders 22-10

Justin Herbert handed for 144 yards. J.Okay. Dobbins rushed for 135 (on 10 carries). Welcome again to the NFL, Jim Harbaugh! His return to the NFL is the whole lot we thought it might be. Dobbins, a second-round decide by the Ravens in 2020, has an opportunity to be one in all this 12 months’s breakout stars. He has performed in simply 24 video games in 4 years due to harm, but when he stays wholesome, Harbaugh will make certain he will get loads of carries.

Up subsequent: at Carolina Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

10. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-0)

Final week: 22

Sunday: Beat Washington Commanders 37-20

If not for Josh Allen, Baker Mayfield would have been the very best quarterback of the day Sunday. The Browns and Panthers each let Mayfield stroll out the door and each have franchise-sinking conditions at quarterback in the meanwhile. In the meantime, Mayfield handed for 289 yards and 4 touchdowns. His efficiency makes us imagine a fourth straight NFC South title is inside attain for Tampa Bay.

Up subsequent: at Detroit Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Guys…I do know yall don’t wish to hear it however I’m ALL IN on the Baker Mayfield profession resurgence. He’s balling proper now.

21/27 256yds 3 TD’s 143.2 score & 60% on third Down
pic.twitter.com/Wsb0UiW5hR

— Chase Daniel (@ChaseDaniel) September 8, 2024

11. New Orleans Saints (1-0)

Final week: 25

Sunday: Beat Carolina Panthers 47-10

The Saints have the NFL’s longest lively streak of season-opening victories with six after embarrassing the Panthers. Derek Carr had three landing passes. Alvin Kamara had 83 speeding yards. And New Orleans scored on 81.8 % of its drives, a Week 1 excessive. Defensively, the Saints held Carolina to three.5 yards per play. For one week at the very least, New Orleans will not be the worst group within the NFC South, and it might be the second finest.

Up subsequent: at Dallas Cowboys, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 19

Sunday: Beat Denver Broncos 26-20

Regardless of being the primary group since 2017 to surrender a number of safeties in a sport, Seattle gained Mike Macdonald’s teaching debut behind Kenneth Walker’s 103 speeding yards. Keep watch over cornerback Tariq Woolen, who had an interception and two passes deflected. Woolen and Devon Witherspoon could possibly be the very best cornerback duo within the league underneath Macdonald.

Up subsequent: at New England Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Final week: 20

Sunday: Beat Atlanta Falcons 18-10

Mike Tomlin began a backup quarterback and his group didn’t rating a landing. After all, the Steelers gained. Chris Boswell tied the group report and got here two wanting tying the NFL report with six discipline targets and needed to function emergency punter within the fourth quarter, too. Justin Fields began rather than the injured Russell Wilson (calf) and did simply sufficient (57 yards speeding, 156 yards passing) to get a win.

Up subsequent: at Denver Broncos, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

14. Minnesota Vikings (1-0)

Final week: 23

Sunday: Beat New York Giants 28-6

The Vikings let Kirk Cousins go away for Atlanta, then misplaced rookie J.J. McCarthy to a season-ending harm. Now it’s the Sam Darnold Present, and the primary episode wasn’t that dangerous. Darnold completed 19 of 24 for 208 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. Eight Vikings caught passes, and Aaron Jones rushed for 94 yards. 4 Minnesota defenders, together with rookie Dallas Turner, had at the very least one sack.

Up subsequent: vs. San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

15. New England Patriots (1-0)

Final week: 32

Sunday: Beat Cincinnati Bengals 16-10

Defensive lineman Keion White had 2 1/2 sacks, three quarterback hits and a pressured fumble, and Rhamondre Stevenson had 120 speeding yards on 25 carries. These issues make it lots much less essential who New England performs at quarterback. Sunday, as anticipated, it was veteran Jacoby Brissett over the rookie Drake Maye. Brissett threw for 121 yards, and no Patriot had greater than 31 receiving yards. Invoice Belichick should have liked this sport.

Up subsequent: vs. Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

16. Chicago Bears (1-0)

Final week: 16

Sunday: Beat Tennessee Titans 24-17

No quarterback within the league had fewer yards per try in Week 1 than No. 1 decide Caleb Williams (3.2), who was 14 of 29 for 93 yards and a 55.7 passer score in his NFL debut. New working again D’Andre Swift had 10 carries for 30 yards and No. 9 decide Rome Odunze had one catch for 11 yards. The concept that the new-look Bears had been going to be the league’s shock group appears foolish after Week 1. The excellent news is a particular groups landing (blocked punt return) and a defensive landing (pick-six) saved the day.

Up subsequent: at Houston Texans, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET

17. Baltimore Ravens (0-1)

Final week: 3

Thursday: Misplaced to Kansas Metropolis Chiefs 27-20

Lamar Jackson can’t maintain this up. Positive, the reigning MVP regarded nice — he led the Ravens in speeding with 16 carries for 122 yards and threw for 273 yards and a landing, dealing with the ball on 57 of 74 performs. Hopefully, that was simply Jackson making an attempt to placed on his superhero cape to knock Patrick Mahomes down a peg and he’ll calm down now as a result of it’s laborious to think about him surviving 17 video games with the sort of workload and speak to he had Thursday evening. Baltimore, theoretically, introduced Derrick Henry in for a cause this offseason, however Henry had solely 13 carries.

Up subsequent: vs. Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

18. Indianapolis Colts (0-1)

Final week: 18

Sunday: Misplaced to Houston Texans 29-27

In his fifth NFL sport, second-year quarterback Anthony Richardson participated in 268 of the Colts’ 303 yards. It will not be a sustainable option to play offense, nevertheless it was enjoyable to observe Sunday, together with a spectacular 60-yard landing go to Alec Pierce. It was the third-longest landing go in air yards (65.3) since Subsequent Gen Stats started monitoring in 2016. He additionally led the Colts with 56 yards on the bottom.

Up subsequent: at Inexperienced Bay Packers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

ANTHONY RICHARDSON 60-YARD DIME TO ALEC PIERCE.

📺: #HOUvsIND on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/p0xddm5Kl1

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

19. Los Angeles Rams (0-1)

Final week: 12

Sunday: Misplaced to Detroit Lions 26-20

By the top of the sport, the Rams had been with out Puka Nacua (knee) and down to 2 wholesome offensive line starters, they usually nonetheless managed to push Detroit to additional time. The explanations had been Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp. In his eighth season, Kupp had a career-high 21 targets and tied his profession excessive with 14 catches. Stafford, regardless of being pressured on 45 % of his makes an attempt, was one in all two quarterbacks within the league to high 300 passing yards.

Up subsequent: at Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

20. New York Jets (0-1)

Final week: 13

Monday: Misplaced to San Francisco 49ers 32-19

Let’s deal with the optimistic: Aaron Rodgers made it by Week 1 completely wholesome. He was a pedestrian 13-for-21 for 167 yards, one landing and one interception, however he’ll make it to Week 2. His outdated good friend Allen Lazard even had a Lazarus-like efficiency with six catches for 89 yards. The worrying factor is the protection that was supposed to offer a flooring for this group gave up 401 yards to a 49ers group with out Christian McCaffrey and barely something from Brandon Aiyuk.

Up subsequent: at Tennessee Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

21. Inexperienced Bay Packers (0-1)

Final week: 6

Friday: Misplaced to Philadelphia Eagles 34-29

The ink is barely dry on Jordan Love’s new $220 million contract, and he’s now going through an prolonged absence due to a knee harm suffered late within the sport. As worrisome? Love didn’t look nice earlier than the harm, finishing solely 50 % of his passes and throwing an interception. Enjoying in Brazil on a less-than-perfect discipline definitely contributed to that, however not all of Love’s misses had been turf-related. The Packers have Malik Willis behind Love, and it appears like they may attempt to trip with him till Love can return.

Up subsequent: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

22. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-1)

Final week: 21

Sunday: Misplaced to Miami Dolphins 20-17

With two minutes left within the third quarter, Jacksonville had a 92.3 % likelihood to win the sport, in line with The thirty third Group. The Jaguars gave up 13 straight factors from there. Trevor Lawrence’s 12-of-21 for 162 yards efficiency isn’t going to persuade anybody who was on the fence about him. The huge receivers had been the one brilliant spot. Gabe Davis had three catches for 62 yards. Rookie Brian Thomas Jr. had 4 for 47.

Up subsequent: vs. Cleveland Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

23. Arizona Cardinals (0-1)

Final week: 27

Sunday: Misplaced to Buffalo Payments 34-28

Is Marvin Harrison Jr. a bust? Simply kidding, however keep in mind we’re overreacting this week. The No. 4 decide within the draft dropped his first goal and completed with one catch for 4 yards. On the plus aspect, Arizona nonetheless scored 28 factors because of DeeJay Dallas getting the primary kickoff return for a landing of the “dynamic” kickoff period.

Up subsequent: vs. Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET

THE FIRST DYNAMIC KICKOFF RETURN TOUCHDOWN.

DEEJAY DALLAS. 96 YARDS.

📺: #AZvsBUF on CBS/Paramount+
📱: https://t.co/waVpO909ge pic.twitter.com/COYfonnYxR

— NFL (@NFL) September 8, 2024

24. Las Vegas Raiders (0-1)

Final week: 26

Sunday: Misplaced to Los Angeles Chargers 22-10

Maxx Crosby had a sack, three quarterback hits and a deal with for loss. Newcomer Christian Wilkins was second on the group with 5 tackles. Raiders followers can be completely happy to finish speak about Sunday’s sport right here. The Raiders averaged 3.2 yards per keep it up the bottom and managed solely three factors within the ultimate three quarters. Essentially the most head-scratching teaching determination of the day got here from Antonio Pierce, who opted to punt from the Chargers’ 43-yard line down six factors with seven minutes left within the sport.

Up subsequent: at Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

25. Cincinnati Bengals (0-1)

Final week: 9

Sunday: Misplaced to New England Patriots 16-10

Ja’Marr Chase didn’t have a fantastic negotiating week. The Bengals star huge receiver stored his group in suspense about his standing all week as he tries to barter a brand new contract. He performed, and the Cincinnati offense nonetheless regarded horrible. Chase had 62 yards on six catches, however the Bengals nonetheless had their third-lowest offensive output since 2021. It didn’t assist that fellow receiver Tee Higgins sat out with a hamstring harm. Joe Burrow’s 164 passing yards had been the fifth fewest of his profession.

Up subsequent: at Kansas Metropolis Chiefs, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

26. Tennessee Titans (0-1)

Final week: 24

Sunday: Misplaced 24-17 to Chicago Bears

If that is the “Let’s See If Will Levis Is The Man Season,” then the early reply is not any. Levis accomplished 19 of 32 passes, averaged 4 yards per try and gave Chicago its profitable pick-six with a horrible determination halfway by the fourth quarter. That’s how Tennessee gave up a 17-0 lead regardless of the Bears gaining solely 148 yards. At the least Tony Pollard’s debut was stable. He had 16 carries for 82 yards.

Up subsequent: vs. New York Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

27. Denver Broncos (0-1)

Final week: 30

Sunday: Misplaced to Seattle Seahawks 26-20

Rookie quarterback Bo Nix main the Broncos in speeding was not on anybody’s bingo card. The issue for Denver is it took solely 35 yards to steer the group in speeding. That’s not sustainable for a Sean Payton offense with a rookie quarterback, particularly one who threw for 138 yards on 42 makes an attempt in his debut. Solely fellow rookie Caleb Williams had fewer yards per try in Week 1 than Nix’s 3.3.

Up subsequent: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET

28. Atlanta Falcons (0-1)

Final week: 15

Sunday: Misplaced to Pittsburgh Steelers 18-10

The Falcons spent massive on free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins within the offseason. In truth, just one group spent extra this offseason general than Atlanta ($252.6 million), which additionally employed an offensive coordinator out from underneath Sean McVay. All of it added as much as 10 factors and 226 whole yards, the fourth fewest within the league in Week 1. Cousins threw two interceptions and contributed to a fumble because the Falcons misplaced the turnover battle 3-0.

Up subsequent: at Philadelphia Eagles, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET

29. Washington Commanders (0-1)

Final week: 28

Sunday: Misplaced to Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-20

The award for quietest good day goes to Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had the very best day in a crowded rookie class on the place. Daniels accomplished 17 of 24 passes for 184 yards and led Washington in speeding with 16 carries for 88 yards and two touchdowns. He had the sixth-best EPA (anticipated factors added) per play (.25) and the Commanders piled up 22 first downs and had the fourth-best offensive success charge within the league (48.3 %).

Up subsequent: vs. New York Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

30. New York Giants (0-1)

Final week: 31

Sunday: Misplaced to Minnesota Vikings 28-6

New York’s massive guess on Daniel Jones final offseason mainly meant it couldn’t pay Saquon Barkley this offseason. Whereas Barkley led the divisional rival Eagles to a win this week, Jones opened up with a 44.3 passer score, the second worst within the league in Week 1. Rookie huge receiver Malik Nabers did handle 5 catches for 66 yards.

Up subsequent: at Washington Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

Pay attention, I believe Daniel Jones is dangerous, however that is subsequent stage lol

The man hears it sufficient from legit everybody. Yelling in his face after the sport is OD.

pic.twitter.com/KrhmYcX77S

— Alex Wilson (@AlexWilsonESM) September 9, 2024

31. Carolina Panthers (0-1)

Final week: 29

Sunday: Misplaced to New Orleans Saints 47-10

Bryce Younger’s first go of the season was intercepted, and it didn’t get any higher from there. The Saints scored on their first eight possessions and had 37 factors earlier than Carolina scored a landing. “We’ve obtained lots to determine (on protection),” first-year head coach Dave Canales stated. Offensively, too. The Panthers had 20 carries for 58 yards and had been led in receiving by Adam Thielen’s 49 yards.

Up subsequent: vs Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

32. Cleveland Browns (0-1)

Final week: 11

Sunday: Misplaced to Dallas Cowboys 33-17

Let’s evaluate the Deshaun Watson state of affairs. His salary-cap quantity for the following two seasons is $72 million per season. If the Browns had been to chop him after this season, it might be a $200 million dead-money cap hit, in line with Over the Cap. Even when they keep on with him till 2026, it’s nonetheless a $99 million dead-money cap hit to eliminate him. They’re caught with this. “This” is the fourth-worst passer score within the league Sunday (51.1). His 3.8 yards per try was the third lowest within the league, and it was as dangerous because it regarded. On Monday, the state of affairs obtained even worse and extra sophisticated as he was accused once more of sexual battery and assault in a brand new lawsuit.

Up subsequent: at Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET

(Prime photograph of Khalil Shakir, left, and Dalton Kincaid: Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Photos)