Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season introduced many shock performances.
The New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings claimed victories over groups ranked within the high 10 of our Week 2 Energy Rankings. In the meantime, three of our preseason top-15 groups, the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, are 0-2 to start out the season.
With so many twists and turns after the second week of play, our Energy Rankings have shuffled. So, let’s take a look at how all 32 groups stack up.
Along with our rankings, the NFL Nation reporters picked a very powerful backup/function participant on every group. We took a have a look at the gamers who may not be thought-about the “go-to” guys however nonetheless contribute to the group’s success.
Let’s try the brand new 1-32 rankings under, beginning with the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs.
Our energy panel of greater than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL groups stack up in opposition to each other, rating them from 1 to 32.
Earlier rankings: Preseason, Week 2
Leap to a group:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 2 rating: 1
Most essential backup/function participant: LB Leo Chenal
Chenal has stuffed quite a lot of roles for the Chiefs. In Sunday’s sport in opposition to the Bengals, Chenal lined up as a defensive finish, defensive sort out, inside linebacker and outdoors linebacker. He additionally obtained a few snaps on offense as a blocker in short-yardage conditions and was in for 17 particular groups performs. Chenal has been more and more used as a rusher in passing conditions and has the Chiefs’ third-highest stress share (10.3%) amongst any of their gamers with 10 or extra cross rushes. — Adam Teicher
Week 2 rating: 8
Most essential backup/function participant: DB Cam Lewis
This might go to quite a lot of gamers with the Payments’ protection off to such an injured begin. Lewis is one participant on this roster who’s requested to step up in so some ways, at present because the beginning nickel whereas Taron Johnson offers with a forearm damage. The previous undrafted free agent out of the College at Buffalo can be a backup at security and a particular groups participant. He tied for the group excessive in tackles (10) in opposition to the Dolphins and persevering with to play nicely whereas Johnson misses time shall be essential. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 2 rating: 2
Most essential backup/function participant: WR Jauan Jennings
Because the No. 3 receiver, the Niners lean on Jennings to do the soiled work and ship when it issues most. He has earned the belief to deal with blocking duties from outdoors receiver to de facto tight finish. For the reason that begin of final season, Jennings has a run block win charge of 84.8%, nicely above the league common (79.2%) for receivers in that span. If that is not sufficient, he has additionally earned the nickname “Third and Jauan” for his capability to maneuver the chains. Fifty-five of his 85 profession receptions have gone for first downs, with 34 of these approaching third or fourth down. — Nick Wagoner
Week 2 rating: 6
Most essential backup/function participant: RB Dameon Pierce
With operating again Joe Mixon’s availability unknown due to an ankle damage, Pierce may be requested to step up and carry the speeding load. The Texans’ passing assault is averaging 219 yards by means of two weeks, and the offense is at its greatest when it will probably run the ball. Houston scored 29 factors with Mixon’s 159 speeding yards in Week 1, nevertheless it was restricted to 19 factors in Week 2 as he posted simply 25 speeding yards. Pierce had 416 speeding yards and two touchdowns in 14 video games because the backup final season. — DJ Bien-Aime
2:02
McAfee and Schefter talk about the continuing hip-drop sort out within the NFL
Pat McAfee and Adam Schefter talk about why the NFL has not referred to as penalties on hip-drop tackles this season.
Week 2 rating: 3
Most essential backup/function participant: RB Sione Vaki
Detroit’s backfield is without doubt one of the greatest within the league with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, however Vaki brings a singular talent set and provides worth on particular groups. Vaki performed security in faculty however was drafted as a operating again. He showcased his pass-catching capability by being on the receiving finish of a faux punt in opposition to the Bucs. “We beloved him for particular groups based mostly on his faculty tape, however he is been in a position to translate that physicality that he is proven on particular groups to that place, so he is not afraid to come back downhill on a linebacker,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson stated. — Eric Woodyard
Week 2 rating: 5
Most essential backup/function participant: DE Brandon Graham
The 36-year-old Graham has lengthy been a tone-setter within the Eagles’ locker room, serving as a mentor for a number of youthful gamers. He continues to make an impression on the sector as nicely. In Week 1, he performed 32 snaps — greater than Nolan Smith Jr. (31) and Bryce Huff (30). Graham plans to retire after this season, however Philadelphia wants another productive marketing campaign out of him to bolster an edge rush group with some query marks. “I’ve advised him a number of occasions, he is not on any ceremonial last-year retirement parade,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio stated. “He’ll play. He is nonetheless taking part in good.” — Tim McManus
Week 2 rating: 13
Most essential backup/function participant: DB Christian Izien
Izien was the Bucs’ beginning nickelback final season, however he was bumped out of the spot by rookie third-round draft choose Tykee Smith and spent the summer time studying the security place. He stepped in as an out of doors nook in opposition to Washington after three cornerbacks had been misplaced to damage in the course of the sport. Then he began at free security in Week 2 for All-Professional Antoine Winfield Jr., contributing a goal-line interception within the Bucs’ victory over the Lions. — Jenna Laine
Week 2 rating: 17
Most essential backup/function participant: LB Tuli Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu had an impactful 2023 season, ending seventh amongst rookies in sacks (4.5). The second-round choose is behind one of many league’s greatest edge rusher pairings in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, however each gamers are ageing and Bosa hasn’t performed a complete season since 2021. The Chargers already rotate Tuipulotu considerably; he had the third-most snaps at edge (27) in Sunday’s win over the Panthers. He ensures there’s little drop-off when Bosa or Mack aren’t on the sector, and he is important to a protection attempting to rebound from being among the many worst within the NFL final season. — Kris Rhim
Week 2 rating: 23
Most essential backup/function participant: CB Kool-Help McKinstry
McKinstry already needed to fill in by Week 2 when Marshon Lattimore was out in opposition to the Cowboys due to a hamstring damage. McKinstry is essential as a result of the Saints can hold Alontae Taylor within the slot and put McKinstry on the surface, guaranteeing some continuity for a unit that has already carried out very nicely by means of two weeks. He’ll additionally present some insurance coverage later within the season due to the excessive charge of accidents on the place. — Katherine Terrell
Week 2 rating: 19
Most essential backup/function participant: RB Zach Charbonnet
The Seahawks’ RB2 is their RB1 till Kenneth Walker III returns from the indirect damage he suffered within the fourth quarter of the season opener. Charbonnet dealt with all the workload for Seattle’s backfield and delivered blended outcomes in opposition to New England. His 14 carries produced solely 38 yards as he regularly discovered no room to run. However he scored a speeding landing and added 31 receiving yards whereas catching all 5 of his targets. One was a third-and-6 dump-off that prolonged Seattle’s profitable drive in additional time. Walker’s timetable for a return is unclear, which suggests the Seahawks would possibly want to show to Charbonnet once more this week. — Brady Henderson
Week 2 rating: 22
Most essential backup/function participant: WR Jalen Nailor
Nailor entered the season because the No. 3 receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. Whereas which means loads of taking part in time for a group that makes use of “11” personnel about 65% of the time, it would not essentially translate to targets. However Nailor has made absolutely the many of the 5 passes thrown in his path this season. Two have gone for touchdowns, a 3rd went for 26 yards to transform a key third-and-8 in opposition to the 49ers and the fourth went for 18 yards. — Kevin Seifert
Week 2 rating: 11
Most essential backup/function participant: OL Spencer Anderson
Anderson has joked that he will get uninterested in listening to about his versatility, nevertheless it’s what makes him most precious. With Isaac Seumalo battling a pec damage, Anderson’s first two profession begins have come this season. The 2023 seventh-round choose can play guard, however he is additionally able to filling in at each place alongside the road. Anderson is probably going a do-it-all backup at any time when Seumalo is wholesome this season, however Anderson might finally earn a beginning job if the Steelers transfer on from proper guard James Daniels, who’s a free agent after the season. — Brooke Pryor
Week 2 rating: 4
Most essential backup/function participant: RB Justice Hill
Hill entered the season as a change-of-pace backup to Derrick Henry however has performed 72 snaps by means of two video games, seven greater than Henry. Within the operating sport, Hill has averaged 5 yards per carry (25 yards on 5 rush makes an attempt). Within the passing sport, he has caught eight passes for 62 yards and gives sturdy cross safety for QB Lamar Jackson. Final season, group officers referred to Hill because the group’s unsung hero. He has saved that title up to now this season. — Jamison Hensley
1:34
Stephen A. blames Lamar Jackson for loss to Raiders
Stephen A. Smith calls out Lamar Jackson on “First Take,” questioning his capability to shut out video games and maintain on to fourth-quarter leads.
Week 2 rating: 7
Most essential backup/function participant: CB Jourdan Lewis
Lewis is sort of a starter because the nickel nook, contemplating how a lot the Cowboys play their sub packages defensively. He units the tone simply as a lot as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence together with his physicality. He’s unafraid to set the sting within the operating sport. He is able to working the slot in opposition to receivers, tight ends or operating backs. By the tip of final week’s loss to New Orleans, he was engaged on the surface, too. If the coaches don’t love what rookie Caelen Carson is doing rather than an injured DaRon Bland, they will go to Lewis extra. — Todd Archer
Week 2 rating: 12
Most essential backup/function participant: LB Eric Wilson
Wilson performed solely eight snaps in Sunday’s win over the Colts, however he made them rely. He picked off QB Anthony Richardson within the fourth quarter when the Colts had been in Packers territory, and earlier within the sport, he pressured a fumble that Indianapolis recovered. Wilson is the third linebacker within the base 4-3 scheme, which suggests he is the primary to come back off the sector when the defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley employs his nickel package deal (a standard follow vs. Indy). Wilson, an eight-year veteran, additionally performs a major function on particular groups. — Rob Demovsky
Week 2 rating: 15
Most essential backup/function participant: RB Braelon Allen
After barely touching the sector in Week 1, the rookie celebrated his breakout Sunday with a speeding and passing landing. Breece Corridor will proceed to get the majority of the reps, however Allen provides the Jets a formidable 1-2 punch within the backfield. Each gamers can line up within the backfield on the similar time, as they did 4 occasions in opposition to the Titans — considered one of which resulted in Allen’s landing reception. Allen can scale back Corridor’s workload and supply insurance coverage if he will get harm. — Wealthy Cimini
Week 2 rating: 9
Most essential backup/function participant: QB Skylar Thompson
Thompson beat veteran Mike White for the backup quarterback job this offseason and can probably be thrust right into a beginning function in Week 3 in opposition to the Seahawks. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel stated Thompson gained the job based mostly on the group’s response to him in a preseason sport, and that Miami has the “utmost confidence” within the third-year quarterback. Thompson began three video games as a rookie in 2022, together with a playoff-clinching win over the Jets and a playoff loss on the highway in Buffalo. It is unclear what number of video games he shall be wanted for this time round, however the Dolphins have an offense stuffed with playmakers to assist him. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
Week 2 rating: 14
Most essential backup/function participant: TE Erick All Jr.
All has instantly skyrocketed in significance by means of his first two video games of the season. Within the group’s Week 2 loss to Kansas Metropolis, the rookie had as many snaps as beginning tight finish Drew Pattern did. He additionally chipped in with 4 catches for 42 yards. The teaching workers has been very excessive on the fourth-round choose. If All continues to be this productive and efficient, he might have an enormous impression on Cincinnati’s offensive scheme. — Ben Child
Week 2 rating: 26
Most essential backup/function participant: RB Emari Demercado
Demercado has established himself because the Cardinals’ important third-down again, sitting behind James Conner and Trey Benson on the depth chart. He has performed on 16 of 24 third downs this season and had cross blocks on 4 of 10 passing third downs he has been on the sector for. Of the 16 third downs Demercado has performed up to now, the Cardinals have moved the chains on 9 of them. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 2 rating: 10
Most essential backup/function participant: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
The Rams made backup quarterback a precedence this offseason after struggling on the spot for the previous two years. In 2022, Los Angeles picked up Baker Mayfield off waivers in December after beginning quarterback Matthew Stafford was injured, and final season, the Rams signed Carson Wentz throughout their bye week after Brett Rypien struggled in his lone begin. If Stafford misses time due to damage, the Rams consider they’ve a backup quarterback who can succeed on this offense. Los Angeles additionally has quarterback Stetson Bennett on the roster (he served because the backup quarterback whereas Garoppolo was suspended for the primary two video games), however the veteran is the clear No. 2 QB. — Sarah Barshop
Week 2 rating: 28
Most essential backup/function participant: RB Alexander Mattison
Whereas Mattison has solely 20 speeding yards on 9 carries, together with 1 yard on 4 makes an attempt at Baltimore, he already has two touchdowns in 13 touches — a 31-yard catch, hurdle and run on the Chargers and a 1-yard plunge on the Ravens. In the meantime, the Raiders’ rookie starter, Zamir White, has 68 speeding yards on 22 carries and 5 passing yards on six catches with out a rating. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 2 rating: 21
Most essential backup/function participant: QB Jameis Winston
In 2023, the Browns misplaced quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder damage and needed to rotate by means of 5 completely different starters earlier than Joe Flacco led an inconceivable run to the playoffs. Watson has typically been injured since arriving in Cleveland in 2022, lacking 11 video games final season due to damage. He has additionally struggled too, posting the sixth-lowest QBR since his debut. In Winston, the Browns have one of many NFL’s most skilled backups ought to Watson go down or get benched by the teaching workers. A ten-year veteran, Winston has began 80 video games and thrown 141 touchdowns in his profession. — Daniel Oyefusi
Week 2 rating: 25
Most essential backup/function participant: TE Charlie Woerner
If QB Kirk Cousins continues to be shaking off rust, the Falcons will want their operating again duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to interrupt out. To ensure that them to do this, Woerner shall be a key cog. He opened holes as a run-blocking specialist tight finish for Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco over the previous few years. Professional Soccer Focus gave him a 76.5 run block grade final yr, higher than anybody on the Falcons’ roster. Kyle Pitts will make the flashy performs at tight finish, however Woerner can open holes for others and assist this offense go. — Marc Raimondi
Week 2 rating: 16
Most essential backup/function participant: CB Montaric Brown
With Tyson Campbell on IR due to a left hamstring damage, the Jaguars turned to Brown, who led the Jaguars with 11 tackles (together with two for loss) of their Week 2 loss to Cleveland. He could have that function for a minimum of the subsequent three video games and perhaps longer as a result of the Jaguars haven’t got a transparent timetable on Campbell’s return but. Brown earned the belief for this function final season by subbing for Campbell when he handled a proper hamstring damage. — Michael DiRocco
Week 2 rating: 24
Most essential backup/function participant: S Brenden Schooler
Schooler is listed on the depth chart as a security, however his most essential function is masking kicks and punts on particular groups. In Week 1, he had three solo tackles and reached a career-high high pace of twenty-two.4 mph, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. With the Patriots’ offense missing high-end playmakers, game-changing performs on particular groups add much more significance. Schooler leads the cost in that space. — Mike Reiss
0:27
Tyler Fulghum’s choose for Patriots-Jets in Week 3
Tyler Fulghum explains why he likes the beneath within the Patriots and Jets’ Week 3 matchup.
Week 2 rating: 18
Most essential backup/function participant: DE Darrell Taylor
The Bears despatched a sixth-round choose to Seattle for Taylor on the finish of the preseason to assist fortify their cross rush rotation. Towards the Titans, the defensive finish registered two sacks, two QB hits and 7 tackles. His run protection has been stable alongside together with his capability to complete his pursuit. Towards Houston, Taylor confirmed the way in which he can blow up a backfield when he chased C.J. Stroud to the sideline and completed off a sort out regardless of the results of that play being an 18-yard off-platform completion by the Texans QB. — Courtney Cronin
Week 2 rating: 29
Most essential backup/function participant: TE John Bates
Bates serves because the Commanders’ No. 2 tight finish behind Zach Ertz in most settings, offering Washington with an alternative choice within the passing sport alongside rookie TE Ben Sinnott. However Bates’ significance stems extra from his blocking; he has caught one cross this yr and had solely 53 receptions in his first three seasons mixed. With Washington desirous to run the ball extra, it wants what Bates gives — he can block in house or on the line, making him a rarity. — John Keim
Week 2 rating: 20
Most essential backup/function participant: WR Alec Pierce
Pierce was anticipated to be the third receiver, at greatest, for the Colts this season. However he has been a revelation with No. 2 wideout Josh Downs lacking each weeks due to an ankle damage and the remaining receivers exhibiting inconsistency. Pierce leads the Colts with eight receptions and 181 yards. He has already tied a profession greatest with two landing receptions, recording Indy’s solely landing in opposition to the Packers on Sunday. — Stephen Holder
Week 2 rating: 27
Most essential backup/function participant: CB Roger McCreary
The Titans depend on McCreary to assist in each cross and run protection. Tennessee makes use of quite a lot of sub packages with McCreary on the sector because the nickel nook. He is requested to match up with slot receivers and at occasions used on blitzes to stress quarterbacks. Regardless of being solely 5-foot-11 and 190 kilos, McCreary can be a key a part of the Titans’ run protection, forcing runs again inside from the sting. The third-year veteran is a positive tackler who makes performs behind the road of scrimmage, as proven by his 4 tackles for loss in two video games. — Turron Davenport
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Schefter: Titans will proceed to journey with Will Levis
Adam Schefter joins “The Pat McAfee Present” and says that regardless of the Titans dropping their second sport, they’ll proceed to journey with Will Levis.
Week 2 rating: 30
Most essential backup/function participant: LB Jonah Elliss
Elliss was the Broncos’ third-round choose this yr and has already been one of many protection’s most impactful gamers. And with outdoors linebacker Baron Browning coping with a foot damage — Browning left Sunday’s sport and didn’t return — Elliss’ workload will probably enhance. He had two sacks and a pressured fumble within the preseason, working nicely inside a top quality rush plan, and he had two tackles for loss and a sack in 24 snaps Sunday. The Broncos will profit from the truth that he’s additional alongside the educational curve than they may have anticipated. — Jeff Legwold
Week 2 rating: 31
Most essential backup/function participant: CB Dru Phillips
The rookie has thrived within the slot cornerback function. Phillips had 12 tackles (two for a loss) and a sack in Sunday’s loss to the Commanders. The third-round choose’s cease share of 12.8% is second amongst all slot corners by means of two weeks, in accordance with NFL Subsequent Gen Stats. He has additionally allowed simply 5 receptions for 22 yards as the closest defender in protection. He has made a robust early impression for the Giants. — Jordan Raanan
Week 2 rating: 32
Most essential backup/function participant: OL Brady Christensen
Sure, the Panthers are a multitude throughout, significantly at quarterback with Bryce Younger’s struggles by means of the primary two weeks resulting in his benching. But when any member of the beginning offensive line goes down, it might get even worse. Christensen has proven he is able to being a starter at guard and sort out, and he is now the backup heart for Austin Corbett. Discuss multitasking. — David Newton
