Undefeated Power Rankings
Opening the season with a winning streak is no guarantee of a playoff appearance (see last year’s Vikings) After Week Two, eight teams are currently undefeated at 2–0, so we crafted these power rankings to determine when their first loss could come.
Note: The Dolphins and Buccaneers have not been included as they have played just one game each. We don’t think that’s enough of a sample size!
1. Kansas City Chiefs: 6–0
Behind an more aggressive Alex Smith and a huge breakout from rookie running back Kareem Hunt, the Chiefs look like the class of the AFC. The Chiefs swept the AFC West last year, but it’s the Raiders who will deliver their first loss of the year. Oakland’s defense has played the run well so far, and Derek Carr has more than enough weapons to exploit the absence of Eric Berry, especially behind what is arguably the best offensive line in the league.
2. Denver Broncos: 6–0
The combination of quarterback Trevor Siemian, the bruising C.J. Anderson, and a defense that is back to its 2015 form has Denver at 2–0. They dismantled the Cowboys last week and could handle Oakland later on, but their run will come to an end at the hands of the Chiefs. With Kareem Hunt’s hard running and Alex Smith minimizing turnovers while throwing to playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce, the Chiefs should win a fourth straight game against the Broncos.
3. Atlanta Falcons: 5–0
Atlanta looks strong in the face of a Super Bowl hangover, but having to play another prime-time game against the Patriots in Week Seven for could bring back too many memories. Atlanta will likely be missing star pass rusher Vic Beasley while New England will have two pivotal players who weren’t present in February; Rob Gronkowski (if healthy) and Stephon Gilmore, who Bill Belichick signed to cover receivers like Julio Jones.
4. Baltimore Ravens: 4–0
The Ravens’ wins so far have come from their dominant defense, while the offense has played as well as it needs to. But Baltimore’s unbeaten run could end in Oakland. The Raiders won a close game against the Ravens last year in Baltimore, and now with Marshawn Lynch alongside receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, quarterback Derek Carr has enough weapons to overwhelm the Ravens.
5. Oakland Raiders: 3–0
Derek Carr looks ready to claim his maiden MVP award this season behind a stout offensive line and a bevy of weapons. But that’s what some thought about Dallas’ Dak Prescott before his Cowboys were dominated by Denver last week. And it’s the Broncos that will give the Raiders their first loss of the season. Denver’s defense is back to its 2015 form and looks like the top unit in the league after holding Ezekiel Elliott to just eight yards on nine carries. Expect Oakland to run into similar trouble.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers: 3–0
After a slow start on offense, the Steelers are finally in sync and beat a top flight defense with a win over Minnesota. But the Steelers travel to Baltimore in Week Four, and have a shaky record on the road, especially against the Ravens. Baltimore’s defense is the deepest and nastiest in the league, and they should be able to shut down Pittsburgh’s offense and let Joe Flacco and Co. mop up for a close win.
7. Carolina Panthers: 3–0
So far, the new dimension that Christian McCaffery was supposed to bring to Carolina’s offense is nowhere to be found. Carolina has scored just 32 points so far, and must travel to Foxborough in Week Four. With Mr. Reliable Greg Olsen on IR, Stephon Gilmore can lock down Kelvin Benjamin while Dont’a Hightower tracks McCaffery. Tom Brady should pick apart Carolina’s zone defense, especially if Gronk is healthy, and the Patriots should end Carolina’s unbeaten run.
8. Detroit Lions: 2–0
After a classic Matt Stafford comeback and a big night against the milquetoast Giants, Detroit must now face defending NFC champions Atlanta this week. The Falcons have more than enough playmakers to expose a paper-thin Detroit defense. And after thoroughly dominating Aaron Rodgers last week, Dan Quinn’s defense should have another good game against Matthew Stafford.
