2012 NFL Power Rankings Week Two: Broncos, Niners Rising Fast

Sep 09, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) drops back to hand off against the Tennessee Titans during the second half at LP Field. The Patriots beat the Titans 34-13. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US PRESSWIRE

1. New England Patriots

By default, the Patriots take over the top spot after the reigning champion Giants went down and New England dominated the Tennessee Titans.

2. San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco looked like they could be the team to beat in the NFC this past week. They took down Green Bay in a place where it seems like they never lose anymore. That was a scary good performance and will be tough to follow up.

3. Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore was dominant at home on Monday night, and they face a tough schedule this season. I think beating Cincinnati like they did really set the tone for what this team can be capable of this season.

4. Green Bay Packers

Green Bay was beat up pretty good at home, but can you count out Aaron Rodgers? I’m certainly not going to.

5. Denver Broncos

Peyton Manning missed last season? Could have fooled me. Manning was awesome in Denver’s debut, and the defense was up to its old tricks, making plays when it matters most.

6. Houston Texans

Houston looked really good in week one, but they played Miami. The Dolphins are one of the worst teams in the NFL. Houston should still be one of the top teams in the AFC this year.

7. Chicago Bears

Chicago’s offense put on a clinic after a pick-six to start the game. This team could be really dangerous in the AFC.

8. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons’ explosion of offense in week one against Kansas City was really, well, explosive. Julio Jones appears to be emerging as the team’s new number one receiver. He is a beast.

9. New York Giants

The Giants are still among the NFC elite, but losing to Dallas at home in week one really has to hurt.

10. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas came away with a big W in week one, and surprised almost everyone including me. I think they stay healthy, they could be a tough out all year long and maybe even NFC East favorites.

11. Pittsburgh Steelers

Pittsburgh did a good job of keeping Denver off the field in their first game. The problem was, when he was on the field, they didn’t stop much of anything. Ben Roethlisberger’s costly mistake at the end of the game cost them a shot to take the lead with a touchdown.

12. Detroit Lions

The Lions–what happened? That week one performance was hopefully a fluke. Good thing they were able to put it together and overcome one of the worst offensive performances we saw week one.

13. Philadelphia Eagles

See: Detroit Lions

14. Washington Redskins

Robert Griffin III’s performance against the Saints on the road was one of a kind. The Redskins hope he can keep it up all year. They looked very good.

15. New Orleans Saints

The Saints are still one of the best teams in the NFL, but that defense needs to get things together or it’s going to be a really long year.

16. San Diego Chargers

San Diego was able to take advantage of the loss of Jon Condo in Oakland, and they won a really sloppy game. Their running game and offense in general sorely misses Ryan Mathews.

17. New York Jets

The Jets’ offense exploded against the Bills, but I’m still taking a “buyer beware” approach with this team. Let’s see a little consistency.

18. Cincinnati Bengals

Cincinnati was absolutely crushed against the Ravens. Thankfully, this was not week 17 and the Bengals still have 15 games to get things right. This team has the feel of a large sophomore slump.

19. Arizona Cardinals

Arizona won a strange game after Kevin Kolb replaced an injured John Skelton and threw the game winning touchdown. Thankfully they were able to overcome a huge screw up by the officials.

20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tampa Bay won a sloppy game, but it was in-division and they need as many of those as they can get. Jury is still out on this team if you ask me.

21. Kansas City Chiefs

Back to the drawing board for the Chiefs, who were killed by the Falcons on their home field.

22. Carolina Panthers

Cam Newton did not look as calm and confident as he did at all last year. This was a strange feeling performance for them, where they could simply not run the ball whatsoever.

23. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee had the tall task of playing the Patriots, and while I still think they can be a decent team, there is clearly work to be done.

24. Minnesota Vikings

Minnesota’s comeback win was one of the best in the NFL this past week. I don’t hear many fans complaining about the Blair Walsh pick anymore.

25. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle looked okay in their opener, but there is a lot to work on. Once Russell Wilson gets the hang of things, they should be a tough team.

26. Buffalo Bills

Buffalo is back to the drawing board after a big loss to division rival New York. They need to get it together offensively. The bright side: C.J. Spiller.

27. Oakland Raiders

Oakland has a ton of big injuries right now, specifically Carson Palmer’s top target Denarius Moore and top tier return man Jacoby Ford. They should be okay when they get healthy–if it happens.

28. St. Louis Rams

The Rams nearly upset the Lions in their week one performance. They still couldn’t win with what felt like a million interceptions.

29. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville put up a decent fight. The return of MJD makes this team a lot more competent.

30. Indianapolis Colts

Indy was crushed by Chicago, but there is a lot to like out of Andrew Luck.

31. Miami Dolphins

Miami has a LOT to work on. Ryan Tannehill is–not surprisingly–clearly shocked by the change from college to the NFL.

32. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland nearly beat the Eagles, but they still have serious woes offensively.