The NFL has gone full-on setting up some early season crazy races. Some things have gone according to script. We expected the Philadelphia Eagles to be good, and after outlasting the Chiefs in Kansas City, the reigning Super Bowl champions are 2-0. We expected the Cleveland Browns to be bad, and they haven't disappointed after getting their doors blown off in Baltimore to fall to 0-2.But exactly zero people expected the Kansas City Chiefs to be 0-2 for the first time in the Patrick Mahomes era. Or for the Green Bay Packers to look like they belong in the NFL's top 3 team two weeks in. Or for Daniel Jones to be playing lights-out football for the 2-0 Indianapolis Colts. This is why millions bet on NFL football every Sunday. 

 

In my Top 10 poll, teams with worse records and slimmer playoff hopes may rank higher than those with better records who have managed wins against weaker opponents or delivered inconsistent performances from key players.


1. Buffalo Bills (2-0)

The Bills are the No. 1 team. Josh Allen is awesome. Still, they needed a miracle to win Week 1, and the defense gave up 40 points in that game. Major concerns about the Bills’ defense will be put to bed — for now at least — following the 30-10 dismantling of the New York Jets. The Bills sacked Justin Fields five times and held the Jets’ offense to just 154 total yards in the win, while the offense racked up over 200 rushing yards. The Bills look very good, and the horizon looks sunny. 

2. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)

The gap between the top three teams is very, very small. The Eagles are just fine at number 2. And their offense hasn’t been quite on track yet. Philadelphia entered a hostile atmosphere and shut down the Chiefs‘ offense for most of the game, and even though they weren’t at their best, the Super Bowl champions have started the season undefeated. Looking back, they should have torched the Cowboys like the Giants did. The Eagles are an elite team. They just have been less impressive than the top team. 

3. Green Bay Packers (2-0)

The Packers are positioning themselves as early contenders. The Green Bay Packers have all of the early makings of a juggernaut. In the first two weeks of the season, they’ve beaten the Detroit Lions and the Washington Commanders, both of whom made deep playoff runs in 2024, and were poised to do so again in 2025. The Jayden Reed injury is a concern. Reed broke his collarbone, and the Packers don’t necessarily have an alpha receiver. But they have plenty of options. And maybe tight end Tucker Kraft is actually their No. 1 receiver.

4. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)

The Ravens bounced back from the heartbreaking Week 1 loss with a 41-17 win against the Cleveland Browns in Week 2, but it wasn't all that convincing despite what the score suggests. Lamar Jackson is now inches ahead of Aaron Rodgers for the greatest passer rating in NFL history. The greatest running quarterback ever is now, by one key metric, the most efficient passer too. That’s a remarkable combination. Hopefully we’re all appreciating a truly great and unique player.

5. Los Angeles Chargers (2-0)

The Chargers got the job done in an impressive 20-9 victory on the road against the Raiders, and start the year 2-0 for the second-straight season. This time around feels a little different. The offense is thriving around Justin Herbert. The only issue for the Chargers so far has been the absolute lack of a running game. It might not matter much if Justin Herbert continues to play at an MVP level. Being two games ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs already is a dream start for LA.

6. Detroit Lions (1-1)

The demise of the Detroit Lions was greatly exaggerated. The Lions rebounded from a poor Week 1 performance against the Packers to demolish the Chicago Bears, 52-21, in Week 2 and square off their record at 1-1. Maybe, just maybe, the Lions’ struggles were due more to the Packers than their own issues. Detroit looked great Sunday. They’ll be fine. Week 1’s result just said way more about the Packers, and that is still something the Lions have to contend with.

7. Los Angeles Rams (2-0)

The Rams were able to pull away from the Tennessee Titans in a back-and-forth Week 2 game, eventually cruising to a 33-19 win off the back of 23 second-half points. Matthew Stafford looked great again. His connection with Puka Nacua, who is fast on his way to cementing himself as one of the best receivers in the NFL, continues to drive the offense. The Rams really wanted to get Davante Adams going Sunday. He had 13 targets, and turned them into six catches for 106 yards and a touchdown. The Adams and Puka Nacua combination is going to be lethal.

8. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)

The Buccaneers are living on the edge, winning both games in the final minute. Just as they did in Week 1, the Buccaneers got it done late on the road, defeating the Texans 20-19. The ground game led the way, totaling 169 yards, and even without Liam Coen, the Bucs offense is fifth in EPA per play through two weeks. This team just keeps finding ways to be good. Given the injuries they have dealt with early on, it’s fine to pull out two road games to start the season, even if they needed Baker Mayfield miracles in both of them.

9. Indianapolis Colts (2-0)

The Colts are the first team in the Super Bowl era to not punt through the first two games. The Colts have been emphatic over the first two weeks of the season, and though it’s fair to ask how long it can realistically last, you always have to give Daniel Jones and the team credit for their performances. Jones was electric against one of the best defenses in the NFL in Week 2, leading the Colts to a 29-28 comeback victory against the Denver Broncos. It’s undeniable that the Colts are playing very well, and doing it against a good Broncos defense helps validate their start.

10. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)

Kyle Shanahan is an excellent offensive coach. The 49ers have opened up the season with two road wins, and the passing game didn’t miss a beat with Mac Jones replacing the injured Brock Purdy under center. QB Mac Jones had 279 yards and three touchdowns filling in for Purdy. Jones should be reasonable with Purdy out, and that’s because he has Shanahan calling the offense for him.
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Note: Until Kansas City wins a game, I’m keeping them out of my Top 10.
WAR