While it’s still early, patterns are emerging that allow us to reassess the league’s power structure. From the dominant to the disappointing, here’s how our Top 10 NFL teams stack up after an eventful first two weeks of action. As the dust settles on Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, we’re starting to get a clearer picture of which teams are contenders and which are pretenders.
We are only two weeks into the 2024 NFL regular season, but don't tell that to the fans of the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings. They have reason to be excited and might be thinking playoffs already. Note that the top nine teams are all 2-0. The 49ers are an early 1-1 at number 10. A third of these teams will not be in the Top 10 by season’s end. There are some really good 1-1 teams.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs are off to a 2-0 start. Despite throwing 2 interceptions, Patrick Mahomes demonstrated his clutch performance ability by leading a game-winning drive in Week 2 against the Bengals. They found a way against the Bengals, but hardly looked impressive in doing so. The passing game was off. That's not what we expect from Patrick Mahomes. Harrison Butker‘s game-winning 51-yard field goal highlights the importance of a reliable kicker in close games. Travis Kelce had a quiet start to the season, which is unusual. His integration back into the offense at his usual high level will be important to watch.
2. Buffalo Bills
The Bills are off to a 2-0 start with a dominant 31-10 victory over the Miami Dolphins in Week 2. Winning at Miami the way they did was impressive. The defense came up big in that game, while the offense with James Cook continued to run the football. The offense seems to be more methodical and balanced compared to previous seasons, with an effective running game complementing Josh Allen‘s passing. His performance, while not statistically overwhelming, has been efficient.
3. New Orleans Saints
The Saints are off to an impressive 2-0 start after a surprising 44-19 blowout win against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2. The first-team offense has scored on 15 of 15 possessions this season. That's domination. After surprising the Cowboys on the road, they face a tough one this week with the Eagles. The offense has been exceptional, becoming just the third team to score 30+ points in the first half of their first two games, joining the 1968 Raiders and 2001 Colts. Derek Carr has shown significant improvement while Alvin Kamara has been a key contributor, scoring 4 touchdowns against the Cowboys. New offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak seems to have revitalized the offense, with Carr thriving in his system.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Bucs’ strong 2-0 start, especially against a playoff team from last year in the Lions, shows that they are more competitive than initially expected. Baker Mayfield has shown efficiency and effectiveness, while the offense as a whole has been more balanced and efficient compared to last season, highlighting the immediate impact of new offensive coordinator Liam Coen. Winning at Detroit with a depleted roster speaks volumes about this team. The defense, despite being down a bunch of guys, did a nice job against a good Lions offense. They are for real.
5. Houston Texans
The Texans are off to a 2-0 start with wins against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 1 and the Chicago Bears in Week 2. Nico Collins has emerged as a key target, while the addition of Stefon Diggs and the development of Tank Dell provide Stroud with multiple reliable receiving options. The defense has been impressive, particularly in Week 2 where they sacked Bears QB Caleb Williams 7 times and intercepted him twice.
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are off to a 2-0 start with Justin Fields starting both games due to Russell Wilson‘s calf injury. While winning, the offense hasn’t been explosive. However, the defense has been impressive, allowing only 16 points total in two games and effectively pressuring opposing quarterbacks and creating turnovers. The Steelers face the Los Angeles Chargers in their home opener in Week 3
7. Minnesota Vikings
Sam Darnold is making plays, Brian Flores is doing a great job with the defense and Justin Jefferson is a game-wrecker. Combine that with Kevin O'Connell as head coach, and that's why they are 2-0. The Vikings are off to a 2-0 start for the first time since 2016 after a notable 23-17 victory over the 49ers. Justin Jefferson continues to be a game-changer, evidenced by his 97-yard touchdown reception against San Francisco. He surpassed 6,000 career receiving yards and reached 400 receptions, tying Randy Moss for the most games with 100+ receiving yards in a player’s first five NFL seasons (30). Jefferson left the game with a quad contusion, though he downplayed its severity post game.
8. Seattle Seahawks
New head coach Mike Macdonald is off to a 2-0 start. That wasn't easy or pretty in beating the Pats in overtime, but that's a good road victory. Geno Smith has been impressive, particularly in clutch situations, showcasing his ability to lead comebacks and game-winning drives. The wide receiver trio of DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith–Njigba is proving to be a formidable group. The team’s depth at running back may be tested if Kenneth Walker’s injury persists.
9. Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are off to a 2-0 start with a dominant 26-3 victory over the Carolina Panthers in Week 2. The running game was particularly strong, with Terron Armstead rushing for 131 yards. While the running game was strong, there’s room for improvement in the passing attack. Justin Herbert‘s numbers have been relatively modest. However, the defense has shown significant improvement under new defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. The pass rush was effective, sacking Bryce Young four times.
10. San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers are now 1-1 after a disappointing 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 2. That followed a strong Week 1 performance against the New York Jets. The offensive line struggled, allowing 6 sacks on Brock Purdy. Even All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams had issues. Kyle Shanahan‘s decision to start with four straight passing plays was questioned, as it deviated from the team’s strengths. However, the absence of Christian McCaffrey is impacting their offensive production, and they will now be without Deebo Samuel for a few weeks. Still, this team is a proven commodity.
Others at 1-1
The Cowboys, Lions, Packers, Jets, Cardinals, Eagles and Browns among others will be pushing this weeks games.