Through two weeks of the NFL season, separation is already starting to take shape. A handful of teams have established themselves as early contenders, others are fighting through inconsistencies, and a few are already sliding toward the bottom. Here’s how the league stacks up heading into Week 3, broken down by tier.
Click on the teams below to go straight to their overview:
Tier Descriptions
Contenders: Teams with elite balance on both sides of the ball that look capable of making a Super Bowl run right now.
Very Good: Teams with strong early results and top-end talent, but a few uncertainties keep them just outside the top tier.
Good: Solid playoff hopefuls that can beat most opponents but still show inconsistency week to week.
Middle of the Pack: Teams with enough talent to compete but lacking the execution or health to rise above .500 consistently.
Bad: Teams that are trending toward the bottom of the standings with little sign of turning things around.
Very Bad: Bad rosters with clear weaknesses that need major improvement to stay relevant.
Contenders
Buffalo Bills
Buffalo leads the league in total offense at roughly 450 yards per game and is averaging more than 35 points. Quarterback Josh Allen has been effective late in games, and the defense has produced consistent stops. They are leading the league in passing defense (124 yards per game).
Green Bay Packers
The Packers have established balance on both sides of the ball. Their offensive efficiency, combined with improved pass protection, has complemented a defense that has limited opponents to minimal yardage. If Jordan Love stays healthy, Green Bay might be the most complete team in the league.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore has been dangerous on offense, leading the NFL with an average of 40+ points per game. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are the best 1-2 punch in the league, and if the defense can settle in and continue to deliver in critical situations, this team can make a run.
Very Good
Los Angeles Chargers
Justin Herbert has thrown for more than 550 yards across two games, including 318 in the opener against Kansas City. Los Angeles is averaging 23.5 points per game and has limited turnovers through two weeks (+2 TO ratio). The injury to Khalil Mack is something to keep an eye on for the next few weeks.
Philadelphia Eagles
Philadelphia is 2-0 but ranks 29th in total offense with just 518 yards produced. While the defense has carried the team, quarterback Jalen Hurts and the offense have yet to establish a rhythm.
Detroit Lions
Jared Goff passed for 334 yards and five touchdowns in Week 2, helping Detroit to one of the league’s top scoring averages at 32.5 points per game (3rd in league). The Lions rank fifth in total offense.
Good
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are the only team to be ranked in the top 5 on both total offense (2nd) and defense (5th). They are averaging 445 yards per game, supported by a strong rushing attack (161 yards per game). Indianapolis has converted 46 percent of its third downs, one of the better marks in the league. Daniel Jones is this year’s Sam Darnold.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Tampa Bay has relied on defensive stability while averaging 21.5 points per game on offense. The Buccaneers are 2-0, with both wins coming by a single score. Baker is a dawg.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle is averaging 22 points per game but has struggled on third downs, converting fewer than 40 percent. The defense has forced four turnovers through two weeks.
Los Angeles Rams
The Rams’ offense has been quietly consistent, ranking 7th in total yards and 13th in points per game. Matthew Stafford has averaged 8.8 yards per attempt, but red-zone efficiency remains a concern (55%; 22nd in the league).
Denver Broncos
Denver has scored 48 total points through two games. While the defense has allowed just 20 points per game, the offense has yet to show consistency with Bo Nix struggling to start the year, throwing 3 interceptions and averaging less than 200 yards passing per game.
Dallas Cowboys
Dallas has averaged 30 points per game but has allowed more than 283 passing yards per contest, the bulk of which came during the Week 2 shootout with the Giants. Defensive adjustments will be required to maintain momentum.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are averaging 19 points per game and have leaned on their defense to stay competitive. Their margin for error remains narrow, given limited offensive production. Keep an eye on the dreaded “Sophomore Slump” for Jayden, although with how good Green Bay looks, that Week 2 loss might not be so bad later in the season.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kansas City has struggled offensively, averaging only 19 points per game. While Patrick Mahomes has avoided turnovers, the passing game has yet to produce explosive plays. They just flat-out don’t look great.
Middle of the Pack
San Francisco 49ers
San Francisco ranks in the middle of the league in scoring offense (19th; 22 points per game) and top 10 in defense (9th; 17 points per game). The 49ers are dealing with their 2nd consecutive year of impactful injuries and have yet to establish consistency in either area.
Cincinnati Bengals
Joe Burrow has been sacked seven times through two games, so his injury comes as no real surprise, unfortunately. We’ll see if Jake Browning can help the Bengals stay in the top 10 of scoring, averaging 24 points per game. The offensive line remains a significant concern.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta has produced 342 yards per game (10th) and ranks tied for 20th in scoring (21 points per game). The defense has only allowed 29 total points, good for 2nd in the league.
Arizona Cardinals
Arizona’s offense has failed to sustain drives, ranking tied for 17th in third-down conversion. The defense has allowed 35 total points (10th).
Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota has averaged 16.5 points per game, ranking in the bottom third of the league (27th), but that defense plays hard and fast, ranking 5th in passing defense (153 yards per game). Quarterback play remains inconsistent. Can Carson Wentz become the next Sam Darnold/Daniel Jones?
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers’ defense has been a disaster, especially by Pittsburgh standards. After the first two weeks, they are 29th in scoring defense, 28th in rushing defense, and 29th in passing defense. The offense is averaging 25.5 points and looked sharp against the Jets in Week 1, but struggled against Seattle. The clock on Aaron’s disgruntled attitude infecting the team has begun.
Jacksonville Jaguars
Jacksonville’s offense is leading the league with an average of 5.7 yards per rush, led by a rejuvenated Travis Etienne Jr. The defense has been relatively consistent, especially against the rush (80.5 yards per game; 7th in the league). Keep an eye on the T-Law/Coen relationship. Also, Brian Thomas Jr. is afraid to play football.
Tennessee Titans
Tennessee has scored just 31 points across two games, good for 3rd worst in the league. The defense has allowed 53 points (23rd) and is giving up more than 375 yards per contest (27th). Cam Ward is fun to watch, but the rest of the team is sad.
New York Giants
The Giants lead the league in passing yards with more than 570 through two weeks, but the defense has allowed 61 points (27th). SB Russell came out to play in Week 2, but I expect Jaxson gets the nod before too long.
Las Vegas Raiders
Las Vegas has averaged just 14.5 points per game (31st) and ranks near the middle of the pack in total defense (19th). The roster is still seeking cohesion under a new coaching staff. Their lone win came against a bad New England Patriots defense, and Geno looked awful in Week 2 against the Chargers.
Bad
New England Patriots
New England is averaging 23 points per game and has struggled on defense, ranking 25th in total defense (373.5 yards) and 19th in scoring (47 points). Getting Christian Gonzalez back for Week 3 would be a major improvement, as they are currently 32nd in the league in passing defense (315 yards per game).
Houston Texans
C.J. Stroud has thrown for 395 yards through two games but has been sacked six times. The Texans’ offense remains limited by poor pass protection and bad playcalling.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are averaging 16.5 points per game. Turnover issues and inconsistent quarterback play have hindered early progress. It’s time to turn the reins over to one of the rookie QBs and let Flacco ride off into the sunset.
New York Jets
The Jets have averaged 21 points per game. Quarterback instability and offensive inefficiency have been evident. Defensively, they are giving up the 3rd most points in the league (32 points per game).
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans is averaging 17 points (26th) and 311 total yards per game (20th). They have competed in both of their games to start their season, but they just feel sad to watch with no real excitement.
Very Bad
Carolina Panthers
Carolina has been outscored 53-32 across two games. The offense ranks 23rd in total yards (607). They seem like they have no clear direction.
Chicago Bears
Chicago is averaging 22.5 points per game, but thanks to a beating by Detroit in Week 2, they are currently last in the league in scoring defense (39.5 points per game). Defensive breakdowns have compounded problems. Caleb is not the guy.
Miami Dolphins
Miami is allowing more than 30 points per game and ranks 26th in total defense (751 total yards). Offensive inconsistency has left them winless. I’d be surprised if McDaniel survives to the Bye Week (Week 12)