Week 2 NFL Power Rankings

Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck (12) reaches the ball over the goal line for a touchdown during the first half against the against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

8. Carolina Panthers

I’m not sure things could have gone any better for the Panthers week one.

Even without Cam Newton, Derek Anderson and the offense put up enough points to beat a pretty good Tampa Bay defense. Kelvin Benjamin also seems to have quieted questions about who would replace Steve Smith.

Oh, and that defense is pretty good, too. Luke Kuechly is the best linebacker in the league, and Thomas Davis isn’t bad either. I am scared they’ll lose Greg Hardy at some point this year, but until then, they probably have the best front seven in the entire NFL.

7. Indianapolis Colts

The loss of Robert Mathis may have ended the Colts’ Superbowl hopes in some people’s mind, except did the Broncos or Patriots show that they are considerably better than the Colts in week one? Offensively, the Colts can compete with anyone in the league, and while I don’t think they will end up winning the AFC, or even in the AFC title game, I’m not ready to rule them out of the race altogether.

As for this week, expect Luck, Reggie Wayne and T.Y. Hilton to have a big night in a Monday Night Football shootout against the Eagles.

6. New England Patriots

They blew a lead to the Dolphins and are the only team in the AFC East that didn’t win their week one matchup, but how concerned can you really be?

Tom Brady had a down game, but Rob Gronkowski stayed healthy and caught a touchdown, and they are still waiting on Brandon Browner to return from his suspension, which should give them a dynamic cornerback duo that can mask other holes on the defense.

The only thing that concerns me is that I don’t think anyone on the roster is going to be able to make up for the departure of LaGarrette Blount, which puts more pressure on an approaching-40 Tom Brady.

5. New Orleans Saints

The Saints play on the road for the second consecutive week, except they go from playing an elite offense in Atlanta, to Brian Hoyer and the Browns. I’d not only expect the offense to put up a crooked number this week, but what was expected to be a loaded secondary to lead a defensive turnaround in week two.

I think week one is an indication that they can be beat in a shootout on the road, which is why the need the number one seed to be a serious contender in the NFC. I’d take them over Seattle or San Francisco at home, but on the road may be another story.