1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0) - With wins over Green Bay (at Lambeau) and Detroit to open the season, the 49ers have again established themselves as a Super Bowl favorite. The 49ers offense has been efficient through two games (363.0 yards per game), which is a scary thought for opponents already having to worry about San Francisco's defense.
2. Houston Texans (2-0) - While Miami and Jacksonville aren't elite opponents, the Texans handled both of them easily. The combination of a strong running game and a ferocious defense (#1 in the league in both points and yards allowed), the Texans are the clear AFC South favorites, and will be a tough out in the postseason.
3. Atlanta Falcons (2-0) - Atlanta's passing game may have the best WR/WR/RB combination in Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez, and while the running game hasn't quite performed to its usual level, the defense has totaled six sacks and five interceptions, including three from Peyton Manning on Monday.
4. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) - The team could easily be 0-2 in part because of their inability to protect the ball (9 turnovers). The good news is that the turnover trend likely won't continue at that pace, and they lead the league in yards per game.
5. Arizona Cardinals (2-0) - The Cardinals defense was stellar in their road victory over the Patriots, and does a great job of pressuring the quarterback (7 sacks). Kevin Kolb hasn't been overly impressive, but could keep the starting job after a steady performance in relief of an injured John Skelton against Seattle, and continued that play against New England.
6. New England Patriots (1-1) - The Patriots weren't able to establish a rhythm against the Cardinals, and will also likely be without TE Aaron Hernandez for a few weeks as he deals with a high-ankle sprain. The rebuilt defense looks much better than last year, but the offensive line needs to do a better job of protecting Tom Brady (5 sacks allowed).
7. San Diego Chargers (2-0) - The loss of WR Vincent Jackson hasn't slowed Philip Rivers (494 yards, 4 TD through two games) and the passing game down much, and the return of Ryan Matthews (broken collarbone) will only help.
8. Baltimore Ravens (1-1) - The Ravens could easily be 2-0, but their inability to capitalize off of four Eagles turnovers cost them the game on Sunday. Joe Flacco has improved as a quarterback, but still needs to become more consistent. The Ravens still have a great defense, but the offense will need to convert better on third down than they did against the Eagles (4-14).
9. Green Bay Packers (1-1) - Aaron Rodgers has gotten of to a so-so start in 2011, but did have to play two tough teams in San Francisco and Chicago. Cedric Benson was brought in to help the running game, but is averaging just 3.4 yards per carry thus far. The pass rush has eleven sacks, and Clay Matthews has returned to 2010 form (6 sacks through two games).
10. New York Giants (1-1) - The Giants avoided an 0-2 start with a furious fourth quarter comeback against the Buccaneers. Eli Manning threw for 510 yards and three touchdowns, but may need Bryce Brown and David Wilson to step up should Ahmad Bradshaw miss any time.
11. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1) - The defense bounced back after a poor showing in Denver, shutting down the Jets offense. Ben Roethlisberger (275 yards, 2 TD) led the way, and the running game should improve when Rashard Mendenhall will return from injury. Look out for the defense when Troy Polamalu and James Harrison return from injury, as the 'D' is still above average without them.
12. Seattle Seahawks (1-1) - Marshawn Lynch ran all over the Cowboys en route to a 20-point home win. Rookie quarterback Russell Wilson is adjusting fairly well to the NFL game, and a consistent running game will make things easier for him.
13. Chicago Bears (1-1) - Jay Cutler and the Bears were downright abysmal offensively against the Packers, as Cutler's four interceptions and the offensive line's inability to protect him were their demise. Thankfully for Chicago, Matt Forte's injury was nothing serious, and the defense played respectably against Green Bay.
14. Detroit Lions (1-1) - The Lions were able to play respectably against the 49ers, but until the running game becomes a factor, they'll again rely on QB Matthew Stafford and WR Calvin Johnson to carry the load. Perhaps 2011 2nd round pick Mikel Leshoure can provide some help.
15. Cincinnati Bengals (1-1) - Cincinnati's offense bounced back from a lackluster effort against Baltimore, putting up 375 yards of offense in their 31-24 win over Cleveland. Worrisome is the fact the defense surrendered 439 yards of offense, including over 300 and two touchdowns from rookie QB Brandon Weeden.
16. Dallas Cowboys (1-1) - One week after beating the Giants, Dallas looked abysmal against the Seahawks, scoring just seven points while putting up 296 yards (49 rushing). The defense also allowed the 'Hawks to run all over them, as Seattle totaled 182 yards on the ground, which allowed Russell Wilson to attempt just 20 passes.
17. Denver Broncos (1-1) - Peyton Manning's three first-quarter interceptions were too much to overcome on Monday as the Falcons won 27-20. Manning's drop is pass velocity has to be concerning, as the Falcons were without Brent Grimes for the game.
18. New York Jets (1-1) - After blowing out Buffalo in the season opener, the offense saw the same old problems against the Steelers. New York was held to just 10 points and 219 total yards against a Pittsburgh defense that was without Pro Bowlers Troy Polamalu and James Harrison.
19. Buffalo Bills (1-1) - C.J. Spiller has established himself as an elite running back, leading the NFL in rushing yards (292 yards, 3 TD on 29 carries) behind an offensive line that has yet to allow a quarterback sack. If the defense can consistently rush the passer as they did against Kansas City on Sunday in their 35-17 win, then the playoffs are still a possibility.
20. Carolina Panthers (1-1) - One week after the entire offense was stifled by the Buccaneers, Cam Newton and Carolina exploded for 463 yards and 35 points against the Saints. While the defense hasn't yet played great (372 yards/game), part of that is skewed by New Orleans' still-potent offensive attack.
21. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1-1) - Greg Schiano has the Buccaneers playing inspired football, and are a ridiculous fourth quarter performance away from being 2-0. The defense still has some holes in it, but they are clearly an improved offensive team with the additions of Vincent Jackson and Doug Martin.
22. Miami Dolphins (1-1) - Reggie Bush (241 yards) and a solid defense should take some pressure off of QB Ryan Tannehill, but a below-average receiving corps will make life difficult should the team fall behind early.
23. Minnesota Vikings (1-1) - Adrian Peterson will likely be on a touches limit as he comes back from a torn ACL, and the team will need more big plays from the passing game, as their longest play from scrimmage is just 26 yards. Christian Ponder (515 yards, 2 TD) to Percy Harvin (18-188) has been a solid combination thus far.
24. St. Louis Rams (1-1) - Jeff Fisher has brought a toughness and winning attitude to the Rams, who have given both the Lions and Redskins all they could handle. With a healthy Sam Bradford, St. Louis already looks much improved over last year's team.
25. Washington Redskins (1-1) - Robert Griffin III is the early front-runner for Rookie of the Year, accounting for five touchdowns (3 passing, 2 rushing) with just one turnover. The defense hasn't performed to expectations, and the losses of Brian Orakpo and Adam Carriker for the season will hurt.
26. New Orleans Saints (0-2) - The only winless team in the entire NFC, New Orleans' defense has been simply atrocious, ranking at or near the bottom of the NFL in yards allowed (last), points allowed (last), run defense (last) and turnovers forced (t-last). Drew Brees may well throw for 5,000 yards again, but unless the defense can step up, New Orleans will likely find themselves out of the playoffs.
27. Indianapolis Colts (1-1) - Andrew Luck was much better against the Vikings (224 yards, 2 TD), but on rebuilding team that struggles to run the ball, the ability to win games will be placed on the #1 overall picks shoulders.
28. Cleveland Browns (0-2) - The Browns have hung tough with two 2011 playoff teams in the Bengals and Eagles, yet have come up short in both games. The rookie combination of Brandon Weeden and Trent Richardson looked much better against the Bengals, and will need to be successful for them to compete on a weekly basis.
29. Jacksonville Jaguars (0-2) - Blaine Gabbert has looked better in 2012, but will need more from rookie WR Justin Blackmon (3 receptions, 24 yards through two games). I'd also like to see better run defense (31st in NFL) and pass rush (t-27th), because as currently constructed, their offense won't likely win them a lot of high-scoring games.
30. Kansas City Chiefs (0-2) - Two blowout losses have slowed any momentum built towards the end of last season. Of particular concern has to be the protection of QB Matt Cassel, who has been sacked eight times through two games.
31. Oakland Raiders (0-2) - The defensive combination of a bad pass rush (2.0 sacks) and not forcing turnovers is bad news. Even worse is their non-existent running game, which has totaled 68 yards through two games. While Carson Palmer has played fairly well, the Raiders won't be contending for the AFC West crown this year.
32. Tennessee Titans (0-2) - With Chris Johnson struggling behind an offensive line that is failing to create running lanes (1.1 yards/carry), the Titans rank dead last in rushing offense (29 yards/game) and scoring (11.5 points/game).
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