NFL Week 2 Power Rankings 2026 are pure chaos. Week 1 tied the post-merger record for highest-scoring opening week (49.44 PPG). The superteam Rams humiliated in Australia, and ended with Seattle grinding out a 13-10 win over New England despite losing Sam Darnold on play 5.
Here are the 10 biggest moves and who looks like a real Super Bowl contender.
The Los Angeles Rams were No.1 in every preseason ranking. Then they flew to Melbourne and got punched by San Francisco. Matthew Stafford scored the fewest points of his Rams era, Puka Nacua had more tackles (1) than Myles Garrett had pressures before Garrett was ruled out until Week 6. They drop from 1 to No.5.
Two teams take over:
USA Today has NEW No.1: Seattle Seahawks (prev 2). They beat Patriots 13-10 without Darnold, showing grit and dominant defense. Coach Mike Macdonald: “We’ll improve our operation. We can get so much better very quickly.”
Sporting News has NEW No.1: Buffalo Bills (prev 2). Josh Allen shredded a tough Texans defense in a 36-31 win in Houston, becoming fastest player ever (129 games) to 300 combined TDs. Joe Brady’s debut as head coach was explosive.
1. San Francisco 49ers: 7 -> 2 (+5) [USA Today] / 9 -> 5 (+4) [SN]
The biggest riser. They were near full strength for first time since 2025 and stuck it to the jet-lagged Rams in Australia. Brock Purdy was well-protected, defense feeding off Bosa and Warner. Their “Sleep tight” tweet was mic drop of Week 1.
2. Arizona Cardinals: 31 -> 24 (+7) / 28 -> 20 (+8)
Cardinals were ecstatic landing Mike LaFleur from McVay tree. Steady run-heavy production vs Chargers (0-1). Jacoby Brissett already matched last season’s win total in 1 game.
3. Kansas City Chiefs: 13 -> 6 (+7)
Return of the King. Mahomes + new RB Kenneth Walker III (from Seattle) smashed Broncos on MNF. Patrick looked back to improvisational best. AFC West throne reclaimed.
4. Pittsburgh Steelers: 21 -> 20 (+1 USA) / 18 -> 13 (+5 SN)
Aaron Rodgers now operating for Mike McCarthy, but real story: T.J. Watt looked revived after subpar 2025, with Alex Highsmith ripping Falcons.
5. New York Giants: 23 -> 14 (+9) / 20 -> 17 (+3)
Jaxson Dart was different with Malik Nabers and Isaiah Likely. Efficient, smashmouth John Harbaugh football beat Cowboys 35-17. NFC East on notice.
1. Los Angeles Rams: 1 -> 5 (-4)
Superteam down under. Scored fewest points of Stafford era. Lost Myles Garrett until Week 6. Hype balloon popped.
2. Denver Broncos: 3 -> 13 (-10)
Biggest fall. Bo Nix with new weapon Jaylen Waddle and OC Davis Webb flopped vs Chiefs. Sean Payton may reclaim play-calling. Run defense was shoddy.
3. Los Angeles Chargers: 15 -> 25 (-10) / 13 -> 23 (-10)
Worst performance of Week 1 relative to opponent. Jim Harbaugh lost first ever opener as NFL HC (now 6-1 in Week 1). Cards looked better all game. Justin Herbert had no help.
4. Green Bay Packers: 16 -> 22 (-6) / 17 -> 19 (-2)
Tumbled after meltdown in Minnesota, surrendering 29 consecutive points to Vikings. Jordan Love couldn’t handle blitz, no run game, couldn’t stop backup Carson Wentz to Justin Jefferson (2 TDs already = his 2025 total).
5. Miami Dolphins: Stay at 32 – But Trending Down
Slide to 31st in Palm Beach Post rankings, dead last in USA Today. Will stay on West Coast to play 49ers in Week 2 after getting crushed. Rookie LB Jacob Rodriguez had 14 tackles (2nd most in Week 1) – only bright spot.
Real Contenders After Week 1:
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