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NFL Nation, ESPNSep 17, 2024, 07:00 AM ET
Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season brought many surprise performances.
The New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Minnesota Vikings claimed victories over teams ranked in the top 10 of our Week 2 Power Rankings. Meanwhile, three of our preseason top-15 teams, the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Rams, are 0-2 to start the season.
With so many twists and turns after the second week of play, our Power Rankings have shuffled. So, let’s look at how all 32 teams stack up.
In addition to our rankings, the NFL Nation reporters picked the most important backup/role player on each team. We took a look at the players who might not be considered the “go-to” guys but still contribute to the team’s success.
Let’s check out the new 1-32 rankings below, starting with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Our power panel of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities evaluates how NFL teams stack up against one another, ranking them from 1 to 32.
Previous rankings: Preseason, Week 2
Jump to a team:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LAC | LAR | LV | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH
Week 2 ranking: 1
Most important backup/role player: LB Leo Chenal
Chenal has filled a lot of roles for the Chiefs. In Sunday’s game against the Bengals, Chenal lined up as a defensive end, defensive tackle, inside linebacker and outside linebacker. He also got a couple of snaps on offense as a blocker in short-yardage situations and was in for 17 special teams plays. Chenal has been increasingly used as a rusher in passing situations and has the Chiefs’ third-highest pressure percentage (10.3%) among any of their players with 10 or more pass rushes. — Adam Teicher
Editor’s Picks
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Week 2 ranking: 8
Most important backup/role player: DB Cam Lewis
This could go to a variety of players with the Bills’ defense off to such an injured start. Lewis is one player on this roster who is asked to step up in so many ways, currently as the starting nickel while Taron Johnson deals with a forearm injury. The former undrafted free agent out of the University at Buffalo is also a backup at safety and a special teams player. He tied for the team high in tackles (10) against the Dolphins and continuing to play well while Johnson misses time will be important. — Alaina Getzenberg
Week 2 ranking: 2
Most important backup/role player: WR Jauan Jennings
As the No. 3 receiver, the Niners lean on Jennings to do the dirty work and deliver when it matters most. He has earned the trust to handle blocking duties from outside receiver to de facto tight end. Since the start of last season, Jennings has a run block win rate of 84.8%, well above the league average (79.2%) for receivers in that span. If that’s not enough, he has also earned the nickname “Third and Jauan” for his ability to move the chains. Fifty-five of his 85 career receptions have gone for first downs, with 34 of those coming on third or fourth down. — Nick Wagoner
Week 2 ranking: 6
Most important backup/role player: RB Dameon Pierce
With running back Joe Mixon‘s availability unknown because of an ankle injury, Pierce might be asked to step up and carry the rushing load. The Texans’ passing attack is averaging 219 yards through two weeks, and the offense is at its best when it can run the ball. Houston scored 29 points with Mixon’s 159 rushing yards in Week 1, but it was limited to 19 points in Week 2 as he posted just 25 rushing yards. Pierce had 416 rushing yards and two touchdowns in 14 games as the backup last season. — DJ Bien-Aime
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2:02
McAfee and Schefter discuss the ongoing hip-drop tackle in the NFL
Pat McAfee and Adam Schefter discuss why the NFL has not called penalties on hip-drop tackles this season.
Week 2 ranking: 3
Most important backup/role player: RB Sione Vaki
Detroit’s backfield is one of the best in the league with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, but Vaki brings a unique skill set and adds value on special teams. Vaki played safety in college but was drafted as a running back. He showcased his pass-catching ability by being on the receiving end of a fake punt against the Bucs. “We loved him for special teams based on his college tape, but he’s been able to translate that physicality that he’s shown on special teams to that position, so he’s not afraid to come downhill on a linebacker,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said. — Eric Woodyard
Week 2 ranking: 5
Most important backup/role player: DE Brandon Graham
The 36-year-old Graham has long been a tone-setter in the Eagles’ locker room, serving as a mentor for a few younger players. He continues to make an impact on the field as well. In Week 1, he played 32 snaps — more than Nolan Smith Jr. (31) and Bryce Huff (30). Graham plans to retire after this season, but Philadelphia needs one more productive campaign out of him to bolster an edge rush group with some question marks. “I’ve told him several times, he’s not on any ceremonial last-year retirement parade,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. “He’s going to play. He’s still playing good.” — Tim McManus
Week 2 ranking: 13
Most important backup/role player: DB Christian Izien
Izien was the Bucs’ starting nickelback last season, but he was bumped out of the spot by rookie third-round draft pick Tykee Smith and spent the summer learning the safety position. He stepped in as an outside corner against Washington after three cornerbacks were lost to injury during the game. Then he started at free safety in Week 2 for All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr., contributing a goal-line interception in the Bucs’ victory over the Lions. — Jenna Laine
Week 2 ranking: 17
Most important backup/role player: LB Tuli Tuipulotu
Tuipulotu had an impactful 2023 season, finishing seventh among rookies in sacks (4.5). The second-round pick is behind one of the league’s best edge rusher pairings in Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa, but both players are aging and Bosa hasn’t played an entire season since 2021. The Chargers already rotate Tuipulotu significantly; he had the third-most snaps at edge (27) in Sunday’s win over the Panthers. He ensures there’s little drop-off when Bosa or Mack aren’t on the field, and he’s essential to a defense trying to rebound from being among the worst in the NFL last season. — Kris Rhim
Week 2 ranking: 23
Most important backup/role player: CB Kool-Aid McKinstry
McKinstry already had to fill in by Week 2 when Marshon Lattimore was out against the Cowboys because of a hamstring injury. McKinstry is important because the Saints can keep Alontae Taylor in the slot and put McKinstry on the outside, ensuring some continuity for a unit that has already performed very well through two weeks. He’ll also provide some insurance later in the season because of the high rate of injuries at the position. — Katherine Terrell
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Week 2 ranking: 19
Most important backup/role player: RB Zach Charbonnet
The Seahawks’ RB2 is their RB1 until Kenneth Walker III returns from the oblique injury he suffered in the fourth quarter of the season opener. Charbonnet handled the entire workload for Seattle’s backfield and delivered mixed results against New England. His 14 carries produced only 38 yards as he continually found no room to run. But he scored a rushing touchdown and added 31 receiving yards while catching all five of his targets. One was a third-and-6 dump-off that extended Seattle’s winning drive in overtime. Walker’s timetable for a return is unclear, which means the Seahawks might need to turn to Charbonnet again this week. — Brady Henderson
Week 2 ranking: 22
Most important backup/role player: WR Jalen Nailor
Nailor entered the season as the No. 3 receiver behind Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. While that means plenty of playing time for a team that uses “11” personnel about 65% of the time, it doesn’t necessarily translate to targets. But Nailor has made the absolute most of the five passes thrown in his direction this season. Two have gone for touchdowns, a third went for 26 yards to convert a key third-and-8 against the 49ers and the fourth went for 18 yards. — Kevin Seifert
Week 2 ranking: 11
Most important backup/role player: OL Spencer Anderson
Anderson has joked that he gets tired of hearing about his versatility, but it’s what makes him most valuable. With Isaac Seumalo battling a pec injury, Anderson’s first two career starts have come this season. The 2023 seventh-round pick can play guard, but he’s also capable of filling in at every position along the line. Anderson is likely a do-it-all backup whenever Seumalo is healthy this season, but Anderson could eventually earn a starting job if the Steelers move on from right guard James Daniels, who’s a free agent after the season. — Brooke Pryor
Week 2 ranking: 4
Most important backup/role player: RB Justice Hill
Hill entered the season as a change-of-pace backup to Derrick Henry but has played 72 snaps through two games, seven more than Henry. In the running game, Hill has averaged 5 yards per carry (25 yards on five rush attempts). In the passing game, he has caught eight passes for 62 yards and provides strong pass protection for QB Lamar Jackson. Last season, team officials referred to Hill as the team’s unsung hero. He has kept that title so far this season. — Jamison Hensley
play
1:34
Stephen A. blames Lamar Jackson for loss to Raiders
Stephen A. Smith calls out Lamar Jackson on “First Take,” questioning his ability to close out games and hold on to fourth-quarter leads.
Week 2 ranking: 7
Most important backup/role player: CB Jourdan Lewis
Lewis is like a starter as the nickel corner, considering how much the Cowboys play their sub packages defensively. He sets the tone just as much as Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence with his physicality. He is unafraid to set the edge in the running game. He’s capable of working the slot against receivers, tight ends or running backs. By the end of last week’s loss to New Orleans, he was working on the outside, too. If the coaches don’t like what rookie Caelen Carson is doing in place of an injured DaRon Bland, they can go to Lewis more. — Todd Archer
Week 2 ranking: 12
Most important backup/role player: LB Eric Wilson
Wilson played only eight snaps in Sunday’s win over the Colts, but he made them count. He picked off QB Anthony Richardson in the fourth quarter when the Colts were in Packers territory, and earlier in the game, he forced a fumble that Indianapolis recovered. Wilson is the third linebacker in the base 4-3 scheme, which means he’s the first to come off the field when the defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley employs his nickel package (a common practice vs. Indy). Wilson, an eight-year veteran, also plays a significant role on special teams. — Rob Demovsky
Week 2 ranking: 15
Most important backup/role player: RB Braelon Allen
After barely touching the field in Week 1, the rookie celebrated his breakout Sunday with a rushing and passing touchdown. Breece Hall will continue to get the bulk of the reps, but Allen gives the Jets a formidable 1-2 punch in the backfield. Both players can line up in the backfield at the same time, as they did four times against the Titans — one of which resulted in Allen’s touchdown reception. Allen can reduce Hall’s workload and provide insurance if he gets hurt. — Rich Cimini
Week 2 ranking: 9
Most important backup/role player: QB Skylar Thompson
Thompson beat veteran Mike White for the backup quarterback job this offseason and will likely be thrust into a starting role in Week 3 against the Seahawks. Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel said Thompson won the job based on the team’s response to him in a preseason game, and that Miami has the “utmost confidence” in the third-year quarterback. Thompson started three games as a rookie in 2022, including a playoff-clinching win over the Jets and a playoff loss on the road in Buffalo. It’s unclear how many games he will be needed for this time around, but the Dolphins have an offense full of playmakers to support him. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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Week 2 ranking: 14
Most important backup/role player: TE Erick All Jr.
All has immediately skyrocketed in importance through his first two games of the season. In the team’s Week 2 loss to Kansas City, the rookie had as many snaps as starting tight end Drew Sample did. He also chipped in with four catches for 42 yards. The coaching staff has been very high on the fourth-round pick. If All continues to be this productive and effective, he could have a massive impact on Cincinnati’s offensive scheme. — Ben Baby
Week 2 ranking: 26
Most important backup/role player: RB Emari Demercado
Demercado has established himself as the Cardinals’ critical third-down back, sitting behind James Conner and Trey Benson on the depth chart. He has played on 16 of 24 third downs this season and had pass blocks on 4 of 10 passing third downs he has been on the field for. Of the 16 third downs Demercado has played so far, the Cardinals have moved the chains on nine of them. — Josh Weinfuss
Week 2 ranking: 10
Most important backup/role player: QB Jimmy Garoppolo
The Rams made backup quarterback a priority this offseason after struggling at the spot for the past two years. In 2022, Los Angeles picked up Baker Mayfield off waivers in December after starting quarterback Matthew Stafford was injured, and last season, the Rams signed Carson Wentz during their bye week after Brett Rypien struggled in his lone start. If Stafford misses time because of injury, the Rams believe they have a backup quarterback who can succeed in this offense. Los Angeles also has quarterback Stetson Bennett on the roster (he served as the backup quarterback while Garoppolo was suspended for the first two games), but the veteran is the clear No. 2 QB. — Sarah Barshop
Week 2 ranking: 28
Most important backup/role player: RB Alexander Mattison
While Mattison has only 20 rushing yards on nine carries, including 1 yard on four attempts at Baltimore, he already has two touchdowns in 13 touches — a 31-yard catch, hurdle and run at the Chargers and a 1-yard plunge at the Ravens. Meanwhile, the Raiders’ rookie starter, Zamir White, has 68 rushing yards on 22 carries and 5 passing yards on six catches without a score. — Paul Gutierrez
Week 2 ranking: 21
Most important backup/role player: QB Jameis Winston
In 2023, the Browns lost quarterback Deshaun Watson to a season-ending shoulder injury and had to rotate through five different starters before Joe Flacco led an improbable run to the playoffs. Watson has often been injured since arriving in Cleveland in 2022, missing 11 games last season because of injury. He has also struggled too, posting the sixth-lowest QBR since his debut. In Winston, the Browns have one of the NFL’s most experienced backups should Watson go down or get benched by the coaching staff. A 10-year veteran, Winston has started 80 games and thrown 141 touchdowns in his career. — Daniel Oyefusi
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Week 2 ranking: 25
Most important backup/role player: TE Charlie Woerner
If QB Kirk Cousins is still shaking off rust, the Falcons will need their running back duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to break out. In order for them to do that, Woerner will be a key cog. He opened holes as a run-blocking specialist tight end for Christian McCaffrey in San Francisco over the past few years. Pro Football Focus gave him a 76.5 run block grade last year, better than anyone on the Falcons’ roster. Kyle Pitts will make the flashy plays at tight end, but Woerner can open holes for others and help this offense go. — Marc Raimondi
Week 2 ranking: 16
Most important backup/role player: CB Montaric Brown
With Tyson Campbell on IR because of a left hamstring injury, the Jaguars turned to Brown, who led the Jaguars with 11 tackles (including two for loss) in their Week 2 loss to Cleveland. He will have that role for at least the next three games and maybe longer because the Jaguars don’t have a clear timetable on Campbell’s return yet. Brown earned the trust for this role last season by subbing for Campbell when he dealt with a right hamstring injury. — Michael DiRocco
Week 2 ranking: 24
Most important backup/role player: S Brenden Schooler
Schooler is listed on the depth chart as a safety, but his most important role is covering kicks and punts on special teams. In Week 1, he had three solo tackles and reached a career-high top speed of 22.4 mph, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. With the Patriots’ offense lacking high-end playmakers, game-changing plays on special teams add even more importance. Schooler leads the charge in that area. — Mike Reiss
play
0:27
Tyler Fulghum’s pick for Patriots-Jets in Week 3
Tyler Fulghum explains why he likes the under in the Patriots and Jets’ Week 3 matchup.
Week 2 ranking: 18
Most important backup/role player: DE Darrell Taylor
The Bears sent a sixth-round pick to Seattle for Taylor at the end of the preseason to help fortify their pass rush rotation. Against the Titans, the defensive end registered two sacks, two QB hits and seven tackles. His run defense has been solid along with his ability to finish his pursuit. Against Houston, Taylor showed the way he can blow up a backfield when he chased C.J. Stroud to the sideline and finished off a tackle despite the result of that play being an 18-yard off-platform completion by the Texans QB. — Courtney Cronin
Week 2 ranking: 29
Most important backup/role player: TE John Bates
Bates serves as the Commanders’ No. 2 tight end behind Zach Ertz in most settings, providing Washington with another option in the passing game alongside rookie TE Ben Sinnott. But Bates’ importance stems more from his blocking; he has caught one pass this year and had only 53 receptions in his first three seasons combined. With Washington wanting to run the ball more, it needs what Bates provides — he can block in space or at the line, making him a rarity. — John Keim
Week 2 ranking: 20
Most important backup/role player: WR Alec Pierce
Pierce was expected to be the third receiver, at best, for the Colts this season. But he has been a revelation with No. 2 wideout Josh Downs missing both weeks because of an ankle injury and the remaining receivers showing inconsistency. Pierce leads the Colts with eight receptions and 181 yards. He has already tied a career best with two touchdown receptions, recording Indy’s only touchdown against the Packers on Sunday. — Stephen Holder
Week 2 ranking: 27
Most important backup/role player: CB Roger McCreary
The Titans rely on McCreary to help in both pass and run defense. Tennessee uses a lot of sub packages with McCreary on the field as the nickel corner. He’s asked to match up with slot receivers and at times used on blitzes to pressure quarterbacks. Despite being only 5-foot-11 and 190 pounds, McCreary is also a key part of the Titans’ run defense, forcing runs back inside from the edge. The third-year veteran is a sure tackler who makes plays behind the line of scrimmage, as shown by his four tackles for loss in two games. — Turron Davenport
play
1:11
Schefter: Titans will continue to ride with Will Levis
Adam Schefter joins “The Pat McAfee Show” and says that despite the Titans losing their second game, they will continue to ride with Will Levis.
Week 2 ranking: 30
Most important backup/role player: LB Jonah Elliss
Elliss was the Broncos’ third-round pick this year and has already been one of the defense’s most impactful players. And with outside linebacker Baron Browning dealing with a foot injury — Browning left Sunday’s game and did not return — Elliss’ workload will likely increase. He had two sacks and a forced fumble in the preseason, working well within a quality rush plan, and he had two tackles for loss and a sack in 24 snaps Sunday. The Broncos will benefit from the fact that he is further along the learning curve than they might have expected. — Jeff Legwold
Week 2 ranking: 31
Most important backup/role player: CB Dru Phillips
The rookie has thrived in the slot cornerback role. Phillips had 12 tackles (two for a loss) and a sack in Sunday’s loss to the Commanders. The third-round pick’s stop percentage of 12.8% is second among all slot corners through two weeks, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. He has also allowed just five receptions for 22 yards as the nearest defender in coverage. He has made a strong early impression for the Giants. — Jordan Raanan
Week 2 ranking: 32
Most important backup/role player: OL Brady Christensen
Yes, the Panthers are a mess all around, particularly at quarterback with Bryce Young‘s struggles through the first two weeks leading to his benching. But if any member of the starting offensive line goes down, it could get even worse. Christensen has shown he’s capable of being a starter at guard and tackle, and he’s now the backup center for Austin Corbett. Talk about multitasking. — David Newton
