2020 NFL power rankings, Week 2: Packers roll, 49ers stunned

Matt Rhule is the Carolina Panthers first offensive-minded head coach since the franchise first took the field back in 1995. A club that dropped its final eight games a year ago found itself in a wild affair with the visiting Raiders. All-Pro Christian McCaffrey ran for 96 yards and two TDs and owned a 30-27 lead midway through the fourth quarter. But the Panthers had no answers for Las Vegas’ Josh Jacobs, who ran for 93 yards and three scores.

After a miserable 0-7 start a year ago, the Dolphins won five of their final nine games – including a Week 17 upset of the Patriots in Foxborough. But this time around, Miami’s defense couldn’t slow down the Patriots’ running game (217 yards on 42 attempts). Meanwhile, 2019 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore had one of the team’s three interceptions of Dolphins’ quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick, who threw for only 191 yards.

The newest era began in the Queen City as 2020 first overall pick Joe Burrow lined up behind center vs. the visiting Chargers. And thanks to a 23-yard touchdown run, he got the Bengals on the scoreboard first. And the 2019 national champion overcame three sacks and an interception by driving his team late in the game into tying field-goal position. But Randy Bullock shanked a 31-yard field goal attempt with less than a minute to play.

Dan Quinn’s defense was hoping to feature more pass rush this season and the Falcons did sack Seahawks’ quarterback Russell Wilson three times. But the veteran signal-caller did miss on only four of his 35 pass attempts and riddled Atlanta for 322 yards and four touchdowns. In a losing effort, Matt Ryan threw for 450 yards and two scores with one interception. Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley (2 TDs) and Russell Gage all topped 100 yards receiving.