Fansided

2021 NFL power rankings, Week 2: Chiefs rally, Packers throttled

By Russell S. Baxter

JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints is pursued by Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images)
JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 12: Jameis Winston #2 of the New Orleans Saints is pursued by Rashan Gary #52 of the Green Bay Packers during the first quarter at TIAA Bank Field on September 12, 2021 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Sam Greenwood/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball during the first half against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – SEPTEMBER 12: Christian McCaffrey #22 of the Carolina Panthers carries the ball during the first half against the New York Jets at Bank of America Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

. 1-0. Previous: . Carolina Panthers. 24. team. 87

The NFL schedule makers love irony as quarterback Sam Darnold – now the leader of the Panthers – took on his old team as Matt Rhule’s club hosted the Jets. The fourth-year pro threw for one score and ran for another as Carolina owned a 16-0 lead after two quarters.

Darnold wound up throwing for 279 yards and one score, ran for another touchdown and was sacked only one time. Carolina’s offense amassed an impressive 381 total yards in the win.

team. 49. . 0-1. Previous: . Green Bay Packers. 23

Aaron Rodgers and company clashed with the Saints on the road for the second straight year. But instead of the Superdome, this clash of reigning division champions was moved to Jacksonville. Regardless of the venue, the 2020 NFL MVP and his team looked flat and sloppy.

Rodgers threw for 133 yards and two interceptions. Backup Jordan Love lost a fumble late in the game. And the NFL’s highest-scoring team a season ago managed only a field goal.

Minnesota Vikings. 22. team. 60. . 0-1. Previous:

Mike Zimmer and company made their way to the Queen City as the Vikings looked to avoid a slow start for the second consecutive year. Minnesota drew first blood but trailed 21-7 at halftime. Kirk Cousins and company fought their way back and the offense wound up rolling up 403 total yards.

While the pass rush came up with five sacks of Joe Burrow, Cincinnati rushed for 149 yards and Zimmer’s team failed to force a turnover in four-plus quarters.

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