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

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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ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 12: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills is hit by Joe Schobert #93 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Highmark Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

42. . 1-0. Previous: . San Francisco 49ers. 12. team

Kyle Shanahan’s team hoped to get off to a good start this season as they faced the rebuilding Lions at Detroit. The Niners appeared to be in complete control at Ford Field. Both Trey Lance and Jimmy Garoppolo threw touchdown passes and San Francisco and owned a 41-17 lead with just 9:53 remaining.

But before you could say sourdough, the Lions came roaring back and it took a successful defensive stand in the closing moments to secure the win.

New Orleans Saints. 11. team. 15. . 1-0. Previous:

For the first time since 2005, the opening-week starter at quarterback for the Saints would not be Drew Brees. Enter Jameis Winston as Sean Payton’s club “hosted” the Packers in a game relocated to Jacksonville. He and his team had few problems nibbling away at the Green Bay defense.

New Orleans rushed for 171 yards, 83 of those by Alvin Kamara. Winston threw for five scores and Payton’s team played turnover-free football in a stunning rout.

10. team. 55. . 1-0. Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers were hoping not to pick up where they left off last season when they fell apart after an 11-0 start. They faced the formidable Buffalo Bills at Orchard Park and the Pittsburgh offense was a no-show early, gaining just 54 total yards in the first half.

But Mike Tomlin’s team scored all 23 points in the second half, including 17 in the fourth quarter as Ben Roethlisberger settled in and the Pittsburgh defense and special teams came up big.

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