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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INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 12: Matthew Stafford #9 of the Los Angeles Rams calls a play during the first half against the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadium on September 12, 2021 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

51. . 1-0. Previous: . Los Angeles Rams. 9. team

With new quarterback Matthew Stafford at the helm, the former Detroit Lions’ first-round pick would face a very familiar foe in the Chicago Bears. This Sunday night affair at Los Angeles saw the home team jump out to a 13-0 second-quarter lead and never trailed.

Stafford was sharp, hitting on 20-of-26 throws for 321 yards and three scores. The Rams’ defense gave up its share of yards on the ground but just had too much firepower for Chicago.

59. . 1-0. Previous: . Miami Dolphins. 8. team

For the second consecutive season, Brian Flores would kick off their year at Foxborough. This time around, second-year quarterback Tua Tagovaiola would open the year for the Dolphins.

While he served up an ill-advised pick late in the fourth quarter that nearly proved costly, he also threw for 202 yards and one score and ran for another touchdown. And a Miami team that led the NFL in takeaways a year ago forced two key turnovers in the victory.

7. team. 16. . 0-1. Previous: . Buffalo Bills

Off the franchise’s most successful season since 1993, the Bills hosted the Steelers in a battle of reigning division champions. Buffalo’s defense dominated in the first half and Sean McDermott’s club owned a 10-0 advantage at halftime.

But Josh Allen and company had a rough second half and the team settled for only two field goals. He wound up throwing for 270 yards and one score. But he was sacked three times and lost one of his two fumbles.

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