2022 NFL power rankings, Week 2: Rams and Bengals not so super

GLENDALE, ARIZONA - SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs passes the ball as cornerback Corey Ballentine #39 and defensive end Zach Allen #94 of the Arizona Cardinals apply pressure during the game at State Farm Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 11: Michael Thomas #13 of the New Orleans Saints makes a reception before being tackled by A.J. Terrell #24 of the Atlanta Falcons during the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 11, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

15. . 1-0. Previous: . New Orleans Saints. 6. team

The Saints’ successor to head coach Sean Payton was promoted defensive coordinator Dennis Allen. But things didn’t look good for better than three quarters as New Orleans trailed 26-10 in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Jameis Winston found Michael Thomas for a pair of scores and then led a short drive in the final minute. Wil Lutz booted a 51-yards field goal with 19 seconds to play and Allen’s club escaped Atlanta with a huge victory.

1-0. Previous: . Los Angeles Chargers. 5. team. 13.

Brandon Staley’s team would begin 2022 against the same team they finished against a year ago. The Chargers fell at Las Vegas in overtime in Week 18 and failed to reach the playoffs. This time around, it was Los Angeles’ defense that made life miserable for Raiders’ quarterback Derek Carr.

Newcomer Khalil Mack had three of the team’s six sacks. And Staley’s defense picked off the nine-year signal-caller three times. Justin Herbert threw three TD passes.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers. 4. team. 48. . 1-0. Previous:

For the second consecutive year, the Buccaneers and Cowboys would clash in prime time. This time around, it was a Sunday night affair at AT&T Stadium. It took Todd Bowles’ team more than two quarters to finally reach the end zone.

But the Tampa defense was solid throughout the evening and limited Dallas to 244 total yards and a field goal. Leonard Fournette had a big night, rushing for 127 yards. Devin White had two of the team’s four sacks.

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