As we head into the third week of the NFL season, there has been a comforting amount of reassurance regarding the best teams in the league, combined with a refreshing sense that other franchises could make a leap into the elite group.
Based on what we’ve seen the first two weeks, here are the top five teams in the NFL.
5. Miami Dolphins
It certainly doesn’t seem like Miami rookie head coach Mike McDaniel is phased going up against opposite numbers with much more accomplished resumes. In his debut, he outlasted New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick, who has 291 career regular season NFL wins to his name. Last week, against insurmountable odds and a large deficit on the road facing the Baltimore Ravens, McDaniel’s resolve and confidence helped Miami make a historic comeback. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh has 138 regular season victories to his credit, and will wonder all week how win 139 got away.
4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
It hasn’t always been pretty, but the Buccaneers find themselves with a perfect 2-0 mark. Their games have been slugfests against the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints, but Tampa Bay has found ways to make plays when they need to. A patchwork offensive line and a rotating cast of wide receivers is not the ideal position to put quarterback Tom Brady in, but if there’s anyone who can make do with the hand he’s dealt, it’s the seven-time Super Bowl champion. Facing the Green Bay Packers this Sunday with the prospect of Mike Evans not on the field will be the offense’s greatest test yet.
3. Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles had one of the best offseasons in the NFL, and the transactions they made before the games began have paid dividends on the field. Looking to diversify their offensive attack, Philadelphia’s front office made a big splash by trading for star pass catcher A.J. Brown, and he has been everything they could’ve hoped for. So far through two games, he has reeled in 15 passes for 224 yards, and has been the dynamic threat on the outside that keeps defenses honest. As a result, Philadelphia’s already potent ground game has been working on all cylinders, as they’ve already rushed for six touchdowns as a team.
2. Kansas City Chiefs
While the narrative regarding the best quarterbacks in the NFL had slightly shifted away from former league MVP Patrick Mahomes, the 27 year-old remains arguably the most talented signal caller and possibly most gifted played in the league. Even without the speed of Tyreek Hill to threaten a defense deep, Mahomes has continued to guide the offense in a masterful way with a new set of weapons. Many would not have thought it possible, but Kansas City might even be more dangerous in 2022 because of their unpredictability.
1. Buffalo Bills
It is difficult to say that any team has been more impressive in the first two games of the NFL season than the Bills. With ease, Buffalo dismantled the reigning Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams in Week 1, and throttled the Tennessee Titans in Week 2 in their home opener. Quarterback Josh Allen looks as dangerous as ever, evidenced by his locked in connection with star wide receiver Stefon Diggs. It also appears like free agent acquisition Von Miller has bolstered the team’s pass rush and helped in the locker room with his veteran leadership.
