Not quite the worst:
27. Cincinnati Bengals, 0-1 (26)
Rookie quarterback Joe Burrow had a tough time with the Chargers pass-rush (lots of people do) and had a zany shovel-pass pick to Melvin Ingram (lots of people don’t), but he looked like a gamer, and gutted his team to within a botched field goal of a tie. Their line is, let’s say, porous.
26. Detroit Lions, 0-1 (24)
The Lions were a hot sleeper team this offseason. They pretty much put me to sleep, and polished off that reputation by losing a lead to Mitch Trubisky and the Chicago Bears. Over/under for the team having a new coach is when management finishes watching this tape.
25. Chicago Bears, 1-0 (27)
They beat the Lions. Yay! They did it by scoring 21 fourth-quarter points — now that’s impressive, for real. Unfortunately, they scored six points in those opening three quarters. What to believe, what to believe. I believe in those first three quarters.
24. New York Giants, 0-1 (25)
They looked a little better than I anticipated against the Steelers, and really had a shot at them until the Steelers pass-rush forced an end-zone interception. I don’t think the Giants stink. I don’t think they’re good, either. Hence, 24 for the week.
23. Las Vegas Raiders, 1-0 (23)
They stay at the same ranking, despite a win over Carolina. Why? Because it was a win over Carolina — and it was a difficult win over Carolina. Josh Jacobs looked great, and rookie receiver Henry Ruggs made a splash. They could move up. Or down. Or stay the same.
22. Los Angeles Chargers, 1-0 (22)
They also stayed the same ranking with a win because, well, they barely beat the Bengals, and needed an offensive pass-interference call and Cundiff-like field goal miss to get that win. The Chargers can run, and rush the passer. They will need more to advance.
21. Atlanta Falcons, 0-1 (20)
Matt Ryan threw for 450 yards, and three receivers grabbed over 100 yards in catches. That is great. They lost to Seattle by 13 points. That is not great. Atlanta will be Heaven for fantasy football owners and, well, the other for those who like defense and wins.
20. Denver Broncos, 0-1 (19)
They lost a close game to the Titans on Monday night, and were missing Courtland Sutton, their top receiver. But Noah Fant and Melvin Gordon looked good. I’m reserving judgement on this team for now as I have not a single clue how good they are going to be this season.