19. Indianapolis Colts, 0-1 (15)
They lost to the Jaguars. You know, the ones from Jacksonville who sold off the majority of their talent for a Snickers bar and some draft picks? Philip Rivers was Philip Rivers — looking good until throwing a critical pick. I still think they will be good, but yeesh.
18. Cleveland Browns, 0-1 (12)
The Browns were pretty darn bad Sunday, getting squashed by the Ravens 38-6. I still believe they will become formidable this season, but they need to catch passes that hit them in the hands, cover people’s receivers and, you know, not stink on ice. The season is still young.
17. Minnesota Vikings, 0-1 (18)
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They moved up because other teams moved down. On their own merits, the Vikings were terrible on Sunday, getting torched by Aaron Rodgers (no shame there), and scoring 24 of their 34 points in the fourth quarter (a little shame there with the garbage-time offense).
16. Philadelphia Eagles, 0-1 (13)
They got beaten by the Washington Whatchamacallits. They had a 17-0 lead, gave up eight sacks and LOST TO A TEAM THAT DOES NOT HAVE A NAME. Fly, Eagles, fly — or at least get Wentz some wings to escape a pass-rush.
15. Houston Texans, 0-1 (17)
They got beaten pretty soundly by the defending champion Kansas City Chiefs, and won’t be the last team to suffer that feat this season. Their defense looks suspect, and the offense didn’t look great until garbage time. Except the ghost of David Johnson. He showed up and looked very good.
14. Los Angeles Rams, 1-0 (21)
Aaron Donald looked terrific agains the Cowboys, and Jared Goff made some good throws throughout the game — mixed in with some truly Goff-ian question marks. They might be better than I originally pegged them.
13. Dallas Cowboys, 0-1 (10)
How are they below the Rams? Well, I had them ranked 10th last week and the Rams 21st. I have to save a little face, right? The Cowboys didn’t really look bad, but their once-vaunted offensive line is a concern, and that could trip up a season of optimism.
12. New England Patriots, 1-0 (16)
The defense still looked good (albeit against the Dolphins), and Cam Newton looked healthy. These Patriots could contend for their division if they stay healthy and stick to this script on offense. You know they’ll be prepared. Do they have the horses?
11. Arizona Cardinals, 1-0 (14)
That was a good win over the 49ers, and Kyler Murray looked great, with 321 total yards and two touchdowns. DeAndre Hopkins takes them to another level on offense. But their defense impressed me the most. If that continues, watch out for this team going forward.