NFL Heavy Metal Rankings: Week 2 2010

Hey there. I don't do a pre-week 1 rankings. I feel that you need to see the teams in action before you can place the teams in a ranking system. Sure, some were powerhouses last year, but with all the off season moves, you never know who might surprise you (AHEM... Kansas City... AHEM). So here is my top power rankings and a tidbit on my NFL team, the Oakland Raiders.

The Packers came up with a win against the Kolbless Eagles.  But QB Michael Vick wasn't going down without a fight.  Despite a valiant effort, the Eagles fell short the Packers came out on top.  QB Aaron Rodgers looked ordinary (2 TDs, 2 INTs) and we'll have to see how much of an impact the loss of RB Ryan Grant will affect the passing game.  NEXT: BILLS

The shootout with the Vikings never materialized as the offense for both teams seemed to struggle at times.  However, with the defense coming to play, and making the Viking QB Brett Favre look every bit of 40, the Saints pulled out the victory.  Look for them to start checking out kickers.  K Garrett Hartly missed two very makable kicks. NEXT: 49NERS

The Ravens definitely shut up the Jets with their defense.  The Ravens pressured Jets QB Mark Sanchez all game long and the defensive line dominated the front lines all game long.  QB Flacco has many weapons to work with.  It's only a matter of time before he's in sync with his receivers putting the Ravens back in Super Bowl contention. NEXT: @BENGALS

Is trouble brewing in Big D?  Coach Wade Philips better right this ship fast.  The offense only produced 7 points in a game where the Cowboys hurt themselves more than the Redskins beat them.  The Cowboys still have the talent, but if they cannot produce this year, the Cowboys will look for a new head coach.  NEXT: BEARS

Who is this Arian Foster kid?  He gashed the Colts defense for a staggering 231 yards and 3 TDs.  QB Matt Schaub didn't have to do much since the running game was astounding.  A big win over the Colts can pay huge dividends for young team and this may be the year where they may legitimately challenge the Colts for the AFC South crown. NEXT: @REDSKINS

QB Peyton Manning was Peyton Manning throwing for over 400 yards and 3 TDs, but the running game was nowhere to be found.  It takes a team to win in the NFL and he can't do it all by himself.  And now with the loss of S Bob Sanders, look for the Indy run defense to continue to struggle.  NEXT: GIANTS

Disarray in New England?  It didn't look like it.  With distractions abound (QB Brady car accident, WR Moss contract dispute) none of it was apparent on the field.  The cool and collected QB Tom Brady threw for 3 TDs, two to WR Wes Welker, as they brought the Bengals back to reality.  NEXT: @JETS

WR Sidney Rice was not playing, WR Percy Harvin, was not at 100% and QB Brett Favre not being at training definitely took a toll on the Viking offense.  QB Brett Favre was out of sync with all his receivers, with TE Visanthe Shiancoe being the exception.  Another week in practice will definitely help so look for them to bounce back this week.  NEXT: DOLPHINS

Charger coach Norv Turner has an awful record in September and that trend continued against the Chiefs.  The Chargers, having superior talent, had no business losing this game but give credit to the Chiefs defense. They stopped QB Philip Rivers 4 times at their goal line in the final minute of the game to prevent the tying score. NEXT: JAGUARS

THE RAIDERS:

If I were to do a full ranking list... the Raiders would be placed 28th out of 32 teams.  The team has the potential to leap from the cellar the AFC West but showed no improvement against the Titans.  They were gashed for over 200 yards rushing and looked horrid on offense.  Whether it be jitters or just bad play, the offense was confused and out of sync the whole game.  Raider QB Jason Campbell was on his ass most of the game and held the ball too long on most occasions.  The lone bright spot?  RB Darren McFadden was 5 yards shy of rushing for 100 yards and had another 55 yards receiving.  Look for the Raiders to finally get out of this funk against the Rams and have their offense be on the same page.  Their defense should be more than effective against the young Rams, who have 9 starting rookies on their team, including their shiny new QB Sam Bradford.  NEXT: RAMS