Week 2 of the NFL regular season marked a comeback for several teams, with notable improvements seen in the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and New York Giants. However, some teams, like the Cincinnati Bengals, are still struggling to find their rhythm.
As we enter Week 3, the NFL Power Rankings are in flux, trying to determine the true contenders from the pretenders. The top 10 teams have shuffled their positions, creating intrigue in the middle of the rankings. Time will reveal whether teams like the Atlanta Falcons and Washington Commanders can sustain their recent success.
Alongside the updated power rankings, our team of 32 NFL Nation reporters has pinpointed a key player with a contract situation worth monitoring for each team. Some players are in their contract’s final year, while others are anticipating contract extensions in the near future. Let’s delve into the latest rankings, starting with the San Francisco 49ers.
Our panel of over 80 writers, editors, and TV personalities evaluates NFL teams’ performance and ranks them from 1 to 32.
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San Francisco 49ers (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 1
Player: WR Brandon Aiyuk Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
The Niners exercised Aiyuk’s fifth-year option in May, showing their desire to keep him long-term. In the Kyle Shanahan/John Lynch era (since 2017), Nick Bosa is the only first-round pick who received a second contract, albeit after his fourth season. Aiyuk could be next, but it depends on his performance. His breakout season in 2022, with over 1,000 receiving yards and 78 receptions, showcased his potential. The Niners hope he can build on this, but retaining both Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel may pose financial challenges. Aiyuk’s continued success could drive up his price. — Nick Wagoner
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Dallas Cowboys (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 4
Player: WR CeeDee Lamb Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
Lamb’s fifth-year option for 2024 was exercised by the Cowboys, indicating their intention to secure him with a long-term extension. As the go-to target for Dak Prescott, Lamb’s value continues to rise. With six receivers earning at least $24 million annually, the Cowboys might need to offer Lamb a significant contract to keep him. — Todd Archer
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Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 2
Player: OLB Haason Reddick Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
Reddick has exceeded expectations with his current contract, recording 19.5 sacks in 2022, surpassing his $15 million average yearly salary. He believes he deserves more and views this season as an opportunity to prove it. — Tim McManus
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Miami Dolphins (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 5
Player: QB Tua Tagovailoa Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
Tagovailoa’s contract situation is becoming a significant storyline. He has the potential to reset the market for quarterbacks, particularly if he continues his strong start this season. — Marcel Louis-Jacques
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Kansas City Chiefs (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 3
Player: DT Chris Jones Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Jones could be in his final season with the Chiefs, as contract negotiations for a long-term extension fell through. Unless he accepts a lesser deal, it’s uncertain whether he will stay in Kansas City beyond this season. — Adam Teicher
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Baltimore Ravens (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 6
Player: LB Patrick Queen Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Queen’s final year of his rookie contract is 2023, and he will become a free agent in March. This season is a chance for him to audition for other NFL teams. — Jamison Hensley
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Buffalo Bills (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 9
Player: WR Gabe Davis Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Davis is playing on the last year of his rookie contract and is a candidate for an extension, depending on his performance and the team’s plans. — Alaina Getzenberg
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Detroit Lions (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 7
Player: QB Jared Goff Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
Goff’s impressive play could lead to a long-term extension with the Lions, despite his contract ending in 2024. — Eric Woodyard
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Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 8
Player: LB Josh Allen Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Allen is in the final year of his rookie contract, and his performance this season will determine his future with the team. — Michael DiRocco
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New Orleans Saints (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 15
Player: WR Michael Thomas Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Thomas’ contract is structured to automatically void in 2025, and he essentially has a one-year deal this season due to contract restructuring. His performance in 2023 will be pivotal, considering his injury-plagued recent seasons. — Katherine Terrell
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Atlanta Falcons (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 23
Player: CB A.J. Terrell Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
Terrell, a cornerstone player, is likely to receive an extension, with the timing potentially aligning with the new league year. — Michael Rothstein
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Washington Commanders (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 21
Player: DE Montez Sweat Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Sweat and Chase Young will be free agents after this season, but Washington intends to extend Sweat, who’s playing on his fifth-year option. However, the ownership transition has slowed contract negotiations. — John Keim
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2-0)
Week 2 ranking: 24
Player: WR Mike Evans Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Evans, nearing the end of his contract, could potentially leave the Buccaneers next season if an extension isn’t reached. His performance remains strong, with 171 receiving yards and a touchdown in Week 2. — Jenna Laine
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Seattle Seahawks (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 18
Player: ILB Jordyn Brooks Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Brooks’ fifth-year option was not exercised, making this a contract year for him. A strong performance could lead to a lucrative extension. — Brady Henderson
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Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 16
Player: OT Chukwuma Okorafor Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
With the addition of tackle Broderick Jones, Okorafor or Dan Moore Jr. might face uncertain contract futures. Decisions about Okorafor may revolve around his 2024 cap hit. — Brooke Pryor
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Cleveland Browns (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 11
Player: RB Nick Chubb Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2024 season
Chubb’s significant knee injury raises questions about his future with the Browns. As an elite running back, his situation reflects the evolving value of running backs in the NFL. — Jake Trotter
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Los Angeles Chargers (0-2)
Week 2 ranking: 10
Player: RB Austin Ekeler Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Ekeler’s offseason trade request and subsequent contract negotiations highlight his importance to the Chargers’ offense. His recent absence due to injury impacted the team’s running game. — Kris Rhim
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Cincinnati Bengals (0-2)
Week 2 ranking: 13
Player: WR Tee Higgins Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Higgins did not secure a long-term deal this offseason, making a franchise tag in 2024 a potential option. His impressive career start has garnered attention. — Ben Baby
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Green Bay Packers (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 14
Player: RB AJ Dillon Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Dillon, in the final year of his rookie contract, aims to secure his future, whether with the Packers or another team. His performance will shape his contract prospects. — Rob Demovsky
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Los Angeles Rams (1-1)
Week 2 ranking: 22
Player: RB Cam Akers Current contract situation: Under contract through the 2023 season
Akers’ situation is uncertain after being a healthy scratch, sparking trade discussions. The Rams may explore trade options for him, signaling a potential departure. — Sarah Barshop
