Who Dat Dish; Week 2 NFL Power Rankings – Texans Crack The List

The Saints narrowly escaped Candle Stick Park with the win over the 49ers on Monday Night football, a 25-22 effort ending with kicker Garrett Hartley’s 37 yard field goal with time expiring.

One positive note for the Saints coming out of the game was of course the defenses performance but more importantly that Hartley hit all three of his field goals after missing both of his attempts against the Vikings.

Even with the Saints offense currently not dominating games as they have done so often over the last few years the defense, lead by Gregg Williams, is still findings ways to collect turnovers forcing five on a shocked 49ers team.

If someone told you that after two weeks of football the Cowboys and Vikings would be 0-2 and conversely the Chiefs and Buccaneers 2-0 would you have believed them?

Absolutely not but that is exaclty the case entering into week three of the regular season after both the Cowboys and Vikings were said to be contenders for the next Super Bowl title.

It may be too early to hit the panic button for these two teams now but an 0-3 start would be simply disastrous. Will changes be made, head coaches fired or will the earth merely stand still for a few moments in shock if it does happen?

Possibly yes on all counts.

Here are the top five teams according to WhoDatDish.com heading into week 3, rankings based off of week 2 performances…

1. New Orleans Saints (2-0)

I said it once and I’ll say it again, the Saints will hold the number one spot as the current defending Super Bowl champs until they start to show any decline. Some would argue that the offense is struggling, I tend to think they are just competing against tough defenses and still getting the job done.

2. Houston Texans (2-0)

This could be the years the Texans put it all together and make a run at the play-offs, which would be a first for the franchise. They beat the Colts easily and won in overtime against a very tough Washington Redskins team in a come from behind victory. Great offense and a good defense barring any health issues, and if they continue to stay out of their own way, look to be a contender early on.

3. Green Bay Packers (2-0)

Just like the Cowboys and the Vikings the Packers were considered another favorite to potentially reach the Super Bowl. Given the 0-2 hole the Vikings find themselves in it puts the Packers into an even better position to win the NFC North. How can you not like the Packers with such a dynamic offense and excellent defense. If there is one thing that may slow them down it’s the running game and the loss of starter Ryan Grant, but something tells me they will be just fine.

4. Chicago Bears (2-0)

The Packers have to be considered the better team but the Bears are also 2-0 after wins over the Cowboys and Lions. After a lackluster 2009 season head coach Lovie Smith cleaned house, restructured and brought in renowned offensive coordinator Mike Martz to help the development of quarterback Jay Cutler. The pairing has worked to say the least as the Bears are third in the NFL in pass yards per game (316) and Cutler, for now, is throwing more touchdowns then interceptions. Going into week three the Bears and Packers are headed for a showdown on Monday Night football, two undefeated teams both vying for the NFC North title — should be a very good game.

5. Indianapolis Colts (1-1)

The Colts are a perennial post season team, winning twelve games or more per season more times than I can count. Simply put you can never count them out. Payton took his Colts and marched all over Eli’s Giant this past Sunday leading them to 38 points. Not that it is a surprise but they are first in pass yards (334.5) and second in points per game (31). It seems like such a same that there are destined to lose to Saints at some point.

Honorable Mention, San Diego Chargers (1-1)

After a shaky start and road loss to the Chiefs in week one the Chargers have once again found the explosive offense that keeps them in the Super Bowl conversation year in and year out. Even without star wide receiver Vincent Jackson they were able to drop 38 points on the Jacksonville Jaguars. Phillip Rivers threw for 334 yards and three touchdowns and with continued play of that caliber they should continue to win plenty of football games.

Staff writer Josh Joffrion’s power rankings…

1. New Orleans Saints

Sure it ended ugly, but the facts are that the Who Dats haven’t lost since Week 17 of the 2009 Super Bowl season. Offense not in gear yet but defense looks promising.

2. Indianapolis Colts

Peyton beat brother Eli in a pretty decisive victory. Colts look to be on their way to AFC South dominance.

3. Green Bay Packers

It seems as if they have it together again in Green Bay and #4 isn’t even under center. The Pack are playing some good football right now.

4. New England Patriots

After suffering a 28-14 loss to the Jets, Bill Belichick will have his team back to their usual form. A young defense is their biggest weakness while the offense remains potent.

5. Houston Texans

After starting off 2-0, including a win over the Colts, the Texans are looking like a pretty legit team.

Honorable Mention, Kansas City Chiefs  and Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Both of these teams were expected to be in rebuilding years but both have started out 2-0 and are playing pretty solidly here at the beginning of the season.

Check out Keith Null’s weekly article about the Saints on NFL.com by clicking here.

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