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    "parsed_content": "Defensive tackle Domonique \"Big Citrus\" Orange is one of the rookies making a difference for the Vikings this season. Geoff Stellfox \/ Getty ImagesSupported ByEvery week during the season, Josh Kendall and Chad Graff rank and analyze all 32 teams from first to worst.\u00a0We\u2019re now through two weeks of the NFL season. What did we learn in Week 2? That Week 1 didn\u2019t matter \u2026 except when it did. In other words, we\u2019re all still figuring out where everybody fits.Here are this week\u2019s power rankings, where we check in on the most interesting rookies for all 32 teams.1. San Francisco 49ers (2-0)Last week: 1Sunday: Beat Dolphins 35-13Rookie spotlight: Kaelon BlackThe running back out of Indiana has more carries and almost as many rushing yards (90) as Christian McCaffrey (91) through two weeks. Not bad for a third-round pick who didn\u2019t even get an invite to the NFL combine. And it helps make Niners fans feel better about losing promising rookie wide receiver De\u2019Zhaun Stribling for 10 weeks due to an ankle sprain.Up next: vs. Cardinals, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET2. Buffalo Bills (2-0)Last week: 3Thursday: Beat Lions 41-31Rookie spotlight: Davison IgbinosunThe Bills aren\u2019t getting much from their rookie class, but they don\u2019t need much with the way Josh Allen is playing. Buffalo\u2019s quarterback has accounted for nine touchdowns through two weeks. That gives you some flexibility on defense, and the Bills are using it to give Igbinosun, a cornerback, a few snaps each week behind Max Hairston to get the rookie ready. He had three tackles against the Lions.Up next: vs. Chargers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET\n \n \n \n \n What You Should Read Next\n \n \n \n \n The Josh Allen difference: \u2018It\u2019s ridiculous. He\u2019s a freak. He\u2019s an alien back there\u2019\n \n \n Allen put an exclamation point on a celebratory night for the Bills, passing for three scores and running for a pair in tidy win over Lions.\n \n \n \n \n \n 3. Seattle Seahawks (2-0)Last week: 2Sunday: Beat Cardinals 31-7Rookie spotlight: Jadarian PriceThe first-round running back has looked like a respectable replacement for Kenneth Walker, but he left Sunday\u2019s game with a shoulder injury. The final pick in the first round out of Notre Dame has 23 carries for 104 yards and three catches for 14 yards through his two abbreviated weeks. Third-round cornerback Julian Neal is also contributing.Up next: at Commanders, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET\n \n \n \n \n What You Should Read Next\n \n \n \n \n As Jadarian Price replaces the Super Bowl MVP, he\u2019ll always draw on his mother\u2019s strength\n \n \n A shocking diagnosis 10 years ago shaped Price's path to the NFL, where he'll face former college teammate Jeremiyah Love on Sunday.\n \n \n \n \n \n 4. Kansas City Chiefs (2-0)Last week: 7Sunday: Beat Colts 33-30 in OTRookie spotlight: Mansoor DelaneThe first-round cornerback had an interception on the first drive of the season but has been out since then due to a shoulder injury. It hasn\u2019t been a problem for the Chiefs, though, who seem to have drafted well in 2026. Defensive lineman Peter Woods and edge rusher R Mason Thomas are already contributing, and fifth-round running back Emmett Johnson has 10 rushes for 39 yards and four catches for 64 yards despite limited playing time.Up next: at Dolphins, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETChiefs beat Colts on time-expiring FG in OT5. Los Angeles Rams (1-1)Last week: 6Monday: Beat Giants 28-6Rookie spotlight: Ty SimpsonThe first-round quarterback has yet to play, but none of their rookies are doing anything. Tight end Max Klare was at least active Monday night, but he did not contribute. Simpson is on the Rams\u2019 53-man roster as the third quarterback behind Matthew Stafford and Stetson Bennett, and it remains unclear what the long-term future holds for him. Puka Nacua\u2019s presence on the inactive list (hip injury) Monday night was a reminder that the Rams could have used that pick to get some wide receiver depth.Up next: at Broncos, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET6. New England Patriots (1-1)Last week: 10Sunday: Beat Steelers 20-3Rookie spotlight: Eli RaridonThe third-round tight end from Notre Dame only makes big plays. He had one catch in Week 1, and it was a touchdown. He had one catch in Week 2, and it went for 30 yards, though he left the game with a thigh injury. Second-round linebacker Gabe Jacas played 70 percent of the defensive snaps and got his first NFL interception on Sunday as the Patriots bounced back from a Week 1 loss.Up next: at Jaguars, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETWhere the Patriots' offense needs to improve after an ugly winChad Graff7. Cincinnati Bengals (2-0)Last week: 14Sunday: Beat Texans 20-6Rookie spotlight: Cashius HowellThe second-round defensive end is part of a defensive line renaissance in Cincinnati. Along with Dexter Lawrence, Boye Mafe and Jonathan Allen, Howell is helping change the complexion of the Bengals defense, which is eighth in the league in pressure percentage (39.2 percent), according to TruMedia. Howell played 41 snaps Sunday and had a game-sealing pressure on C.J. Stroud.Up next: at Steelers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETCincinnati Bengals' offseason additions paying early dividendsRobert Mays and Derrik Klassen8. Detroit Lions (1-1)Last week: 8Thursday: Lost to Bills 41-31Rookie spotlight: Blake MillerThe first-round tackle started in Week 1 but wasn\u2019t active in Week 2 due to an ankle injury \u2014 and the offensive line missed him. Fifth-round cornerback Keith Abney had a TFL in Week 1 but was not active in Week 2. (On an unrelated note, the Lions could be big risers here soon. They face the Jets, Panthers, Cardinals and Packers next.)Up next: vs. Jets, Sunday, 1 p.m.9. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0)Last week: 11Sunday: Beat Titans 24-20Rookie spotlight: Makai LemonThe first-round wide receiver has played 83 snaps through two games and has five touches for a total of 4 yards. If this team wasn\u2019t eking out wins, Philly fans would be all over Lemon. Third-round offensive tackle Markel Bell is the only other member of the eight-man rookie class who is contributing \u2014 and just barely.Up next: at Bears, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET10. Minnesota Vikings (2-0)Last week: 15Sunday: Beat Bears 9-3Rookie spotlight: Domonique OrangeThe third-round defensive tackle might have the rookie quote of the season so far after saying of the Packers last week, \u201cFourth-and-1, and you have a rookie in front of you? If I was a quarterback, I\u2019d try (a sneak) too, but they don\u2019t know about Big Citrus yet.\u201d People are starting to learn about Orange and fellow rookie defensive tackle Caleb Banks, Minnesota\u2019s first-round pick. The Vikings get bonus points for playing fifth-round tight end Max Bredeson at fullback.Up next: at Buccaneers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET\n \n \n \n \n What You Should Read Next\n \n \n \n \n NFL Monday Wake-up Call: Week 2 brings angry defenses, injured QBs and shocking upsets\n \n \n The Chargers and Texans fell to 0-2, Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels got hurt, and some proud defenses restored order in Week 2.\n \n \n \n \n \n \n Broncos running back Jonah Coleman celebrated his first NFL touchdown with a Mile High Salute on Sunday against the Jaguars.Justin Edmonds \/ Getty Images11. Denver Broncos (1-1)Last week: 12Sunday: Beat Jaguars 20-13Rookie spotlight: Jonah ColemanThe second-round running back might have earned a starting job Sunday. He led the Broncos with 39 yards on 10 carries and scored his first touchdown, celebrating with the Mile High Salute made famous by Terrell Davis. \u201cYou gotta pay respect to the guys that come before you,\u201d Coleman said after the game. He\u2019s the only player from Denver\u2019s seven-man class making much of an impact.Up next: vs. Rams, Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ETJaylen Waddle helps wake up the Broncos' dormant offenseNick Kosmider12. Chicago Bears (1-1)Last week: 4Sunday: Lost to Vikings 9-3Rookie spotlight: Dillon ThienemanThe first-round safety has been all over the field through two weeks. Thieneman got a game ball after Chicago\u2019s Week 1 win and then had a team-high seven tackles and a pass breakup on Sunday. He probably can\u2019t play quarterback, though, and that\u2019s the big question in Chicago after Caleb Williams left Sunday\u2019s game with a hamstring injury and is considered week to week.Up next: vs. Eagles, Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET\n \n \n \n \n What You Should Read Next\n \n \n \n \n Caleb Williams-less Bears, puzzling Packers and a turbulent NFC North: Sando\u2019s Pick Six\n \n \n Can the swashbuckling Ben Johnson win without Williams? Why do the Packers make it look so hard? How the heck are the Vikings 2-0?\n \n \n \n \n \n 13. Baltimore Ravens (1-1)Last week: 5Sunday: Lost to Saints 24-17Rookie spotlight: Olaivavega IoaneThe first-round pick is starting at right guard, which seemed more impressive when the Ravens were rolling up 41 points in the season opener. Second-round linebacker Zion Young popped Sunday with three tackles in reserve duty. The bad news is that third-round wide receiver Ja\u2019Kobi Lane will miss a month with a wrist injury.Up next: at Cowboys, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET14. Jacksonville Jaguars (1-1)Last week: 13Sunday: Lost to Broncos 20-13Rookie spotlight: Nate BoerkircherThe tight end whom the Jaguars got a bunch of heat for taking in the second round is a starter but has only one catch, not a big surprise considering his emphasis on run blocking. Boerkircher is one of 10 draft picks in Jacksonville\u2019s class. Third-round guard Emmanuel Pregnon is starting, and sixth-round wide receiver Josh Cameron is contributing in the passing and return game.Up next: vs. Patriots, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET15. New Orleans Saints (1-1)Last week: 21Sunday: Beat Ravens 24-17Rookie spotlight: Jordyn TysonThe first-round wide receiver is on injured reserve due to a hamstring injury, which is a particular bummer because the Saints would likely be even spicier with him in the lineup. Fourth-round wide receiver Bryce Lance is taking up some of the slack and has four catches for 50 yards through two weeks. Second-round defensive tackle Christen Miller made his debut in Week 1 but was inactive in Week 2.Up next: vs. Raiders, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETTyler Shough 'dynamic' in New Orleans Saints' Week 2 win vs. RavensRobert Mays and Derrik Klassen16. Dallas Cowboys (1-1)Last week: 20Sunday: Beat Commanders 37-20Rookie spotlight: Jaishawn BarhamSure, first-round safety Caleb Downs is starting and filling up the stat sheet \u2014 he has 17 tackles, a sack and two forced fumbles \u2014 but have you seen what the less heralded Barham is up to? The third-round defensive end from Michigan has 13 tackles, including two for loss. He had seven tackles and a forced fumble against Washington.Up next: vs. Ravens, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ETThe Cowboys' defense was better, but not by much, in Week 2Jon Machota17. Houston Texans (0-2)Last week: 9Sunday: Lost to Bengals 20-6Rookie spotlight: Keylan RutledgeThe Texans took Rutledge in the first round in their seemingly constant attempt to fix the offensive line. It went OK in Week 1, but Rutledge and the rest of the Texans struggled against Dexter Lawrence on Sunday. Overall, things aren\u2019t great in Houston, where C.J. Stroud is being pressured on 40.2 percent of his dropbacks, which ranks 24th in the league.Up next: at Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET\n Packers kicker Trey Smack is 5-for-5 on field goals through two games, including his 26-yard game winner in overtime against the Jets.Vincent Carchietta \/ Imagn Images18. Green Bay Packers (1-1)Last week: 17Sunday: Beat Jets 20-17 in OTRookie spotlight: Trey SmackGreen Bay used a sixth-round pick on a kicker, and so far Smack is paying off the investment. Through two games, he is 5-for-5, and he hit a walk-off game winner against the Jets. Sure, it was only a 26-yarder, but the Packers will take any good news they can get right now because Jordan Love is 23rd in the league in EPA per dropback (minus-0.06), and they barely beat the Jets.Up next: vs. Falcons, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET19. Carolina Panthers (1-1)Last week: 24Sunday: Beat Falcons 34-3Rookie spotlight: Monroe FreelingCarolina is second in the league in scoring (35.5 points per game) and has a top-10 offense by EPA (6.82) with the first-round tackle starting both games. Second-round defensive tackle Lee Hunter is also starting and has looked nasty in spurts next to Derrick Brown. It\u2019s very early, but the Panthers look like contenders in the NFC South.Up next: at Browns, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET20. Indianapolis Colts (0-2)Last week: 23Sunday: Lost to Chiefs 33-30 in OTRookie spotlight: Seth McGowanThe seventh-round running back is third in the league in kick-return yards (222), but he\u2019s not making any impact on the running game. And why should he with the way Jonathan Taylor is playing? Taylor has 190 rushing yards and is tied for the league lead with four rushing touchdowns. Third-round safety A.J. Haulcy is starting and had seven tackles in Week 1, while fourth-round linebacker Bryce Boettcher is also contributing.Up next: vs. Texans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET21. Pittsburgh Steelers (1-1)Last week: 16Sunday: Lost to Patriots 20-3Rookie spotlight: Max IheanachorThe first-round tackle is only getting a couple of snaps a game, but that might change with how bad the offensive line looked Sunday. Only the Falcons are saving the Steelers from having the worst EPA in the league (minus-42.94). Fourth-round wide receiver Kaden Wetjen doesn\u2019t have a catch yet but has made an impact as a returner. The best pick of this year\u2019s group may be third-round quarterback Drew Allar, who made the 53-man roster but probably won\u2019t play unless Aaron Rodgers gets hurt.Up next: vs. Bengals, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETHow do the Steelers fix their offense?Mike DeFabo22. Las Vegas Raiders (2-0)Last week: 27Sunday: Beat Chargers 26-14Rookie spotlight: Fernando MendozaThe No. 1 overall pick doesn\u2019t look close to getting on the field with how the Raiders are playing. Kirk Cousins is in his 15th year and is tied for the league lead with six passing touchdowns. Cousins is playing average overall (15th in EPA per dropback and 13th in yards per attempt), and that\u2019s good enough in Las Vegas right now. Fourth-round running back Mike Washington Jr. is getting some work, but second-year man Ashton Jeanty is carrying most of the load.Up next: at Saints, Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET23. Cleveland Browns (1-1)Last week: 31Sunday: Beat Buccaneers 23-19Rookie spotlight: Denzel BostonThe second-round wide receiver is 13th in the league with 154 receiving yards after catching five passes for 95 yards Sunday, but you can take your pick of rookies in Cleveland this year. First-rounder KC Concepcion has a team-high 10 receptions and rookie offensive linemen Spencer Fano and Austin Barber are both starting. On top of last year\u2019s impressive rookie class, this group could help turn things around in Cleveland. (Hey, anything is possible.)Up next: vs. Panthers, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETPower Rankings: Are the Browns on the way up?Josh Kendall and Jeshua Kidd24. New York Giants (1-1)Last week: 18Monday: Lost to Rams 28-6Rookie spotlight: Arvell ReeseThe first-round linebacker has 12 tackles through two weeks. First-round offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa is starting as well, and fourth-round wide receiver Malachi Fields is contributing. But the only focus for the Giants after Monday night is the health of quarterback Jaxson Dart, who left the game with a knee injury and watched the second half in street clothes. If Dart is out for a while, it won\u2019t matter what any of the rookies do this year.Up next: vs. Titans, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET\n Jets rookie David Bailey, the No. 2 pick, has seven tackles, two sacks and a forced fumble through two weeks.Brad Penner \/ Imagn Images25. New York Jets (1-1)Last week: 28Sunday: Lost to Packers 20-17 in OTRookie spotlight: David BaileyThe first-round outside linebacker has two sacks in two weeks. On Sunday, he had three tackles, a tackle for loss, a quarterback hurry and a forced fumble. Bailey is one of the Jets\u2019 three first-round picks from this spring. Tight end Kenyon Sadiq has five catches for 38 yards, but wide receiver Omar Cooper is on IR with an ankle injury.Up next: at Lions, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET\n \n \n \n \n What You Should Read Next\n \n \n \n \n Jets couldn\u2019t finish job vs. Packers, and how they respond may define their season\n \n \n The Jets had a lead on the Packers, then lost Sunday's game in OT. Now the question is: How much will this rattle New York?\n \n \n \n \n \n 26. Arizona Cardinals (1-1)Last week: 26Sunday: Lost to Seahawks 31-7Rookie spotlight: Jeremiyah LoveThe first-round running back is only playing about 40 percent of the offensive snaps. That could be due to his preseason ankle injury, but it won\u2019t take Cardinals fans long to get restless if that number doesn\u2019t increase. Love has 20 carries for 70 yards and five catches for 25 yards through two weeks.Up next: at 49ers, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET27. Los Angeles Chargers (0-2)Last week: 19Sunday: Lost to Raiders 26-14Rookie spotlight: Jake SlaughterIt was a bad omen when free-agent center Tyler Biadasz suffered a torn ACL in training camp, thrusting Slaughter, a second-round pick, into the starting lineup for a team that was expected to contend. The Chargers\u2019 collapse certainly hasn\u2019t been his fault, but his presence in the lineup is more evidence (if we needed any) that this team is suffering through some kind of curse.Up next: at Bills, Sunday, 1 p.m. ETChargers' offense struggles with turnovers in loss to CardinalsSaad Yousuf28. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (0-2)Last week: 22Sunday: Lost to Browns 23-19Rookie spotlight: Josiah TrotterThe second-round linebacker had a pick six in Week 1, and he\u2019s third in the league in tackles (24) after two weeks. He has a sack and two tackles for loss, too, and he\u2019s been a rare bright spot for Tampa Bay this season. Baker Mayfield is 29th in passing EPA (minus-0.26), and the Buccaneers have lost nine of their last 11 games.Up next: vs. Vikings, Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET29. Washington Commanders (0-2)Last week: 25Sunday: Lost to Cowboys 37-20Rookie spotlight: Sonny StylesThe first-round linebacker popped in Week 1 but came back down to earth Sunday, finishing with three tackles. It was the same story for third-round wide receiver Antonio Williams, who had 64 receiving yards in Week 1 but just 24 in Week 2 as quarterback Jayden Daniels was lost to another elbow injury.Up next: vs. Seahawks, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET\n \n \n \n \n What You Should Read Next\n \n \n \n \n Jayden Daniels\u2019 injury sends Commanders back to frustrating square one, yet again\n \n \n Everything Washington did this offseason was in service of Daniels' return to action in 2026. His elbow injury now muddies those plans.\n \n \n \n \n \n 30. Tennessee Titans (0-2)Last week: 30Sunday: Lost to Eagles 24-20Rookie spotlight: Anthony HillThe second-round linebacker has led Tennessee in tackles in each of the first two weeks and leads the NFL with 26 stops. He has outshined first-round wide receiver Carnell Tate, who has seven catches for 65 yards as quarterback Cam Ward continues to try to find his footing. Giving up a game-winning touchdown with nine seconds left Sunday isn\u2019t going to help anybody.Up next: at Giants, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET31. Atlanta Falcons (0-2)Last week: 29Sunday: Lost to Panthers 34-3Rookie spotlight: Jack StrandThe undrafted free agent out of Division II Minnesota State Moorhead made his NFL debut Sunday to the delight of Falcons fans, who booed starter Cooper Rush consistently until he was pulled following his third turnover. Strand then threw a pick six on his first NFL pass (the first player to do that since Sam Darnold in 2018). It wasn\u2019t his fault, but it was emblematic of Atlanta\u2019s day. Kendal Daniels, a fourth-round linebacker out of Oklahoma, may end up being a steal in the long run.Up next: at Packers, Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET32. Miami Dolphins (0-2)Last week: 32Sunday: Lost to 49ers 35-13Rookie spotlight: Jacob RodriguezThe second-round linebacker is tied for fourth in the league with 22 tackles, and he has plenty of company on the field in this rookie class in Miami. Seven Dolphins rookies have already started a game. That might hearten fans of a team that seems likely to struggle this season.Up next: vs. Chiefs, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET\nJosh Kendall|Senior Writer, FalconsFollow Chad Graff|Senior Writer, PatriotsFollow Sep 23, 2026SPONSORED BYConnections: Sports EditionSpot the pattern. Connect the termsFind the hidden link between sports termsSPONSORED BYPlay today's puzzleWhat did you think of this story?MEHSOLIDAWESOMETop",
    "published_at": "2026-09-22T14:31:35+00:00",
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    "ai_headline": "NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Vikings, Bengals, Browns",
    "ai_simplified_title": "NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Rookies Make Impact for Vikings, Bengals, Browns",
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