1. Indianapolis (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 2) – What can I say? The Colts crushed a Texans team that would make a college team look good. Rookie running back Joseph Addai appears ready to take the No. 1 job away from Dominic Rhodes.

2. Jacksonville (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 7) – The Jaguars simply overpowered the Steelers on Monday night and that’s not easy to do. Quarterback Byron Leftwich has thrown for 497 yards over the last two weeks and is starting to show the star quality that made him a top-seven pick in 2003.

3. Seattle (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 4) – The Seahawks just got a lot stronger with the addition of receiver Deion Branch in the fold. While the running game still struggled against the Cardinals, the overall team is in good shape to win the NFC West.

4. Cincinnati (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 3) – The Bengals lost two key starters – David Pollack and Dexter Jackson – on defense to injuries, which isn’t good news considering the team visits Pittsburgh in Week 3.

5. Baltimore (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 5) – The Ravens have only allowed six points in two games and look meaner than ever on defense. If the offense can convert more field goals into touchdowns then this team can go a long way.

6. Atlanta (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 6) – The Falcons rushed for 558 yards against two of the better defenses (Carolina and Tampa Bay) in the league last season. At this rate, Michael Vick won’t have to throw more than 10 times a game.

7. Chicago (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 8) – Rex Grossman’s accuracy seems to be getting better with each game. While he won’t be the highest rated passer – which he currently is now – Grossman could be the missing link the Bears have been searching for in quite some time.

8. New England (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 9) – The Patriots almost blew a 24-point lead to the New York Jets, but seem to always win those close games. Losing Branch, however, will affect the Patriots once they start playing better teams.

9. Pittsburgh (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 1) – The Steelers better hope Ben Roethlisberger can shake the rust soon. Big Ben needs to improve in a hurry as the Bengals loom for an important Week 3 matchup.

10. San Diego (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 10) – The Chargers can relax with a week off, but a tough matchup in Baltimore is waiting for them the following game. We’ll find out just how good this team is after Week 4.

11. N.Y. Giants (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 12) – Eli Manning took a huge step forward in leading the Giants to that impressive comeback win over the Eagles. While some may point to Manning’s mediocre first three quarters, I saw a young kid who just gave his team a big shot in the arm.  

12. Denver (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 14) – What is with this offense? Losing to St. Louis on the road is bad enough, but only managing three field goals against a struggling Kansas City team is not exactly encouraging to Broncos' fans.

13. Dallas (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 15) – Those penalties the Cowboys committed against the Redskins must have driven coach Bill Parcells crazy. However, the Cowboys head into their bye week on a winning note and should be able to handle the Tennessee Titans in their next game without the injured Terrell Owens.

14. Philadelphia (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 11) – There is no excuse for how the Eagles let a 24-7 lead slip away and losing Jevon Kearse for the season won’t help either. While the offense is holding its own, the Eagles have some problems on the defensive end.  

15. Minnesota (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 18) – I will show this team the proper respect if they beat the Bears this week. Still, the Vikings’ defense is starting to display aggression this franchise has lacked for several years.

16. Carolina (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 13) – The Panthers were leading 13-6 in the fourth quarter against the Vikings and seemed to have control of the game. So why would coach John Fox sign off on a backward pass by Chris Gamble during a punt return that caused a turnover? It was a dumb move that cost his team the game.

17. New Orleans (2-0, Last week’s ranking: 22) – I don’t envision the Saints continuing this climb up the board. Beating the Browns and Packers was nice, but the Falcons, who they face this week, are in another league.

18. St. Louis (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 17) – Now that’s the Rams’ defense I remember from last year. Giving up that long touchdown pass to 49ers receiver Antonio Bryant is what I expect the Rams to allow on a weekly basis.

19. Arizona (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 19) – Edgerrin James has not looked like the running back that terrorized defenses last year and needs to make more of an impact if the Cardinals hope to make the playoffs. 

20. Buffalo (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 26) – The Bills started two rookie safeties against the Dolphins and still dominated the game.

21. Miami (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 16) – Was that a brutal interception Daunte Culpepper threw just before halftime or what?

22. N.Y. Jets (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 25) – While he won’t admit, Eric Mangini has to feel good about his first two weeks as coach of the Jets. This team isn’t the most talented squad, but it works hard.

23. Washington (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 20) – Mark Brunell looked like he was 80 against the Dallas Cowboys. I know Joe Gibbs won’t make a change, but second-year quarterback Jason Campbell has to get some work in at some point this year.

24. Tampa Bay (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 21) – Chris Simms has thrown six interceptions in two games and is drawing the ire of coach Jon Gruden.

25. San Francisco (1-1, Last week’s ranking: 29) – Offensive coordinator Norv Turner is doing wonders with that 49ers offensive. Frank Gore is the best running back no one is talking about.

26. Kansas City (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 23) – Despite their impressive showing against the Broncos, the Chiefs won’t see better days.

27. Detroit (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 24) – That was quite the spanking the Lions took at the hands of the Chicago Bears. Will this team ever improve?

28. Cleveland (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 27) – I wonder how Romeo Crennel will handle tight end Kellen Winslow’s shot at the coaching staff?

29. Houston (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 29) – Mario Williams – two tackles, zero sacks: Reggie Bush – 109 total yards.

30. Green Bay (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 32) – The Packers put up a good fight against the Saints, but this season is already a right off.

31. Oakland (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 31) – Just what is Art Shell writing down every time the camera pans his way?

32. Tennessee (0-2, Last week’s ranking: 28) – Jeff George is still available if you want him coach Fisher.