The Green Bay Packers jumped three spots in USA Today’s latest NFL power rankings after soundly defeating the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field in Week 1.
After starting the season at No. 18, the Packers moved up to No. 15 entering Week 2. The rankings reflect a belief that Matt LaFleur’s team beat a bad Bears team and still has more to prove to start the Jordan Love era, even if Week 1 was a highly encouraging opening act.
Buy Packers TicketsHere’s the Packers blurb from Nate Davis:
The offense was balanced, the young receivers made plays, and the defense played up to its talent quotient. Not clear why a quarterback would want to leave this situation, but highly effective Jordan Love (3 TD passes) is understandably psyched for his opportunity.
The Packers actually jumped one spot ahead of the New York Jets, who dropped from No. 6 to No. 16 after losing quarterback Aaron Rodgers to what is beleived to be a season-ending Achilles injury.
The Bears, who lost by 18 points to the Packers at home in Week 1, dropped from No. 25 to No. 27. The team with the worst record in football a year ago didn’t look markedly improved in the season opener Sunday.
In Week 2, the Packers will go back on the road to face the 1-0 Atlanta Falcons, who came in at No. 17 in the power rankings after defeating top pick Bryce Young and the Carolina Panthers in the opener. LaFleur’s team has a chance to beat another young team on the road in this week before heading back to Green Bay for the home opener in Week 3.
The San Francisco 49ers claimed the top spot in the rankings after handling the Pittsburgh Steelers on the road in Week 1.
Previous rankings
Week 1: No. 18
Week 2: No. 15
