Each week, I compile power ratings from a bevy of respected sources across the NFL handicapping community. Power ratings are designed to identify how many points a team would be favored by against an average team on a neutral field. By calculating the difference in ratings between the two teams (and adjusting for home-field advantage), you can get a ratings-implied spread to compare to the actual spread. In the second section, I’ve done that while assuming a value of 1.5 points for home-field advantage and using the composite spread from all the sources. Additionally, I’ve provided some comments on trends and numbers that stood out to me.
Week 2 NFL Composite Power Ratings
- I was shocked to see New Orleans move up as much as they did since Week 1. They had a dominating 47-10 win last week, but it was against the lowest-rated team in the Carolina Panthers. Their matchup this week against the Dallas Cowboys should tell us a lot more about their true team strength.
- The Arizona Cardinals — a team I was (and still am) cautiously optimistic about — improved their composite rating despite a 26-34 loss at the hands of the Buffalo Bills. Arizona’s offense looked about as good as I could have hoped, and they still haven’t quite hit their ceiling with how little rookie Marvin Harrison Jr. was involved. I’m still bullish on the Cardinals!
Week 2 Matchups
- I would not follow the ratings’ advice by betting on the Packers. While there is a large difference in the spread and projections, there are a couple of sources that don’t seem to have accounted for Jordan Love’s injury.
- Speaking of injuries, the Rams are also dealing with a plethora of injuries. Their star second-year receiver Puka Nacua was just placed on Injured Reserve and a good chunk of their offensive line will miss Sunday’s matchup against the Cardinals. Something to consider as Los Angeles faces a cluster injury situation.