The 2017 season is only two weeks old thus most efforts to chart the strength of teams could prove volatile at best. Nonetheless, our Week 1 report was 11-5 (.688) predicting Week 2 outcomes based on its rankings. This continues a trend where the BES closed out the final seven games of the 2016 season with a record of 77-32 (.706).

Hail to the Chiefs

As for this week’s report, the Chiefs (2-0) have taken hold of the No. 1 spot. Their 27-20 win over the Eagles (1-1) coupled with their Week 1 victory over the Patriots (1-1) ensured their position.

The Chiefs No. 3 BES Offense has been impressive, averaging 34.5 points per contest. Meanwhile, their defense has proven formidable, owning the second best Pass Pressure score (3.18) among teams in the BES Top-10.

In Week 3, the Chiefs will go on the road to face the Chargers (0-2), their first divisional showdown in an embattled AFC West.

Flight of the Falcons

One of the most notable leaps up this week’s rankings was that of the Atlanta Falcons (2-0). They’ve propelled themselves to No. 3 in BES Overall from a 12th-place ranking in our Week 1 report. That’s due in large to a dominant 34-23 win over the Packers (1-1) who were ranked No. 8 last week.

Additionally, the Falcons boast the No. 1 BES Offense for a second consecutive week. However, they face questions on defense after the loss of star edge rusher Vic Beasley (hamstring) for at least a month. The absence of Beasley is ill-timed with the Falcons traveling to confront the surging, No. 4-ranked Detroit Lions (2-0) in Week 3.

The Broncos Stampede

The Denver Broncos were another team making a steep climb in our Week 2 BES rankings. They rose to No. 6 in BES Overall after opening the season at No. 15. This was primarily the result of an astounding 42-17 decimation of the previously No. 1-ranked Dallas Cowboys (1-1).

The Broncos No. 8 BES Defense stifled the Cowboys ground attack, holding 2016 leading rusher Ezekiel Elliot to an embarrassing eight yards on nine carries. They also registered two sacks and seven quarterback hits against a Cowboys offensive line considered the best in the NFL.

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