Bills' Scare vs. Cardinals Affect Week 2 NFL Power Rankings?

The Buffalo Bills opened their season with a narrow 34-28 victory over the Arizona Cardinals, solidifying their position at No. 9 in the NFL power rankings released by Bleacher Report.

Despite a shaky start that saw them trailing 17-3, Josh Allen and the Bills mounted a remarkable second-half comeback, scoring 24 points to secure the win. The Bills’ resilience places them third in the AFC East standings as they prepare for a crucial divisional matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Week 2.

Buffalo's performance was a mix of highs and lows . Quarterback Josh Allen threw for two touchdowns and added two rushing scores, showcasing his dual-threat capabilities. The Bills defense also played a crucial role, recovering a key fumble from Kyler Murray that led to a touchdown drive. However, concerns remain as the Bills' defense allowed 28 points to an Arizona team that many do not consider a playoff contender , raising questions ahead of their upcoming game against a high-powered Miami offense.

Meanwhile, the Miami Dolphins, ranked No. 8, lead the AFC East after a hard-fought 20-17 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa threw for 336 yards and a touchdown, leading a second-half comeback. However, the Dolphins' inconsistent offensive rhythm and struggles with their offensive line have left some skeptical about their long-term viability as a Super Bowl contender.

The New England Patriots, surprising many, sit at No. 29 in the rankings despite a 16-10 upset over the Cincinnati Bengals. Head coach Jerod Mayo's debut was marked by a tough, disciplined performance, particularly in the trenches. The Patriots showed they could lean on their ground game and a stout defense, but questions remain about their potential in the AFC East race.

Related: ‘Stop Playing With His Name’ Bills’ Josh Allen Earns Praise After Week 1 Win

The New York Jets find themselves at No. 14 after a 32-19 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers returned to the field but could not lift his team past a relentless 49ers defense. The Jets' struggles to stop the run exposed potential weaknesses as they look to rebound before their first matchup with Buffalo in Week 6.

As the Bills prepare to face the Dolphins , they aim to address defensive lapses and build on their Week 1 performance. A win in Week 2 would set the tone for their AFC East campaign, potentially propelling them further up the power rankings.