NFL Power Rankings 2018: Week 2 Edition. Redskins moving up after win

Wins do wonders for power rankings, and the perception of your team at the national level. Expectations were low for the Redskins heading into this season from many of the "professionals" who make a living giving their opinions.

The Redskins went to Arizona and handled business in a dominating fashion against the Cardinals. Washington looked good on offense and defense and were pitching a shutout for most of the game. Some people aren't giving credit to them for the win since it was against the Cardinals who made the unfortunate mistake of signing Sam Bradford to play QB.

Where do the “experts” rate 1-0 the Washington Redskins this week? The Redskins sverage ranking rose from 20.5 last week, to 15.5 following their Week 1 win.

Highest Ranking: 8th

Lowest Ranking: 23rd

Average Ranking: 15.5

8. USA Today

Newbies Adrian Peterson, Alex Smith getting lots of pub. But don’t sleep on ascendant defense that took jackhammer to Arizona’s offense. Last Week: 14

10. Houston Chronicle

The defense was excellent in the victory at Arizona. It’ll get a more strenuous challenge at home against Andrew Luck and the Colts. Last Week: 22

11. NumberFire

Last Week: 19

12. Bleeding Green Nation

Although they only beat a bad Arizona team, Washington clearly looks like the second best squad in the NFC East. Last Week: 14

12. Associated Press

Last Week: 22

14. Washington Post

The Redskins debuts of QB Alex Smith and RB Adrian Peterson went well in the triumph at Arizona. But the issue with Peterson won’t be whether he can have a big game here and there. The issue will be whether he can remain consistently productive. Next up for the Redskins are home games against the Colts and Packers before an early bye week. Last Week: 21

14. ESPN

Alex Smith brushed off any concerns about the supporting cast around him after going from Kansas City to Washington. He completed 13 of 15 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns targeting his running backs and tight ends against the Cardinals. That’s his most yards targeting RBs and TEs since Week 16 in 2016. Last Week: 19

14. The Score

Alex Smith was surgical in his Redskins debut, while Greg Manusky’s defense may finally be putting the pieces together. Washington has the look of a playoff contender. Last Week: 19

14. OddsShark

Last Week: 19

15. CBS Sports(Prisco)

Last Week: 23

15. Walter Football

Underrated NFL Team: See why the Redskins are an underrated NFL team in our new Overrated-Underrated page. Last Week: 18

15. Fansided

Alex Smith and Adrian Peterson played really well, and the defense was lights out. Encouraging start for the ‘Skins. Last Week: 18

15. NESN

The Redskins’ schedule definitely is conducive to a favorable start. After a Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals, Washington likely will keep it going at home against the Colts this Sunday. Last Week: 25

16. NJ.com

Now that win was impressive. Washington is strong on both lines and Alex Smith can make plays. This team will beat up bad teams and hang in there with good ones. Last Week: 21

16. SB Nation

Last Week: 25

17. NFL.com(Harrison)

So ... of all the rankings handed out in last week’s file, I felt I was hardest on the Redskins. And obviously now, with hindsight, I regret that. It happens. There is only one No. 20 slot. So, even if you believe that a team like Washington belongs there, chances are that five other squads feel right at that spot, as well. Thus, the Redskins just fell victim to a numbers game. On Sunday, though, the ‘Skins turned all of the numbers in their favor, cruising past the Cardinals 24-6 in Phoenix. Alex Smith was efficient and effective. Adrian Peterson racked up 166 yards of offense despite reportedly being 50 years old. Chris Thompson played like, well, Chris Thompson. Then there was Jordan Reed, who scored a touchdown -- and who remains in the prayers of fantasy football owners across the country. (Please stay healthy. PLEASE.) Last Week: 26

18. Sports Illustrated

Last Week: 26

19. Sporting News

Alex Smith delivered efficient offense, made easier by strong offensive line play and the 1-2 punch of Adrian Peterson and Chris Thompson in the running game. The defensive performance, however, was the most encouraging. Last Week: 30

20. Yahoo Sports(Schwab)

When you have one data point on teams, it’s hard to determine if it was “winning team is better than we thought” or “losing team is worse than we thought.” I think Sunday’s Washington win told us more about the Cardinals. But I’m keeping an open mind to the Redskins being a team that surprises us. I just need to see more than a win over the Cardinals. Last Week: 23

22. Bleacher Report

Last Week: 23

22. Athlon Sports

You can teach old guys new tricks, right? Seemed like it as Alex Smith and Adrian Peterson turned back the clock and beat up on an overmatched Cardinals squad out in the desert. A 2-0 start isn’t out of the question the way the Redskins performed on Sunday.

23. Pro Football Weekly

Quietly impressive performance but still much work to do