It is still early, but the Denver Broncos are off to an 0-2 start in the Sean Payton era and things look like they have remained similar to a year ago.
One thing that's somewhat different, though, is the play of Russell Wilson. While he hasn't been an All Pro by any means, he has at least shown slight improvements from last season and is pacing for a great year, overall.
Still, the Broncos are in an early hole this year and need more from Wilson and their offense.
Speaking of Wilson, let's check in on where he ranks amongst his AFC West peers in our latest quarterback power rankings.
4. Jimmy Garoppolo, Raiders
When the Las Vegas Raiders decided to move on from Derek Carr even before the 2022 campaign was over with, fans were hopeful that the team would upgrade the position. After all, you don't treat the franchise passing leader that way unless you have drastic changes and plans on the horizon, right?
Wrong.
The Raiders, instead, made a backwards (lateral, at best) move and signed Jimmy Garoppolo to replace Carr. Through two weeks, Garoppolo has been just plain bad. He has totaled 385 passing yards, three touchdowns and three picks. For perspective, last year with the 49ers, Garoppolo threw just four interceptions in 11 games played.
The Raiders look awful, and for several reasons. But, they're not going anywhere so long as Garoppolo continues playing mediocre at best. There are even some Raiders fans calling for rookie Aidan O'Connell to get his chance soon, which should tell you just how bad things have gotten in a hurry, for Vegas.
3. Russell Wilson, Broncos
You could argue that both Garoppolo and Russell Wilson are interchangeable here, but Wilson has been more efficient overall through two games. Wilson has thrown for 485 yards, five touchdowns and just one interception through two weeks. He's completed over 68 percent of his passes and owns a quarterback rating of 108.5, which is good for fourth-best in all of football this season.
Though Denver is 0-2, Wilson has had some bright moments. He's also had some moments where you're wondering if the guy from last year is making a reappearance. All in all, Broncos fans are just hoping for more consistency out of Wilson. His stats look fine, but he needs to start making those winning plays that we saw for so many years in Seattle.
Next week is a big test for Wilson and the Broncos, as they take on Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins. If Denver drops to 0-3, it's not going to matter what Wilson did that day. Fans will be growing restless, with some wondering whether or not a big change is in order at the position. Something has to change. A switch has to be flipped. Can Sean Payton get the absolute best out of Wilson going forward?
2. Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
This is where it gets dicey, because the Los Angeles Chargers are 0-2. Meanwhile, the Kansas City Chiefs have a record of 1-1 and Patrick Mahomes is the reigning MVP. However, these quarterback rankings are more of a "what have you done for me lately?" type of piece, therefore Mahomes is knocked off the top spot.
Through two weeks, Mahomes has actually looked somewhat human. It's been surprising, to say the least. Kansas City's offense has yet to have one of those high-flying games where Mahomes goes crazy, reminding everyone he's the best football player on the planet.
In his first two games, Mahomes is completing just 62.5 percent of his passes and has thrown for 531 yards, four touchdowns and two picks. His rating of 88.1 on the season actually ranks in the lower half of the league, too, which is strange to see no matter who you're a fan of.
It is early, though, and most would agree that by season's end, Mahomes is going to be right back up top; not just within his division, but atop the entire NFL in terms of quarterback power rankings. Next week, Mahomes gets a tantalizing matchup with the Chicago Bears. Check back next week and you'll likely see him coming off a ridiculous performance.
1. Justin Herbert, Chargers
So, the Chargers are 0-2. Yes, but quarterback Justin Herbert is having himself a strong start to the season.
Herbert does have a higher rating and fewer interceptions than Mahomes, for what it's worth. The Chargers quarterback ranks seventh in the league with 534 passing yards, has thrown three touchdowns and, as mentioned, has tossed zero interceptions.
Los Angeles has even featured a pretty good run game in the first two weeks, but Herbert hasn't been backed well by his defense. That's the biggest reason why he and the Chargers are sitting at 0-2 on the year.
In terms of weaponry, Herbert has it all. Keenan Allen is still one of the better route technicians in the game today. Mike Williams is a big play threat at any point in time. Rookie Quintin Johnston is going to be a problem down the line. Even Austin Ekeler is huge when it comes to the passing game.
If the Chargers can figure things out defensively, they'll be going places. Next week, Los Angeles will take on the 0-2 Minnesota Vikings in a game that holds a lot of weight for both teams trying to avoid starting 0-3 on the year.