Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: 32-team overreactions heading into Week 2

By Peter Panacy

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 09: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots celebrates after a touchdown by Phillip Dorsett #13 (not pictured) during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – SEPTEMBER 06: Nick Foles #9 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks on during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field on September 6, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

team. 54. . W, 18-12 vs. Falcons. Previous: . Philadelphia Eagles. 6

Sometimes it’s hard to understand why, but backup quarterback Nick Foles still finds ways to win under the prime-time bright lights.

Foles wasn’t good in the Eagles’ 18-12 win over the Falcons. And Philadelphia certainly didn’t win this opener because of him. Rather than was Philly’s defense, which picked up where it left off a year ago and made life hell for Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan.

The Eagles defense should be able to keep the team in games against the best of competitors as long as Foles remains the starter. But it’s imperative to get their starting QB, Carson Wentz (knee), back as soon as possible without rushing things.

Kind of a conundrum? Absolutely.

The latest has Wentz returning in Week 3 when the Eagles face off against the Colts, which is great news. The worst Philly could do during his absence now is go .500, which is a major bonus.

Until he returns, however, the Eagles are a slightly worse team and take a dip in our NFL power rankings out of the top five.