ESPN Power Rankings: Oakland Raiders Up One Spot

Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a catch for a two-point conversion while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Ken Crawley (46) late in the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) takes off on a 75-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) takes off on a 75-yard touchdown run against the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Raiders won 35-34. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /

Week 2 edition of where the Oakland Raiders land on ESPN’s Power Rankings.

Before the start of the regular season, the Oakland Raiders were ranked 11th on ESPN’s Power Rankings.

After opening the season with an exciting comeback win over the New Orleans Saints, the Raiders have jumped one spot, up to 10th.

That’s right folks, ESPN considers the Raiders a top ten team in the National Football League.

Here is the blurb associated with the ranking:

"Don’t worry, Jack, we aren’t trying to take your job. The numbers simply showed how gutsy it was to go for two. Thanks to that conversion, the Raiders will be looking for their first 2-0 start since 2002 when they host Atlanta this week."

It’s shocking to realize that the Raiders haven’t started to 2-0 since 2002. The teams over the years since then have been bad, but still, to not start 2-0 even one time over that span is depressing.

What makes the Raiders jumping up one spot is who they leapfrogged to do it. Even though the Kansas City Chiefs won their first game, they fell from 9th to 11th, due to the terrible first half of football they played.

The Broncos are ranked 8th, so Oakland is in their rear-view mirror for top ranked team in the AFC West.