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AAF power rankings: Arizona Hotshots among the talk of Alliance of American Football

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Alliance of American Football teams are two games into their inaugural season.

Three teams are unbeaten after their first two games: The Arizona Hotshots, Orlando Apollos and Birmingham Iron.

Last week, the Hotshots were No. 1 in many AAF power rankings.

Where are they this week? Check out what AAF writers are saying about the team two weeks into the season.

Pro Football Focus: Hotshots ranked No. 1 in AAF

Eric Eager and Ben Brown write: "The Hotshots are the best where it matters most – earning the highest PFF passing grade through the season’s first two weeks. John Wolford is averaging over nine yards per pass attempt, generating six touchdowns to just two interceptions while enduring five drops. Cornerbacks Dexter McDougle and Sterling Moore have been very efficient so far on the defensive side of the ball, allowing fewer than 0.35 yards per coverage snap each. They go on the road to face a desperate Salt Lake team Saturday, meaning that if they get behind as they did in Memphis last Saturday, their spot atop this list might be in jeopardy."

MORE:AAF reportedly saved by Carolina Hurricanes owner Tom Dundon's big investment, but for how long?

USA TODAY Sports: Hotshots fall one spot to No. 2

Jim Reineking writes: "Down 12-0 at the half and 18-6 early in the fourth quarter, the Hotshots came tantalizingly close to being on the wrong end of Christian Hackenberg’s first win as a pro quarterback. Instead, coach Rick Neuheisel's team rallied late and became the first team in AAF history to win a road game (of course, less than 24 hours later, the Apollos also won on the road)."

The Arizona Hotshots are one of. three undefeated teams in the Alliance of American Football after two weeks. Where are they in AAF power rankings?

CBS Sports: Hotshots down one in ranking to No. 2

Ben Kercheval writes: "Coupled with Orlando's big win, Arizona's 20-18 escape at Memphis knocks the Hotshots down a spot. Rick Neuheisel's team could still be the one to beat in the West division, but the first half of Saturday's road game brought them down to Earth just a bit. Five turnovers, including two failed fourth-down attempts, will do that. Credit Memphis' defense for circling the wagons and playing lights out for most of the game, but the Hotshots also showed they're still one of the most prolific offenses in the Alliance. When they absolutely needed points, Arizona scored two touchdowns on consecutive drives spanning an average of 81 yards in under five minutes. That's worth something."

rotogrinders.com: Hotshots now ranked No. 2 in AAF

Thomas Casale writes: "Arizona should be the second favorite, despite the close game on the road with the Express. I think Memphis is better than most outside of Christian Hackenberg, so I’m not going to get down on the Hotshots because of the close win."

Sporting News: Hotshots move up one spot to No. 2

Jordan Heck writes: "Arizona moves up a spot from last week. The Hotshots were tested by a Memphis team that got shut out in Week 1, but the offense was finally able to put some drives together in the fourth quarter, scoring 14 consecutive points. John Wolford was not quite as dominant this week as he was in Week 1, when he led the league in passing. Instead, Arizona relied on its run game, as three different players finished with 50-plus rushing yards (209 yards on the ground as a team). Justin Stockton proved he might need more carries moving forward."

MORE:Arizona Hotshots hang on in Memphis for second AAF win

Fan Duel: Hotshots ranked No. 2 in Alliance of American Football

Alan Walsh writes: "Arizona hit a bit of a snag in its Week 2 win over a desperate Memphis team, but did ultimately orchestrate a come-from-behind win. Quarterback John Wolford can certainly take the Hotshots places this season, so look for him to continue developing a strong bond with former NFL receiver Rashad Ross, who has three touchdowns through two games."

WHAT CHANGED?:Last week's AAF power rankings

Last Word on Pro Football: Hotshots drop one spot to No. 2 in AAF power rankings

Daniel Barletta writes: "The Hotshots didn’t play nearly as well as last week, but they were still able to get the job done in a 20-18 come-from-behind win over the Express. John Wolford threw two early interceptions, but he settled down and ended up throwing two big touchdowns in the second half. Tim Cook was a game changer for the Hotshots, as he rushed for 73 yards and also recorded a receiving touchdown. For as bad as the offense was in the first half, they made up for it in the second half, outscoring Memphis 20-6. Arizona has established themselves as one of the teams to beat in the AAF through two weeks and Wolford is definitely one of the top quarterbacks in the league. This one wasn’t pretty, but a win is a win and the Hotshots are still undefeated."

MORE:Who is John Wolford? Ex-Wake Forest quarterback takes AAF by storm with Arizona Hotshots

AAF standings after 2 weeks

East Division

  • Birmingham Iron, 2-0 overall, 1-0 in East
  • Orlando Apollos, 2-0, 1- 0
  • Atlanta Legends, 0-2, 0-1
  • Memphis Express, 0-2, 0-1

West Division 

  • Arizona Hotshots, 2-0 overall, 1-0 in West
  • San Antonio Commanders, 1-1, 1-0
  • San Diego Fleet, 1-1, 0-1
  • Salt Lake Stallions, 0-2, 0-1

Best of AAF Week 2