NFL Power Rankings: Week One

(Photo by Chris Gardner/Getty Images)

Week one is done.  The season is finally underway.  Tons of shockers, upsets, and great games all around.  With week one ending, power rankings start to form.

Before you read my rankings, I would like to note that I do NOT make one large list.  I split them, into the AFC and NFC.  Why, you ask?

It is a better way of looking at teams and measuring.  Who cares if the Ravens are better then the Vikings, or where the Rams match up against the Bengals.  As of now, you want to win your division and have the best record in your conference.

I will be doing these rankings every week with the same format.  As the season goes on, they will be more in-depth reasons why a team is ranked where they are.  As for now, it is hard to judge.  I am still basing some rankings based on final prediction, but trying to use the games at hand.

AFC

1) Steelers (1-0)

The champs are still atop the AFC, even with the loss of Polamalu.  They will need to lose to be dethroned from this spot. Next game: @ Chicago

2) Patriots (1-0)

They beat the Bills, needing a miraculous (and dumb) kick return to be fumbled. Reports are that Jerod Mayo are out 6-8 weeks, which will make that defense even weaker.  Next game: @ NYJ

3) Colts (1-0)

Peyton Manning to Marvin Harrison?  Not anymore, with Reggie Wayne stepping in and doing his thing.  The defense will get better as the year goes on.  Next game: @ MIA

4) Chargers (1-0)

Needed late game heroics by Darren Sproles to beat the Raiders.  Not impressive, but will definitely smooth over and be a good team.  Next game: vs BAL

5) Ravens (1-0)   

Flacco has emerged as a great young quarterback.  That defense is still a strong unit. Expect them to make a late run into January.  Next game: @ SD

6) Titans (0-1)

Played a tough game against the Steelers.  They will rebound, and keep playing hard-nosed defense. Next game: vs HOU

7) Jets (1-0)

Surprise, surprise.  Sanchez impressed. Ryan backed up his words.  This team will be competitive in every game.  Next game: vs NE

8) Texans (0-1)

Andre Johnson?  Steve Slaton?  Shut down by the Jets. They will rebound throughout the season, but they better hope the defense can step up.  Next game: @ TEN

9) Jaguars (0-1)

A tough game played against the Colts puts them here.  The defense and offensive line improved from last year, and Garrard will get back to his ball-control offense.  Next game: vs ARI

10) Dolphins (0-1)

Offense didn't do much, amassing four turnovers.  The defense played well for how long it was on the field.  They will rebound, but not next week.  Next game: vs IND

11) Bills (0-1)

What a terrible way to lose the home opener, on Monday Night, against the Patriots.  They played a tough game, but ultimately end up here.  Next game: vs TB

12) Raiders (0-1)

The Raiders have a defense? Maybe the addition of Richard Seymour made a difference.  The running game was strong, and Russell made some good throws in the pocket. Next game: @ KC

13) Browns (0-1)

Mangini tried to be secretive, but the silence was broken.  Maybe he should worry about stopping Adrian Peterson before worrying about surprising the Vikings with the starting QB.

14) Chiefs (0-1)

A Cassell-less team hung in late against the Ravens, but don't be fooled.  Their defense wasn't much, and the offense benefited from field position.  Next game: @ DEN

15) Broncos (1-0)

It took a miraculous play to beat a Cincinnati team.  You scored six points with no touchdowns before the last play.  Next game: vs CLE

16) Bengals (0-1)

You scored six points on a Denver Broncos team that is nothing to brag about, with a bad defense. Next game: @ GB

Important AFC games for week two: NE @ NYJ, BAL @ SD,

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?