NFL Power Rankings: Bleacher Edition (Week One)

I started an NFL power rankings series last week, and as promised, here is the update after week one of the NFL season.

I decided it is easier to update each week if I forgo the slideshow format.

1. Steelers (1-0): Last Week's Rank—1

The Steelers took care of business at home against the tough Titans, but how long can they withstand the loss of Troy Polamalu?

2. Giants (1-0): Last Week's Rank—4

The Giants overcame the losses of Plaxico Burress and Amani Toomer, and the defense played very well. They are the team to beat in the NFC East at this point, maybe even the NFC if the receivers are consistent.

3. Falcons (1-0): Last Week's Rank—3

The Falcons dominated the Dolphins from start to finish. They are legitimate title contenders.

4. Patriots (1-0): Last Week's Rank—2

The Patriots dropped a few spots because they needed a miracle come-from-behind win against the Bills at home. They will look to bounce back with a convincing win next week.

5. San Diego: Last Week's Rank—5

The Chargers struggled on the road in Oakland but still got the W. The offense looks like it needs work, however.

6. Colts (1-0): Last Week's Rank—6

The Colts looked good on offense but failed to put up very many points. Their lack of red zone production could hurt them in the long run.

7. Packers (1-0): Last Week's Rank—8

The Packers looked very strong on Sunday night, and Dom Capers has their defense flying around the field. They forced four Jay Cutler interceptions.

8. Eagles (1-0): Last Week's Rank—7

The Eagles won convincingly, but they may have lost Donovan McNabb for a couple of weeks with a fractured rib. They will have to prove they can win without him to move back up. Is it deja vu with Jeff Garcia?

9. Vikings (1-0): Last Week's Rank—10

Brett Favre managed the game by not turning the ball over and handing it off to Adrian Peterson. The Vikings looked great in their opener.

10. Ravens (1-0): Last Week's Rank—11

Although the defense struggled to stop Kansas City, the Ravens' offense thrived. They will have to prove they can beat tougher opponents before they move up. Ray Rice is the real deal.

11. Cowboys (0-1): Last Week's Rank—19

The Cowboys came out firing, and Tony Romo silenced all critics with a 353-yard performance—a career high. The run defense could use some work.

12. Titans (0-1): Last Week's Rank—14

The Titans lost a nail-biter to the Steelers, but they moved up with some poor performances by other teams.

13. Saints (1-0): Last Week's Rank—18

The Saints looked every bit as dominant on offense as they ever have, but they gave up 27 points to the Lions. If they want to compete for the playoffs, they have to fix the defense.

14. 49ers (1-0): Last Week's Rank—16

The 49ers knocked off the defending NFC champions in their own building with a fourth quarter touchdown pass from Shaun Hill to Frank Gore. Their defense shut down the vaunted Cardinal offense. They are my pick to win the NFC West.

15. Redskins (0-1): Last Week's Rank—12

The Redskins lost a tough game to a division rival, but it's not time to worry just yet. They are still a good team.

16. Texans (0-1): Last Week's Rank—9

The Texans had an awful showing against the Jets, but they still have the talent. If they lose this badly again, however, they will drop even further.

17. Seahawks (1-0): Last Week's Rank—20

The Seahawks looked dominant after Matt Hasselbeck overcame two early interceptions. They did play the Rams, though.

18. Jets (1-0): Last Week's Rank—26

Mark Sanchez had about as good a debut as he could have asked for. I foresee the Jets moving up if they continue to play defense like they did against the Texans. If I wasn't still skeptical of Sanchez's play, they would be much higher.

19. Broncos (1-0): Last Week's Rank—25

The Broncos walked out of Cincinnati with an incredibly lucky win off a deflected pass with time running out. Their defense was dominant, but the offense was stagnant.

20. Cardinals (0-1): Last Week's Rank—17

The Cardinals will have to show up offensively if they want to win any games this year. The 49ers took them to school.

21. Bills (0-1): Last Week's Rank—24

The Bills blew yet another big Monday Night Football game. They had a double-digit lead with just over five minutes left in the game, only to let the Patriots score, fumble the ensuing kickoff, and let them score again for the one-point victory. They have to figure out how to finish games quick.

22. Jaguars (0-1): Last Week's Rank—22

The Jags were a two-point conversion away from taking the Colts to overtime in their own building, but they looked bad offensively. If they can make strides on that side of the ball to catch up with the defense, they will improve.

23. Panthers (0-1): Last Week's Rank—13

The Panthers were embarrassed by the Eagles. Jake Delhomme turned the ball over five times in the loss. Nothing about this team looked good, but maybe the Eagles are just that much better.

24. Bears (0-1): Last Week's Rank—15

The Bears lost a couple more ranks with the news out of Chicago that Brian Urlacher is done for the year. Jay Cutler had a career-high four interceptions—not exactly a dream debut for the Bears.

25. Dolphins (0-1): Last Week's Rank—21

The Dolphins were completely shut down by the Falcons. If the wildcat doesn't work , I'm not sure they will be able to move the ball.

26. Raiders (0-1): Last Week's Rank—31

The Raiders put up way more of a fight than anyone expected them to against the Chargers. Unfortunately, it was not enough. Their effort was enough to move them up a couple spots.

27. Bucs (0-1): Last Week's Rank—29

While the score does not show it, the Bucs were very much in this game. Cadillac Williams had a very productive day and looks like he will return to form. I'm just not sold on the QB play.

28. Chiefs (0-1): Last Week's Rank—27

The Chiefs always seem to find a way to lose close games. Not much changed against the Ravens. Getting Matt Cassel back might help, but it was the defense that struggled this week.

29. Bengals (0-1): Last Week's Rank—23

The Bengals snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. What was initially a great play by the DB ended up being a tipped 87-yard go-ahead touchdown with mere seconds to go. The Bengals' offense looked awful.

30. Browns (0-1): Last Week's Rank—30

The Browns Got "R.U.N.N.O.F.T" (see movie O Brother, Where Art Thou?) by Adrian Peterson all day. The Browns need work on both sides of the ball. Brady Quinn did not look like the starter they hoped he would be.

31. Rams (0-1): Last Week's Rank—29

The Rams got absolutely demolished by the Seahawks. Even after forcing two early interceptions, they still could not get it into the end zone. Things are looking bleak for new head coach Steve Spagnuolo.

32. Lions (0-1): Last Week's Rank—32

The Lions were actually in this game in the third quarter, but their defense let them down. Oh...and they let Drew Brees go off for 358 yards and six touchdowns.